Engine Head Gasket Failure problems of the 1996 Subaru Outback

While driving very busy highway, the temperature gauge went all the way to "h". I pulled over and noticed some steam under hood. Added some water. A little later, still on "h". Mechanic who has serviced my 1996 Subaru Outback since I got it in 1998 said it had a blown head gasket, common with Subarus. In 2009 I had the 90k mile maintenance done, very expensive. Also had all new brakes, very expensive. Also four new tires and last month, a new battery. Also, last month, had oil change. I have never received even one recall notice from Subaru, even though they knew all along that their head gaskets are failing in their cars. I wanted my Outback to last many more years but now must junk it because of a faulty head gasket. Mechanic said it's useless to fix head gasket or replace it, and told me to get a new car, which I cannot afford. Mechanic put chemical in line which is supposed to seal any leaks (no guarantees). I often visit my daughter, who is recuperating from breast cancer, in the northeast part of CT, in a very secluded area of few homes, no businesses. To have car failure in the woods would probably give this 70 year old a heart attack.

Car overheated without warning. Suspect headgasket failure allowing coolant to escape and engine to overheat . (potential for car to unexpectedly stall on interstate) upon internet search found that hundreds of the Subaru 2. 5l engines suffer from same condition (1995-1999). . Read more...

The rear oil pan gasket was replaced due to leak.