2002 Subaru Outback engine problems

Filed Apr 9, 2018 · Engine · 190,000 miles · VA

I am the original owner of this vehicle and I have had four separate incidents that my head gasket has had to be replaced. This is a costly repair and given my car has 190,000 miles on it I believe four issues dealing with this same situation needs to be properly addressed. Not only does this issue result in a huge outlay of money but it gets oil all over the engine, parts, and driveway that needs to be cleaned. I would appreciate any assistance in this matter.

Filed Oct 21, 2015 · Brakes, Engine · 141,682 miles · MA

I bought car oct 6; first inspection appointment at my usual garage mon oct 12- failed due to rusty suspect brake connection. Seller had me take to his dealer- mastria subaru in raynham. They put a paint/coating over rusty area. I was pretty skeptical but brought car to my garage in vt monday oct 19 and the leaky brake fluid much more clearly visible- due to smoother (though bumpy from oxidation below) paint surface. I also saw leaking coolant, leaks in oil pan, and a crack in muffler pipe just engine side of muffler (it had been getting noisier and noisier) my mechanic pointed out the timing belt gasket was missing and one bolt 'missing' ; it was sticking out of another 'hole' that was for a fully threaded bolt. The seller has sent long-winded insulting e-mails and states I must return car to him to have the same dealer service it. I am taking it to a&m, 400 mystic ave, somerville this morning near me! For estimate today. There's a reject sticker from reading petroleum on it- I didn't know ma & vt had reciprocal status- but I think the vt inspection is more stringent, safer and comprehensive

Filed Jan 31, 2015 · Engine · 17,482 miles · FL

Drivers side head gasket leaked. Only that side was replaced. On 1/14 both head gaskets started leaking at 59000 miles. With subarus help the dealer charged $ 855.00. The problem is subaru has a design defect in this engine so those of us who own these cars are going to have to pay for gasket replacements for as long as we own them. By the way the coolant system conditioner is holts radweld stopleak something subaru will not tell you.

Filed Jan 13, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 75,000 miles · PA

In 10 degree weather, my 2002 subaru outback wagon developed a fuel leak while being driven by my 17-year-old child. This is my second subaru wagon and the second to have cold weather fuel leaks. I tightened the clamp on the offending fuel line and I hope that is an adequate fix. But it is simply unacceptable that such a dangerous problem has not had a recall, and that it has been happening for 20 years. (my first subaru with this problem was a 1991 legacy wagon.) how many car fires have resulted from this problem? How many injuries or even fatalities? Please make subaru take responsibility for a poorly designed fuel line.

Filed Jan 24, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 135,000 miles · MN

The car always has a strong gas smell inside during winter. The smell is so bad that I get headaches.

Filed Jan 15, 2012 · Engine, Fuel system · KS

When weather turns cold, the smell of raw gas comes into the car, as well as in the garage after parking. So far the dealer has just tightened a clamp, but what happens if I'm on a hi-way and that happens? I can't drive the car with a gas leak in the engine and to far away from a fire station so do I call a towe truck or my lawyer. Because the car burnt up? Can't believe the subaru dealership is being so unresponsive about this. Get this recall to all the subaru having a issue I thought you had great cars not so much now.

Filed Jan 12, 2012 · Engine · 120,000 miles · RI

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 subaru outback wagon. The contact stated during routine maintenance with a private mechanic, the mechanic advised that radiator fluid was leaking into the exhaust. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 120,000.

Filed Dec 30, 2011 · Engine · 142,000 miles · CO

I recently took my outback in to a local shop for an oil change, and they notified me that the head gasket has started to leak. Took it to the dealership for a second opinion, and they said the same thing. Called four different places, and got estimates for anywhere from $1500-$2100 (after spending $2k on other wear and tear repairs this summer). Every mechanic I spoke with was keenly aware of this problem, which obviously means this is a very common - and expensive - defect!

Filed Jul 17, 2008 · Engine · 123,000 miles · OH

I replaced the left head gasket (at a local service center) at 122,000 miles due to oil leakage. At 123,000 miles the right head gasket failed. I contacted subaru because I don't think it's coincidental for both head gaskets to fail that close together. They will not help me because of the miles and because I didn't have the first work done at a dealer.

Filed Feb 27, 2008 · Engine · 80,000 miles · NY

Head gasket failure causing coolant leak from engine, potential overheating and engine failure.