1999 Subaru Forester Engine cooling Problems

“Engine seized and blew at 30,000 - I provided Subaru with all receipts for oil changes that complied with warranty. Subarua denied warranty writing that ohio has such severe weather that the warranty provisions did not apply. I have since learned that Subaru has no such warranty policy. …”

“We have a 1999 Subaru Forester with a 2.5 l engine. We got a recall notice 2-2004 regarding external coolant leaks at the engine cylinder head gaskets. This recall covered vehicle years 1999-2002 or 4 years of vehicles. We took the vehicle in and had the specific (special conditioner) installed as required by Subaru. Unfortunately for us it took Subaru 5 years to acknowledge the problem as we are on the front end of the model years in question. Last week the head gaskets failed and with it a large repair bill. …”

“I bought a 1999 Subaru Forester s less than 2 years ago. In december 2003, at approx. 71,200 miles, the car began loosing antifreeze. I discovered that I needed a head gasket job. Now I find they have a recall on this. Shortly thereafter I discovered the mysterious vanishing oil problem with this engine. At 75,775, I checked the oil and found it mostly gone! I returned to my mechanic, who found no external leak and no sign of oil burning on the spark plugs. After doing some research (see NHTSA complaints), this appears to be a chronic problem with these engines. …”

“While driving, the engine light illuminated. The mechanic repaired the catalytic converter once, but the consumer continued to have the same problems. The converter was replaced once and the #02 sensor was repaired forced. Two dealers suggested that this model vehicle had a problem with this component when the vehicle was at or below 100k miles.”

“While driving at 45 MPH temperature gauge suddenly went into the hot zone. Consumer pulled off the road to inspect the vehicle. Checked the fluids level, added water, and got back on the road, and temperature gauge immediately went back into the hot zone. Consumer pulled off the road, and had vehicle towed to the dealership, who determined that engine head gasket was leaking antifreeze.”