2001 Subaru Forester engine problems

Filed Apr 23, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 189,000 miles · OH

I was driving down the freeway at night when I heard a loud bang noise and looked behind me and saw black smoke and had lost all power, no power steering, no brakes and no lights I had to try to cross 2 lanes of traffic to get my car to the shoulder while it was decelerating. I got the car to the shoulder and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment, and was worried of a possible fire. I got out and called a tow truck and had it towed. The result was a blown head gasket that had blown the rod through the back pillar and sprayed oil over everything causing the battery to short out which LED to the power loss. The whole engine on the car needed to be replaced for the second time. Bought car with a rebuilt engine from same problem at 141,000 miles.

Filed Aug 1, 2012 · Engine, Fuel system · 65,715 miles · CA

Driving n on i5 highway when car made noises, pulled over & would not start again. Towed in. Was told that engine was dead. Car had just been serviced by dealer. Had to buy new engine. Subaru would not take any responsibility. Car had very low mileage & was in good shape. When doing research, found that this was an ongoing and common problem with all vehicles with 2.5l engine and due to defective head gasket.

Filed Oct 6, 2009 · Engine · 99,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 subaru forester. While the contact was examining her vehicle, she noticed that the check engine light was illuminated. A local mechanic stated that the knock sensor had to be replaced. The contact also noticed that the inside of her vehicle became very warm while she was driving. The current and failure mileages were 99000.

Filed Aug 18, 2007 · Engine · 78,151 miles · NM

As soon as the car aged to 75,000 miles I started having problems. The closest subaru dealer is 51 miles away from my current location. Not easy to get to. My in town mechanic has only been trying to treat the symptoms. I've had thermostat, heater core, valve covers, spark plug wires replaced, hoses replaced, and still has not fixed the issue. I took it to a subaru dealer this morning, still overheating, and he says I have a blown head gasket and I will have to replace valve covers, wires, obviously the head gasket and possibly a few other parts. Labor alone is a 1000 dollars. Subaru should take full responsibility for this as I am noticing that there are several posts and several websites with owners having the exact same issues. I really have enjoyed owning a subaru up until now. I don't know what else can be done.

Filed Oct 29, 2006 · Engine · 100,000 miles · OR

Blown head gaskets, cracked short block, and o2 sensors all replaced at around 100,000 miles. O2 sensors replaced twice. Unknown when problem first occurred and which was cause and which effect. Head gaskets should be covered by program wwp-99, but subaru will not consider nor discuss any accommodation.

Filed Oct 25, 2005 · Engine · 75,000 miles · MD

Blown head gasket @ 75,000 miles (oil leaks). Not covered by service program wwp-99.

Filed May 16, 2005 · Engine · 95,000 miles · OH

Head gasket blown after service at dealership

Filed Mar 24, 2005 · Engine, Tires · 43,000 miles · CA

Recall ww-99 was issued by the manufacturer that was not found at this time. There was external coolant leak into the head gasket, which could cause the vehicle to overheat. Dealer was only flushing the system, and was unable to remedy the problem. Also, yokohama tires that were under the proper inflation for the vehicle caused it to slip and slide even though it was all wheel drive.*ak

Filed Dec 30, 2004 · Engine · 90,000 miles · NY

My 2001 subaru forester has a blown head gasket. It appears, after searching the internet and other sources, that this is a major problem that affects all phase 2 2.5 l engines made by subaru between 1999 & 2002. There are numerous internet web pages with complaints from all over the country. Why hasn't subaru been ordered to recall these engines, they're adanger to the driving public!

Filed Jan 20, 2004 · Engine · 26,000 miles · IN

Engine pinging noise resulting from short skirt valve design failure. Requested advice from manufacture was told to take vehicle to a dealer. Dealer refused to acknowledge problem. Engine life is greatly reduced by this problem. Dealer recognition has occured regarding this flaw. This is the second subaru I have purchased. Similar problem in first vehicle resulted in dealer replaceing short block. Although disappointed at flaw customer service at first dealer prompted purchase of second vehicle.