Three problems related to coolant leaking have been reported for the 2003 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Subaru has been selling cars knowing of premature head gasket failures. 1998 to 2002 head gaskets failed with internal and external coolant leaks. Subaru has issued the wwp99 campaign (upto 8 yr 100,000 mile). This campaign introduces an additive into the coolant to "plug" the leak. They also will repair the gaskets in rare cases. The 2003 head gaskets are also failing prematurely even with proper maintenance. These fail with an external oil leak that directly hits the exhaust causing fire hazard and noxious fumes in and around the car. The repair is $2000 at dealer. Subaru is not addressing this.
Head gasket failure***** 2003 Outback **** this is not a new problem as four of the Subaru's we've owned had hg issues. Although in the past Subaru acknowledged the failures and repaired them under the wwp99 campaign (1998-2002 model years). While this failure continues to be widespread (just google Subaru head gasket problems and you'll get pages of complaints of hg failures) Subaru has stopped repairing them or even acknowledging there is a problem. This appears to be solely a cost saving strategy. When the gaskets fail, oil leaks outside the engine which contacts the exhaust system. The burning oil puts smoke and fumes inside the car. I would think this is also a fire concern. Inside the engine, oil and coolant mix and can cause catastrophic damage/failure. Is there anything I can do to get this repaired by Subaru? they seem to be getting away with a huge consumer injustice just by acting like it doesn't exist. Can they be required extent the champagne (wwp99) with the 03 and later models? Subaru clearly acknowledges a head gasket problem in previous years and later model years have the same failure.
Head gasket developed a coolant leak. It was less than 30 days from the warranty running out. The dealership did the warranty work but said they could not do the other head gasket because it had not failed and the warranty would not allow them to replace it. It only makes sense if the one side failed that the other side was right behind it.