9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$6,000
Average Mileage:
86,000 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace head gasket (3 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
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problem #4

Nov 232018

Outback

  • Manual transmission
  • 125,000 miles

This problem is with a turbo engine (2.5XT) on my Subaru Outback. I never expected to have this because I always go through meticulous maintenance of my cars. The estimated costs are at least $2,400 and up if something else is damaged in addition of the engine head gasket. I also have 2017 Subaru Forester and a terrifying realization is that this new car will go through the same problems any time after the mileage reaches 75K. It appears Subaru knows about their poor engine engineering since late 80's. It's truly outrageous that this company didn't come up with a real solution for this persisting problem.

I saw someones estimation based on a few years ago that Subaru customers probably spent at least $600 million just on this one problem. I believe, there should be a class suit because Subaru doesn't consider this enormous problem worth an official recall. It's really an outrageous situation.

- Yuri B., Croton On Hudson, NY, US

problem #3

Jun 012015

Outback 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

This is my third Subaru and the other earlier models were great. I traded in the one before this one only due to the fact that I really wanted a newer car and after 158,000 miles, the seats were getting worn. I wish I hadn't done that- the old 1999 model was more reliable. This 2005 has been a joke- I've spent nearly $6,000 on engine repairs in the last 18 months- and it only has 64,000 miles on it! When I go to buy a new car, I'm really going to think twice about buying a Subaru. And probably won't.

- kda063079, Rockville, MD, US

problem #2

Nov 262013

(reported on)

Outback LX 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,536 miles

click to see larger images

head gasket leaking

I paid $40,000 for this car in 2005. I had it serviced at every suggested interval and I always drove it carefully. So it's damned annoying to have an oil leak from both head gaskets at 128,000 km. This is a major fault to repair. It has undone my faith in Subaru.

- brianyyz, Bunya, QLD, Australia

problem #1

Feb 052009

Outback 2.5L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,411 miles

I purchased the car new in late 2004, my first Subaru. I brought my Outback in to have the rear wheel bearings replaced and the Dealer says I have a leaking head gasket at just over 71,000 miles and it will cost about $2,000 to fix. It appears the leak is external for now. I'm trying to figure out if I should replace it and hope all is well or trade it in. I have always had the recommended maintenance done. I've had 4 or 5 cars (none Subaru) all purchased new or at low miles, all driven to over 150k before trade-in, never had problem like this.

- Mike L., Albany, NY, US