Two problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 2000 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Smelled coolant and burnt oil upon returning to garage after normal operation. Diagnosis: failed head gasket & leaking rear oil seal. Repair included both head gaskets, complete valve job, and new seal. Also replaced timing belt after only 11,000 miles of service, and clutch as preventative maintenance items. Cost, $2,954. 50. This vehicle has been carefully maintained, including using Subaru's "cooling system treatment" additive to protect the head gaskets. Obviously it doesn't do the job of overcoming a rotten design. Clearly the history of complaints from others confirm a design defect in this 2. 5l engine. This 4-wheel drive vehicle with extra ground-clearance, is advertised--and mine is used--for travel in desert sand and high mountain snow. A head gasket failure in such conditions can lead to death.
I had recurrent leaks in my 2000 Subaru Outback and took it in to dealership starting in 2007. 4/01/08 had all antifreeze came out of car dealership could not find problem. Had to have transmission replaced in 2007. Had to replace water pump,oil pump and head gasket in 2008. Then because of coolant leak had to replace timing belt. Now they are saying I need new head gaskets, water pump and time belt again and it has been only 2 years since this was done.