Subaru Outback owners have reported 5 problems related to blown head gasket (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Subaru Outback based on all problems reported for the Outback.
Head gasket blew, out of nowhere, no issues leading up to this. Car was well maintained. It had around 108,000 miles. Cost close to 2,800 to repair, not worth it. Dealer seemed to know about this issue prior to chase in gasket plate starting in 2012, but doesn't help people who have had this happen. No recall or class action suit, which is sad.
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all problems of the 2011 Subaru Outback
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The head gasket blew with only 61,000 miles on the engine while driving on a rural road in oregon at approximately 45 mph.
Driving down the road in 2002 Subaru Outback smelt burning coolant. Then , started seeing a lot of smoke from the driver side engine hood area. Pulled over and found that the coolant was empty in the tank. Refilled with fresh coolant and continued down the road back home. Car was smoking all the way back. Took it to a shop, and found that the engine head gasket had blown. Mechanic replaced the head gaskets and machined heads. Cost $1700.
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all problems of the 2002 Subaru Outback
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In 2003 at 74,000 miles the left gasket was replaced on 2001, Subaru Outback ltd. Wagon. In 2003 at 94,000 miles right gasket was replaced. 20 months later left gasket was blown out again. Two independent mechanics told consumer that right gasket was defective as well although the dealership told consumer no. Subaru of America paid for the repairs of both of the initial gasket replacements, but due to the mileage on the car they refused to cover this defective part. In 2004 car was recalled to receive a sealant additive to address the gasket problem. Clearly it didn't work. Many of consumer friends and neighbors are Subaru Outback owners, and 2 others I have spoken with have had blown gaskets on fairly new vehicles.
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all problems of the 2001 Subaru Outback
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My left head gasket blew in December 2002. It was under warranty at 30,000 and covered. The same head gasket blew again last week at 43,000 miles. It was under warranty and covered. This doesn't seem right to me. Has this been a problem with other Subaru vehicles. My dealer assures me it should be okay now. I am not so sure. . . If it blows again after 60,000 it is not covered. The dealer said with the vehicle's history, they would probably cover it.
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all problems of the 2000 Subaru Outback
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