2000 Subaru Outback Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 17%of 207 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2000 Subaru Outback, 17% of the 207 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had recurrent leaks in my 2000 Subaru Outback and took it in to dealership starting in 2007. 4/01/08 had all antifreeze came out of car dealership could not find problem. Had to have transmission replaced in 2007. Had to replace water pump,oil pump and head gasket in 2008. Then because of coolant leak had to replace timing belt. Now they are saying I need new head gaskets, water pump and time belt again and it has been only 2 years since this was done.”
NHTSA complaint #10353857, filed 2010-09, 114,064 miles“I purchased new a 2000 Subaru Outback station wagon. The engine head gaskets are leaking already. Two separate Subaru dealers and two private garages tell me the head gaskets are going in these cars left and right. There are lots of angry owners on the web. The head gaskets, very expensive to repair because the engine must be removed from the car, are going way too soon!.”
NHTSA complaint #10010667, filed 2003-03, 68,000 miles“Instead of replacing the cylinder head gasket which Subaru says may leak, it has recalled my vehicle to install stop leak which they describe as cooling system conditioner. I request an investigation by the NHTSA because I believe this is a dangerous practice.”
NHTSA complaint #10060633, filed 2004-03, 41,208 miles“My left head gasket blew in december 2002. It was under warranty at 30,000 and covered. The same head gasket blew again last week at 43,000 miles. It was under warranty and covered. This doesn't seem right to me. Has this been a problem with other Subaru vehicles. My dealer assures me it should be okay now. I am not so sure...if it blows again after 60,000 it is not covered. The dealer said with the vehicle's history, they would probably cover it.”
NHTSA complaint #10069886, filed 2004-01, 43,000 miles“The head gaskets and catalytic converter went out on my 2000 Subaru in february and april 2004 respectively. Subaru paid for the head gaskets under warranty; however, it was not under a recall and refused to pay for the catalytic converter. Had it happened 3 months later, it would not have been covered under warranty at that time. I even mentioned that I thought that the two were related. I was told by the dealer kelly Subaru that the incidents were not related; however, I believe that the two events were related. …”
NHTSA complaint #10219935, filed 2008-03, 94,685 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10179416Aug 26, 2020This service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed.
- 10016869Sep 9, 20052.5l remanufactured sohc short block release.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 | 23 | 6% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 16 | 6% |
| 2004 | 13 | 14% |
| 2003 | 14 | 15% |
| 2002 | 17 | 12% |
| 2001 | 22 | 13% |
| 2000 | 35 | 17% |
| 1999 | 23 | 21% |
| 1998 | 40 | 32% |
| 1997 | 24 | 30% |
| 1996 | 10 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2000 Subaru Outback
42 complaintsTires
30 complaintsSuspension
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology