One problem related to engine rattling and whining sounds has been reported for the 2007 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2007 Subaru Outback based on all problems reported for the 2007 Outback.
Engine made a sudden rattling sound that got progressively louder, then had a loud banging sound. After a few days of investigation, it was found that the torque converter bolt came loose,bounced around in my engine, damaging a plate and "taking a few 'chunks' out of the engine block,according to the mechanic. The mechanic said in his professional opinion,the only way the bolt could have been loose,is that is was not tightened properly on the assembly line. This was the first time this has ever happened to a Subaru that they are aware of. The car is 6years old and only had been driven for 5years(bought it in 2009 with 33 miles on it,as it hadn't sold in 2008), and it has only 23,000 miles on it. There is no recall,and my warrenty expired 7months ago. Subaru said they would cover half the cost of repairs,but we are still persuing options.