Sadly this, but similar reason people can still buy China cars.   

I think mostly people are not aware of the pro of Subaru and prefer outer/interior cosmetic, cost and power
You see most people when go buy China cars, wow the design so futuristic buy! But later brake, axle, spare part problem then blame car manufacturer again.   

Subaru did not got great marketing team to highlight their safety features (Which is their strong category) especially the eyesight system, for a niche brand actually their spare part support is quite sorted out (I been Xv 2015 owner until today never got spare part issue) and also got plenty of Japanese aftermarket support (half-cut) & OEM parts from Thailand & Malaysia. While some "local" brand say volume will help settle the spare part issue, until today still heard some parts need to wait for few weeks or months also. 

Few Reason Why Most Malaysia i heard don't pick Subaru

- Poor RV
- Design not attractive
- Car price not cheap 
- Small boot size
- Miss/incorrect-information about Subaru service/parts must be expensive (Nowadays Subaru also can offer those 3~5 years free maintenance package, similar to BMW/Mazda also)
- CVT gearbox (Subaru CVT is using chain type - Which is more durable, not steel belt like those louzy gearbox from H brand) 
- Miss/incorrect-information that AWD must be bad in fuel consumption. 

1. A lot of owners said it's underpower 154hp NA for 1500kg++
2. CVT, despite different architecture (more durable) there is less promotion emphasize/explained it.
for underpower:

Exora CFE weight 1465kg+-, max torque at 2k rpm compared to Subaru XV 2.0 NA max torque at 4k rpm. So, you feel it less powerful compared to Exora.

That is non-experience mechanic will tell you. Subaru latest FB engine (which is used in Xv/Forester) is one of the most mechanic/owner friendly engine to fix and maintain. Nowadays if engine got serious problem just buy half-cut engine kosong and replace, my mechanic already help owners change engine kosong and can get JPJ approval with proper custom documents. This is one of the benefits of buying Japanese car, as you can get aftermarket parts easily compare to others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRYKu1EExpM

See this Subaru expert explaining why it is the easiest Car Brand To Own, Maintain, & Repair

Arguement on power is inconsistent, because u see the 1.8L from Toyota Cross, although other countries getting DF 2.0 also complain slightly underpowered,
Malaysian will worship the 18 years old 1.8L Dual VVT-i like no tomorrow

Malaysian choice on car is largely based on brand rather than features, the people are more comfortable with staying with old and reliable tech than to try out new tech that may not be unreliable.