Three problems related to engine head gasket failure have been reported for the 1999 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving the vehicle's engine stalled. The engine stalled due to head gasket failure. In reviewing the manufacturer's website the consumer saw a recall related to head gasket failure. The consumer request reimbursement for the cost of the repairs.
Random overheating in my 1999 Subaru legacy Outback wagon, 85000 , lead to being stranded on a rural road. After replacing thermostat, problem was not fixed. Eventually, my mechanic said it was due to a failed head gasket. At 85000, this problem should not occur. Subaru has issued a recall on phase ii, 2. 5l engine head gaskets because of failure, however have chosen to ignore the owners of the phase I engines. I found a web-site forum with many other victums of Subarus neglect, many of whom were also stranded on the roadside because of this defect in cars with 50-100k mileage. Clearly the head-gaskets on these engines are defective and this is serious defect that Subaru should acknowlege and fix.
Head gasket failed on my 1999 Subaru legacy Outback. The material on the gasket is completely gone in a few areas, causing leakage into the engine and subsequent engine failure. Subaru specialist that fixed it said he had repaired 10 Subaru head gaskets in just the past 2 weeks alone. Another friend has a 1999 Subaru forester that had its head gasket fail within 3 weeks of mine. According to the Subaru repair specialist, Subaru does not admit the head gasket is defective. 2 days after getting the head gasket fixed, the alternator failed and the car shut down while driving 65 mph on a highway. Barely had enough momentum to ease the car off the road out of traffic. Oh, one more thing. The check engine light comes on and the repair facilities can't seem to find anything wrong but the emissions inspection repeatedly fails due to the light being on.