2003 Subaru Outback Engine cooling Problems

“After smelling leaking oil for many months, my mechanic confirmed that the head gasket is leaking. Oil is leaking down onto the exhaust creating a constant burning smell. I contacted Subaru and they are unwilling to address this in any way, despite the fact that the engine has been meticulously maintained and serviced.”

“Head gasket developed a coolant leak. It was less than 30 days from the warranty running out. The dealership did the warranty work but said they could not do the other head gasket because it had not failed and the warranty would not allow them to replace it. It only makes sense if the one side failed that the other side was right behind it.”

“2003 Subaru Outback with leaking head gaskets. Consumer would like to be reimbursed for repair cost. At around 80,000 the consumer began to smell burning oil. The consumer stated Subaru recalled other models because of a possible external leak at the cylinder head gaskets. The consumer stated her model has the same engine as the other models. The consumer stated Subaru was only will to cover 50% of the cost.”

“The car would die usually while coming to stops. And on most occasions will start back up. At first it seemed to only die in very hot weather and on one occasion it didn't start back up for 15 min. But it has since died on days without extreme temperatures. Most of the times it dies while stopping, twice it died when braking on highways which was very dangerous. This has occurred about 15 times in 4 years. I have brought it in to two different Subaru dealers multiple times. They have never been able to diagnose the problem and have been completely useless. …”

“Subaru has been selling cars knowing of premature head gasket failures. 1998 to 2002 head gaskets failed with internal and external coolant leaks. Subaru has issued the wwp99 campaign (upto 8 yr 100,000 mile). This campaign introduces an additive into the coolant to plug the leak. They also will repair the gaskets in rare cases. The 2003 head gaskets are also failing prematurely even with proper maintenance. These fail with an external oil leak that directly hits the exhaust causing fire hazard and noxious fumes in and around the car. The repair is $2000 at dealer. …”