The head gaskets and catalytic converter went out on my 2000 Subaru in February and April 2004 respectively. Subaru paid for the head gaskets under warranty; however, it was not under a recall and refused to pay for the catalytic converter. Had it happened 3 months later, it would not have been covered under warranty at that time. I even mentioned that I thought that the two were related. I was told by the dealer "kelly Subaru" that the incidents were not related; however, I believe that the two events were related. Here it is February 2008 and the head gaskets and catalytic converter are both in need of replacing. When I talked to Subaru at 800-782-2783 their customer service area, they said what should I expect from a car that has 190K miles on it. I then tried to explain that this was the second incident in 8 years and it's always involves both at the same time. I explained to Subaru that this is not normal and that I have never in my 45 years of owning cars have I ever had to replace a head gasket; much less twice. Yes, I did replace the catalytic converter once on another car after 15 years of use. This is why I think that Subaru is willful and negligent in this manner.

- Hixson, TN, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Subaru Outback. The vehicle would jerk when idling. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, there was a delay and the vehicle would jolt forward. The dealer stated that internal transmission parts failed and the transmission needed to be replaced. At 64,000 miles, the contact smelled rotten eggs when driving 35 mph. The dealer replaced the catalytic converter. While driving between 25- 60 mph with the air conditioner activated, she smelled something burning inside the passenger compartment. The dealer stated that the head gasket failed and needed to be replaced. The head gasket failed at 55,000 and 80,000 miles. The failure mileage was 55,000 and current mileage was 95,000.

- Trenton, NJ, USA

Check engine light/ sensor failures. Had analysis done on my car when the check engine light came on. Turned out to be knock sensor. Previously changed oxygen sensor. Check engine light came on again, dealer said that catylitic converter was bad possibly due to engine running rich. This may have been caused by bad sensors. This appears to be a common problem with this engine. Is it related to the head gasket leak?

- Acme, WA, USA