I had a really disappointing experience at Glanzmann
Subaru and would strongly caution others before going there for inspection or service.
They failed my PA inspection on a 2023 Subaru Forester with
Subaru and would strongly caution others before going there for inspection or service.
They failed my PA inspection on a 2023 Subaru Forester with only 27,000 miles — not for anything remotely serious, but for extremely minor issues that felt more like an excuse to upsell than legitimate safety concerns.
First, they failed the car over a tiny nick on a windshield wiper blade that was still fully functional, and then quoted $55 to replace it. That alone felt excessive, but it got worse.
They also claimed my tires needed to be replaced immediately and quoted $445 for mounting and balancing two tires — all based on a very small cosmetic mark on the tread. The tires still have measurable tread (around 4/32”) and no structural damage or exposed cords. When I questioned it, they pointed to “state requirements,” which is misleading at best. PA inspection rules are clear about what actually constitutes a failure, and this didn’t meet that threshold. I wish I could upload a picture to show how miniscule the mark was, but it's in my google review.
The overall impression I got was that they are actively looking for the smallest possible issue to fail your inspection so they can sell you overpriced repairs on the spot.
I understand safety matters — but this felt like a business model, not a safety standard.
I will not be returning, and I’d recommend others consider a more honest, independent shop for inspections.
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by jcdare3
Service Price Transparency
Mar 26, 2026 -
Glanzmann Subaru responded
jcdare3, we understand your frustration with the items on your vehicle that failed PA state inspection. To clarify, technicians who are authorized to perform vehicle inspections in the state of PA are bound by the state's guidelines for what may pass and fail. Those guidelines are not established by our company. We feel the threats you made to our team, of posting negatively online about them and our company if we would not pass your vehicle were unfair, as this would place our and their PA licenses at risk. After review of the pictures that our technician took of your tires and wiper blades, I can confirm that these items were clear failures under the PA inspection guidelines. We are sorry your vehicle failed its inspection, but our team looked for every possible solution on your behalf, and are sorry that we were unable to meet your request. Jeff Glanzmann
Mar 27, 2026 -
Glanzmann Subaru responded
jcdare3,
Thank you again and I understand your concerns and why you feel your tire should have passed. We certainly do not engage in the practices you reference. To hopefully bring some clarity as to the guidelines our technicians follow, below is an excerpt from the PennDot training for PA state technicians.
Key Pennsylvania Tire Inspection Rules:
* Failed Condition: A tire fails if any ply or cord is exposed, or if wear is down to the wear bars in any two adjacent grooves.
* Secondary Rubber: This is the layer beneath the top tread; showing this mean the tire is worn past the usable tread cap,
which fails inspection.
* Minimum Tread: Tires must have at least 2/32-inch tread remaining at any point.
PennDot considers the secondary rubber exposure to fall under: "a condition that renders the tire unsafe" which is part of the code you reference (67 Pa. Code §175).
My intent with this response is not to prove right/wrong or engage in a back & forth, but rather demonstrate that our team was not trying to take advantage of you. We take our reputation and customer care seriously, which is why I wanted to provide further explanation on our technician's findings.
Mar 26, 2026 -
jcdare3 responded
Jeff,
I’m going to respond directly because your reply misrepresents both the situation and Pennsylvania inspection standards.
At no point did I make “threats.” I stated that I would share my experience publicly — which is exactly what I am doing now. That’s not a threat, that’s transparency.
More importantly, your claim that these were “clear failures under PA inspection guidelines” is simply not accurate.
Under PA inspection regulations (67 Pa. Code §175), a tire fails if:
• Tread depth is below 2/32”,
• Tread wear indicators are flush with the tread in two adjacent grooves, or
• Ply/cord is exposed or there is structural damage.
None of those conditions were present.
The tire in question has approximately 4/32” of tread remaining, with no exposed cords or structural damage. The small cosmetic mark your team identified as “secondary rubber” is not listed anywhere in PA inspection code as a failure condition.
Similarly, a fully functional wiper blade with a minor nick does not constitute a clear failure unless it cannot properly clear the windshield. Mine was operational.
Saying these were “clear failures” under state law is misleading. At best, your team applied an overly conservative internal standard — which is your choice — but that is very different from a legal requirement.
What is more concerning is that you, as the owner, are publicly standing by these decisions. That suggests this is not an isolated judgment call by a technician, but a broader, systemic approach at Glanzmann Subaru to interpret inspection standards in a way that benefits the service department.
When minor or borderline items are failed and immediately paired with high-cost replacements ($55 for wipers, $445 for two tires), it creates the appearance of an upsell-driven inspection process rather than an objective one.
I fully understand that licensed inspectors must follow the law. My issue is that the law is being incorrectly cited to justify decisions that go beyond what is actually required.
I stand by my original review, and I’ve provided photos (on other websites that allow this) so others can judge for themselves.
Mar 27, 2026 -
jcdare3 responded
I appreciate the follow-up, but this response highlights the exact issue.
What you’ve quoted is not actual language from the PA code — it’s an interpretation. The term “secondary rubber” does not appear in the regulation, and presenting it as a defined failure condition is misleading.
In my case, the tire still has measurable tread, no exposed cords, and no structural damage. The condition you’re describing is being elevated to a failure by interpretation, not by a clearly defined requirement.
I understand a dealership may choose to apply more conservative standards, but that’s very different from stating that PennDOT requires a failure under these circumstances.
At the end of the day, this comes down to judgment — and in my opinion, that judgment was overly aggressive, especially when combined with the other items flagged during the inspection.
I’ve provided photos so others can see exactly what was referenced and draw their own conclusions.
I stand by my original review.
I have to eat crow and apologize to Stephanie Morales and
the Glanzman team. I accused someone in the service of stealing gift cards I left in my car. I was wrong. The cards were in a jacket I put away from
the Glanzman team. I accused someone in the service of stealing gift cards I left in my car. I was wrong. The cards were in a jacket I put away from last winter. When I pulled the coat out because of the change in weather, I found it. I am deeply remorseful for blaming Glanzman and Stephanie's team for an error on my part. My apologies, and I will send a fruit basket as a small recompense for my mistake.
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by Hue
Nov 03, 2025 -
Glanzmann Subaru responded
Thank you for your thoughtful note, Hue. Mistakes happen, and we sincerely appreciate your honesty and taking responsibility—it speaks volumes about your character. Stephanie and the Glanzmann team value your gesture and your apology, but please know that your kind words alone are already more than enough.
Thank you,
Jeff Glanzmann
Stephanie Morales and Eric Wilson went above and beyond
in addressing my concerns. Not only did they take the time to return my phone call promptly, but they also listened attentively and responded with ge
in addressing my concerns. Not only did they take the time to return my phone call promptly, but they also listened attentively and responded with genuine understanding and care. Their open and honest communication, paired with their professionalism, made a stressful situation far more manageable. Their attitude toward customer service consistently exceeds my expectations every single visit, and this experience was no exception.
I also want to recognize Amy for her outstanding support during check-in. She treated me as an individual, not just another appointment, and handled my concerns with both expediency and accuracy. Her attention to detail and welcoming demeanor set the tone for a positive experience from the moment I arrived.
It’s moments like these that remind me why I’m truly happy to have purchased a Subaru. At Glanzmann Subaru, I feel treated fairly, valued, and respected as a customer. Your team’s dedication to service and integrity reinforces my confidence in both the brand and the people behind it.
Thank you again for your continued excellence.
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by D.Bell
Service Price Transparency
Nov 03, 2025 -
Glanzmann Subaru responded
Thank you so much, D. Bell! We’re thrilled to hear that Stephanie, Eric, and Amy went above and beyond to make your experience positive and stress-free. Your kind words mean a lot, and we’re so glad you feel valued and supported at Glanzmann Subaru. We truly appreciate your trust and continued loyalty!
Thank you,
Jeff Glanzmann
We have been with Glznzmann Subaru sine the mid 1990s.
Although we now live in the Lehigh Valley with 2 local Subaru dealers- we drive to Glanzmann for service and to purchase new car.
Although we now live in the Lehigh Valley with 2 local Subaru dealers- we drive to Glanzmann for service and to purchase new car.
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by Mindy
Jun 24, 2025 -
Glanzmann Subaru responded
Hi Mindy,
Thank you so much for your incredible loyalty and support over the years! It truly means a lot that even after moving to the Lehigh Valley, you continue to choose Glanzmann Subaru for both service and new vehicle purchases. We’re honored to be your trusted dealership and look forward to serving you for many more years to come!
Thank you,
Jeff Glanzmann
Handled a post-service issue with oil change overfill and
poor car performance promptly and most professionally. Acknowledged the mistake and resolved within four hours.
poor car performance promptly and most professionally. Acknowledged the mistake and resolved within four hours.
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by ridemwally
Service Price Transparency
Aug 05, 2024 -
Glanzmann Subaru responded
Hi ridemwally,
We're glad we could meet your expectations! Come back soon for more great experiences.
Sincerely,
Jeff Glanzmann
My Crosstrek has been at your dealership 3 times in the
last 60 days for the same problem. Most recently it was there for 2 weeks and I paid $408. I got it back yesterday morning and didn’t drive it until
last 60 days for the same problem. Most recently it was there for 2 weeks and I paid $408. I got it back yesterday morning and didn’t drive it until this evening. I drove it for 27 minutes and parked my car and the same problem happened - the fuse blew. I called and you set me up with another appointment for May 1. I will not be spending any time for any diagnostic work since the $408 I just paid yesterday didn’t fix the issue. I’ve never had an issue with my Crosstrek and I feel like I am getting the run around on what they think the issue is. I am super frustrated!
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by vakinney
Service Price Transparency
Apr 27, 2023 -
Glanzmann Subaru responded
Vakinney, we apologize for leaving you feeling this way. Our service manager, Stephanie, will be reaching out to you today to address any outstanding issues.
Sincerely,
Jeff Glanzmann
Service is hit and miss with the excuse we are short
staffed heard too often. Car is never ready when promised and received no communication from service advisor that my car wasn't going to be ready on
staffed heard too often. Car is never ready when promised and received no communication from service advisor that my car wasn't going to be ready on time. Maybe Ysaac is new but he needs some training. Service manager could also try and be more pleasant.
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by fsacks
Service Price Transparency
Nov 15, 2022 -
Glanzmann Subaru responded
Faith, we apologize for leaving you feeling this way. We will continue to provide training to our team, and we hope to provide you a better experience in the future. Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback.
Sincerely,
Jeff Glanzmann
The service is always totally professional and efficient.
They have always done right by me as a customer and have rewarded my loyalty on several occasions. I will never take my car anywhere else for service
They have always done right by me as a customer and have rewarded my loyalty on several occasions. I will never take my car anywhere else for service. My only regret is that I didn’t purchase my Subaru from them in the first place. Karen and Brian have both been great reps. Can’t recommend them highly enough and the new facility is absolutely beautiful.
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by Sben19002
Other Employees Tagged:
Bryan Okubo, Karen Sipps
May 25, 2022 -
Glanzmann Subaru responded
Hi, Sben19002! Thank you for the stellar rating. We're happy to hear that working with Karen and Brian earned us your recommendation. We look forward to your next visit. Safe travels!
Sincerely,
Jeff Glanzmann
I was leaving from work on Good Friday and noticed that
my tire air pressure
gauge was lit up on my dashboard.
I drove directly to Glanzmann's and arrived at 2:45 pm .
The service was phenomenal and I
my tire air pressure
gauge was lit up on my dashboard.
I drove directly to Glanzmann's and arrived at 2:45 pm .
The service was phenomenal and I was on my way home at 4:30 pm with a new tire.
Where can anyone get such excellent care on a Friday afternoon preceding a holiday weekend ?
Thank you everyone for being so kind and efficient .
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by Joan
Other Employees Tagged:
Alexis Cedrone, Sam Simkins
Apr 21, 2022 -
Glanzmann Subaru responded
Hi, Joan! Thank you for the stellar review. We're happy to hear that working with the team led to such a positive experience. We look forward to your next visit. Have a wonderful day!
Sincerely,
Jeff Glanzmann
I arrived for an oil change at 7:30 am.
The service was wonderful and quick.
The service was wonderful and quick.
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by Joan
Other Employees Tagged:
Sam Simkins
Mar 24, 2022 -
Glanzmann Subaru responded
Hi, Joan! Thank you for the 5-star rating. We're happy to hear that working with the team led to a positive experience. We hope to work with you again soon. Take care!
Sincerely,
Jeff Glanzmann