Five problems related to engine have been reported for the 1999 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I had just paid approx. $450 for the major 90,000 mile dealer service and they told me my vehicle is in great shape. I've maintained it religiously. I had an extended warranty of 6 years/100,000 miles that just ended Sep. '04. I just drove it up to the mountains and 90 miles from my destination, with the car driving perfectly, I noticed the temp. Gauge was spiked. Ultimately it turned out that the head gasket went. I have 91,000 miles on my Subaru. I spoke to numerous garages in mammoth lakes and they see this problem on a daily basis. Doing research on the internet, you will find thousands and thousands of people with the same issue. I was told by one of the mechanics that all of the double overhead cam 4 cylinder Subaru engines blow head gaskets at some point after approx. 80,000 miles and that this engine has since been discontinued. I also have come to find out that the "phase 2" version was recalled and they will fix that one, but the "phase 1" engine that I, and thousands of others, have they won't do a damn thing about. What kind of company is this? it ain't rocket science. . . They put out a defective product and all they will do is stick it to the consumer. This company needs to be held accountable for their glaring and obvious screw up. How can they get away with this?.
I own a 1999 Subaru Outback. Car light came on at about 85000. Dealer unable to determine problem & light turned off. Light back on shortly after - had 90000 mile maintainence completed - dealer still unsure of problem. Shortly after this, when accelarating to highway speed, clear power loss noted - engine running rough. Took vehicle into dealership - reported that valve broken - head required replacing. Dealer/ mechanic stated that they had never seen this problem before. Total cost of dealer bills - over 3500. Subaru refused to reimburse for problem - blamed on mileage. I've had well-maintained vehicles with over 150000 miles and never have encountered this problems before.
Dealer will replace the engine at 115000 miles.
At around 74,000 miles the cam shaft began to fracture, causing the engine to seize. The engine had to be replaced with a remanufactured engine. Subaru refused to provide any compensation because it was outside the warranty period.
Check engine indicator light illuminated. Also, while driving at highway speeds vehicle pulls to the left. The cause of the problems have not been determined.