Engine Major
Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
What Owners Say
"This is the 4th Subaru we have had and all of them have had to rebuild the head and replace the gasket. I will never own another Subaru again. It works well in the snow but knowing the head repairs are a given after 100,000 miles it's too I just don't trust the brand anymore"
James K., CO (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"$2700 repair bill!"
Scott B., WI (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)"Both the head and cylinder gaskets failed at 62,000. Subaru wanted to charge me $2,300 to fix. I complained effectively and the charge was reduced. I ended up paying $700 for the work"
John G., NH (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Cylinder head was warped. It had to be machined"
Phillip N., CO (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Cylinder head gasket leaking. Had it replaced and had timing belt done at same time"
Anonymous, MN (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"burned exhaust valve # 3 cylinder replaced"
Anonymous, CO (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)"Original timing belt was replaced on-schedule at 105,000 miles by the previous owner. The replacement timing belt (Gates brand) broke spontaneously with about 70K miles on it (total mileage on the engine/car was 174,000). The car was just cruising along the highway when the engine suddenly stopped. This is an interference engine (2.2L non-turbo) -- 14 of 16 valves were bent. No other engine damage (pistons, cylinder heads, etc.). I rebuilt the engine with new valves, pistons, and bearings. Nearly all other wear parameters (cylinder bore, bearing clearances, camshaft and other valve train parts, oil pump, etc.) were measured and found to be within specifications. However, the head gasket on one bank (boxer engine) was leaking oil externally pretty badly so should have been replaced by the previous owner (engine compression and coolant passages were not yet leaking). The engine wasn't exhibiting excessive oil consumption, but the oil control rings and passages were nearly completely obstructed with carbon deposits, so likely would have started consuming oil relatively soon. Otherwise the engine block, cylinder heads, crank/cam shafts, bearings, etc. were in pretty good mechanical condition for 174,000 miles. Of note, the timing belt-driven components and bearings were all in good shape, rotating freely. The timing belt tensioner wasn't leaking and appeared to be functioning properly, though I didn't measure it's tensioning force or damping. All timing belt components other than the belt appeared to be OEM, and the previous owner believes that only the belt was replaced at 105,000 miles. Perhaps if the idler pulleys, tensioner, and water pump were replaced at 105,000 miles the belt wouldn't have broken (admittedly pure speculation) -- other than the actual break, the timing belt otherwise looked to be in good condition (rubber soft and flexible, cogs were uniform and didn't show wear, no cracks or fraying, etc.). The lesson for other owners, of course, is don't defer timing belt replacement, and always replace all components with quality parts in an interference engine!"
Anonymous, WI (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Check engine light came on. No real problems before that. Within a mile I made a huge cloud of smoke and steam. Could not pull off until I got through a tunnel on the PA Turnpike. By that time the engine had been destroyed. My thought is catastrophic head gasket failure."
Anonymous, PA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"turbo charger failure led to loss of cylinder"
Anonymous, AB (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)"head gasket failed then valves were ruined"
Anonymous, MT (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"engine seem to blow up at 58000 miles had to be rebuilt to the point of having it milled. No financial help from company or dealer but they replaced all cables while they had the engine out"
Charles S., CA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Cracked cylinder heads at 120,000 miles. Engine had to be replaced"
Anonymous, WA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"leaking head gasket required complete rebuild"
Anonymous, ID (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Lots of work one on engine prior to purchase (head gasket, cylinder refinish, timing belt). Oil leak caused cam shaft to seize and shear in half, necessitating an engine rebuild"
Jake S., WA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"2007 Outback continues to use oil, not through leaks or apparent burning of oil. Having the head gasket replaced was necessary because of leaks."
Anonymous, WY (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Gasket didn't fail, but was weeping. Decided to reseal engine since I was keeping the car a few more years."
Anonymous, TX (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Car experienced smell of burning oil. Head gasket was leaking. Changed head gasket when timing belt was due to be changed."
E D., NJ (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Leaking compression, loss of acceleration"
Anonymous, ME (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Both heads gaskets leaked without any reason. It seems to be a Subaru motor recurrent problem."
M R., QC (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Both head gaskets had to be replaced (with aftermarket, upgraded gaskets) at 90,000 Km."
Anonymous, SK (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"My wife has had 3 Subaru wagons in her adult life. All were non turbo, automatic transmission cars. They all had very expensive problems after 100k miles. I am so sick and tired of seeing all the Consumer Reports ratings putting Subaru cars as high as Toyota and Honda. These cars all start getting sloppy interiors, with squeeky loose plastic panels due to poor materials or engineering or both. The trim parts between body and glass work is loose and last and certainly NOT LEAST are major engine transmission issues. The mechanics we have taken the Subaru's to in the past ALWAYS say, 'Oh yeah, that year had that problem' funny thing is that it was about all 3 cars and both motor and tranny problems. They are disposable junk, not half a million mile winners like most Honda and Toyota ( not all I know) No, my wife will not buy another Subaru, she has learned her lesson, maybe CR should drive cars to 200k and see what happens to them instead of publishing guestimates of their longevity."
David T., CA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Car sat for a year without being driven. No surprise head gasket was bad. Successfully treated with Bars Leaks head gasket treatment."
Anonymous, NC (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"standard problem with this engine in this model year"
Anonymous, BC (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The head gasket has been slowly degrading over the past 5 years. It is a known problem with this model."
Anonymous, CA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Head gasket was blown, allowing exhaust gasses into the coolant, causing overheating. Required engine to be removed from car, disassembled, repaired and assembled. Told is was a problem for that year of Subaru - it's a 2006, not a 2007."
Anonymous, (2007 Subaru Outback Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The head gasket blew just after 100,000 miles. The car began leaking oil. When I had it repaired they also found the power steering pump leaking and the oil pan seal leaking"
Jon P., PA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"I just don't think one should have to replace a head gasket on a car with less than 66,000 miles but evidently this is a huge problem for Subaru, at least for several years around 2007 models. They tell me they've redesigned the gasket and this isn't a problem any more"
Linda M., MN (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"We've actually had dripping oil from head gaskets, going back many years. Frustrating, since the problem was a known design flaw, and supposedly was corrected before our model year. Fix involves removing engine from car, and this started around 38,000 miles"
Anonymous, NY (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Had to replace the head gasket on one side it was leaking oil so the engine was pulled out to replace the head gasket so did the other side at the same time also did the timing belt"
Marvel H., BC (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Small leak.found some fuel in coolant"
Anonymous, CA (2007 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L. L. Bean 3.0-L 6 Cyl)"Went to mechanic for oil leak and smell of burning oil. With car up on lift could see oil leaking from head and running down exhaust pipe. No problem since repair"
Anonymous, NY (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"leaking oil and had the head gasket replaced"
Anonymous, CO (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"blew after radiator leak repaired"
Anonymous, SC (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Seals were leaking and the engine had to be completely resealed"
Anonymous, CA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Found on head gasket leaking, got both replaced. cost was about 1,800 dollars"
Anonymous, OH (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Needed to replace head gaskets at only 75000 miles. It was expensive. Later learned this is a common problem with this model"
Anonymous, MA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"I had to have the head gasket replaced at 90,000 miles. The service manager of the Subaru dealership that did the work said that was VERY common with Subaru's"
Robert R., ID (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"leaks and have to add oil and coolint"
Mitchell M., AR (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Actually valve seal failure"
Anonymous, VT (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Engine had to be retooled"
Anonymous, IA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"head gasket replaced at the same time the timing belt was replaced"
Anonymous, WA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"premature head gasket failure, requiring engine removal and repair"
Paul S., WA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"head gasket failure, leaks oil"
Daniel S., PA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Subaru had a service bulletin or recall on head gaskets on previous models. When the problem occurred on my 2007 Subaru should have immediately admitted the problem and fixed without complaint on my part"
John G., NH (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"At only 69,000, miles the dealer discovered that the head gaskets were leaking. The extended warranty had expired. As a long time Subaru customer, I contacted Subaru about it, particularly the low mileage. They reimbursed me for one half of the c"
Anonymous, NY (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Head gasket leaked oil onto the exhaust headers. I just had the head gaskets replaced during the scheduled timing belt replacement - $3000 total"
Stephen W., NM (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Leaking head gasket"
Anonymous, PA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Moderate oil leaking attributed to head gasket"
Craig W., MA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Poor original head gasket leaks both oil and antifreeze. Had heads and block milled and a new thicker-better quality head gasket installed by independent mechanic"
Rit R., ME (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Head gasket needed replacing after 65k miles, city conditions. Very lame. Subaru comped me ~25%"
Anonymous, VA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The engine was leaking oil and diagnosed as having head gaskets that needed replacement and since they were into the enging that much it was cheaper to replace the timing chain then, rather than do it separately when schedule 10000 miles later"
Anonymous, AK (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Because there are two head gaskets the parts were <$100, labour was >$800"
John R., NB (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Warping and had to re-machine the heads and replace the head gasket at 90K. This car has never been overheated and has had regular oil changes"
Jeff K., WA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Big oil leak around gasket. Had to pull engine to replace. Should have been caught earlier buy dealer when it was under warranty. Took it back for leaks/smells and was missed every time.Very expensive"
Douglas M., MT (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"leak around head gasket leaked oil on spark plugs"
Anonymous, MA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"blown head gaskets"
Anonymous, CO (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)"aluminum engine warps had to remove engine and grind it down and replace gaskets"
Anonymous, CO (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"My head gasket blew with less than 56000 miles on it and just after the 5 year warranty expired. Luckly my salesperson went to bat for me and I only had to pay for the labor(around $200)"
Anonymous, PA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Oil leaking from front of engine. Cost to repair--$2500. Have not repaired yet"
Sheila M., IN (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Head gasket started leaking at 70,000 miles. Cost of repair was over $2000"
Anonymous, CO (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Had to have new head gaskets and found out later that Subaru is noted for having to head gaskets replaced. Cost me $3000"
Paula R., CA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Had this done at the same time the leaking head gasket was repaired"
Rit R., ME (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Recommended change by Subaru after 100000 kms."
M R., QC (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Turbo has failed twice. Was told it has to do with defect in tubing getting oil to turbo. Was told other subaru turbos have experienced similar problems. Subaru denies there are any defect in design"
Anonymous, NV (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)"failure"
Anonymous, CO (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)"The turbocharger "blew up" and sprayed oil all over, lost power, needed to be replaced"
Anonymous, CA (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)"blown turbo 2 x's"
Anonymous, CO (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
"required valve job after 120000 miles. Was told this is common for the subaru outback but usually at around 180000"
Anonymous, NV (2007 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)