2013 Crosstrek Crazy Oil Consumption – Cam Carrier or Full Head Job?

Hey everyone,

I’m dealing with some major oil consumption issues on my 2013 Subaru Crosstrek with around 130k miles. A year ago, the dealership diagnosed it as a driver-side cam carrier leak. Wanting a second opinion, I took it to a local shop that suggested it was less serious and recommended replacing the valve cover gasket and PCV valve, which I had done.

Unfortunately, since then, the oil consumption has gotten much worse. The oil light now comes on every 400–700 miles, and I’m constantly topping it off.

I’m considering revisiting the cam carrier issue but am getting conflicting opinions: • One shop quoted $2,400 to reseal the driver-side cam carrier. • Another shop quoted $4,900 (even more than the dealership’s $4,800 estimate), claiming it would require a full head job to resolve.

Neither shop has seen the car yet—these are just quotes based on calls. I’m hesitant to commit without knowing if a full head job is truly necessary or if they’re inflating the costs.

Has anyone dealt with a similar issue? Would a cam carrier reseal likely fix this, or does it sound like something more serious? Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated.