1999 Subaru Outback: check engine light

Filed Sep 8, 2009 · Fuel system · 150,000 miles · MI

Fuel filler tube corrosion causes leak of fuel and fuel vapor. Check engine light illuminates code p0440 (evap emissions malfunction). Fuel filler tube and valve assembly parts cost is $200. Labor $275. Common problem on subarus that should be investigated and recalled due to fuel vapor leakage poses an environmental safety hazard.

Filed Dec 18, 2007 · Fuel system · 122,000 miles · CT

My 1999 subaru outback wagon issued a cel with a 440 code. In finding the source of the problem, I discovered that the gas fill pipe below the gas cap has rotted out and has developed, holes leading to raw gas spillage and failure of the emissions system. The design of the cover around the outside of this pipe caused the accumulation of dirt and debris over the years that has rusted the pipe from the outside in. This is a poor design that allows the dirt to collect here. There is nothing in the manual that indicates any cleaning of this area is required to prevent this from occurring.

Filed Feb 26, 2006 · Engine · 113,000 miles · CO

In october 2003, the engine of my 1999 subaru outback with 80,000 miles overheated, seized and required replacement. I was on the highway at the time and realized the car was losing power and the thermostat gauge was above "h". I contacted subaru prior to the repair and was told that the problem was likely due to improper maintenance and besides, my vehicle was out of warranty. This was subaru's response even though I regularly maintain my car. I did get the engine replaced at significant out-of-pocket expense. Last week, while traveling along the interstate, my temperature gauge again was on "h" and I quickly pulled off the road. The "check engine" light was on and I immediately shut off the engine. The car was towed to a subaru mechanic and I was told that the head gasket had failed and needed replacement. Another significant expense after only 30,000 miles on a factory rebuilt engine. Although I am now aware that subaru sent out a recall / notification letter in feb. 2004, I did not receive one, apparently because I have the type of engine that may not be covered by the notification. It is clear from a review of this website that I am not alone in my complaints about the outback's engine and cooling system, and the fact that subaru is not standing behind its product.

Filed Mar 1, 2004 · Engine · 120,000 miles · MD

Head gasket failed on my 1999 subaru legacy outback. The material on the gasket is completely gone in a few areas, causing leakage into the engine and subsequent engine failure. Subaru specialist that fixed it said he had repaired 10 subaru head gaskets in just the past 2 weeks alone. Another friend has a 1999 subaru forester that had its head gasket fail within 3 weeks of mine. According to the subaru repair specialist, subaru does not admit the head gasket is defective. 2 days after getting the head gasket fixed, the alternator failed and the car shut down while driving 65 MPH on a highway. Barely had enough momentum to ease the car off the road out of traffic. Oh, one more thing. The check engine light comes on and the repair facilities can't seem to find anything wrong but the emissions inspection repeatedly fails due to the light being on.

Filed Oct 20, 2003 · Engine, Suspension · NY

Check engine indicator light illuminated. Also, while driving at highway speeds vehicle pulls to the left. The cause of the problems have not been determined.

Filed Feb 8, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · CA

There are several issues going on with my 1999 subaru legacy outback vehicle: 1) the check engine light goes on when the fuel gauge drops down to empty although the gas tank was just filled with gas. 2) the fuel gauge does not read correct. After the gas tank is full, the gauge fluctuates back and forth (sometimes the gauge reads near empty, sometimes the gauge reads 3/4 of the tank full) when operating the vehicle. 3) the car did not pass the california smog test. 4) the RPM gauge does not stay constant while driving at an even speed. Once the gauge hits between two to three thousand RPM, the gauge drops back to between one and two thousand RPM on and of when driving. 5) the gas tank does not maintain pressure even though the lid was screwed on tight. The lid was replaced with a new one but this problem still occurs. All these issues occur with the check engine light on. The dealer does not want to look at these issues without having me pay them to look at my car. These issues my car has been experiencing have been on and off since 2001 to present. The problems seem to get worse.

Filed Mar 31, 2001 · NY

My engine light came on at 36,000 miles the dealer charged me $75 to reset it and was not able to determine why the light came on within 2 weeks the light came on again sicne the warranty expired at 36,000 miles I will have to pay for another "computer reset" words used by dealer is this a common complaint for this moodel and year ? I also understand that there is an alternator recall could that have made the engine light come on ? Thank you as.

Filed Dec 4, 2000 · Engine, Visibility · NY

Vehicle started smoking under hood, then stalled at a stop. Taken to dealer who repaired vehicle, one week later engine light came on, vehicle overheated, but did not stall, dealer replaced engine. Wiper blades were replaced.