1996 Subaru Outback Engine cooling Problems

“Car seemed to be running fine but radiator temp was high. Took car into repair shop, cracked head gasket. Called Subaru, they offered no help or advice. Cost to repair is at a total loss to me, a college student. Subaru dealer said cracked head gasket is a problem in subarus. I would have not bought this car if I knew it would have these kind of problems. Part to be replaced is head gasket.”

“While driving very busy highway, the temperature gauge went all the way to h . I pulled over and noticed some steam under hood. Added some water. A little later, still on h . Mechanic who has serviced my 1996 Subaru Outback since I got it in 1998 said it had a blown head gasket, common with subarus. In 2009 I had the 90k mile maintenance done, very expensive. Also had all new brakes, very expensive. Also four new tires and last month, a new battery. Also, last month, had oil change. …”

“Blew a head gasket while traveling with two children. Broke down and had to wait on side of busy road with one year old and two year old. The car,a 1996 Outback only had 115,000 miles on it. Real low for this type of incident.”

“Blew a head gasket which leaked antifreeze throughout the engine causing many other parts failures. For example, o2 sensors. Total cost of repairing vehicle - $4,800”

“Car started and ran normally for 5 to 10 minutes along a country road at about 45 MPH, vehicle suddenly accelerated to full throttle. Poked accelerator pedal a few times with no result, and pedal did not appear to be stuck down. Held speed of vehicle down with both feet hard on brake pedal. Vehicle returned to near normal operating condition on its own after about 30 sec to 1 min, although vehicle could maintain 30-40 MPH when not touching either accelerator or brake. Returned to fully normal operating condition after a few minutes. This was the second occurrence in less than two weeks. …”