I admit that I was at first going to reply that I don't think there's much here to go on, or to be worried about just because you've ordered a 2015. I'll have to qualify that after reading some on the subject. Note that the most recent (to date, 7/22/14) information about this pertains to a lawsuit against Subaru, and most of that info is now only about 5 days old. So, yes, it is VERY recent.
And lawsuits don't necessarily mean "guilty." (Makes me think of a couple great movies about guilt vs innocence and the tendency to pre-judge; "To Kill a Mockingbird" with Gregory Peck, and "12 Angry Men" with Henry Fonda and others. Some of the best movies ever, IMO. But I digress.)
One other response, to those worrying about buying the first year of a new model vehicle. I disagree that it is some "truth" that you shouldn't ever do this.
Remember, there are MANY factors that go into what you should buy and when. And they don't all have to do with whether something is a first year vehicle or not. Your own situation may dictate that you MUST buy something at this time. And the ALTERNATIVES you might consider may not be first year vehicles but that doesn't make them better choices!
I've read what some have said they would buy instead, and I wouldn't even consider those vehicles, no matter how long they've been around.
Today, I was discussing car buying with a friend at work, and she and her husband made the mistake (her words) of buying one of these "other" vehicles. She said it was nothing but a CONSTANT nightmare.
(If Virginia had lemon laws back then, I'm sure she could have qualified and gotten rid of it. I don't mention the vehicle type here because I don't have any other experience with that car, but I also doubt I ever will!)
I DID do some reading about this oil issue, and it is not comforting reading.
But it doesn't YET sway me away from the 2015 Outback I ordered and still have 1st right of refusal on purchasing it when it arrives. I'll keep listening, reading, and doing ONE MORE THING I recommend everyone do if you have already placed an order OR have taken delivery of a new car.
FIND OUT WHAT THE LEMON LAWS ARE in YOUR STATE!
I honestly didn't think Virginia even had a lemon law yet, but it turns out we do. And it does provide for a replacement vehicle or a refund if that new car needs repair for same defect 3 or more times for same problem, OR the car is in for repairs for 30 days in one year.
See link:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
So know what your state laws provide and be sure to document everything. Check and write down odometer mileage every time you note a problem, get the dealer involved ASAP, make SURE the dealer doesn't write up the problem as something different each time but clearly defines the issue according to what YOU say is the problem. And save every document. As someone on one of the feedback notes I read said, Make sure the dealer provides an invoice to you every time you have car in for the problem. Don't let it just get looked at and no paperwork done. And save ALL the invoices. Don't count on the dealer to have logged it in with Subaru of America, even if you normally get that recording done automatically by the dealer.
Well, I really still think this problem is NOT a huge problem in terms of the percentage of Subaru cars that had or have it, but it obviously IS huge to those who get an oil burning engine and then have a VERY expensive time fighting with Subaru for costly repairs and lost time etc.
Now, I'm going to go to bed and sleep soundly.
When my 2015 arrives, I'll drive it, make sure it seems right on all the obvious things like ride comfort, steering response, etc, check the oil level myself at the beginning, and ultimately, I guess, take it home and monitor how it goes.