Engine Cooling System Problems of Subaru Outback

The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would overheat and stall. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic on three different occasions. The technician replaced the thermostat, water pump and coolant however, the failure persisted. The certified mechanic diagnosed that the head gaskets had blown. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was unavailable.

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The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Outback. The head gasket failed. He noticed that the air conditioner wasn't cooling and the reservoir was empty, but it didn't have a leak. He took the vehicle to a mechanic and the diagnostic test located the failure as the head gasket. The vehicle will be repaired. The VIN information wasn't available. The failure and current mileage were 76,600.

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Engine overheating every half mile with engine reservoir overflowing. After $1300 of replacing thermostat, timing belt, belt tensioner, water pump, flushing the cooling system, and compression tests, I was told I had a blown head gasket. I was told the replacement would cost an additional $2,200 at least.

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1998 Subaru Outback 2. 5l motor head gasket failure.

Subaru Outback 4 cyl wagon engine cooling problems/head gasket failure. Car had to be turned off in traffic several times,extremely hot,fumes go in the car. Took it to dealer and it is past warranty by approx 10,000 miles. It is a 4,000. Job to fix.

Engine began to overheat only when being driven, does not overheat when idling. I have replaced the thermostat, water pump, and timing belt but it still overheats. While doing research on the internet, I found the carsurvey. Org site with many references to this being a known issue, a head gasket problem. Based on the number of similar complaints, Subaru has a design problem that should have been recalled or at least a warning of some type send out. What can be done about this issue?.

Overheating, water leaking, head gasket problem.

I bought a 97 Subaru legacy Outback wgn and found out the block was cracked in cyl3 after tear down for gasket replacement,now put together and now won't start.

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Engine and engine cooling: blown head gaskets 1999 Subaru legacy Outback dohc.

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Complaint is for Subaru of America. I own a 98 Subaru legacy Outback and the cooling system malfunctioned and the head gaskets blew. I looked online and there are hundreds of owners on a multitude of sites who are experiencing or have experienced this exact problem. Clearly the problem is with the vehicle and not any owner's operation of the vehicle, and therefore the corporation who has caused its customers expense should bear the burden financially for fixing this problem.

2000 Subaru Outback 2. 5l (91,235mi)- after owning the vehicle 1yr and driving only 11k mi, in which during the year maintenance included oil changes and brakes, symptoms began to occur such constant smell of coolant drifting into the car, occasional temperature spikes (even with coolant in the radiator) and rare signs of smoke from the exhaust. After the 2nd random spike in temp, I took the vehicle to north county Subaru. They diagnosed that there are 2 leaking head gaskets and claimed there is a "campaign for recall" on head gaskets between years of 99-2002, as well as a previous recall to remedy the coolant odor. Subaru assigned a case number but Subaru has not offered to honor the campaign nor has phone conversations produced any results thus far. Please help as they want to charge me to fix the head gaskets when they know the car was manufactured with a defect. Many, many websites and complaints on the same situation. Important note: I have been in contact with previous owner who told me which dealer serviced the vehicle throughout its lifetime and advised Subaru of this.

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Head gasket failure. Problem has been well documented and known by the car manufacturer. $2,800 repair required; service done at carter Subaru, seattle.

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I am the owner of a 2001 Outback, 2. 5l engine, one of thousands of Subarus impacted by Subaru's bulletin for defective head gaskets. On Dec. 6, 2007, I paid the official Subaru dealer in alaska, continental Subaru, $1,330 to do a head gasket repair job (also a timing belt change). . Read more...

We purchased our 2004 Subaru Outback used from our local dealer. At the time of purchase the vehicle had 28,545 miles on it. Since purchase we have had the vehicle back it back to the dealership numerous times because we smell burning oil and engine coolant- we currently have 36,119 miles on it. The first time the car went in for repair, the dealership replaced the head gasket because there was a "pin sized hole" in it. After about three months the smell returned and we brought to the same dealership. This time the dealership put an additive in the vehicle that they said was recommended by Subaru to eliminate the problem. We are waiting to take the gar back yet again for the same problem and are now being told that it is normal for the vehicle to smell this way during the winter months. One of the mechanics even told us that the smell would be especially bad during the winter when going up hills. This explanation seems like a bunch of nonsense and an attempt to get us to accept that this is the way that Subaru vehicles are. All we want is a car that works and doesn't smell like coolant or burning oil.

The car overheated. This is the 2nd time. I did not get any notice from Subaru regarding head gasket failures. I have a 2001 Outback limited sedan. And now I have over 100,000 miles and no chance of warranty. Subaru knows all along about this problem and yet no recall.

In may of 2007, my 2002 Subaru Outback with 71,000 miles first began having overheating issues. I took it straight to a Subaru dealer where they unplugged a radiator cap and added special coolant conditioner. 3 months later, the random overheating started again. I took the car back immediately to the dealer. The radiator cap was replaced, but this did not solve the overheating. They replaced the thermostat and this did not solve the problem. Finally, they discovered it was head gasket failure with a warped head. The car was at the dealer for over a week for the head gasket repair. I contacted Subaru of America who said head gasket failure was covered by an extended warranty for 98-2002 models, however, my 2002 model fell outside of the covered VIN #s since it was manufactured after the problem was corrected (not all of the 2002 models were covered in the extended warranty). Therefore, my head gasket repair was not covered by Subaru's extended warranty for this frequent problem. I got my car back from the dealer and on the way home it overheated. I took it back immediately to the dealer where they reassembled it to make sure it was assembled properly and replaced the radiator as well just to be sure that wasn't the cause of the continued overheating issues. This seems to be a very common repair among Subaru owners. Subaru decided to grant us a "good will warranty" to cover the head gaskets with us paying a $300 deductible and they covered the rest of the head gasket repair (they did not cover the radiator, etc - we still payed around $1,000 out of pocket for the deductible, radiator, etc). I am happy they did this for us, but if our VIN fell within the extended warranty, we would not have had to incur these out of pocket expenses. It is clear Subaru has a defect in their head gaskets during certain years, but it seems they need to stand behind all the cars affected, not just some of them.

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2002 Subaru Outback stopped blowing cold air from the a/c. Pep boys charged over $1,000 to repair. There were no Subaru dealers in our city. We are elderly and retired. I was never notified by Subaru that they had a problem with leakage on the 2. 5l engine models.

Head gasket failed at 125k miles. I spent $1725 getting the head gasket & cylinder bolts replaced. The head gasket is now failing again 9 mos & 12k miles later. I have always meticulously maintained this car.

In October 2003, the engine of my 1999 Subaru Outback with 80,000 miles overheated, seized and required replacement. I was on the highway at the time and realized the car was losing power and the thermostat gauge was above "h". I contacted Subaru prior to the repair and was told that the problem was likely due to improper maintenance and besides, my vehicle was out of warranty. This was Subaru's response even though I regularly maintain my car. I did get the engine replaced at significant out-of-pocket expense. Last week, while traveling along the interstate, my temperature gauge again was on "h" and I quickly pulled off the road. The "check engine" light was on and I immediately shut off the engine. The car was towed to a Subaru mechanic and I was told that the head gasket had failed and needed replacement. Another significant expense after only 30,000 miles on a factory rebuilt engine. Although I am now aware that Subaru sent out a recall / notification letter in Feb. 2004, I did not receive one, apparently because I have the type of engine that may not be covered by the notification. It is clear from a review of this website that I am not alone in my complaints about the Outback's engine and cooling system, and the fact that Subaru is not standing behind its product.

Outback 1997: 108,000. Car overheated suddenly on a short trip. Replaced thermostat and flushed/filled radiator at local firestone. Two days later, car overheats. In both cases, radiator fluid ejected onto engine. Took car to dealer who identified the now very common "blown head gasket". Repairs made at a cost to me of $1400! this is a defect in these automobiles that needs to be taken care of by Subaru. What does it take for this problem to be addressed? I was fortunate to not have burned my engine, others have not been. Time to take action!!.

Head gasket failed on 1999 Subaru at 38,000. Car was maintained religiously. Subaru recall was never sent to me. I was told my car was the 'wrong phase engine' to be covered under warranty. Car had overheated 3 months earlier. Subaru flushed the system and added 'special coolant lubricant'. This was worthless. I was told it would cost $2000+, even though my family has purchased 4 Subaru's from the same dealer. After a lot of screaming and yelling, they replaced both gaskets, radiator, thermostat and water pump. I ended up paying $250. Dealer, (wakefield surbaru, wakefield MA. ) helped convinced Subaru corporate to foot most of the expense. Later when Subaru oil filters failed (leaks) and after more screaming and yelling with this dealer ship, (after they said I was making up the leak problem) I've changed dealerships who has a more professional service center.

Head gasket failure. Purchased in 2/07 (est. Date) began to fail at least in 1/05 (1x). Then weekly in 7/05. But may have been signs of problem as early as 1997/1998. Result of problem is unexpected and rapid bubbling over and overheating placing occupants in potentially dangerous situation. For example, almost stranded in blizzard in 1/05. Had to pull over on high speed highways in summer 05 due to rapid red lining and risk of engine fire. Subaru picked up 1/2 cost although not in warranty for us and has done 1/2 to full for others who complained. One of the 2. 5l engines has been subject to recall. The 2. 5l engine in our car has not been recalled but we believe that the problems are as frequent (and worse) and the car should be recalled. This is not an isolated incident. Local mechanic said he sees frequently on Subaru Outback. Found internet weblog started 18 months ago which has 275 complaints and growing monthly - on both the 2. 5l engines (including the one in our car). Bad enough we had to incur $800 of the $1600 cost but people are driving around with an engine that repeatedly has failed (head gasket) and created a hazardous condition. I can provide you with copies of correspondence with Subaru if you would like. . Read more...

While driving vehicle started to overheat. The thermostat was replaced, and the vehicle continued to overheat. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the engine has to be replaced.

My car overheated and died on the highway. It was determined that the head gasket had failed -- it was replaced, and the engine was tuned in associated ways. One month later, the car overheated again, with coolant leaking out of the engine. Once again the head gasket was replaced, as well as the water pump, which the dealer said may have been the original problem. I have had the car back for one week now, and it's working fine. Each time the car overheated, it was soon after I turned on the a/c (and the a/c didn't work well either time -- I. E. , warm air came out of the vents). My a/c is working okay, now.

Instead of replacing the cylinder head gasket which Subaru says may leak, it has recalled my vehicle to install "stop leak" which they describe as "cooling system conditioner. " I request an investigation by the NHTSA because I believe this is a dangerous practice.

Appears I have a blown head gasket on my 1998 2. 5l Outback. Coolant contains oil , coolant reservoir fills up rapidly with coolant when driven on the highway. Coolant never returns to the radiator after cooling down.

Engine overheated after a 30-minute trip. Temp gauge read normal. Thermostat, water pump, radiator, head gasket all ok, but exhaust valves and cylinder walls damaged beyond repair.

Engine overheats. Two Subaru dealer service centers said they could not find the problem, and started an seemingly endless replacement of thermostats, and even the radiator. The problem continues, and now that I am over 60k miles, with my warranty expired, they suddenly say it is a problem with the head gasket, which will probably cost over $2,000 to replace. I now find out that there are numerous problems with the head gaskets of 1994-1998 Subarus, but there has never been a recall. Why?.

2000 Subaru Outback wagon developed engine head gasket failure at 61, 800 miles requiring extensive repairs. Dealer claimed the reason to be no coolant flush at the 30,000 mile mark on the vehicle.

While traveling 35 mph water pump failed ,allowing timing chain to slip off, and bending valves to engine. Please describe details.

2. 5 liter engine block cracked, causing repeated instances of overheating requiring stopping in dangerous traffic situations and eventual replacement of block at owner expense. Ts.

Consumer wasn't pleased with undated correspondence service program wwp-99. (nar) the service program was about putting a special conditioner in the vehicle's cooling system to prevent head gasket leaks. The consumer believes that engine replacement is the only satisfactory solution. The consumer believes that eh wipers need to be redesigned to prevent the right hand wiper from dumping debris from the right side into the driver's line of sight. The radio contains audible windshield motor noise when the radio station signal is weak. The dealer indicated that this was normal.