Three problems related to radiator have been reported for the 2011 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2011 Subaru Outback based on all problems reported for the 2011 Outback.
Our 2011 Subaru Outback had a radiator leak with no warning signal. The car overheated, the radiator cracked, and we blew the headgasket. Only after the damage was done did a warning light come on. The car only has 100k miles and has been carefully maintained.
We've attempted to resolve the issue with Subaru America, but they don't respond. 2011 purchased new Subaru Outback. All required scheduled maintenance & services performed on time at authorized provider. 2019 the timing belt, water pump and thermostat replaced per mfg stds. Dealer added coolant & bled the system. 3 months later the radiator blew. A chemical block was done & all was fine per dealer. 3 months later engine overheated. Another dealership discovered the head gasket & cat were cracked which should have been discovered by the previous dealer. Subarus are notorious for head gasket & coolant system issues from 100,000 � 120,000 miles. Subaru slightly redesigned the head gaskets, but the industry as a whole is aware the problem still exists. The problems with the head gasket, cat and radiator are well documented on the internet for 1990 to 2011 models. Issue stems from management decision to utilize a composite for the construction of the head gasket to save money; however, the long term effects of heat on composite metal products would surmise this would lead to warping, cracking or other related product failures. The design & construction of the Subaru head gasket was inept at best. The device features a multi-layer steel shim coated with a graphite layer. It was not up-to-the-mark & allowed coolant to leak into the exhaust pressure &/or combustion chamber. There was no Subaru head gasket recall but the company redesigned the cylinder heads & configurations of the camshaft. However, it only led to the coolant a&nd oil leak at the external head gasket. This system defect adds to the coolant system failure noted. We request Subaru America reimburse us for the total cost of the radiator, thermostat & head gasket replacement at $4,013. 80. Plus other cost associated with the breakdowns at $1,236. 20 for a total of $5,250. 00.
Engine overheating/low coolant light began on highway at 86,000 miles. Repairs needed stated it was a cracked radiator. After repair of radiator at 800 miles later, same low coolant light appeared while driving in city on sidestreets and engine began making 'sloshing' sound. Repairs needed stated it was a damaged water pump. After repair of damaged water pump, engine still made 'sloshing' sound. Final repair recommendation was a blown head gasket with possible engine re-work required as engine had probably overheated.