Three problems related to engine head gasket failure have been reported for the 2002 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I replaced the left head gasket (at a local service center) at 122,000 miles due to oil leakage. At 123,000 miles the right head gasket failed. I contacted Subaru because I don't think it's coincidental for both head gaskets to fail that close together. They will not help me because of the miles and because I didn't have the first work done at a dealer.
Our mechanic found our problem is a cracked head gasket. Model-2002 Outback Subaru wagon. Was told these models were made with a thin head gasket that cracks. Told to contact our Subaru dealership to see about a recall. The dealership said, yes a recall on head gaskets but VIN # has to end with proper 7 last digits. Ours, of course, did not have the number they would cover. Was told the service dept. Has been replacing the head gaskets in these models-and Subaru has been paying 1/2. This is acknowledging there is a problem with the head gaskets with that statement. Quoted cost of $1350. 00 and subtract half. Bring car in and Subaru would be called but none has been refused for 1/2 the cost covered. Called our mechanic. He laughed and said- taking us for a ride as the price is jacked up so it appears Subaru is paying 1/2 but the consumer is really paying the full cost. Our two year old son, with medical problems, has been sick in the car from the fumes. As antifreeze is leaking from the head gasket and seeping into the car thru the heating vents. It is not fair that we have a 2002 Subaru Outback with a cracked head gasket and other cars of this same year/make/model are having the head gasket replaced as their VIN # meets the last 7 digits. We have the same engine/make/model and problem as these other consumers but we are having to absorb the cost. We have to get the car fixed as our young son does not need to inhale this strong odor with his present health. Our mechanic said the head gaskets in these Subaru Outbacks are too thin and crack. This is a defective part and is not our fault. It is not fair that other owners of the Outback have a certain VIN # are having theirs replaced when they have the same engine and problem as we do. This is an addition to confirmation # 10170783-my husband sent.
The head gasket, too thin, on our 2002 Outback Subaru and cracked. Full recalls have been given to owners of Outback models from 2000-2002 for cracked head gaskets. Very strong anti-freeze fumes are seeping into the interior of the car. We have 2 toddlers breathing in these fumes-1 having health problems! called dealership. Yes, is a recall but our VIN numbers not on the list. Was informed many of these models are coming in for head gaskets to be replaced. Service dept. Said Subaru is paying 1/2 the cost for the VIN numbers not on the list. Subaru, therefore, is acknowledging there is a problem or they would not be paying 1/2 the cost of repair. It is not fair that certain VIN numbers to the Subaru Outbacks are having a total recall for a defective head gasket and the rest are receiving 1/2 of the cost to have it repaired. Our head gasket should be recalled and corrected the same as other owners of the 2000-2002 Subaru Outbacks. Told it will cost $1350. 00 to fix the car and 1/2 from Subaru will make the cost $675. 00. Clearly there is a problem with the head gaskets on these models. This car is affecting our one child's health worse so we have to get it fixed. This should be replaced totally by Subaru as they recalled Outback wagons no matter what the VIN numbers. This is a hazard to our son's health and we are not being treated equally with other owners of Outbacks that have had theirs replaced at no cost to them. We should not have to absorb the cost of a part that is recalled on some when clearly many others are having the same problem.