8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,700
Average Mileage:
132,150 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace head gaskets (2 reports)
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problem #2

Jul 102018

Legacy 2.5i Limited H4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 181,705 miles

Labor for gasket repair $2300!! At dealer, mechanic required to take engine out to access the gasket...

- Augusto E., Marlborough, MA, US

problem #1

Jun 192013

Legacy 2.5i Limited 2.5L H4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,500 miles

Subarus are such great cars but they do come with a few occupational hazards, namely rust, road noise and leaking head gaskets. The head gasket problem seems so widespread that I am officially recommending Subaru change its official slogan to:

"Love (and blown head gaskets). It's what makes a Subaru, a Subaru."

Is it expensive to fix? Hell yes it is. The part itself is cheap, but having to tear the whole motor apart is costly in terms of labor. Go figure. My tip to any Subaru owner with under 50k miles is to start putting aside money now ($10 here, $20 there) because eventually the head gaskets are going to fail and you're going to be left to pick up the bill.

I'd love to see Subaru recall this, but honestly they'd have to take back every Subaru on the road and that just isn't going to happen. So instead, let's all think of this as a "Subaru tax" and just pay thanks that we don't drive a Dodge.

- Scott M., Williston, VT, US