Subaru Outback Change Vehicle

"Two valve guides slipped causing valves not to seat properly."

"Engine leaked oil, was in several times, timing belt replace, seals, and head gasket. 4 months ago, the engine seized and stopped running. A rebuild was required"

"Engine block - complete loss in March 2017. Piston detonated, creating a hole in the top of the engine block. Catastrophic engine failure required complete replacement. New engine has misfires on Cylinders 1&2"

"At 95000 miles had catastrophic engine failure due to metal failure in a piston, requiring a new "short block" to fix the problem, costing me 6000.00. Subaru took no responsibility though the mechanic said it was clearly a failure of the piston havi"

"Engine lost oil that was undetected. Required replacement"

"Engine died without warning. Needed major service or complete engine replacement"

"burned oil and engine blew. had other problems w/ check engine due to O2 sensor, did not realize car was burning oil"

"Engine was burning oil excessively. I can't fault Subaru since the car has such high mileage."

"One day the engine developed a whine that grew worse over about 10-15 minutes. Upon parking the car, I noticed steam coming from under the hood. I thought it was a failed water pump, but the service center diagnosed a blown head gasket. They said the engine had been running hot for some time, but I had not noticed any change in the temperature unit that day and there was never a warning light that went off. Car was out of commission for a week and the repair cost $2400."

"Replaced in 2020"

"Head gasket was failing and the dealer caught it in time to save the engine. Research shows that these models have a manufacturers gasket problem. Replaced head gasket for $2800 as the vehicle has low mileage."

"Head Gasket was failing as identified by the black color in the radiator reservoir. Checked the internet and found this a common problem. With the low mileage, we decided to invest $2800 to replace the gasket at the dealer, and extend the life of the Subaru, probably to beyond our lifetime."

"As is common in Subaru's, the head gasket went on it and cost a lot to repair. I barely made it to Subaru since it began smoking and heating up."

"Subaru did not accept to cover the repair. The dealer discovered the problem but did not repair it at the time of the discovery. The extended warranty was terminated by a few months and Subaru refused to make the repair"

"Head gasket problem, caused loss of coolant and overheating"

"After purchasing replacement engine from Subaru and having it installed at a Subaru dealership the head gaskets failed (leaking coolent externally) in a spectacular fashion with great clouds of steam billowing out from under the hood when I stoped. The replacement engine had less than 50000km on it and it cost $5000 to replace the head gaskets as the engine had to be removed to do the job. The head gasket replacement was done by a local shop as I trust them to do the little things right that the"

"The antifreeze was going down on a weekly basis and when I brought the car in they said I needed a head gasket that the antifreeze and some oil was leaking and burning off. They said that as long as I was doing this I should replace the timing belt, spark plugs, service both the front rear differentials. The car had 58,553 miles. I found out that a relative of mine had the same problem and by looking on line so did many other people. I feel that at 58,553 miles this is to early for a problem lik"

"Oil leak; coolant leak"

"Head gasket failure at 75,000 miles. Oil leaking. I reached out to Subaru at the corporate level. Corporate Subaru and local dealer were very generous and reduced the repair cost by about half"

"Oil leaking down and hitting exhaust pipe causing hot smell"

"Bought the vehicle at 75000 miles and head gasket was leaking, fortunately the seller fixed it for free. If I had not known about the head gasket issue and checked it out with a friend, I might have been stuck"

"Went into the dealership for an eighty thousand mile checkup and was told of multiple problems with the car i had no idea about. These included leaking head gaskets which required an engine tear-down. Many things were replaced since the engine was out and ended up costing me in excess of $5000.00"

"Developed oil leak in the head gasket and had it replaced"

"A failed head gasket needed to be replaced. The other head gasket hadn't (yet) failed, I had it replaced at the same time, while the engine was apart"

"Dealer advised they observed head gasket(s) leaking and to replace. This was not covered under warranty or recall. After inquiring with Subaru NA corporate they agreed to compensate $500 as courtesy reimbursement on the repair cost after completed. Repair was completed by dealer and Subaru NA paid as agreed"

"First time replacing head gasket at 160000 mi. Due to location of head gasket timing belt and water pump were also replaced"

"The leaking head gasket was the major source of most of the oil that caused extensive exhaust and emission system problems. My advise: Solve oil leaks early and avoid expensive related problems later."

"One of two gaskets sprung a big leak and the other was weeping at 45kmi but beyond the five-year warranty. Subaru of America (SOA) covered half the cost of one head gasket, for the other we paid full price."

"Loss of pressure in the cooling system. My Mechanic said head gasket. He said he has done several from this year."

"this car known for this problem"

"Head gasket leak. Water pump and timing belt were done at the same time for efficiency (expected to fail within 20,000 miles)"

"there was an oil leak , so I chose to do the 100,000 mile items early"

"Head gasket leak requiring engine to be pulled and repaired"

"Had prevuious Head Gasket issues with a 1999 Subaru Outback. Was told they were solved by 2002 year model. When this happened on the '08 at about identical mileage was told...'yeah, but it still happens sometimes.' I love Subarus - this 2008 is my 6"

"Head gasket leaking and will need replacing. Dealership wants $2400"

"Brought the car in due to two bearing problems. While under repair, it was found the head gasket was gone and needed to be repaired"

"it failed causing expensive repair"

"In a scheduled maintenance, they found cracked head gaskets. Said it was due to KC climate, quick heat and cool. Cost to repair was $3,800"

"Driver's side w/active leak, pass. side showing wear. 46kmi in '14, outside the 5-yr warranty, but really? SOA covered 1/2 driver's side only, but I opted to do both at add'l personal expense. Upset, but at least dealer who did work was great"

"We have been told by the dealership that a head gasket is leaking and should be replaced. I was told that it would be best to replace both head gaskets as if one was leaking the other would likely follow. I don't precisely remember the quote but it"

"Head gasket needed to be replaced due to gasoline leak - potential for fire. Cost $1000"

"Replacing head gasket at 99000. this is my 5th Subaru and 1st head gasket. cannot prove if started much earlier when car always had smell of hot antifreeze"

"Started smelling burning like fumes. Dealership said head gaskets were leaking and needed changing. It was covered under the warranty. Subaru had 80,500 miles at time. Car runs great now and has much more power and no more leak or smell"

"Problem detected at service visit. Subaru fixed the problem at a cost of almost 50% less than the quoted repair price. This was due to my loyalty as a Subaru customer with other vehicles (based on a call to Subaru of America Customer Relations). Thes"

"Needed to be replaced at 108000 miles. We were assured at the time of purchase that Subaru had fixed this problem as it was a problem with our 2002 Outback also. The dealership gave us a warrantee to cover this at the time of purchase...we are now tr"

"Oil leaking from head gasket"

"Head gaskets replaced at 35,000 (under warranty) Head gaskets were replaced at 62,000.(no warranty) Dealers service was terrible. Subaru of America Corporate didn't care"

"Hx repeat oil leaks from solenoids both replaced, only to find still oil leaking major loss to point run on 3/4 litter oil and required rebuild of head gaskets and engine"

"Head gasket seal failed costing 3500.00"

"Head gasket leaked. Very costly repair"

"I've owned 5 Subaru's and all have had head gasket failure around 100000 miles"

"Because of leaking oil, it needed to be replaced at 61000 miles"

"The head gasket failure is a common problem with the 2008 Outback 2.5I engine. The gasket fails because of a design fault that Subaru admits, but that is all they do. They will not reduce or compensate customers for repair costs. Total scumbags!"

"car was maintained on schedule. Head gasket needs replacing at 99000 miles. Dealership quoted $ 2300 repair costs. Alternate dealership quoted only $ 1700. Disappointed in Subaru reliability and feeling ripped off"

"Head gaskets replaced. Major cost. Subaru admitted having problems with head gaskets in this model and reimbursed part of cost to repair"

"Started to leak both sides. Dealer replaced with "turbo" gasket - gasket used in turbocharged version of same engine. Subaru picked up half of cost"

"Only about 55000 miles on the car but head gasket needed replacing at cost of $2000. It was a design flaw of this model year. Subaru only contributed $500 towards repair. Dealer wouldn't release vehicle until $500 had been paid by Subaru although they had an email from Subaru to that effect."

"Previous owner indicated that the head gasket needed replacement"

"Head gaskets started leaking at 120,000 miles. Found out that it was a problem many owners had with this engine. Over $3,000 to repair."

"Bel Air (MD) Subaru service department told me that I needed to replace head gaskets to repair oil leaks. My Zurich insurance (a 60k/5-year policy) said, after viewing photos, that the leaks were not significant and that they would not pay for the service. (I pressured Bel Air Subaru somehow did the repairs - or said they did - and installed a new timing belt while they had the engine apart, charging me only for the part. Meanwhile, a private mechanic told me that the engine showed no signs of having been torn down, based on factory-set nuts and bolts, etc.) I still do not know if the dealer was luring me into an expensive repair, without first realizing they'd never be able to pass it through Zurich. Still don't know. Engine is running very well. (Other similar issues involve cat converter or related electronics.)"

"Replaced at Hiler Subaru. After the work was done they said I needed to replace the head gasket which requires taking the timing belt off again. Don't trust there service honesty any longer"

"Replaced in 2020"

"Replaced at 10 years to prevent failure. Owners manual recommended replacement at 105 months (8.75 months)."

"Timing belt replaced as part of scheduled maintenance."

"While doing the scheduled timing belt replacement, it was found that the tensioner was leaking. Extra $280"

"Timing belt snapped @ 75% of its life. This was belt #2, after the scheduled replacement was done"

"Down tube on the turbo split requiring major engine tear down to replace and almost 3 weeks downtime at the dealer"

"Boots damaged axle removed to replace. Repaired at local mechanic"

"They required replacement as well as tie rod replacement"

"2 ball joints needed replacement"

"Replaced twice"

"First the right side was repaired then six months later the left side as well. Was said to be a normal , expected repair at 80k miles"

"After replacing the other bearings and many other suspension parts - mostly rear, yet another bearing (and other suspension parts) needed to be replaced - mostly front"

"CV boots cracked and leaked lubricant onto exhaust requiring replacement"

"I have a short ride on a gravel road with pot holes. Noise from the front end became increasingly louder as time went on. Dealer checked it out and the technician said all of the bushings were shot and I had them replaced - much better now"

"Front axle bushings and boot needed to be replaced"

"Replaced two front lower control arm bushings -- possibly due to either just wear over time and/or uneven road surface (e.g., potholes). Wheel alignment was done after new bushings were installed"

"then right after new power steering pump, needed $450 in new bushings!"

"According to the Subaru dealer, the bushing wore out and that is a problem with Subarus"

"A small leak was seen in the gasket of the power steering pump. It was repaired by a Subaru dealer"

"needed new power steering pump for $640"

"got belts all messed up. chose to replace them out of caution"

"power steering pump needed to be replaced. (maybe not surprising, given the mileage on the car)"

"pump stopped working. leaked fluid on engine too"

"power steering pump noisy when cold. needed replacement"

"The power steering pump was replaced on warranty"

"Excessive ware"

"Shocks worn out. Struts broken."

"Failure of one strut"

"Rear strut broke. Replaced both rear struts"

"one rear strut found to be leaking about 4 weeks ago"

"Started Leaking"

"Early OEM equipment failure"

"Mechanic replaced struts without warning, meaning they were truly shot. On his advice I had the undercarriage powerwashed and coated at a specialist's. Asked dealer about rust, which had not afflicted two previous Civics; he said that rust weakness came from car's first 6 years in upstate NY--the Rust Belt, to mechanics. Expensive."

"rear strut broke loose completely- unsafe to drive"

"Wear and leakage caused bad power steering response"

"not sure if i selected the right category. Anyway, we had the axle shaft assemby installed at a transmission place."

"Have been told that rack and pinion has failed is failing. Had some oil leakage which may, in retrospect, have been caused by overfilling pump supply chamber. Unsure at present whether bad, incompetent, or malicious diagnosis."

"The power steering rack was failing and many parts needed to be replaced."

"front driver axle needed to be replaced recently. The entire rack and pinion system was replaced in first year I owned the car"

"Oil leaking,smell from oil dropping on exhaust pipe ,and noise during stealing car"

"Warped rotors"

"Brake pads and rotors seem to wear out way too quickly"

"From wheel bearing and axle that lost lub"

"stabilizer bar found to be loose about 4 weeks ago"

"Wheel bearings are constantly needing to be replaced, have replaced several times on same wheels. The problem keeps continuing."

"Over several weeks, I heard a low, repetitive noise when I drove the car that I first thought was tire damage. When I took the car to my mechanic, he diagnosed a shot wheel bearing. Before the repair I was able to drive the car without a problem. The only change I noticed afterwards was the absence of the noise."

"They went out"

"Subaru has a long history of wheel bearing failures and they're expensive to replace. I needed 3 in the past year."

"replaced hub assembly at driver front"

"the left rear wheel bearing failed, and was replaced"

"Grinding - bearing failure"

"Left rear wheel bearing began howling @ 59k miles, replaced it @ $300 cost"

"Wheel bearing needed to be replaced of two of four tires - not covered under warranty"

"Eats wheel bearings with regularity No grease fittings to keep them lubricated"

"right front wheel bearing failed"

"wheel bearing wore out. needed replacement."

"The Catalytic converter needed replacement"

"Warnings come on only winter"

"Basically while the engine was out, the entire exhaust system which was found to be leaking, including the catalytic converter, was replaced along with the clutch and timing belt"

"The car's catalytic converter needed to be replaced. I noticed the problem because of a warning light on the dashboard. That's all I know"

"Heat from converter caused damage to right front axle cup, requiring replacement"

"Rattling - needs replacement"

"Light indicated my cruise control would not function. Dealer said I needed anew cc. I put in some "catalytic fuel?" In the gas tank and the light went off & my cruise controworks"

"Got indicator light for failure; that was fixed through the electronics and THEN catcon failed; covered by a callback warranty. All this involved at least FOUR visits."

"$ 1400.00 to replace oxygen sensors , a lot."

"Converter caused "check engine" light to come on and cruise control not to work. Had to replace the catalytic converter"

"Needed to be replaced"

"Catalytic converter went out but it was still under warranty so did not cost me anything"

"Check-engine code (including the rest of the cruise-disabling Christmas lights) was interpreted by Bel Air Subaru as indication of bad cat converter. (The light could mean to suggest several issues, but I was told that I needed to replace the cat converter ($1800). I decided to drive with the warning lights while I decided whether to sink the money into an aging but otherwise pretty good car. The lights went out all by themselves the next day, and all was well. Dealer service dept. said to wait a little while, that the lights would come back on - and they did. I sprayed silicone lubricant on the gas cap, and the check engine lights were out again (after I disconnected the battery to reset the computer). The check-engine light(s) returned a couple of other times with mileage intervals of from 2,000 to 5,000, and I still don't know why they come on. (This seems to happen ONLY during cold weather snaps. I have now driven over 5,000 miles with no check-engine issue. I suspect this is a sensor, that lights a light covering many issues, the most expensive of which is to replace the cat converter. Maybe I'm just cynical."

"Rusted out exhaust pipe joints, welded them, very expensive to put new in."

"The car was noisier than usual so I asked the service people to check the muffler and exhaust. They did and they found a small hole in the exhaust pipe. Asked if I wanted them to replace it, I said yes and paid over $500 for them to do so. The car is now quieter. They also cleaned the automatic throttle because I told them the car was sluggish"

"Exhaust leaks - multiple spots since 50k miles. Additionally, exhaust heat shields rotting, loose, rattling since 45k. Terrible quality on Subaru's part"

"Seemed a little soon for failure of a portion of exhaust system given mileage of 63k"

"Exhaust pipes and brackets rusted out. Had to replace mufflers too due to design of system"

"This has been a recurring problem for about 3 years. It has been addressed 2 or 3 times by repacking the shields. This seems to obviate the anxiety that the shields might just drop off onto the road, but the rattle is still audible upon startup. The alternative, replacing the shields entirely, is quite expensive."

"Repeatedly fixed but soon starts to rattle again"

"Was knocked loose during catalytic converter replacement, dealer said only way to fix was to remove it. research tells me this is not true, nor is removing it a good idea. Still trying to get dealer to make the repair"

"a persistent problem, replaced many times then told it was an unnecessary item and they were removed and not replaced. sounds like a defect that could not be fixed or a meaningless item"

"Had rattles. Dealer secured with sheet metal screws"

"Few rusted bolts replaced at no charge"

"I heard a rattling noise from under the car. I knew the heat shield was probably loose since this has happened on all of our other Subarus"

"It took the dealer and two independent garages to fix the problem"

"rusted through and dropped down, replaced muffler."

"Muffler rusted out and needed replacement"

"Entire exhaust system replaced"

"Often has airbag light on. Since I brought it in to Subaru for a recall, I don't see the light that shows the airbag is on anymore."

"Light came on intermittingly.... told it was likely a short but I could not get inspection sticker without getting itmreplaced."

"My passenger airbag was part of the Tanaka airbag recall. Subaru replaced the airbag free of charge. It took nearly a year to get to the top of their queue."

"Recall"

"There was a recall notice for the driver airbag then an warning light for a non recall bag on the passenger side door curtain."

"Recalled"

"I had to replace a part of the exhaust pipe system where 2 pipes come together like a Y configuration it was a $650.00 repair. Seemed to be weak place in the design as it rotted. Again I knoe others who have had to replace this"

"Pipe rusted through"

"they are rusted out and need replaced after about 65000 miles. the entire exhaust system"

"Had a small piece of exhaust replaced, only just over $200, and they also replaced a few bolts at no charge for the heat shield"

"Whole exhaust system replaced"

"Just rusted out at the y-joint where the pipes split."

"exhaust pipe rusted through and broke off - had to replace whole system"