1997 Subaru Legacy engine problems

Filed Dec 8, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 92,000 miles · NH

1997 subaru legacy gt 2.5l engine, approx. 92k miles, engine started overheating. Car was taken to two different repair facilities and diagnosed as blown head gasket after pressure test, block test, no signs of leaking. Car had been serviced faithfully by original owner at subaru dealerships since purchase. I found out this is a common problem from repair facilities with this model and engine but when questioned subaru dealership they said it couldn't have happened as head gasket and cooling system are not related (?) and problem was a cracked block or cylinder. Estimated cost to replace head gasket $2450-. Estimated cost to replace engine $5700-. I had also had a problem where the fuel filler tube that connects to the gas tank from where you pur the gasoline in from the pump had rusted away and leaked fuel onto the ground. I had that replaced at approx. Cost of $400-. Again subaru denied there was a problem when I called the dealership. These problems occurred with in six months of each other.

Filed Nov 24, 2009 · Engine · 118,000 miles · NY

1997 subaru legacy 2.5 l engine. 118,000 miles. Chronic overheating. Many dollars spent only to find that these cars are notorious for blowing head gaskets. Sure enough, that's the trouble.

Filed Feb 24, 2009 · Engine · 195,748 miles · WA

I am sure you have received other complaints regarding the 2.5l engine in 1997 subaru legacy gt's. The head gaskets are very weak, which when they blow, can cause a loss of power due to a rush of coolant flowing into the system, which kills the engine. This problem is very widespread, and subaru does not admit anything. However, in canada, subaru was sued for this same issue. There are thousands of people out there that are experiencing erratic failure with these head gaskets, and there isn't even a tsb on them. Please, help us!

Filed Nov 4, 2008 · Engine · 116,000 miles · SC

I was out driving on a sunny sunday with a couple of friends to see the fall color, and without warning my car overheated. I took it to my mechanic to have find out what caused the problem and he said it was a "blown head gasket". I have not had the repairs done yet because I am trying to decide whether or not to put in a new engine or just repair the old one. The cost is going to be in excess of $1500 dollars either option and after doing a bit of research I have found that there are multiple websites out there with people who are suffering the same problems. This problem only seems to effect a certain number of year models and I would like to have subaru do something to help alert those who will potentially be buying these vehicles with no knowledge of what they are buying into.

Filed Sep 29, 2007 · Engine · 224,992 miles · 00

Sudden overheating occurring mostly above 60 km/h symptoms included large pockets of air in cooling system as well as small bubbles. First thought by mechanic was head gasket, however tests on coolant showed otherwise. Small leak found in water pump gasket, replaced entire pump and gasket, as well as thermostat, belts, hoses, etc. Current research has proven that years 1997 through 2002 all do this as a result of a design flaw that causes the head gasket to fail.

Filed Feb 10, 2005 · Engine · 93,412 miles · CA

While driving at 45-50 MPH vehicle overheated. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and mechaic confirmed that it was a blown head gasket on a 2.5l engine. The dealer was notified.

Filed Mar 1, 2004 · Engine · 80,500 miles

I have now replaced my subaru 97 engine 5 times, and each time the new/used engine failed. Each engine had between 60 and 80,000 miles on it. In most of these cases, the engine blew a headgasket.

Filed Dec 3, 2003 · Engine · 63,000 miles · CA · fire

Problems with vehicle blowing head gaskets.*mr while driving, the check engine light illuminated, smoke came from under the hood and the tail pipe. Vehicle was towed to a subaru dealership where it was discovered the problem was a blown head gasket. Coolant and oil sprayed all over the engine and ignited a small fire on the exhaust manifold, but it extinguished itself. Consumer had vehicle towed to her local dealer. She obtained two opinions and they both said the same thing. Extreme coolant loss but no evidence of a leak. It appeared without taking the engine apart to be a factory defect. It's either a defective head gasket, casting flaw in the metal or a head that wasn't torqued properly. Consumer would like subaru to cover the entire cost a of a engine (including labor), reimbursement for air flow and filter replacement, reimbursement for towing, cost of a rental car, and mechanic's vehicle check for a total of $1976.16 dollars.

Filed Oct 12, 2003 · Engine · 70,000 miles · WI

The vehicle was leaking oil from the rear separator plate and oil pump seal. *ak this caused copious amounts of smoke to billow out from under the hood and out the front wheel wells when stopped after driving several miles. Took several minutes for the smoke to subside. Consumer questioned whether there were any fines for this failure. He heard subaru made changes to the newer model legacy. Consumer learned of two other subaru owner's that experience the same defect. *ph

Filed Oct 7, 2003 · Engine · CA · fire

While traveling at 70 MPH engine light illuminated and smoke came from under hood. Driver pulled over, popped hood, and noticed coolant and oil sprayed over engine. Also a couple of flames were present. Dealer said it was a blown head gasket.