
Subaru Repair and Service in Athens, GA
Subaru repair in Athens, GA is a specialty at Athens Import Auto Repair. Athens loves the Outback and Forester. So do we. We have worked on Subaru since 1991.
Subaru service in Athens, from people who know the brand
Subaru engines are flat, with the cylinders lying on their sides. That design makes some jobs harder. Head gaskets are the big one. We have done more of them than we can count.
James Miner, our owner, is an ASE Master Technician who started on imports in 1972. He knows the old 2.5 and the new FB engines. Call 706-353-3880 to get started.
Models we see most
Common Subaru problems we fix
Head gaskets on the older 2.5
The 1999 to 2011 2.5 engine is known for head gasket leaks. The gasket seals the head to the block. When it fails, coolant and oil leak out the sides. We replace both gaskets with the updated type.
Oil use on FB engines
Some 2011 to 2014 FB engines burn oil. The piston rings do not seal well. Check the dipstick every 1,000 miles. We can measure the loss and go over your options.
CVT trouble
Subaru CVTs can shudder, hesitate or show a warning light. The valve body or the torque converter is often to blame. Fresh fluid helps. We test it with the right scan tool.
Wheel bearings
Subaru wheel bearings wear early, mostly in the rear. You hear a hum that grows with speed. We press in a new bearing or replace the hub.
Oil leaks from the flat engine
The flat engine leaks from the valve cover gaskets and cam seals. Oil drips onto the exhaust and smells. We reseal them.
Timing belt on older engines
Subaru engines up to about 2012 used a timing belt. It must be changed at 105,000 miles. We replace the belt, idlers, tensioner and water pump together.
Subaru services we offer
Head gasket and leak repair
Head gaskets, cam seals and valve covers on the 2.5 and FB engines.
Learn moreCVT service
Subaru CVT fluid, valve body testing and software checks.
Learn moreWheel bearing replacement
Front and rear bearings pressed with the right tools.
Learn moreTiming belt replacement
Belt, idlers, tensioner and water pump on the older 2.5.
Learn moreAll wheel drive service
Front and rear differential fluid for the Subaru AWD system.
Learn moreSubaru oil change
The right oil and a check of the level and the leaks.
Learn more
Why Subaru owners choose us
Subaru is a house specialty
Athens is full of Subarus, and many of them come to us. We know them well.
Head gaskets done right
We use the updated gaskets and check the heads. The job lasts.
AWD care
We know the tire and fluid rules that keep a Subaru drivetrain healthy.
These guys are amazing and great at what they do!!!! I had a problem with my mercedes E320 wouldn't start, AFTER leaving it here to be fixed I'M NOW ABLE TO START IT WHEN I'M READY TO GO. THANKS A MILLION AND I WILL RETURN FOR FUTURE SERVICES!!! GOD BLESS THIS BUSINESS!!!
Scott, J., customerSubaru repair FAQ
Do you work on Subaru in Athens?
Yes. Subaru is one of the most common brands at Athens Import Auto Repair in Athens, GA. Outback, Forester, Impreza, Crosstrek, Legacy and WRX all come to us. We have worked on Subaru since 1991.
Why is my Subaru leaking coolant?
On a 1999 to 2011 2.5 engine, the head gaskets are the first suspect. They weep coolant from the sides of the engine. We test the system and replace the gaskets with the updated type.
Why does my Subaru use oil?
Some 2011 to 2014 FB engines burn oil past the rings. Check the level often and top it up. We can measure how much it uses and talk through the options.
Why does my Subaru hum at highway speed?
A worn wheel bearing is the usual cause. The hum gets louder as you go faster. We find the bad bearing and replace it.
Can you fix a Subaru CVT?
Yes, in most cases. We test the CVT, change the fluid and check the valve body. If the unit is failing, we tell you the truth. Then you choose.
Do I need to replace all four tires on my Subaru?
Yes, in most cases. Subaru all wheel drive needs tires that match in size and wear. One new tire with three worn ones can hurt the drivetrain. Ask us before you buy.
Other brands we service

Let's take a look at your Subaru
Call us at 706-353-3880 or book a visit. We will keep your Subaru ready for anything.
Open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. After hours, leave a message or send the form and we will call you back.
Send us a message
Tell us your car and what you notice. We will call you back during shop hours.
If the form does not show, call 706-353-3880.