1997 subaru outback blown head gasket. *bf the vehicle lost internal heat and the engine temperature read hot. The consumer pulled over and checked under the hood and did not notice any loss of steam, however, the reservoir bottle was empty and fluid had spilled all over the engine. The consumer was aware of six other vehicle that had experienced the same problem.
1997 Subaru Outback engine complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 24 of 24, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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.
The now infamous "blown head gasket" in phase I 2.5l engines is the focus of my complaint. Subaru of america has at least recognized the phaseii 2.5l engines in 1998 models and newer, but only because of a different metal was the "problem". The overwhelming number of cases in the phase I 2.5l (1998 and prior) engine is an obvious indicator of design flaw in the actual shape of the product itself. A recall investigation is a definite must. Just another unhappy subaru customer.
Spark plug popped out of head while driving, engine died. Spark plug unable to be reinserted resulting in a head replacement. Very expensive! Only 135000 miles regular mechanic said that he has seen 4 of these cases in this model in the last 3 months. No acknowledgement form dealer about mechanical defect.
The engine seals of the main cam shaft failed and caused the engine to leak oil. The dealer replaced the seals and the timing belt. Please provide further details.
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
Overheating caused by defective block which cracked required repeated immediate pullovers on interstate highway to prevent severe overheating. Mr
Crank/cam/oil pan silicone seals faileds early in vehicle life. Also, alternator belt fell off, main pulley broke, center of pulley badly worn, and valves bent on cylinder #2. $635 to replace seals, $415 to replace main pulley, and $1107 to replace valves.
While traveling 35 MPH water pump failed ,allowing timing chain to slip off, and bending valves to engine. Please describe details.
Engine will stall intermittently during normal operation of vehicle while traveling at any speed. Dealership has examined vehicle and replaced sensor valve two times and computer. Please provide any additional information / documentation.
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.
Local subaru dealer has sold these parts several times recently. It appears to be a known problem. When this fails the pully system of the engine falls apart, literally, resulting in the loss of electrical power, power steering, brake warning... This would have been dangerous had we not been on a back road with no traffic.
Driving at approximately 30 MPH in freezing weather or 32 degrees below vehicle will stall out ,consumer must wait at least 10 minutes before restarting vehicle , dealer cannot find problem ,has changed speed sensor but defect is still occurring.
When driving the vehicle there are various electrical malfunctions, resulting in the windshield wiper becoming inoperative, also heater. Consumer also noticed a fume odor in the vehicle. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer unable to determine the problem. Please provide any other details.
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