While driving the vehicle's engine stalled. The engine stalled due to head gasket failure. In reviewing the manufacturer's website the consumer saw a recall related to head gasket failure. The consumer request reimbursement for the cost of the repairs.

- Madison, WI, USA

I had just paid approx. $450 for the major 90,000 mile dealer service and they told me my vehicle is in great shape. I've maintained it religiously. I had an extended warranty of 6 years/100,000 miles that just ended Sep. '04. I just drove it up to the mountains and 90 miles from my destination, with the car driving perfectly, I noticed the temp. Gauge was spiked. Ultimately it turned out that the head gasket went. I have 91,000 miles on my Subaru. I spoke to numerous garages in mammoth lakes and they see this problem on a daily basis. Doing research on the internet, you will find thousands and thousands of people with the same issue. I was told by one of the mechanics that all of the double overhead cam 4 cylinder Subaru engines blow head gaskets at some point after approx. 80,000 miles and that this engine has since been discontinued. I also have come to find out that the "phase 2" version was recalled and they will fix that one, but the "phase 1" engine that I, and thousands of others, have they won't do a [xxx] thing about. What kind of company is this" it ain't rocket science... they put out a defective product and all they will do is stick it to the consumer. This company needs to be held accountable for their glaring and obvious screw up. How can they get away with this" information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Hermosa Beach, CA, USA

I own a 1999 Subaru Outback. Car light came on at about 85000. Dealer unable to determine problem & light turned off. Light back on shortly after - had 90000 mile maintainence completed - dealer still unsure of problem. Shortly after this, when accelarating to highway speed, clear power loss noted - engine running rough. Took vehicle into dealership - reported that valve broken - head required replacing. Dealer/ mechanic stated that they had never seen this problem before. Total cost of dealer bills - over 3500. Subaru refused to reimburse for problem - blamed on mileage. I've had well-maintained vehicles with over 150000 miles and never have encountered this problems before.

- Lame Deer, MT, USA

The vehicle overheated and was towed. The radiator was replaced. Vehicle broke down a second time. The vehicle was serviced again and the head gasket was found to be defective.

- Beverly, WV, USA

Random overheating in my 1999 Subaru legacy Outback wagon, 85000, lead to being stranded on a rural road. After replacing thermostat, problem was not fixed. Eventually, my mechanic said it was due to a failed head gasket. At 85000, this problem should not occur. Subaru has issued a recall on phase II, 2.5L engine head gaskets because of failure, however have chosen to ignore the owners of the phase I engines. I found a web-site forum with many other victums of Subaru neglect, many of whom were also stranded on the roadside because of this defect in cars with 50-100K mileage. Clearly the head-gaskets on these engines are defective and this is serious defect that Subaru should acknowlege and fix.

- Carrboro, NC, USA

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.

- Wenatchee, WA, USA

Dealer will replace the engine at 115000 miles.

- Rockford, IL, USA

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.

- Thurmont, MD, USA

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.

- Putnam, CT, USA

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.

- Bronx, NY, USA

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.

- Dayton, OH, USA