Carter Subaru of Ballard Service Department

Tanesha Ross

★★★★★

a month ago

Eric and the reat of the team has gone above and beyond to take care of me with my new to me, used 2014 Forester. I highly recommend them for any of your car needs!

Jenny C

★★★☆☆

9 months ago

I was checked in at 917am and 1.5 hours later, no update whatsoever on the oil change. An oil change is considered an "Express Service". There is nothing express about this service. Given the number of bad reviews on here it does not seem management cares to fix it. If you can't handle the volume in a timely manner then schedule less appointments. Last time my oil change was also over 2 hours but that was later in the afternoon so I have them a pass but here we are again. Update: After 1.45 hours, the service rep Sam comes to tell me that the car hasn't even been worked on yet (due to the car being moved to another area) and offers me free car wash coupons. He also offered to reschedule or have me wait another 45 mins to get it ready. I opted to wait some more. I also went and asked for his manager's card to discuss the issue. The car was ready after another 35 minutes and Sam ended up giving me a discount on the service for the mix up so it has been resolved to my satisfaction.

Piroska Piroska

★☆☆☆☆

9 months ago

Extremely Unprofessional Experience at Carter Subaru Ballard I rarely leave reviews, but my recent experience with Carter Subaru Ballard was so frustrating and unprofessional, I feel compelled to warn others. I brought my Subaru in for a transmission diagnostic after warning lights appeared. I was charged $254 for a diagnostic that resulted in a vague one-sentence technician note and a handwritten estimate for $2,451—no clear breakdown, no labor hours, no itemized parts list. I had to fight just to understand what the charges even were. When I asked why there wasn’t a professional estimate (especially important for a Subaru of America Goodwill Assistance case), I was met with dismissiveness and condescending behavior from the service manager. They initially quoted me $1,030 and said they could do the repair same-day, but later scribbled in a $2,451 number with no explanation. After spending nearly 7 hours waiting, I still didn’t have proper documentation to make a decision or move forward with my Subaru case. When I raised concerns about the incomplete technician notes and vague invoice, the manager was rude, argumentative, and accused me of having a “bad history” with their service department (which I don’t). Thankfully, after pushing back, they refunded my diagnostic fee—but only after admitting that the technician didn’t follow proper note-taking procedures. I’ve been to many dealerships in the past, and this was by far the most disorganized, unprofessional experience I’ve had. I strongly urge others to avoid Carter Subaru Ballard for diagnostics or repairs—especially for anything involving warranty or manufacturer assistance. You deserve transparency, respect, and clear information, and I did not receive any of that here.

Connor Mickelson

★☆☆☆☆

3 years ago

We are extremely disappointed with the quality and attention to detail with Carter’s oil change and service appointments. We had our 2021 Forester serviced one month ago and when driving over to Leavenworth to visit family for the holidays the wiper fluid began freezing and blocked the nozzle, very odd considering the temperature was only 27 degrees. This made the drive very dangerous and stressful as we were no longer able to clean the windshield while driving up Steven’s pass. After stopping at a service station and chipping away frozen fluid and replacing with -20 rated fluid everything worked just fine, even as temperatures dropped into the single digits. So, whether the fluid was cut with water or low quality fluid was used, this is completely unacceptable considering the cost.

Mark Karras

★☆☆☆☆

7 months ago

I’ve been a loyal customer with Carter Subaru, Ballard, for nearly 10 years. We’ve purchased two Subarus and had innumerable service appointments. Sadly, I don’t know if they’re looking for ways to pay for their new Service Center, but this past week has been one for the records. I took my Outback into Carter on Friday for a 6000-mile service. I told the “greeter” that I didn’t need a new cabin or engine filter. I replaced them myself a couple of months ago. When I went to pick up my car, they said everything was fine except for a tire puncture and…I need new filters. Said they inspected them. It’s hard to believe that statement since we have driven our car less than 500 miles the last few months. I did, however, decide to get new tires. So, I went back to Carter again three days later to have new tires installed. That went well; however, they wanted to let me know that they did a complete inspection of the car (which had already done three days earlier), and I needed new cabin and engine filters! They also noticed a drip from my oil tray. They said they could fix that for $900. I checked our garage floor thoroughly, and there were no oil stains anywhere. I told them, no thanks, and asked if they really checked the filters. They said they did. I really doubt it. Later in the day, I walked down to pick up my car. I really like dealing with local businesses, and that’s what I love about Ballard. The final straw was that they couldn’t locate my car, or my keys. Sadly, this is the 3rd time Carter has misplaced my keys in the past 4 years. So, what’s up Carter? Is your success going to your head or are you really trying to look for ways to charge more ridiculous fees. Your simple service fees are already way too high. I won’t be back

fcjbb

★★★☆☆

6 months ago

Saturday September 20th, 2025 Thus far disappointing! 7:45am 1st in line 8:00am Checked in promised 80min turnaround 9:45am Checked on progress 9:55am Informed that the Service hasn’t begun yet 10:05am Drove off in a Loaner Outback 10:15am Arrived home to exchange car 10:32am Received Text siting $1600 of add-ons 10:32am Text asking permission to proceed 10:33am Responded to Subaru Service Text 11:00am Received text the car was ready for pickup 11:05am Tried to pay online via link provided 11:08am Text from Service Dept acknowledging that there may be a glitch in the system preventing me from paying. Will settle the bill at Dealership. If the Service would have been as smooth as it was from 10:05am on at the outset this review could easily have been 4 Stars or 5 Stars with exceptional service. To be fair Joey did his best to make amends at the 9:55am mark. I anticipate picking up my car at 11:45-12noon — fcjbb ***UPDATE*** 11:40am Back at Dealership 11:43am Checking out $143.33 plus change Total 11:49am The Whole Subaru Service Department bent over backwards apologizing and making sure I was happy.

Karan Kohli

★★★★☆

5 months ago

Overall - happy with the customer service of the staff but disappointed with the prices. Darren was great to work with and kept me updated with my service status and any issues the service team saw with my car. Would recommend changing engine air filter and cabin air filter on your own to save $100+

Mert Uzunogullari

★☆☆☆☆

a year ago

During a routine service on 12/20/2024, Carter Subaru Ballard informed me that my rear brake pads were in critical condition, even though my car had been driving fine beforehand. Trusting their expertise, I authorized the rear brake pad replacement and rotor resurfacing, which cost $548.95 (about double of what most other dealerships charge). After picking up my 2022 Subaru Outback, I immediately noticed brake pedal pulsing and vibrations. I returned to the dealership within 15 minutes, but the service advisor said they put the car on a lift and test drove with a foreman and dismissed my concerns, claiming the car was “within limits.” We started our Christmas road trip and had to turn back from Everett because of excessive shaking when brakes are applied at highway speeds. The next morning, I brought the car back to Carter Subaru Ballard, but they told me they didn’t have anyone qualified to work on the issue that day. This was extremely disappointing, especially considering the safety risks involved. I then took the car to Michael's Subaru Bellevue, where they discovered that Carter Subaru had improperly resurfaced the rotors, leaving them uneven. I had to pay another $230.77 for corrections to make my car safe to drive again. This experience has cost me about $2,000, including unnecessary charges, cancelled travel plans, and lost time. More importantly, the poor workmanship and inability to address the issue in a timely manner created a significant safety risk. I cannot recommend Carter Subaru Ballard. Their lack of attention to detail, unprofessionalism, and disregard for customer safety are unacceptable. I hope Subaru takes action to prevent this from happening to other customers. I will be pursuing this issue further and update this review.

Kevin Zhang

★☆☆☆☆

a year ago

The service department tries to charge me $200+ for a non-existent issue. I tried to replace a new battery and after replacement they told me the engine light is on and they want to check my car’s engine for $206. I knew it could possibly be the issue that the electric system needs some reboot and the engine light might be went off. The advisor argued that this cannot be the case. After drive a while, the engine light went off and I am so pissed off that they tried to charge me with a non-existent issue. If I hadn’t known the issue it’s a easy money for them and they don’t have to do anything.

Austin Bragg

★★★★★

5 months ago

I was hesitant about bringing my car into a dealership from what I’ve heard in the past. But man, I was so wrong. Jeff Wilbur was incredible to work with. He spent so much time and care making sure the right work was being done on the car with a tricky engine situation. He did everything he could for me and I really appreciated it. I’ll bring my car back if I ever need anything. Thanks again Jeff!

Meagan Doyon

★☆☆☆☆

2 months ago

Horrible from the start. First my car was crashed into the side wall by a service advisor and they had to replace the bottom part. It was done very crappy and I had to pop the plate back into place. They also chipped my paint right where the work was done. Asked the body work guy to come fix it. Took a paint pen and made a blob. So now it's a bubble. Said "Oh our body guy does a good job." Had to come back again to have it redone. He attempted to buff it out and scratched the top. I was done at that point on them doing anything to my vehicle. For the inconvenience of me having to take off of work several times, they gave me a brown bear car wash coupon...😑 After that the serpentine belt frayed and almost snapped while driving to Oregon. They over tightened it and cracked the seal oil leaked all over my garage. They ended up fixing that. Came back with more scuff marks along side of paint. I requested the pre photos they took and was told "Oh we can't pull them up for some reason." Well I wonder why. I called and left several messages with the service manager. Nothing. I gave up on trying to get y'all to do the right thing. Now this issue. I was given 2 keys when I bought the vehicle, One main one spare. Never needed to use the spare until a couple of days ago while In Oregon during Christmas. I was over 250 miles from home. Trying the spare realized none of tne buttons being pressed was doing anything to the vehicle and the fob didn't work. Thought maybe it was the battery. Nope. Had car towed to Subaru of Portland to get key looked at to see if it was programmed to my vehicle or not. Well turns out it wasn't. It never was and even the key isn't cut like my original key. 😒 Subaru of Portland had to charge me the labor because they didn't sell me the vehicle. They said if they did they would make it right and this issue happens at a lot of dealerships, that keys are just tossed on the desk and are sometimes tagged wrong. I called and spoke with Chris Ganes. He did say y'all would reimburse me but that you can only do 96 or 97 dollars. It's most of it so it's better than nothing I guess. The manager at the subaru of Portland was listening to the conversation because I had it on speaker. I needed her to tell them about why the fob wasn't working and how the key isn't even cut to my vehicle. Yes I got the car beginning of April. I trusted the second key worked. They said they will see what they maybe can do...Both managers at the Subaru of Portland said that that is the worst customer service they have ever heard over the phone and that it shouldn't of been a maybe. That they should fix the issue and make it right. I haven't even had the vehicle For a year. I got it at only seven thousand miles. I shouldn't have had these issues. Chris is trying his best and I hope you guys honor the deal and have a new fob ordered and programmed to my vehicle. I didn't spend 39k for nothing. I will redo my review once this is delt with.

Vesper M

★★★★★

3 months ago

Everyone was very nice and helpful. There was a hot drink station with snacks that made waiting manageable. Even got a free Subaru key chain. They were very busy so getting a loaner Crosstek to get to an apartment and back was a breeze. Special thanks to Eric F. and Jimmy P. with a wonderful experience.

James Barnes

★★★★★

a month ago

I have always had a great experience here. The last time I was in , Matt Larsen really went above and beyond for me. I will definitely keep going back. The prices seems to be less than non dealership prices around the area as well.

Joseph Claypoole

★★★★★

a month ago

Holy! It's insane how often a negative experience comes up with car service and repair that it's easier on everyone to just forget and move on with my day. So the pleasant surprise I felt with the incredible check-in service on Jan. 29 from Audrey and Dylan, paired with the summary and check-out with Sam the following day, was an incredible turn of pace. Rather than just shove this under the rug, I thought I'd finally make a note of it and give out the respect that's deserved - especially for the above mentioned three over at Carter Subaru in Ballard. If you have to get a service, look for one of them!

caija barich

★★★★★

3 weeks ago

I LOVE carter suburu service center. Their lobby is so calm, comfortable and well thought out. I wouldn’t mind spending hours here even if I didnt need my car fixed! The team members are great too, super helpful and even pronounced my name correctly first try.

Callie Baker

★★★★★

a month ago

When my check engine light came on I was hesitant to bring to dealership but had to leave in 48 hours for a roadtrip - had a surprisingly great experience. Brought my car in shortly after calling and they gave me a loaner. Repair ended up being under warranty so was free of charge (I would have had sticker shock at the overall prices if not) and everything was seamless and smooth. Impressed with staff - thanks to Max and others! Also bought my car 6 months ago from Carter Ballard and had a great experience.

Aditya Shrivastava

★★★★★

3 weeks ago

The service department at Carter Subaru of Ballard provided quick, efficient service during my recent visit. I was helped by Hunter, who addressed an issue I had with my key being stuck. I honestly didn't think it would come apart, but he managed to take it apart and fix it using spare parts at no charge. I appreciate the straightforward and helpful assistance.