Check a VIN

1999 Subaru Outback engine complaints

Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 23 of 23, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1999 Subaru Outback engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jun 15, 2004 · Engine · 74,000 miles · WA

At around 74,000 miles the cam shaft began to fracture, causing the engine to seize. The engine had to be replaced with a remanufactured engine. Subaru refused to provide any compensation because it was outside the warranty period.

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 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 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 Oct 15, 2003 · Engine · OH

My 1999 subaru outback stalls when it is cold. The car has been to the dealership for tune-ups and repairs with no resolution. The dealership and subaru's area service representative, bob wiseman, have closed the case. I am stuck with a car that won't run.

Filed May 28, 2003 · Engine · 49,150 miles · DC

Head gasket was leaking and needed to be replaced. Ph

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 Jan 29, 2003 · Engine · OR

Engine make a noise. The dealer and technician diagnosis the piston was worn-out at premature mileages . Please provide further information. Ph

Filed Nov 24, 2001 · Engine · SC

Front crank seal fails. Causing oil leakage and possible fire under hood. Research on internet shows to be a common problem with subarus. Research also shows subaru has released 3 different parts in attempt to fix problem. Subaru denies this to be a fire hazard or even a problem with their vehicles.

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.

Filed Nov 20, 2000 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

Vehicle has been experiencing hesitation after accelerating from a stopped position, this problem has been occurring every day and the dealer can find no remedy for it, the mechanics say it is a fuel problem and have had the consumer use high octane gas, the fuel filter was plugged and the dealer found the fuel was contaminated, all the work that has been completed on this vehicle has not remedied the hesitation problem.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1999 Subaru Outback?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history