1998 Subaru Legacy engine problems

Filed May 27, 2008 · Engine · 120,000 miles · MI

It seems after 5 minutes of investigation that there is thousands of 1997 to 2002 subaru owners who are have the problem with over heating and head gasket replacement. Subaru refuses to acknowledge an issue or design flaw and is making the customer bare the cost of repairing a faulty head gasket problem. Even replacing the head gasket does not insure that the problem will be dealt with and no further trouble will be had.

Filed Jul 24, 2007 · Engine · 85,000 miles · CA

1 x overheated on a hot day, heading up a hill. Noticed high temp and turned on heater, waited for car to cool, added h2o. 2 months later, driving on a hot day with AC on, sudden clicking, check engine light, lost power, smoke, stopped. Towed to garage that specializes in subaru and they found hole in head gasket. Repairs to cost $3k and this is something they see 2x a week with subaru vehicles. Found a web site where dozens of people complain of the same issue over the years. Subaru apparently has a recall on 1999-2002 vehicles, but not others with the same issue. Subaru should be paying for the parts on this widespread and known issue!

Filed Dec 14, 2006 · Engine · 144,000 miles · WA

My 98 subaru legacy outback 2.5 liter, 144k miles was sporadically overheating while driving on the highway through a snow/rain storm. The temperature gauge would go up, and the cabin heater would start producing cool air. I pulled over and let it cool down, filled the radiator back up with water (it had overflowed) and drove slowly home. When I took it to the mechanic, he suggested when hearing the symptoms that it was a blown head gasket, and that this subaru engine was notorious for this. He even suggested a class action suit. After he checked it out, it was indeed a blown head gasket. After some web research on car forums, I found several other people with exactly the same problem with this particular engine.

Filed Jul 4, 2005 · Engine · 150,000 miles · WV

Car overheated, took to dealership. Called next day and informed the head gasket was blown. After discussing, they said they had to replace both head gaskets. Knowing about cars, this seemed strange to me that both were blown at same time - it was at this time that dealership pointed out to me that subaru is having problems with head gaskets and that this is not an ususual problem. Replacement cost was $2200.

Filed Dec 13, 2004 · Engine · WA

Consumer noticed that the temperature gauge was registering hot on the dashboard while driving. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer. Mechanic determined that the head gasket blew out and needed replacement. *ak......it was necessary to tear down the engine and replace all the gaskets/hoses/radiator/water pump/thermostat, as well as the coolant and oil. From january 2004 to september 2004, subaru replaced 13 head gaskets on outbacks, and vintages from 1996-1998, and a mileage from 60,000 miles-90,000 miles. This represented a serious manufacting defect, it should be addressed by the manufacturer with a recall notice.

Filed Nov 4, 2004 · Engine · NM

While driving 75 MPH vehicle stalled. Consumer was not able to restart the vehicle, and it was towed to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced.

Filed Aug 9, 2004 · Engine · 72,580 miles · CA

While driving 60 MPH vehicle stalled. Consumer was unable to restart vehicle. It was towed to a garage for inspection, and mechanic determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced due to a blow out. *ak updated 02/24/06

Filed Jul 1, 2004 · Engine · 70,000 miles · CO

Oil leaking from oil pump. The leaking oil comes in contact with the header and burns.

Filed May 13, 2004 · Engine · 105,000 miles · MI

Vehicle was leaking ant freeze, which was splashing all over the engine compartment. This resulted in the temperature gauge reading hot. This occurred because the head gasket blew out, and was replaced.

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Engine · 108,000 miles · NY

Coolant leaked from the engine head gasket. The consumer took the vehicle to dealer, and they replaced the gasket head/gas, and holes. *ak