2018 Subaru Crosstrek with 61,000km (38,000mi). 2.0 liter 4-cylinder, CVT. Oil changed every 6 months, i.e., approx. every 5-6,000 km.
Two 'new' noises (starting this summer).
On starting, very loud 'rattling' from the front of the vehicle, noticeable to people inside and outside the car. Goes away after a couple of minutes of driving. Seems to be low rather than high, i.e., closer to the ground, and possibly closer to the driver side.
While driving, a low-pitched 'whirring' sound is audible in the cabin. Not noticeable from the outside , i.e., with the window down. Sounds like very loud 'road (tire) noise', but is louder and present on all road surfaces, even newly paved (very smooth) stretches. Seems to be related to vehicle speed, rather than engine speed. I.e., if I accelerate the car to a high speed and then take my foot off the pedal, the engine RPM immediately drops to about 1200, but the whirring sound decreases very slowly as the car slows down. Revving the engine while stopped, in neutral, does not produce the sound.
Could these two sounds be related?
Can you suggest any possible causes, or other things to look for?
Thanks.
My guess is wheel bearing. Use the search bar to check the archive (Subaru wheel bearings have been discussed here quite a bit)
@dad2lm2 Thanks for the quick response 🙂
Confirmed by my mechanic this morning. Parts on order.
For the benefit, possibly, of others...
This is my 4th Subaru in 25 years, and by far the worst, in terms of maintenance. In the first 38K miles (not a lot), I've had to have front and back brake pads replaced, driver-side window motor replaced, and now the wheel bearings. My first Subaru, an old-style ('station wagon') Forester went 200K miles with minimal maintenance before I traded it in. Similarly, my car previous to the Crosstrek (also a Forester) had virtually no problems before I traded it in at 100K. What has happened to Subaru quality??