GordonC

Hi,

A few weeks ago I *cough*, I mean my mrs, kerbed an alloy my '09 WRX hatch. Took it to The Wheel Specialist today for a repair quote and while inspected the chap noticed the alloy was also bubbled. Then looking round the car it became clear all 4 alloys are bubbled. Only in a few places on each wheel but expect it will only get worse.

It only gets cleaned by me (normally a good detailing) but having been busy recently it's been a quick 20-30 minute job every few weeks, so haven't really noticed.

I've had it 9 months and the whole thing including alloys gets cleaned with Auto Glym Shampoo, no corrosives. It has 6 months warranty left and I really wouldn't have expected this on a two and half year old car, so not looked out for it.

Does anyone know if this type of thing is covered under the Subaru warranty? Wouldn't mind some views before approaching my dealer.

Thanks for any help.

Cheers
GC

360ste

iTrader: (1)

Tough one as they could check the wheels and find stone chips that have let moisture in or the rims have been damaged whilst having tyres changed. It's worth a try but don't get pi553d off if they say no.

imprezajon

iTrader: (2)

might be worth searching to see if it is a know problem and approach the dealer with any evidence that it is not an isolated incident and not down to what you use to clean the wheels with. although kerbed, if you can prove that it is a defect with the wheel's then they should be replaced or you could argue a case for all 4 to be refurbed, which would be the cheaper option for the dealer.
i had a similar problem with my old mr2 and got them refurbed at the dealers cost.i printed off all the info and posts regards to other owners that had the same issue and approached toyota. it got refered to there head office and they agreed to refurb rather than replace.

NormantheDog

The standard wheels on a 330s are known for it. Had two of mine done after 12 months and others on here have as well. If you have a good dealer they will argue the case for you with Subaru - good luck!

GordonC

Hi all,

Thanks very much for the messages. Other than the minor kerbing on one wheel there is no other damage, just the bubbling which is on the body of all 4 wheels - the rim next to the tyres is fine.

The guy at the Wheel Specialists said it was a common problem with Japanese cars because they finish them with less lacquer than others. I have a quote for a refurb so will contact the dealer and see what they say. I use KT Green nr Leeds and had great service so far... will see what this test brings! :-)

hedgecutter

iTrader: (5)

My Mrs did the exact same on my Legacy when it was 5 months old, but I have also noticed bubbling on my wheels, now 1 year 5 months, although car is a gen IV. Must go to dealer

GordonC

Well, good news. The guys at KT Green Leeds have come up trumps.

Warranty claim accepted in Japan & new wheels going on next week.

Wouldn't mind upgrading to GT1's but will have to make do with some new standard WRX for the meantime!

C8 DHC 04WRX

iTrader: (13)

My alloys were changed under warranty on my 2004 WRX when only a year old as they started to bubble on the inner edges.

Dealer just took photo's and sent them off to Japan. Had to wait a few weeks for mine though as they didn't have any in the UK at the time!