While driving very busy highway, the temperature gauge went all the way to "H". I pulled over and noticed some steam under hood. Added some water. A little later, still on "H". mechanic who has serviced my 1996 Subaru Outback since I got it in 1998 said it had a blown head gasket, common with Subaru. In 2009 I had the 90K mile maintenance done, very expensive. Also had all new brakes, very expensive. Also four new tires and last month, a new battery. Also, last month, had oil change. I have never received even one recall notice from Subaru, even though they knew all along that their head gaskets are failing in their cars. I wanted my Outback to last many more years but now must junk it because of a faulty head gasket. Mechanic said it's useless to fix head gasket or replace it, and told me to get a new car, which I cannot afford. Mechanic put chemical in line which is supposed to seal any leaks (no guarantees). I often visit my daughter, who is recuperating from breast cancer, in the northeast part of ct, in a very secluded area of few homes, no businesses. To have car failure in the woods would probably give this 70 year old a heart attack.

- Mystic, CT, USA

Car seemed to be running fine but radiator temp was high. Took car into repair shop, cracked head gasket. Called Subaru, they offered no help or advice. Cost to repair is at a total loss to me, a college student. Subaru dealer said cracked head gasket is a problem in Subaru. I would have not bought this car if I knew it would have these kind of problems. Part to be replaced is head gasket.

- Wasilla, AK, USA

Blew a head gasket which leaked antifreeze throughout the engine causing many other parts failures. For example, O2 sensors. Total cost of repairing vehicle - $4,800

- Eagle Mountain, UT, USA