I recently had a problem with snow becoming packed along the rear drive shaft and above the exhaust components. I took the car to the dealer since the problem became so bad that the snow had packed its way up to the AT and I could not get the car into park. The dealer techs said that they were shocked at the amount of snow that was packed up in there, and that the HEAT SHIELD was where the problem was. The shield had TORN, and allowed the snow to travel and melt/refreeze often. They sent photos to SUBARU CORP, and are waiting for a reply. Service guys said that this was a desigh flaw and that Subaru will have to address it soon. Just a HEADS-UP.