One problem related to engine belts and pulleys has been reported for the 2008 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Subaru Outback based on all problems reported for the 2008 Outback.
The timing belt failed prematurely. It had been replaced at 70k miles and failed at 140k miles on the second belt which only had 70k miles on it versus the manufacture recommended 100k miles replacement interval. This happened during highway travel and the vehicle immediately lost all power and only had 5 seconds to find a safe place to pull off the highway. Additionally, the vehicle has an airbag recall for the second time, citing death due to metal projectile and I am having a very hard time having that replaced as the car is now being driven in canada and Subaru dealers in canada won't honor the required recall.