Engine Head Gasket Failure Problems of Subaru Outback

Failed head gasket. This should not have failed at around 112k. This is a 2. 5 litre 4 cylinder engine. Engine started to overheat. I believe this is a recurring problem with this car.

See all problems of the 2010 Subaru Outback 🔎.

November 2019, at 115,000 miles the transmission started slipping requiring a replacement. I was told by Subaru of America corporate that "Subaru doesn't have transmission problems. " there is a lot of evidence out there to the contrary. May of 2020 the vehicle started overheating. It was diagnosed by a mechanic that the head gasket was failing and needed to be replaced. This is another known issue with Subarus. A $28,000 2011 auto is only supposed to last 120,000 miles?.

See all problems of the 2011 Subaru Outback 🔎.

There is a cooling system problem (known by repair techs for years, although not disclosed by Subaru of America). Their headgaskets fail unnecessarily. It is an engineering flaw that could cause the engine to lock up while driving, leading to a serious accident. It appears to be a problem lasting 16 or more years of production. There is no warranty covering such failures, nor a warning light that indicates a problem is imminent except for when the car actually overheats and "blows. " the danger involved is serious, especially while driving highway speeds.

From 2010 - 2014, Subaru removed engine temp. Guage from dash so there is no way to monitor high normal temps of engine. At only 93,770 miles, my 2010 Outback 2. 5l dash coolant light flickered on a slight downhill. I had never had an engine or transmission issue with this car in over 8 years! turns out coolant was low due to it overheating and boiling out. Turns out it was the beginning of a head gasket failure! I could have ended up stranded on the side of a hilly road, with a blown engine! Subaru has not fixed their chronic hg failure issue!!! to verify/replicate the overheating, I turned on the a/c and took a 20 mile out and back on a hilly portion of the 5 fwy in northern CA at thebend of summer, 2018.

My well-maintained Subaru Outback limited with 102,773 miles overheated and blew a head gasket out of the blue. Just had the major 100k mile preventive maintenance done too. The extended warranty just expired at 100k and the dealer says it will be over $3k to repair. Apparently this is a common problem with Subarus that they have faulty head gaskets that fail between 80-120k miles. Very disappointed with Subaru quality with such a major issue at half life of my otherwise reliable vehicle!.

See all problems of the 2012 Subaru Outback 🔎.

2009 Subaru Outback head gasket seepage. This issue soa has been awhere of and said it can be normal over time. Yet I found that the gasket used at that time was substandard. A recall was never issued. I feel it should have notified customers, but did`nt. Perhaps it would have cost soa a ton of money. I believe they are dealing with this as customer complaints come in and told replacement of gasket is required at owners expense. I feel that soa should own up to this and pay all or a major cost of repair. I have to have my head gaskets replaced as told under inspection.

See all problems of the 2009 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Head gaskets failed and, once disassembled, valves were found to be leaking.

See all problems of the 2008 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Head gasket failure on 2009 Outback wagon which as been serviced regularly.

Subaru head gasket has failed. This is a known issue across just about all Subaru models with 2. 5 engine. If you contact various Subaru owners you will see that this head gasket failure is high at an abnormal rate. I am hoping that you investigate and hold the responsible and accountable. This is unacceptable.

See all problems of the 2006 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Both head gaskets failed and had to be replaced at 78,063 miles.

Multiple headgasket failure at 60,000 mile intervals since the car was new. It seems like the manufacturer is covering up a very bad engine design after looking online of very same reports. I am surprised with all of the complaints it is not been recalled or corrected. Unfortunately, due to costs of repair I am forced to scrap the car and find a different car company.

See all problems of the 2004 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Cylinder head gaskets replaced at 81,098 miles. Due to the low mileage, the vehicle was not under warranty because 8 years had passed (8 years or 100,000), whichever comes first. August 2014 vehicle would take several seconds to engage into drive from reverse. Eventually, the problem became worse and I was afraid that it could cause an accident because it was taking too long to engage into drive. I took the car to aamco who installed a rebuilt transmission at 83,695 miles. These problem have been reported by Subaru owners, but I have yet to see a recall. So, in the last two years, I have spent $5,055 in car repairs. I'm retired so I can't afford to buy a newer vehicle. Although this car handles well in snow and rain, due to the expensive repairs I have had to make and Subaru corporation's lack of acknowledgement of these issues, I doubt that I will ever purchase a Subaru again.

See all problems of the 2000 Subaru Outback 🔎.

While driving very busy highway, the temperature gauge went all the way to "h". I pulled over and noticed some steam under hood. Added some water. A little later, still on "h". Mechanic who has serviced my 1996 Subaru Outback since I got it in 1998 said it had a blown head gasket, common with Subarus. In 2009 I had the 90k mile maintenance done, very expensive. Also had all new brakes, very expensive. Also four new tires and last month, a new battery. Also, last month, had oil change. I have never received even one recall notice from Subaru, even though they knew all along that their head gaskets are failing in their cars. I wanted my Outback to last many more years but now must junk it because of a faulty head gasket. Mechanic said it's useless to fix head gasket or replace it, and told me to get a new car, which I cannot afford. Mechanic put chemical in line which is supposed to seal any leaks (no guarantees). I often visit my daughter, who is recuperating from breast cancer, in the northeast part of CT, in a very secluded area of few homes, no businesses. To have car failure in the woods would probably give this 70 year old a heart attack.

See all problems of the 1996 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Car overheated without warning. Suspect headgasket failure allowing coolant to escape and engine to overheat . (potential for car to unexpectedly stall on interstate) upon internet search found that hundreds of the Subaru 2. 5l engines suffer from same condition (1995-1999). . Read more...

The head gasket of my 2000 Subaru Outback failed and was under warranty at 48,000 miles, but at 101,000 miles the replacement head gasket has failed again. With so many of the head gaskets in this engine model failing, Subaru's fix of a coolant conditioner or head gasket replacement is not sufficient. The problem lies with the engine block and head. The gasket is not the problem. The problem is a structural defect in the design where the head gasket fails prematurely.

I replaced the left head gasket (at a local service center) at 122,000 miles due to oil leakage. At 123,000 miles the right head gasket failed. I contacted Subaru because I don't think it's coincidental for both head gaskets to fail that close together. They will not help me because of the miles and because I didn't have the first work done at a dealer.

See all problems of the 2002 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Repeat head gasket failure.

2001 Outback had a head gasket problem that needed to be replaced. The consumer was informed by customer service that a recall had been issued regarding the problem they were having, and the vehicle needed to be taken to an authorized service dealer. The consumer had already had the work done by his local repair shop. The consumer was then told to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer to have them verify that the work was done. The consumer learned that the head gasket had been replaced prior to him purchasing the vehicle. The consumer also discovered the head gasket used was 3 pieces and the work done previously only 1 piece was replaced, which was opposite from the # cylinder. The local repair shop that replaced the head gasket for the third time, told the consumer he utilizes only a solid one piece gasket and had the been done originally, the consumer may not have had any problems.

See all problems of the 2001 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Our mechanic found our problem is a cracked head gasket. Model-2002 Outback Subaru wagon. Was told these models were made with a thin head gasket that cracks. Told to contact our Subaru dealership to see about a recall. The dealership said, yes a recall on head gaskets but VIN # has to end with proper 7 last digits. Ours, of course, did not have the number they would cover. Was told the service dept. Has been replacing the head gaskets in these models-and Subaru has been paying 1/2. This is acknowledging there is a problem with the head gaskets with that statement. Quoted cost of $1350. 00 and subtract half. Bring car in and Subaru would be called but none has been refused for 1/2 the cost covered. Called our mechanic. He laughed and said- taking us for a ride as the price is jacked up so it appears Subaru is paying 1/2 but the consumer is really paying the full cost. Our two year old son, with medical problems, has been sick in the car from the fumes. As antifreeze is leaking from the head gasket and seeping into the car thru the heating vents. It is not fair that we have a 2002 Subaru Outback with a cracked head gasket and other cars of this same year/make/model are having the head gasket replaced as their VIN # meets the last 7 digits. We have the same engine/make/model and problem as these other consumers but we are having to absorb the cost. We have to get the car fixed as our young son does not need to inhale this strong odor with his present health. Our mechanic said the head gaskets in these Subaru Outbacks are too thin and crack. This is a defective part and is not our fault. It is not fair that other owners of the Outback have a certain VIN # are having theirs replaced when they have the same engine and problem as we do. This is an addition to confirmation # 10170783-my husband sent.

The head gasket, too thin, on our 2002 Outback Subaru and cracked. Full recalls have been given to owners of Outback models from 2000-2002 for cracked head gaskets. Very strong anti-freeze fumes are seeping into the interior of the car. We have 2 toddlers breathing in these fumes-1 having health problems! called dealership. Yes, is a recall but our VIN numbers not on the list. Was informed many of these models are coming in for head gaskets to be replaced. Service dept. Said Subaru is paying 1/2 the cost for the VIN numbers not on the list. Subaru, therefore, is acknowledging there is a problem or they would not be paying 1/2 the cost of repair. It is not fair that certain VIN numbers to the Subaru Outbacks are having a total recall for a defective head gasket and the rest are receiving 1/2 of the cost to have it repaired. Our head gasket should be recalled and corrected the same as other owners of the 2000-2002 Subaru Outbacks. Told it will cost $1350. 00 to fix the car and 1/2 from Subaru will make the cost $675. 00. Clearly there is a problem with the head gaskets on these models. This car is affecting our one child's health worse so we have to get it fixed. This should be replaced totally by Subaru as they recalled Outback wagons no matter what the VIN numbers. This is a hazard to our son's health and we are not being treated equally with other owners of Outbacks that have had theirs replaced at no cost to them. We should not have to absorb the cost of a part that is recalled on some when clearly many others are having the same problem.

Head gasket failure on a 2000 Subaru Outback at 84443 miles. Then a full engine replacement at 97,000. There were no accidents or deaths caused by this, however, let me appeal to you to review Subaru's 2. 5l engine. We bought this as a reliable car for our children. The vehicle became unreliable when it began overheating with our children at the wheel, not once but twice. The first instance was in the daylight hours and we were able to take it right into a Subaru dealership. The second instance was the car overheated with my child at the wheel on a dark road in rural se washington at night. Thank goodness she did have a cell phone and could call us for help. Two different authorized dealerships, looked at this problem three times and did not fix the problem. Now after replacing the head gaskets at a local vehicle repair shop and then the engine, yep, the engine due to oil and water leakage, because of the failure of the dealerships that misdiagnosed this problem. Now as I search for what happened and why, I find websites that document hundreds of Subaru owners with the identical story as mine. Overheating problems, dealership not fixing the problem properly and then ending up with head gasket and for some of us engine replacement. Please, please look into this. The websites are almost endless on this problem. I do not like being angry over this issue. I just want Subaru to fix what is wrong, and to help all of their customers get some financial assistance for what we have had to pay out of pocket, nothing else. Subaru of America needs to fix what is wrong with their 2. 5l engines. Thank you for your help.

This is the standard Subaru 2. 5l head gasket failure problem. I add this to the database to increase the pressure on Subaru of America to address this problem properly. . Read more...

See all problems of the 1997 Subaru Outback 🔎.

(1) events leading to failure---just driving the car, then check engine light came on, then engine started to get hot, so car was towed to dealer. (2) failure and its consequences--$1900 repair bill-two head gasket in engine---from arlington, MA Subaru dealer--estimate reduced to $1700 upon request. Getting repair done with other shop (3) getting two head gaskets and other engine gaskets replaced.

Head gasket failure in Subaru legacy Outback 1998. Engine overheated which lead to lead to smoke coming out under the hood and subsequent warping of engine heads. I hard to replace gasket heads but I am told there is no guarantee this would not happen again since there is an apparent design flaw in the 2. 5l engines.

See all problems of the 1998 Subaru Outback 🔎.

The contact owns a 2000 Subaru Outback. The vehicle would jerk when idling. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, there was a delay and the vehicle would jolt forward. The dealer stated that internal transmission parts failed and the transmission needed to be replaced. At 64,000 miles, the contact smelled rotten eggs when driving 35 mph. The dealer replaced the catalytic converter. While driving between 25- 60 mph with the air conditioner activated, she smelled something burning inside the passenger compartment. The dealer stated that the head gasket failed and needed to be replaced. The head gasket failed at 55,000 and 80,000 miles. The failure mileage was 55,000 and current mileage was 95,000.

While driving the vehicle's engine stalled. The engine stalled due to head gasket failure. In reviewing the manufacturer's website the consumer saw a recall related to head gasket failure. The consumer request reimbursement for the cost of the repairs.

See all problems of the 1999 Subaru Outback 🔎.

Random overheating in my 1999 Subaru legacy Outback wagon, 85000 , lead to being stranded on a rural road. After replacing thermostat, problem was not fixed. Eventually, my mechanic said it was due to a failed head gasket. At 85000, this problem should not occur. Subaru has issued a recall on phase ii, 2. 5l engine head gaskets because of failure, however have chosen to ignore the owners of the phase I engines. I found a web-site forum with many other victums of Subarus neglect, many of whom were also stranded on the roadside because of this defect in cars with 50-100k mileage. Clearly the head-gaskets on these engines are defective and this is serious defect that Subaru should acknowlege and fix.

Head gasket failed on my 1999 Subaru legacy Outback. The material on the gasket is completely gone in a few areas, causing leakage into the engine and subsequent engine failure. Subaru specialist that fixed it said he had repaired 10 Subaru head gaskets in just the past 2 weeks alone. Another friend has a 1999 Subaru forester that had its head gasket fail within 3 weeks of mine. According to the Subaru repair specialist, Subaru does not admit the head gasket is defective. 2 days after getting the head gasket fixed, the alternator failed and the car shut down while driving 65 mph on a highway. Barely had enough momentum to ease the car off the road out of traffic. Oh, one more thing. The check engine light comes on and the repair facilities can't seem to find anything wrong but the emissions inspection repeatedly fails due to the light being on.

I own a 2000 Subaru Outback ltd, white VIN 4s3bh6866y7617984. It has approx. 63,000 miles and has had for the last several weeks, an anti-freeze smell after the car has initially warmed up. As it turns out, I brought the vehicle into the nearest Subaru dealership for it's 60,000 mile service and was dismayed to receive a call from the service advisor informing me that the head gasket was gone and needed replacing. In this day an age of modern vehicles, a head gasket rarely becomes defective at 63,000 miles; check statistics!!! I believe that this failure is due to a design flaw when Subaru went to the 2. 5l engine size as many other Subaru owners are now experiencing this unwarranted repair at such an early time frame. As these irritated Subaru owners approach the 60,000 to 80,000 mile mark and start experiencing these head gasket replacements, you should become inundated with complaints. Before this occurred, I recommended Subaru's to may people, but with this expensive repair, which should be partly or wholly covered by Subaru, I will never recommend a Subaru to anyone ever.

Head gasket on my '98 Outback failed. Dealer said not uncommon. He has 3 more waiting for head gaskets. Seems a number of head gasket failures on the Subaru discussion group on edmunds. Com townhall. Fortunately, mine was discovered with no engine damage. The cost of repair was $2500. 00. Quite a financial drain for me. Some talk on discussion group wondering if a design problem with the 2. 5 liter engine. Subaru emailed me that there is no problem with head gaskets and that all mechanical things fail with time, some sooner and some later. On the Subaru discussion group, a number of the head gaskets were at low mileage. Mine was at 94,000 miles.

The head gaskets and catalytic converter went out on my 2000 Subaru in February and April 2004 respectively. Subaru paid for the head gaskets under warranty; however, it was not under a recall and refused to pay for the catalytic converter. Had it happened 3 months later, it would not have been covered under warranty at that time. I even mentioned that I thought that the two were related. I was told by the dealer "kelly Subaru" that the incidents were not related; however, I believe that the two events were related. Here it is February 2008 and the head gaskets and catalytic converter are both in need of replacing. When I talked to Subaru at 800-782-2783 their customer service area, they said what should I expect from a car that has 190k miles on it. I then tried to explain that this was the second incident in 8 years and it's always involves both at the same time. I explained to Subaru that this is not normal and that I have never in my 45 years of owning cars have I ever had to replace a head gasket; much less twice. Yes, I did replace the catalytic converter once on another car after 15 years of use. This is why I think that Subaru is willful and negligent in this manner.

The headgasket burned through. Replaced headgasket, had heads milled. Now exactly 1 1/2 years later in April 2003 the car is overheating, everyone says the car should not be doing that, but it is. It is alot of money for a car that is only 5 yrs. Old and having major engine problems.

The rear oil pan gasket was replaced due to leak.