1999 Subaru Outback: engine failure

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 Jan 6, 2006 · Engine · 110,000 miles · GA

The 1999 subaru outback is equipped with a dual overhead cam engine. The timing belt pulley for the cams are made of plastic. My wife and 2 year old daughter had just exited interstate 20 near atlanta when the engine "sounded like an explosion" according to my wife. The engine immediately lost all power and seized, and she had difficulty steering and stopping the car without power steering and brakes. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and it was discovered that the right cam pulley (plastic) had shattered causing the engine to seize. Had this happened on the interstate at speed, there could have been a very serious accident and injuries. The car had been maintained, including replacement of timing belt at recommended interval. The engine is ruined and requires replacement or rebuilding. Car has been sitting in my garage since.

Filed Apr 8, 2004 · Engine · 115,000 miles · IL

Dealer will replace the engine at 115000 miles.

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 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.