2000 Subaru Forester Engine cooling Problems

“Chattering clutch on 2000 Subaru Forester. This constantly happens when the car is cold and continues all the way through the four forward gears. I have driven manual transmissions for over 35 years and I know it is not my driving/shifting skills. A check of a message board shows that other Subaru owners are experiencing the same problem. The dealership will not acknowledge a problem outside of driver error. This could be a safety issue and/or design defect. My car is now out of warranty and I have learned to live with this. …”

“Letter received from Subaru march 2004 stating that a cooling system conditioner needs to be added to the cooling system to prevent an external coolant leak at the vehicle's engine cylinder head gaskets. Went to Subaru as required by letter march 9, 2004, they add cooling system conditioner and I am told this will prevent leaks at the engine cylinder head gaskets and this is stated in the letter too. Note that the first time, I receive this notice is 4 years after purchase. The most recent service, I had done by annapolis Subaru was the coolant system service in november 2005. …”

“200 Subaru Forester blows head gasket for third time. Fixed twice under manufacturer's recall. Third time, Subaru reports they will assist with half of payment because recall was discontinued in 2008. Repair completed under recall, but wasn't really repaired. This consumer feels that I should not be responsible for any of this. Repair needs to be completed and stay repair at manufacturer's cost.”

“Tl-the contact owns a 2000 Subaru forrester. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH the vehicle started over heating. He pull to the side of the road and notice coolant coming from underneath of the vehicle. He notices the vehicle has a blown head gasket and leaking radiator coolant. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic shop who repaired the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 85,000...mw”

“Had 2000 Subaru Forester (83,000 mi) at dealer for inspection. Dealer notified us that car failed due to external head gasket leak. Dealer says there is oil dripping on the exhaust system and it is a fire hazard so unless we replace head gasket the car fails. Subaru previously acknowledged a defect with this 2.5l engine and had a campaign where the fix was adding a conditioner to the coolant. Obviously the fix didn't do the job and others out there are a risk of a catastrophic fire.”