Three problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2000 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
In cold weather (usually 25 f and below) there is a strong fuel smell. Worse the colder it gets. I am worried for my baby's health and also worried I was inhaling this leaking fuel throughout my pregnancy. It is obviously not something that should be happening and is unhealthy. I reported this to a mechanic shop and they rebuilt the engine because of other issues. They said this rebuilding would fix the fuel leak/smell also. It lessened it, but it is still there every time it is cold out. It dissipates after driving it for a while. I have come to understand this is a widespread issue and there really should be a recall.
Coolant loss, over heating, coolant odor, head gasket.
Failure of headgasket on 2000 Subaru Outback wagon with 64,000 miles.