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    Santa Cruz Subaru Service

    3.6 (302 reviews)
    Closed • Closed
    Updated 2 weeks ago

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    Quote for "head gasket failure"

    ZERO STARS IF I COULD I would not recommend the Subaru Santa Cruz Service department to anyone. They are in the business of selling new cars, and not interested in the upkeep of older models. I took my 2015 Subaru in for regular maintenance as my local preferred auto service center didn't have availability before I was heading out of town. I was informed during their evaluation, that my car had mixed fluids due to head gasket failure and that the only fix was a new engine (as noted on quote this is for a used engine 82k miles), while there was zero lights on the vehicle or issues with driving at all. When I was called to review this update, I instructed them to not proceed and was informed that I was "lucky" that they had called me before they started the work. For someone to think it would be okay to proceed with a service significantly over the cost that was estimated and signed for is beyond me. I was able to come and get the car and take it home to determine next steps. My father was able to help me further evaluate the car and reached out to Subaru for additional information and was informed that they couldn't provide answers to the questions he was asking (targeting their findings for head gasket failure), despite them knowing the mechanic they had working on the car who should have been able to answer them. They then quoted him a completely different price (additional $1k) than what was relayed to me when I had picked up my car, saying that they had "misspoke." Ultimately we were able to take the car to my preferred auto shop (Lloyds Scotts Valley) and after about 4-6 weeks of thorough review, online Subaru specialist discussions, and a step approach to getting answers - they were able to conclude that it was a cracked radiator vs an engine issue as referenced by Subaru. Had Subaru evaluated the referenced fluids being mixed, it would have informed them that it was transmission fluid vs engine oil, but they went solely on the look of the coolant container to make a quote that could break the bank for many individuals ($8k +). While the fix and evaluation with Lloyds was still costly (~$2k), I was met with honest and educated mechanic's who were transparent throughout each step. My car has continued 18 months beyond the initial evaluation with Subaru and the original engine has had zero issues with the additional 25k miles I've driven since. Current mileage hit 189k this morning, so I decided it was the right time to post this review. Please think twice before you take what this service department says at face value. Online forums have multiple claims regarding Subaru Foresters having head gaskets failing, however I wonder how many of these "fails" benefited a department financially vs being actually necessary. I saved this text message for additional support to show the mindset of the department, asking for 10s when they in fact deserve zero stars. For local car needs, look no further than Lloyds Auto (SV or Santa Cruz locations), as they are helpful and honest with their work ups.

    Large drip of oil from timing cover and over sealing through bolt hole

    This is an update after many attempts to let Santa Cruz Subaru remedy the situation. I have had my engine removed and timing cover resealed three separate times and each time it continues to leak oil. The last time the repair was done, I was told it was done by the shop foreman, in the process my AC condenser was bolted back on improperly and cracked, leading to an 839 dollar repair. The wire for my power steering pressure sensor was also severed. The timing cover also continues to leak oil and there is silicone coming out of timing cover bolt holes which indicates over application of gasket materials and will lead to premature failure of the gasket. Last week while driving the car it died, I had it towed into Santa Cruz Subaru, and I was told the battery was dead. Ricardo, the sales specialist who sold me the car assured me when I bought it that it had a brand new battery in it, it is why he couldn't bargain anymore on the price. I asked about this just to confirm if it was under warranty in that sense. I received a call later that day from Alex, one of the service managers. He was very aggressive and informed me that Santa Cruz Subaru would not be doing any of the many free things I was asking, even though I had only ever asked for them to fix what they had broken. He incorrectly stated that his people had fixed my ac. He also told me they had put more money into the car than what I had purchased it for. A reminder that the only free work ever done on my car was a timing seal cover, that was improperly applied three times, the same job three times. During the second time it was resealed, I even paid to have the water pump replaced. The third time it was in to be resealed they had to reseal that gasket as it was already leaking, on a repair that was two weeks old. I was told by Brandon the service manager that I would be given a check for the AC condenser repair, instead of calling me to pick my vehicle up and present these to me. I received a text message to come pick my car up as the service department was closing and the key with no check was left in an envelope at the sales department. And my timing cover still leaks oil, and they actually wrote in the service notes that the sensor wire that was severed "Tech inspected the broken wire from the power steering pump and found the wire at the pump broken is not affecting the vehicle". I guess Subaru just puts random un needed wires in its steering components. I have heard that Cypress Coast Subaru, and Stevens Creek Subaru are both better alternatives to Santa Cruz. I am angry and amused at this point, but I have had the worst experience with this dealer and the service department seems unable to complete repairs that last longer than a few weeks.

    Leah S.

    Just bought a 2024 Crosstrek. The badass green one!! Came back for a brush tutorial on how to use the car with Evan!! What AWESOME service this place gives. Subaru is the way to go!! No hassle no games awesome service. Thanks Evan

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    6 months ago

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    Jeff H.

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    4 months ago

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    1 month ago

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    17 days ago

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    22 days ago

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    4 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    7 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    Jeff H.

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    8 months ago

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    Jeff H.

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    10 months ago

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    Jeff H.

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    1 year ago

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    7 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    10 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    11 months ago

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    Jeff H.

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    2 years ago

    Been coming here for years. Never had any issues with them or the services they provided. Great staff and welcome waiting area with snacks.

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    Jeff H.

    Thank you so much for sharing this! We hope to see you again!

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    Jeff H.

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    1 year ago

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    Jeff H.

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    Jeff H.

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    1 year ago

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    3 years ago

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    Jeff H.

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    10 months ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Jeff H.

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    2 years ago

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    Jeff H.

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    2 years ago

    Shady dealership do not get work done here. Absurd prices and misdiagnosing cost us thousands. They mask this with free rides and snacks

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    1 year ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - Santa Cruz Subaru Service

    Review Highlights - Santa Cruz Subaru Service

    “I worked with Ricardo and Jeff, and both guys were absolutely honest, straight forward, and really helpful.”

    Mentioned in 34 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Santa Cruz Subaru Service - car_dealers - Updated September 2026

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