I've had my 2005 WRX wagon for 3 months and put 3000 miles on it. About 3 weeks ago I noticed a slight alignment problem, but fortunately it hasn't gotten worse. I pulls a little bit to the right, depending on the road surface. It's at its worst on a smooth surface. Even then it's only slightly noticeable, but it wasn't there when the car was brand new, and I would prefer it to be reasonably close to perfect at all times, as I have become more or less obsessed with the car.

Has anyone else experienced this? I've done 95% city driving with quick starts (but no clutch popping), moderately aggressive but mostly legal and not really dangerous driving. I get 19-21 mpg on 93 octane, if that's any indication. Could my driving habits induce an alignment problem?

I haven't run into any curbs or anything like that, and the stock tires are inflated according to the manual.

I'm getting ready to have the oil changed at the dealer (3 months/3750 mi). They said I would have to pay $65.00 for an alignment and why just put up with it until Subaru covers it...at about 6000mi or something, the guy couldn't recall the mileage . I'd rather spend the money than wait. But mostly I just hope it's not a chronic problem. Has anyone heard of this as a chronic problem?

Thanks

 

Naw, it sounds like you have a unique problem. If you can live with it, might as well wait for the Subaru coverage. If it is extremelly unbearable, get it fixed.

 

So it's probably not a chronic problem. I guess I worry too much. Anyway, I think I'll just get it fixed. Thanks.

 

AJ here,

Iv'e recently noticed a the same issue with my 05 Wagon. The car has around 4,000 miles on it. One day it just started pulling ever so slightly to the right. Hope it isn't an 05 issue.

 

The two Subaru's I've owned the alignment was off on both but it was to the left. On my STI I replaced the steering rack bushings and it helped a little. I had the alignment fixed under warrenty. If you do a search there are numerous people with new cars having alignment problems.

 

My 2004 was/is pulling to the right sometimes. Nothing I can't live with.

Oleg

 

If the car has an occasional slight pull to the right, you probably don't actually have an issue. Most roads slope slightly to the right for drainage, and some surfaces cause more downhill tracking than others. however, Subarus are notorious for having poor factory alignments that are within "specs." I would get an independent tire place with a hunter rack to do a custom, accurate alignment anyway.