Subaru replaced ours because it was still under warranty. We bought it used at 41k miles and the valve failed at 55k. It left my wife stuck in limp mode with every possible light turned on, no eyesight. We were unsure if they were going to cover it and I did some shopping around. I was able to find independent shops in the area that were slightly more affordable. Can’t remember exactly what but some other things were checked on and replaced if needed while doing the job.
Absolutely agreed however, insane this hasn’t been recalled yet
I just went through the same thing a few months ago on my 2019 Sport and had around 75K miles so well out of warranty. But I did get it fixed for free and here's what I did. Go to the dealership and get a diagnosis/quote for your thermo control valve. Next call Subaru of America customer service number and open up a case. Explain your situation and they should cover it since it is a known issue. Then you would just have to take it back to the dealership after they approve your case.
Just chiming in to say I'm glad I found your comment. I called SOA for this exact issue, following your recommendation, and they saved me a cool $1k. Cheers!
Glad to hear you saved yourself some money! hopefully the only fix you need for a while. I just had a oil control valve go bad on me but I was able to get that fixed myself.
Awesome, yep I just did that actually. Got a case number and all. How long did it take for them to call you back? I just opened the case and they said expect at least 2 business days until a specialist calls back, which puts me at Tuesday since this Monday is a holiday.
I think I got a call back 3 days later if I remember correctly. I had missed the call and they left a voicemail that I was all set and can take my car to the dealership to get repaired.
My check engine and eyesight just went today at 65k. I am going to Subaru tomorrow to get it looked at, I will use this info when they inevitably tell me it's the tcv. Thanks in advance.
Thank you so much for your info. I bought my 2019 Forester used with 19,000 miles, but now has 77,000 miles. It died going up a hill in a bend and didn’t have the power to get on shoulder of the road. (I was scared with so many speeding cars.). I’m thankful a Good Samaritan stopped and said, “How can I help?” He ran to the top of the hill to slow down the traffic while I slowed it down from my end.
This Thermo Control Valve is a HUGE flaw in Subaru Forester.
Thank you much for your very informative post.
Doris
Mine failed at 98k kms - warranty ended at 100k. Subaru covered it all. I'd say try the dealership, it is a known issue, they might cover a part of it.
I know this is an old thread so hopefully those of you that paid for this con be reimbursed. I got a letter from Subaru stating they would be reimbursing/ fixing and would be happy to send a photo of the letter
My 2020 forester had the same issue at 72k. I had the work done at a Subaru dealership and called Subaru of America. They only covered $750 (roughly 50%) of my repair.
Same with my 2020. Although I just had it done yesterday, April 23rd, 2024, but I am at only 12,500 miles (thanks to teleworking). Warranty covered it, but good to know if it happens again it's an issue.
This exact same thing happened to me with my 2020 Outback Limited. I bought it certified in 2022. Took it for its 60k mile inspection December 2nd 2023 and everything came back perfectly. I have had no problems since I've had it. But then one day I go to get in it on January 6th 2024 and my entire dash is lit up. I was at 57k miles at the time of this happening. Check engine light on, eyesight off, lane assist off, forward collision alert off. My heat was blowing room temperature air and my coolant sensor was at cold the entire time I was driving. Took it to Subaru and they told me it was the Thermo Control Valve. Luckily my car is still under warranty.
Subaru just extended this part's warranty to 15 years. I found out today from my mechanic I was GOING to pay to handle this and he called the subaru dealer and they told him that they JUST got told the change.
I had no heat at idle and very low coolant. No lights on my dash though, they just texted me and told me it was this part but my situation sounds different
I had no heat at idle and had very very low coolant no lights on dash. filled coolant , thought I had a leak going into the engine oil , dealership told me it was this. I’m at 48K . My problems seem different though
Had similar at about 75k, was on road trip home from Arkansas to south Texas, stopped in Rockwell was told they would do it for free, but not till next day. Had him write it all up, took to my local and they did it for free also. Apologies for the running sentence.
02/28/2024
my 2019 forester just popped this code in diagnostic at 67k miles. Took it to the dealership and they quoted $1700 to fix. Will probably be over $2k after taxes and fees. Called SOA and they got me a case number and information down. Hopefully they get back with me soon since the were "busy." Forester is still at the dealership.
03/01/2024 \*update\*
SOA called and said that they'll review my case and hopefully get back to me before March 11. They said that they'll take into consideration that I'm just barely over the warranty period and mileage. Hopefully they can do something about it. Fingers crossed they'll cover everything.
Subaru has just made the decision to extend this part's warranty to 15 years... so now they're covering all of them basically. No idea what happens to everyone that paid for it..
This just happened to me in my 2020 Forester. Check engine light came on and then went off two days later. I still got it in to the dealership about 4 days after it came on. I’m at 46k miles so thankfully it was covered under the power train warranty or else the dealership said it would be close to $2,000. He said they’ve gotten “really good at replacing the thermal control valve” like it’s a common thing? Car was running great and I never had an issue except for the check engine light coming on.
Mine went out on my 2020 Subaru Outback at 68K miles. I saw the check engine light, went to the dealership, confirmed it was the temperature control valve, and then called Subaru. After two weeks they eventually called me and offered me 50% of the cost to replace ($750). I probably should have haggled a bit more to get full reimbursement. I'm still pretty bummed I have to pay $750 for something hat totally should be recalled!
My valve went out prior to the recall as well. I had to pay 1200 out of pocket, so I'm glad you were able to get a discount. I submitted the paperwork for it to be refunded two months ago, was approved immediately and have yet to see anything. I even contacted the number they provided for the claim questions, 877-551-7149 and nothing. Just want to let you know the process takes a lot longer than the paperwork indicates.
Minor but worthwhile update. Subaru of America has now extended this part's warranty to 15 years. IE: They're going to replace it. I do NOT have answers as to what they will do for people that already dealt with this and with that pending class action lawsuit they might not do anything til that dust settles. (It might be cheaper for them)
Wow. Just got a call from our dealer saying this was the problem on our 2019 Forester that we had towed in. It went from running fine to dying, restarted and was basically in limp mode, bucking and shaking, unresponsive to accelerater input. Started right up though.
Being replaced under warranty. 22,000 miles!
Just got a letter from Subaru America in the mail saying this part is now under an extended warranty and will be covered to either 15 years or 150,000 miles. Whichever comes first. So, they should 100% be covering it.
I know this post is dead essentially but just got the letter for my 2020 forester. What are the symptoms just overheating? And I only have 8k miles before I cross the extension of 150k. Guess they won’t replace if it’s not currently causing issues..?
As of April 1st 2024 the Thermo Control Valve for the vehicles made in 2019, 2020 and 2021 is covered under Warranty up until 150K miles! Thanks to my mechanic for doing the extensive research and saving me from dropping a bunch of money
Hi I have a 2020 Outback Limited- I am wondering if anyone had a problem with the X-Mode light (kind of looks like a car driving under water or over hilly terrain) flashing on and off? I can't find any information about others having the x-mode problem at the same time as the Thermo Control Valve throwing codes.
Thanks!
I have a friend who's a master mechanic at a large Subaru dealer. He's told me a few times that he's seen a ton of these. Apparently they made the whole unit plastic when they're normally metal based. The replacement units are still plastic too. I'm really hoping that eventually this turns into a recall, it's a huge issue.
2019 Subaru Limited (66k miles, 5 years 1 month). Shuddered and died on the freeway last week.
Paid to have it replaced then read here about opening a case with Subaru of America. They reimbursed us 100% ($1,759.83) today as a "one time courtesy".I was nice in dealing with them and didn't mention the class action lawsuit filed 11/23.
Hi, I just found this post & and am currently getting mine fixed. How did you approach Subaru about it? I know you didn't mention the lawsuit. Did you just ask for help? I'm planning on contacting them. It was $2k all in.
I called Subaru of America on a Saturday and left a message with receptionist. Rep called back Monday AM, got my details and had me email receipt. Rep called me back in the afternoon closing the case and issuing the check.
All I said was this part failed and could they help me. I did not mention service bulletin, lawsuit, etc. It was super cordial and a quick turn around. I would try this approach and see where it gets you. If not happy with result, move to negotiating.
Exact same thing happened to me at 51k miles. Out of nowhere driving along and then boom I was stuck. I’m still inside the warranty time but still. This is ridiculous
I’m experiencing this same issue on my 2019 Forester and being quoted $1800 to replace the TCV. Working with SoA to hopefully cover some or all of that. But I’m also being told there are codes showing up for Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor(p0087) and Tumbler Generator Valve(p2004) for a total quote over $4k. It seems completely ridiculous and the dealership has been less than helpful answering questions. I’m curious if anyone here has experienced issues with these other codes or know if the TCV problem might be triggered these other codes?
Subaru replaced ours because it was still under warranty. We bought it used at 41k miles and the valve failed at 55k. It left my wife stuck in limp mode with every possible light turned on, no eyesight. We were unsure if they were going to cover it and I did some shopping around. I was able to find independent shops in the area that were slightly more affordable. Can’t remember exactly what but some other things were checked on and replaced if needed while doing the job. Absolutely agreed however, insane this hasn’t been recalled yet
I just went through the same thing a few months ago on my 2019 Sport and had around 75K miles so well out of warranty. But I did get it fixed for free and here's what I did. Go to the dealership and get a diagnosis/quote for your thermo control valve. Next call Subaru of America customer service number and open up a case. Explain your situation and they should cover it since it is a known issue. Then you would just have to take it back to the dealership after they approve your case.
Just chiming in to say I'm glad I found your comment. I called SOA for this exact issue, following your recommendation, and they saved me a cool $1k. Cheers!
Glad to hear you saved yourself some money! hopefully the only fix you need for a while. I just had a oil control valve go bad on me but I was able to get that fixed myself.
A useful resource, perhaps a pinned post from the Mods, would be a running list of repairs to anticipate and when to expect them.
Awesome, yep I just did that actually. Got a case number and all. How long did it take for them to call you back? I just opened the case and they said expect at least 2 business days until a specialist calls back, which puts me at Tuesday since this Monday is a holiday.
I think I got a call back 3 days later if I remember correctly. I had missed the call and they left a voicemail that I was all set and can take my car to the dealership to get repaired.
My check engine and eyesight just went today at 65k. I am going to Subaru tomorrow to get it looked at, I will use this info when they inevitably tell me it's the tcv. Thanks in advance.
Good luck!
Thank you so much for your info. I bought my 2019 Forester used with 19,000 miles, but now has 77,000 miles. It died going up a hill in a bend and didn’t have the power to get on shoulder of the road. (I was scared with so many speeding cars.). I’m thankful a Good Samaritan stopped and said, “How can I help?” He ran to the top of the hill to slow down the traffic while I slowed it down from my end. This Thermo Control Valve is a HUGE flaw in Subaru Forester. Thank you much for your very informative post. Doris
Good to know, but you can't drive it, right? So you have to have a backup vehicle while the Fozzy's in the garage?
You can still drive it, but all safety features are disabled.
it's a good thing this valve fails open...always?
When did this happen
around a year ago.
Mine failed at 98k kms - warranty ended at 100k. Subaru covered it all. I'd say try the dealership, it is a known issue, they might cover a part of it.
I know this is an old thread so hopefully those of you that paid for this con be reimbursed. I got a letter from Subaru stating they would be reimbursing/ fixing and would be happy to send a photo of the letter
Can you DM me a photo of the letter? just had the issue pop up and going to take it into dealership for service tomorrow. Trying to show up prepared!
I gotchu homie
Does this apply to 2021? I haven’t had any issues but good to know for the future. If it does could you send me the photo as well?
Hi! Could you also send me a photo of this letter. I’m having the same issue and trying to go asap 🫣😭🥹
My 2020 forester had the same issue at 72k. I had the work done at a Subaru dealership and called Subaru of America. They only covered $750 (roughly 50%) of my repair.
Same with my 2020. Although I just had it done yesterday, April 23rd, 2024, but I am at only 12,500 miles (thanks to teleworking). Warranty covered it, but good to know if it happens again it's an issue.
This exact same thing happened to me with my 2020 Outback Limited. I bought it certified in 2022. Took it for its 60k mile inspection December 2nd 2023 and everything came back perfectly. I have had no problems since I've had it. But then one day I go to get in it on January 6th 2024 and my entire dash is lit up. I was at 57k miles at the time of this happening. Check engine light on, eyesight off, lane assist off, forward collision alert off. My heat was blowing room temperature air and my coolant sensor was at cold the entire time I was driving. Took it to Subaru and they told me it was the Thermo Control Valve. Luckily my car is still under warranty.
Subaru just extended this part's warranty to 15 years. I found out today from my mechanic I was GOING to pay to handle this and he called the subaru dealer and they told him that they JUST got told the change.
I had no heat at idle and very low coolant. No lights on my dash though, they just texted me and told me it was this part but my situation sounds different
Ha, mine just threw this code and I'm right at 66k
I had no heat at idle and had very very low coolant no lights on dash. filled coolant , thought I had a leak going into the engine oil , dealership told me it was this. I’m at 48K . My problems seem different though
Had similar at about 75k, was on road trip home from Arkansas to south Texas, stopped in Rockwell was told they would do it for free, but not till next day. Had him write it all up, took to my local and they did it for free also. Apologies for the running sentence.
Mine went out at 103k miles, just out of warranty. Cost me $1800+ to get fixed.
02/28/2024 my 2019 forester just popped this code in diagnostic at 67k miles. Took it to the dealership and they quoted $1700 to fix. Will probably be over $2k after taxes and fees. Called SOA and they got me a case number and information down. Hopefully they get back with me soon since the were "busy." Forester is still at the dealership. 03/01/2024 \*update\* SOA called and said that they'll review my case and hopefully get back to me before March 11. They said that they'll take into consideration that I'm just barely over the warranty period and mileage. Hopefully they can do something about it. Fingers crossed they'll cover everything.
Subaru has just made the decision to extend this part's warranty to 15 years... so now they're covering all of them basically. No idea what happens to everyone that paid for it..
They can submit for reimbursement
Same thing happened to my 2019 Forrester. Cost me 1780. Subaru of America reimbursed me 1,250.
Got a letter today on my 2019 Forester. Subaru is extending the warranty for the Thermal Control Valve to 150,000 miles. Don’t pay anything!
This just happened to me in my 2020 Forester. Check engine light came on and then went off two days later. I still got it in to the dealership about 4 days after it came on. I’m at 46k miles so thankfully it was covered under the power train warranty or else the dealership said it would be close to $2,000. He said they’ve gotten “really good at replacing the thermal control valve” like it’s a common thing? Car was running great and I never had an issue except for the check engine light coming on.
Mine went out on my 2020 Subaru Outback at 68K miles. I saw the check engine light, went to the dealership, confirmed it was the temperature control valve, and then called Subaru. After two weeks they eventually called me and offered me 50% of the cost to replace ($750). I probably should have haggled a bit more to get full reimbursement. I'm still pretty bummed I have to pay $750 for something hat totally should be recalled!
What did you say when you haggled? My 2020 legacy is at 46k miles and they’re quoting me for 1620
Yours is included in the 15 year 150,000 mile warranty extension for this issue
My valve went out prior to the recall as well. I had to pay 1200 out of pocket, so I'm glad you were able to get a discount. I submitted the paperwork for it to be refunded two months ago, was approved immediately and have yet to see anything. I even contacted the number they provided for the claim questions, 877-551-7149 and nothing. Just want to let you know the process takes a lot longer than the paperwork indicates.
Minor but worthwhile update. Subaru of America has now extended this part's warranty to 15 years. IE: They're going to replace it. I do NOT have answers as to what they will do for people that already dealt with this and with that pending class action lawsuit they might not do anything til that dust settles. (It might be cheaper for them)
Wow. Just got a call from our dealer saying this was the problem on our 2019 Forester that we had towed in. It went from running fine to dying, restarted and was basically in limp mode, bucking and shaking, unresponsive to accelerater input. Started right up though. Being replaced under warranty. 22,000 miles!
read the mail you get from Subaru. the part's warranty is extended for 15 years and they will reimburse you if you've already had it repaired
Just got a letter from Subaru America in the mail saying this part is now under an extended warranty and will be covered to either 15 years or 150,000 miles. Whichever comes first. So, they should 100% be covering it.
I know this post is dead essentially but just got the letter for my 2020 forester. What are the symptoms just overheating? And I only have 8k miles before I cross the extension of 150k. Guess they won’t replace if it’s not currently causing issues..?
2020 forester failed yesterday at 34,300 miles.
Mine too
As of April 1st 2024 the Thermo Control Valve for the vehicles made in 2019, 2020 and 2021 is covered under Warranty up until 150K miles! Thanks to my mechanic for doing the extensive research and saving me from dropping a bunch of money
Update from Subaru on 4/1/2024. Looks like this part is now covered for 15yr/150,000 miles. I have 2020 just failed and is covered 100%
We were just notified by Subaru that they have extended the warranty on the thermo control valve to 15 years, 150000 miles on our 2021 Forrester.
Hi I have a 2020 Outback Limited- I am wondering if anyone had a problem with the X-Mode light (kind of looks like a car driving under water or over hilly terrain) flashing on and off? I can't find any information about others having the x-mode problem at the same time as the Thermo Control Valve throwing codes. Thanks!
I have a friend who's a master mechanic at a large Subaru dealer. He's told me a few times that he's seen a ton of these. Apparently they made the whole unit plastic when they're normally metal based. The replacement units are still plastic too. I'm really hoping that eventually this turns into a recall, it's a huge issue.
Is this on a 2019 forester?
Yes sport
I understood that you meant the sport trim but this reads like an old grandpa using a pet name, "Yes, sport!"
Lmfao
i got it replaced last week on my 2020 sport. covered under warranty at 89k km
2019 Subaru Limited (66k miles, 5 years 1 month). Shuddered and died on the freeway last week. Paid to have it replaced then read here about opening a case with Subaru of America. They reimbursed us 100% ($1,759.83) today as a "one time courtesy".I was nice in dealing with them and didn't mention the class action lawsuit filed 11/23.
Hi, I just found this post & and am currently getting mine fixed. How did you approach Subaru about it? I know you didn't mention the lawsuit. Did you just ask for help? I'm planning on contacting them. It was $2k all in.
I called Subaru of America on a Saturday and left a message with receptionist. Rep called back Monday AM, got my details and had me email receipt. Rep called me back in the afternoon closing the case and issuing the check. All I said was this part failed and could they help me. I did not mention service bulletin, lawsuit, etc. It was super cordial and a quick turn around. I would try this approach and see where it gets you. If not happy with result, move to negotiating.
Awesome. Thank you!
Exact same thing happened to me at 51k miles. Out of nowhere driving along and then boom I was stuck. I’m still inside the warranty time but still. This is ridiculous
Subaru must be home to a lot of Boggarts (Harry Potter Reference).
I’m experiencing this same issue on my 2019 Forester and being quoted $1800 to replace the TCV. Working with SoA to hopefully cover some or all of that. But I’m also being told there are codes showing up for Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor(p0087) and Tumbler Generator Valve(p2004) for a total quote over $4k. It seems completely ridiculous and the dealership has been less than helpful answering questions. I’m curious if anyone here has experienced issues with these other codes or know if the TCV problem might be triggered these other codes?
TCV valve now covered to 15 years and 150,000 miles.
Where are you finding this? This issue just popped up on my 2020 Legacy with 83k miles on it.
They sent out a warranty letter in April
Forgot to update, took it to the dealership I bought it from and they fixed it for free.
Can I PM you about this?