1998 Subaru Legacy Engine cooling Problems

“Car overheated, took to dealership. Called next day and informed the head gasket was blown. After discussing, they said they had to replace both head gaskets. Knowing about cars, this seemed strange to me that both were blown at same time - it was at this time that dealership pointed out to me that Subaru is having problems with head gaskets and that this is not an ususual problem. Replacement cost was $2200.”

“Dealer wrote: noise from valve train...advised owner these are solid lifters and are noisy when cold, also characteristic of this engine is 'cam walk' which also will be noisy for a few minutes when cold then goes away. That wa at 48.5 k miles, now at 53000 miles, noise is much louder when cold, and still perceptable when warm. Bought car used form dealer--resale value is now much lower due to noise. Their explanation is nonsensical. Obviously dubaru does not want to deal with this issue--I wrote to Subaru USA and they refered me back to dealer.”

“My 98 Subaru Legacy outback 2.5 liter, 144k miles was sporadically overheating while driving on the highway through a snow/rain storm. The temperature gauge would go up, and the cabin heater would start producing cool air. I pulled over and let it cool down, filled the radiator back up with water (it had overflowed) and drove slowly home. When I took it to the mechanic, he suggested when hearing the symptoms that it was a blown head gasket, and that this Subaru engine was notorious for this. He even suggested a class action suit. After he checked it out, it was indeed a blown head gasket. …”

“Vehicle requires replacement of head gaskets, as part of the engine coolant system. Original service complaint was the check engine light came on . After three days at dealer service, it was determined that the head gaskets needed replacement for the cost of $ 2,700.00. Because the engine has to be removed to access the gaskets. Labor will involve 3 days. The dealer has admitted that this is a design problem with the Subaru and models from 1999 will be covered. I feel the cost is excessive because of a design defect. I am will to pay but not $ 2,700.00. I was expecting $ 400-$500 dollars. …”

“It seems after 5 minutes of investigation that there is thousands of 1997 to 2002 Subaru owners who are have the problem with over heating and head gasket replacement. Subaru refuses to acknowledge an issue or design flaw and is making the customer bare the cost of repairing a faulty head gasket problem. Even replacing the head gasket does not insure that the problem will be dealt with and no further trouble will be had.”