Engine Major
Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
What Owners Say
"Head needed replacing. I knew a transmission rebuild and head gasket was needed when I purchased the car. Paid very little for the car."
Anonymous, WI (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)"Related to the head gasket issue"
Joanne O., KS (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Two valve guides slipped causing valves not to seat properly."
David A., OR (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Scott B., WI (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 3.0-L 6 Cyl)"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"
Matthew D., NJ (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Craig L., IA (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Engine lost oil that was undetected. Required replacement"
Anonymous, ID (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Engine died without warning. Needed major service or complete engine replacement"
Dan K., MA (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"burned oil and engine blew. had other problems w/ check engine due to O2 sensor, did not realize car was burning oil"
Anonymous, VA (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Engine was burning oil excessively. I can't fault Subaru since the car has such high mileage."
Anonymous, NC (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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."
Anonymous, GA (2008 Subaru Outback Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Replaced in 2020"
Anonymous, MA (2008 Subaru Outback Unsure Unsure)"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."
Anonymous, VA (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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."
Anonymous, (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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."
Anonymous, CT (2008 Subaru Outback Unsure)"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"
Anonymous, QC (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Head gasket problem, caused loss of coolant and overheating"
Anonymous, PA (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Anonymous, ON (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)"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"
Anonymous, CT (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Oil leak; coolant leak"
Anonymous, AB (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Anonymous, OR (2008 Subaru Outback)"Oil leaking down and hitting exhaust pipe causing hot smell"
Anonymous, MT (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Gene J., CT (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
J S., NY (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Developed oil leak in the head gasket and had it replaced"
William S., WI (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Frank R., WA (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Anonymous, NJ (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"First time replacing head gasket at 160000 mi. Due to location of head gasket timing belt and water pump were also replaced"
Anonymous, NJ (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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."
William K., TN (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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."
Anonymous, ME (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Loss of pressure in the cooling system. My Mechanic said head gasket. He said he has done several from this year."
Anonymous, CO (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"this car known for this problem"
Rick J., NV (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Head gasket leak. Water pump and timing belt were done at the same time for efficiency (expected to fail within 20,000 miles)"
Anonymous, VT (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"there was an oil leak , so I chose to do the 100,000 mile items early"
SUSn J., CT (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Head gasket leak requiring engine to be pulled and repaired"
Anonymous, CT (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Anonymous, MD (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Head gasket leaking and will need replacing. Dealership wants $2400"
Anonymous, AZ (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Anonymous, MA (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"it failed causing expensive repair"
Blair C., CA (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i L.L. Bean 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Joanne O., KS (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Anonymous, ME (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Anonymous, TN (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Head gasket needed to be replaced due to gasoline leak - potential for fire. Cost $1000"
Anonymous, WI (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Anonymous, PA (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Anonymous, NJ (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Dan M., PA (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Anonymous, IL (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Oil leaking from head gasket"
Charles G., WA (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Anonymous, MA (2008 Subaru Outback)"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"
Anonymous, NS (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Head gasket seal failed costing 3500.00"
Anonymous, BC (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Head gasket leaked. Very costly repair"
Anonymous, MI (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)"I've owned 5 Subaru's and all have had head gasket failure around 100000 miles"
Roger L., MA (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Because of leaking oil, it needed to be replaced at 61000 miles"
Lyndon S., MI (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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!"
Michael B., DE (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Anonymous, KY (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Head gaskets replaced. Major cost. Subaru admitted having problems with head gaskets in this model and reimbursed part of cost to repair"
Anonymous, CA (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Started to leak both sides. Dealer replaced with "turbo" gasket - gasket used in turbocharged version of same engine. Subaru picked up half of cost"
Anonymous, IL (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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."
Anonymous, AK (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Previous owner indicated that the head gasket needed replacement"
William C., NY (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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."
Larry S., TX (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i L.L. Bean 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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.)"
Peter S., MD (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited L.L. Bean 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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"
Anonymous, TX (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Replaced in 2020"
Anonymous, MA (2008 Subaru Outback Unsure Unsure)"Replaced at 10 years to prevent failure. Owners manual recommended replacement at 105 months (8.75 months)."
Anonymous, MO (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Timing belt replaced as part of scheduled maintenance."
Anonymous, NY (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"While doing the scheduled timing belt replacement, it was found that the tensioner was leaking. Extra $280"
Anonymous, TX (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Timing belt snapped @ 75% of its life. This was belt #2, after the scheduled replacement was done"
David W., ON (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Down tube on the turbo split requiring major engine tear down to replace and almost 3 weeks downtime at the dealer"
Alex H., TN (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
"it was resolved after 2 "diagnostics" tests revealed a different problem. 500.00 later it runs great"
Anonymous, ID (2008 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)