If you've owned a Subaru long enough, you may have heard the familiar complaint: “Why am I replacing another wheel bearing?” For some owners, especially those dealing with a noisy Legacy or Outback, wheel hub and bearing problems can feel unusually frequent.
For drivers in Fargo, ND, there's another factor to consider. Wheel bearings and hubs live close to the road, where North Dakota winters expose them to moisture, road salt, slush, corrosion, potholes, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
AtElite Automotive Center, located at 3201 39th St S in Fargo, we believe repeat failures deserve diagnosis, not another guess. Our shop services American and Asian cars and light-duty pickups, and our approach emphasizes upfront communication, customer approval, and determining which repairs need attention now and which can wait.
Quick Answer: Do Subarus Have Wheel Bearing Problems?
Yes, wheel bearing and hub concerns are worth watching on some Subaru models, but there is no universal mileage at which Subaru wheel bearings fail. Subaru itself has issued service information concerning wheel-hub design changes on certain Legacy, Outback, Forester, WRX, and WRX STI model years. Importantly, those bulletins do not establish that every affected vehicle has defective or short-lived bearings.
If the same wheel bearing repeatedly fails, that's when a good mechanic starts looking beyond the bearing itself.
1. Subaru Wheel Bearing Problems: What Do We Actually Know?
A wheel bearing allows the wheel and hub to rotate with very little friction while supporting the weight and forces placed on that corner of the vehicle. It has to survive thousands of miles of bumps, turns, braking, temperature changes, and road impacts.
When a bearing deteriorates, one of the most recognizable symptoms is a humming, roaring, rumbling, or growling noise that changes with road speed.
Subaru's own parts information describes groaning, rumbling, or whining while moving as possible symptoms of wheel-bearing failure, with symptoms potentially becoming more pronounced while turning or traveling at highway speed.
What About the 2015 Subaru Legacy and Outback?
This is particularly relevant to owners of sixth-generation Legacy models and corresponding Outbacks.
Subaru Service Bulletin 05-67-19, issued in 2019, applies to 2015–2018 Legacy and Outback models. The bulletin announced a design change to the sealing areas of the wheel hub assemblies.
But there's an important detail.
Subaru stated that the change was made to improve productivity during vehicle assembly and that there was no difference in performance between the old and new hub assemblies. Subaru even advised that old and new part numbers could be mixed and that existing inventory of the older parts could be used.
In other words, finding a superseded or redesigned hub on a 2015 Legacy does not, by itself, prove the original bearing was defective.
That distinction matters.
Subaru Has Made Other Hub-Bearing Improvements
There is another piece of useful Subaru technical information.
Subaru Service Bulletin 05-84-21R covers the front wheel hub assemblies on several models, including 2015–2021 Legacy and Outback, 2019–2021 Forester, and 2015–2020 WRX/WRX STI. Subaru says the newer assemblies incorporate bearing surfaces with increased resistance to imperfections resulting from severe shock loads, such as hitting a large pothole or expansion joint. Subaru notes that such bearing-surface damage can result in a growling-type noise while driving.
That's particularly interesting for Fargo drivers because pothole impacts are more than a theoretical concern.
It still doesn't mean every Legacy or Outback will develop a bad bearing. It does demonstrate why technicians should use current service information and verify the appropriate replacement component for the vehicle's VIN.
Expert Tip: Don't interpret every superseded part number as an admission of a defective design. Manufacturers revise parts for many reasons. The reason behind the revision matters more than the fact that the number changed.
Mini FAQ: How Long Should a Subaru Wheel Bearing Last?
There isn't one guaranteed mileage.
Wheel bearings generally aren't routine maintenance items with a fixed replacement schedule. Driving conditions, road impacts, corrosion, component quality, installation, vehicle condition, and many other factors can affect service life.
A bearing should be evaluated when symptoms appear rather than automatically replaced at a particular odometer reading.
2. Bad Subaru Wheel Bearing Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
A bad wheel bearing doesn't always announce itself with an obvious grinding sound.
Often, the first complaint is something much less dramatic:
“My Subaru has developed a hum that gets louder the faster I drive.”
That's a valuable diagnostic clue.
Common bad wheel bearing symptoms include:
Humming, growling, roaring, or rumbling
Noise that increases with road speed
Noise that changes during turns
Roughness from the hub
Excessive wheel play in some failures
Vibration
ABS or traction-control warnings in certain situations
Subaru's OEM parts information also notes that a hub may require replacement when servicing a wheel bearing and identifies ABS or traction-control warning lights as possible associated symptoms.
Why Wheel Bearing Noise Is Easy to Misdiagnose
Here's where an experienced diagnosis matters.
Tire noise can sound remarkably similar to a failed wheel bearing.
A cupped or irregularly worn tire can produce a low-pitched roar that changes with speed. Brake components, CV joints, drivetrain components, and other rotating parts can also generate noises that seem to originate at a wheel.
Sound travels through a vehicle's suspension and body structure, too. The corner that sounds loudest from the driver's seat isn't necessarily the corner containing the failed bearing.
A proper inspection may therefore involve:
Road-testing the vehicle
Inspecting tire wear
Checking wheel play
Evaluating hub roughness
Inspecting brakes
Looking at suspension condition
Checking related sensors and hardware
Comparing noise from multiple corners
These inspections are part of the broaderauto repair and diagnostic services available at Elite Automotive Center.
Expert Tip: Pay attention to whether the noise follows vehicle speed or engine RPM. If the noise continues to increase as road speed increases even when engine RPM changes, tell your technician. That distinction can help narrow the diagnostic path.
Mini FAQ: Can Bad Tires Sound Like a Subaru Wheel Bearing?
Absolutely. Irregular tread wear can create a hum or roar that closely resembles bearing noise. That's one reason replacing a hub based only on what you hear from the driver's seat can become an expensive mistake.
Mini FAQ: Can I Keep Driving With a Humming Wheel Bearing?
A suspected bearing should be inspected promptly. The severity of wheel-bearing failures varies, and a technician needs to determine whether the noise actually comes from the bearing and how advanced the problem is.
A wheel bearing is a load-carrying component, so persistent bearing noise isn't something we'd recommend ignoring.
Hearing a speed-dependent growl or hum? Have the vehicle diagnosed before buying another hub. A proper diagnosis can prevent spending money on a component that wasn't causing the noise in the first place.
3. Why Does My Subaru Wheel Bearing Keep Failing?
One failed wheel bearing is a repair.
Multiple failures at the same wheel position are a pattern.
When a Subaru comes into the shop after having the same hub replaced repeatedly, a mechanic should ask a different question.
Instead of only asking, “Is this bearing bad?” we want to know:
“Why does this bearing keep going bad?”
Several possibilities deserve investigation.
Replacement Hub Quality
Not every replacement wheel hub is built to identical standards.
Bearing surfaces, internal tolerances, sealing, lubrication, and manufacturing consistency all influence the quality of a hub assembly.
If you're experiencing repeat failures, tell the technician what brand of wheel bearing or hub was previously installed if you know.
Installation and Torque
Installation matters.
Wheel hub fasteners and related components should be installed according to the appropriate service information and torque specifications. Improper procedures can create additional problems or shorten component life.
Subaru's service information also lists dedicated hub removal/replacement tooling among the tools used for chassis hub service, reinforcing that hub work should follow proper procedures rather than improvised methods.
Pothole and Impact Damage
This one deserves particular attention.
Subaru's updated front-hub bulletin specifically discusses bearing-surface imperfections caused by excessive shock loads, giving large potholes and expansion joints as examples. Subaru says the resulting condition can produce a growling-type sound while the vehicle is moving.
A severe road impact can therefore warrant looking beyond the obvious tire damage.
Corrosion Around the Hub
For vehicles that spend years on Fargo roads, corrosion can't be ignored.
The hub mounting area should be inspected when the assembly is removed. Rust and debris around mating surfaces need to be handled correctly so the replacement component seats as intended.
Tires, Wheels, and Suspension
A repeat bearing failure may also justify looking at:
Wheel damage
Abnormal tire wear
Previous curb impacts
Suspension damage
Previous collision damage
Alignment-related concerns
Other conditions creating abnormal loads
Mechanic's Rule of Thumb: If a component repeatedly fails, stop replacing the symptom until you've investigated what could be causing the failure.
Mini FAQ: Why Do Subaru Rear Wheel Bearings Fail?
There isn't one cause that applies to every Subaru. Age, mileage, corrosion, road impacts, component quality, installation, and surrounding vehicle conditions can all contribute. A repeat rear-wheel-bearing failure deserves a broader inspection rather than the assumption that the vehicle simply “eats bearings.”
Mini FAQ: Should Both Rear Wheel Bearings Be Replaced Together?
Not automatically.
Wheel bearings generally aren't paired maintenance items like some brake or suspension components. If one bearing has failed and the opposite bearing tests good, replacing both may not be necessary.
The other side should still be inspected, particularly on a higher-mileage vehicle or one with a history of hub problems.
4. Subaru Wheel Bearing Replacement in Fargo, ND: Diagnosis Comes First
If you've already paid to replace the same Subaru wheel bearing two or three times, another guess isn't good enough.
Repair history becomes particularly valuable with repeat failures.
A technician will benefit from knowing:
Which wheel bearing was replaced
How many times it has failed
Mileage at each replacement
Which brand of hub was used
Whether OEM or aftermarket components were installed
Whether the vehicle has hit a major pothole or curb
Whether suspension or collision repairs were previously performed
Whether tires have unusual wear
If you have previous repair invoices, bring them.
Why Current Subaru Parts Information Matters
Subaru's service bulletin for the newer front wheel hubs specifically reminds technicians to order the most up-to-date replacement part for the VIN being repaired.
That's good practice for any repeat bearing concern.
For Subaru owners looking forauto repair in Fargo, ND, Elite Automotive Center services Asian and American vehicles and uses modern diagnostic and repair equipment. Elite Automotive Center is ASE Certified, a NAPA AutoCare Center, and an O'Reilly's Certified Auto Repair Center.
The shop also lists a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty for qualifying repairs.
Making Subaru Repair More Convenient
Having your vehicle inspected shouldn't require turning your entire day upside down.
Elite Automotive Center's offers:
Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary drinks and snacks
Clean, spacious waiting facilities
Text-to-pay
Financing options
Wheelchair accessibility
After-hours pickup and drop-off
Available shuttle service
The shop serves Fargo drivers from neighborhoods including Anderson Park, Bluemont Lakes, Stonebridge, Prairie Rose, Points West, Urban Plains, Rose Creek, Woodhaven, Amber Valley, West Acres, and surrounding areas.
Expert Tip: If the same hub has failed repeatedly, don't throw away your previous repair paperwork. Part manufacturer, repair mileage, warranty information, and which corner was repaired can all provide clues.
Mini FAQ: Does a Subaru Wheel Bearing Require a Complete Hub Assembly?
It depends on the specific model and application. On many modern Subaru applications, the bearing is serviced as part of a hub assembly. Subaru's OEM catalog, for example, lists wheel-bearing/hub assemblies for various Legacy, Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and Impreza applications. The correct service procedure and component should always be verified for the VIN.
Mini FAQ: Is Wheel Bearing Noise Always an Expensive Repair?
No, and it may not be a wheel bearing at all.
That's why diagnosis comes before replacement. If the noise is actually coming from a tire, brake, or another drivetrain component, installing a new wheel hub won't fix it.
5. Need a Subaru Mechanic in Fargo? Get the Noise Diagnosed
So, are some Subarus known for wheel bearing problems?
There is enough Subaru-specific service information to say wheel hubs and bearings deserve attention on certain models and model years. Subaru has documented hub design changes affecting 2015–2018 Legacy and Outback models, and a separate front-hub improvement applies to 2015–2021 Legacy and Outback, 2019–2021 Forester, and 2015–2020 WRX/WRX STI.
But the details matter.
The 2019 Legacy/Outback bulletin specifically says its sealing-area change did not create a performance difference between the old and new hub assemblies. So a superseded part number should not automatically be treated as evidence that Subaru admitted to a defective bearing.
At the same time, Subaru later introduced front wheel hubs with bearing surfaces designed to better resist imperfections from severe road shock on several model lines.
For an individual vehicle, the best answer still comes from inspecting that vehicle.
If your Subaru has a humming, growling, roaring, or rumbling sound that increases with speed or the same wheel bearing has already been replaced multiple times have the cause diagnosed before installing another hub.
Elite Automotive Center is located at 3201 39th St S, Fargo, ND 58104 and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Call 701-277-3255 to schedule an inspection.
If your Subaru seems to be going through wheel bearings unusually quickly, let the team at Elite Automotive Center determine what's actually causing the problem, not just which part is making the noise.