Four problems related to engine have been reported for the 1996 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1. Just bought from dealer. Going to get gas. 2. Overheating. Auto mechanic said oil in the antifreeze. Head gasket. 3. Repaired head gasket etc.
Car started and ran normally for 5 to 10 minutes along a country road at about 45 mph, vehicle suddenly accelerated to full throttle. Poked accelerator pedal a few times with no result, and pedal did not appear to be stuck down. Held speed of vehicle down with both feet hard on brake pedal. Vehicle returned to near normal operating condition on its own after about 30 sec to 1 min, although vehicle could maintain 30-40 mph when not touching either accelerator or brake. Returned to fully normal operating condition after a few minutes. This was the second occurrence in less than two weeks. In the first occurrence, vehicle was hard to start for several seconds, then when did start raced to extremely high idle for several minutes. Poking accelerator pedal had no effect. Vehicle returned to normal operating condition after being turned off and re-started. Vehicle was brought to dealer, but technicians could not duplicate problem, and all diagnostic checks were negative. Problem is still unresolved.
Blew a head gasket while traveling with two children. Broke down and had to wait on side of busy road with one year old and two year old. The car,a 1996 Outback only had 115,000 miles on it. Real low for this type of incident.
Oil plug broke resulting in failure.