1997 Subaru Outback: engine overheating

Filed Jul 14, 2008 · Engine · 126,000 miles · MD

Loss of coolant, overheated engine, diagnosis of blown head gasket car: 1997 subarau legacy outback with 2.5 liter engine.

Filed Jun 3, 2008 · Engine · UT

Overheating, blown head gasket.

Filed Nov 27, 2007 · Engine · 85,000 miles · CA

'97 subaru outback wagon impeccably maintained 85,000 mi is overheating. Began as intermittent problem approx 5 months ago. Flushed radiator, repl cap, pressure tested radiator. Driving down hill on mountain road in morning cold, overheats after about 6 miles. Repl thermostat, water pump, timing belt. Subaru dealer repair mechanic says head gasket. Googled problem online before replacing thermostat. Blogs from outback owners with same symptoms say head gasket. An incredible number of blogs describing the same problem and statements that subaru has never taken responsibility for this flaw which has affected so many outback owners. This is a crime.

Filed Feb 4, 2006 · Engine · 107,990 miles · ID

Outback 1997: 108,000. Car overheated suddenly on a short trip. Replaced thermostat and flushed/filled radiator at local firestone. Two days later, car overheats. In both cases, radiator fluid ejected onto engine. Took car to dealer who identified the now very common "blown head gasket". Repairs made at a cost to me of $1400! This is a defect in these automobiles that needs to be taken care of by subaru. What does it take for this problem to be addressed? I was fortunate to not have burned my engine, others have not been. Time to take action!!

Filed Dec 10, 2005 · Engine · 89,500 miles · MA

Head gasket failure. Purchased in 2/07 (est. Date) began to fail at least in 1/05 (1x). Then weekly in 7/05. But may have been signs of problem as early as 1997/1998. Result of problem is unexpected and rapid bubbling over and overheating placing occupants in potentially dangerous situation. For example, almost stranded in blizzard in 1/05. Had to pull over on high speed highways in summer 05 due to rapid red lining and risk of engine fire. Subaru picked up 1/2 cost although not in warranty for us and has done 1/2 to full for others who complained. One of the 2.5l engines has been subject to recall. The 2.5l engine in our car has not been recalled but we believe that the problems are as frequent (and worse) and the car should be recalled. This is not an isolated incident. Local mechanic said he sees frequently on subaru outback. Found internet weblog started 18 months ago which has 275 complaints and growing monthly - on both the 2.5l engines (including the one in our car). Bad enough we had to incur $800 of the $1600 cost but people are driving around with an engine that repeatedly has failed (head gasket) and created a hazardous condition. I can provide you with copies of correspondence with subaru if you would like. See link below to weblog page where you can see other people's experience discussed (275 and growing monthly): http://scott.mcgerik.com/2004/02/18/subaru-outback-head-gasket-leak/.

Filed Feb 7, 2005 · Engine · 120,232 miles · WA

This is the standard subaru 2.5l head gasket failure problem. I add this to the database to increase the pressure on subaru of america to address this problem properly. For more information see: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze730qe/guestlog.html the symptoms are as follows. Car engine began overheating -- large temperature spikes and then would return to normal. Engine oil appeared in coolant reservoir. Coolant spews onto engine. Loss of power in some gears.

Filed Dec 27, 2004 · Engine · 157,000 miles · PA

While driving vehicle started to overheat. The thermostat was replaced, and the vehicle continued to overheat. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the engine has to be replaced.

Filed Jan 4, 2003 · Engine · 68,526 miles · MA

2.5 liter engine block cracked, causing repeated instances of overheating requiring stopping in dangerous traffic situations and eventual replacement of block at owner expense. Ts

Filed Oct 14, 2002 · Engine · MA

Overheating caused by defective block which cracked required repeated immediate pullovers on interstate highway to prevent severe overheating. Mr

Filed Nov 26, 2001 · Engine · VA

Consumer states that engine block and head are cracked with no signs of overheating, subaru mechanic could not find no mechanical reason why this occurred. Manufacturer was contacted.