Subaru Oil Pressure Warning: Common Causes and Costs

I experienced similar symptoms on my Subaru Legacy 2004 with the 2.5L engine. The oil pressure warning light came on during idle, accompanied by knocking sounds from the engine bay. Initially suspected a faulty oil pressure sensor, but diagnostic testing revealed a failing oil pump. The oil pressure gauge readings were consistently low, especially at idle. The problem got worse over time, showing clear signs of oil pump failure. This is definitely a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Running an engine with low oil pressure can cause catastrophic engine damage due to insufficient lubrication of vital components. The repair involved: Removing the oil pan, Replacing the oil pump assembly, Installing new gaskets, Complete oil system flush, Fresh oil with correct viscosity, Testing oil pressure after repair The symptoms you describe strongly suggest low oil pressure, which could be caused by: Worn oil pump, Clogged oil pickup tube, Worn engine bearings, Failed oil pressure sensor Would strongly advise against driving the vehicle until properly diagnosed, as continuing to run the engine with low oil pressure can result in complete engine failure. Consider getting a professional oil pressure test done first, this will determine if its actually a pressure problem or just a faulty sensor.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the oil pump failure. My issue turned out to be quite similar. The low oil pressure warning and engine noises were really concerning at first. After getting it checked, I also had a failed oil pump that was causing improper oil circulation through the engine. Fixed it pretty quickly to avoid any serious engine damage. The mechanic did a full oil system inspection, replaced the pump and installed fresh engine oil. The car runs perfectly now, no more warning lights or strange noises. Just wondering, do you remember roughly how much the repair cost you? Also, have you had any oil pressure issues since getting it fixed?

After my oil pump failure diagnosis, I had the repair done at a specialized shop. The entire job came to 755€, which included replacing the faulty oil pump, new gaskets, and a complete oil change with high-quality engine oil. Since fixing the low oil pressure problem, my Subaru Legacy has been running flawlessly for over 40000km. No warning lights, no unusual engine noises, and the oil pressure gauge shows proper readings at all RPMs. Getting the repair done promptly definitely prevented more extensive engine damage. Regular oil changes and pressure checks are now part of my maintenance routine. The mechanic recommended checking the oil pressure sensor during each service to catch any potential issues early. Worth every cent to avoid the risk of complete engine failure.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses. After taking it to my trusted mechanic, they diagnosed and fixed my oil pump issue. The total repair cost was 890€, which included: New oil pump assembly, Fresh gaskets and seals, Oil system cleaning, Full synthetic oil change The mechanic explained that oil leakage around the pump had been causing the low oil pressure warnings. Once they replaced everything and did a thorough flush of the system, the engine noise completely disappeared. They recommended I get more frequent oil changes going forward, every 7500km instead of 10000km, to help prevent future oil pump failures. The car runs great now, much smoother and quieter than before. Really glad I caught this early before it led to serious engine damage. Will definitely stay on top of oil changes and pressure checks from now on.