Matty L

This is exactly what the dealer is saying: somone must have drained it. The only way to counter this is to "prove a negative," prove that this didn't happen. One way is to show all your Subaru records, show everything was paid by credit card, and show no other automotive charges, but we'll leave that up to the lawyer if necessary. Hope they just find the leak and that's that. Will post what happens.

Actually, as events are in motion, it's not the dealership that is being uncooperative...they're actuallly looking into an alternative explanation for low 80-90 fluid (ie. internally leaking into the ATF). In fact, I have to say this Michigan dealership appears to be looking out for us at this point...so far. It's Subaru corporate HQ right now that doesn't quite see themselves in a consumer-advocacy role. But this isn't over yet. From our experience, the NY dealerships we've been to in NY have been professional and courteous. It's a frustrating situation though when you've taken care of your car, something happens that you can't explain, and you're told that you must have taken the car to somebody who drained the fluid/where else could it have gone/your warranty will not be honored/$3,200 please. Thank goodness for web sites like this one where people can throw out ideas that can actually aid your situation (Sea#4). Thank you. Hopefully this will all work out.

Actually, it was the front diff level (80-90) that was low...they said a "pint" of that came out with metal shavings. Apparantly, just as you said that ATF gets "pumped" into the front diff, the 80-90 can go into the ATF...is there a specific name of the tube between the torque converter and the tranny? Thanks for your trouble-shooting SEA#3!

Right before a trip right after it came back from the body shop, it was checked and was right where it was supposed to be.

almost empty, when the dealer got it...but right before a trip (right after it got back from the body shop) it was checked and was right where it was suppossed to be...

No, the radiator was left alone...good idea though...

the car was hit on the passenger side. most of the damage was on the side doors, but some of the front panel as well. the dealer is insisting there are no leaks though...

body work was done but the engine was fine, or so it seemed...the dealer is claiming there's no leak so...could the accident have caused the loss of fluid?

My sister has a 2002 Legacy sedan GT/LTD w/ just over 36,000 miles. In August she was in an accident that required body work, but that was it. Last week, she was driving when the car starting making noises, and wouldn't go. The dummy light did not come on until this happened. She was towed to the dealer, who told her it was the transmission, there was low transmission fluid, there was no leak, and they only honor the warranty when it's their fault. This, they said, was not their fault. They called the dealership back in NY where she had the work done to get the record of the car. The MI dealership said we should call Subuara HQ, but they did not yet give us a definative answer and what they will do. Is anyone experiencing this? She loves her Subaru, and I was planning on getting one myself. Is this how Subaru honors its warranties? Any suggestions would be appreciated!