1999 Subaru Outback: engine overheating

Filed Aug 8, 2009 · Engine · 38,000 miles · MA

Head gasket failed on 1999 subaru at 38,000. Car was maintained religiously. Subaru recall was never sent to me. I was told my car was the 'wrong phase engine' to be covered under warranty. Car had overheated 3 months earlier. Subaru flushed the system and added 'special coolant lubricant'. This was worthless. I was told it would cost $2000+, even though my family has purchased 4 subaru's from the same dealer. After a lot of screaming and yelling, they replaced both gaskets, radiator, thermostat and water pump. I ended up paying $250. Dealer, (wakefield surbaru, wakefield ma.) helped convinced subaru corporate to foot most of the expense. Later when subaru oil filters failed (leaks) and after more screaming and yelling with this dealer ship, (after they said I was making up the leak problem) I've changed dealerships who has a more professional service center.

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 Feb 1, 2005 · Engine · 99,200 miles · WV

The vehicle overheated and was towed. The radiator was replaced. Vehicle broke down a second time. The vehicle was serviced again and the head gasket was found to be defective.

Filed Aug 9, 2004 · Engine · 85,000 miles · NC

Random overheating in my 1999 subaru legacy outback wagon, 85000 , lead to being stranded on a rural road. After replacing thermostat, problem was not fixed. Eventually, my mechanic said it was due to a failed head gasket. At 85000, this problem should not occur. Subaru has issued a recall on phase ii, 2.5l engine head gaskets because of failure, however have chosen to ignore the owners of the phase I engines. I found a web-site forum with many other victums of subarus neglect, many of whom were also stranded on the roadside because of this defect in cars with 50-100k mileage. Clearly the head-gaskets on these engines are defective and this is serious defect that subaru should acknowlege and fix.

Filed Jan 29, 2004 · Engine · 83,200 miles · CA

My 1999 subaru outback overheated and problem attributed to cracked head gasket. Dealer states that 99-01 are covered as warranty despite mileage if has a phase 2 engine. Mine is phase 1. Trying to determine amount of similar problems.

Filed Dec 16, 2003 · Engine · 126,000 miles · CT

Engine overheated after a 30-minute trip. Temp gauge read normal. Thermostat, water pump, radiator, head gasket all ok, but exhaust valves and cylinder walls damaged beyond repair.

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.