8.3
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $1,680
- Average Mileage:
- 82,000 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 6 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace head gaskets (6 reports)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Subaru dealer.
I OWNED 3 SUBARUS, ALL NEEDED HEAD GASKETS. THIS WAS EARLY PROBLEM.
- Gregory A., Portland, OR, US
Was having a minor oil leak so I took it in. They told me that my head gaskets were failing and that this is a common Subaru issue. They also told me that while it wasn't an emergency, if I didn't get it fixed, it would lead to engine failure. I spent $2000 on a car only worth $3000 - and then a few months later the engine died from a separate problem!
- chartley81, Ann Arbor, US
Unexpected head gasket leak. Got it fixed along with changing of timing belt. Complained to Subaru, and got a $750 check from the company.
- Qun F., Independence, MO, US
all 1999 through 2010 non turbo 2.5l equipped Subaru's develop this head gasket leak. It is due to a faulty head gasket design. If you catch it early you can have it fixed but if you don't you will blow your engine. The dealership was notified of the leak when it was brought in for service. They claimed it was due to a loose oil drain plug and said it was fine. The problem is that when the head leaks from the back it leaks down onto the oil pan and off the drain plug. We figured this out 20,000 km later when it was out of warranty. Subaru of Canada refuses to help out in any way. It's $2200 to fix the head gaskets. Personally
If I were you I WOULD NOT purchase any 1999 through 2010 non turbo Subaru with a 2.5l engine unless it had already had the head gaskets repaired with the correct aftermarket set.
To add to that, the lack of customer service has been terrible and I would strongly recommend you to avoid buying Subaru all together.
- S R., Cranbrook, BC, Canada
They replaced head gaskets under warranty. Immediately after, engine consumed 1 to 3 quarts of oil every 1,000 miles.
- oakpenn, Bethlehem, PA, US
click to see larger images
We bought our Forrester in March of 2015 with 60,000 miles on it. As of today we have 128,000. I've always performed my own maintenance and done it on time. Since the last 2 oil changes (Jan 2019 and May 2019) I've noticed more oil spray on the front engine crossmember and steering rack. I thought maybe it was a drain plug or oil pan gasket but finally crawling up under the car and looking deep, I noticed a leak between the head and block at the rear of the engine on the driver's side.
Knowing this is a common issue, I knew It needed to be taken care of soon. I wasn't going to take it to the dealer for a several thousand dollar repair on a car that's worth maybe $5000. I ordered aftermarket head gaskets and tackled the job myself with a Subaru buddy over the weekend. I was lucky that I caught it early enough that the heads weren't warped and didn't need machining. Other than oil consumption that needs constant monitoring, this car has been relatively reliable.
- J. W., Goodlettsville, US