2003 Subaru Outback Engine Problems

“My 2003 Subaru Outback had a bad airbag inflator and has also blown the head gasket several times, requiring it to be rebuilt three times. While I love my Outback, I wonder if I will want to buy another one. Being stranded by my car and having to take the bus in the winter time was very difficult as was hauling groceries on the bus in a rolling suitcase while awaiting repairs.”

“After previous repairs to transmission fluid leak and head gasket repair, the car's transmission failed and had to be rebuilt. The transmission failed as I was driving. I could not shift from first to second. I was able to get the car to the dealer by driving in first and living with a sharp clunk into second. I was close to the dealer or else this would have been a tow. If this had happened on the freeway it could have been catastrophic.”

“I purchased this vehicle used from a dealer. A few months later I started noticing a burning smell after driving even a short distance. Took it back to the place of purchase to have their service check it. They said head gaskets were leaking and quoted a repair price of $1800 ! I contacted Subaru of america after I did a research on the internet and found that many people had the same problems but there had been no recalls! Some customers were lucky and did get some kind of compensation. …”

“While driving home, the car just shut down on the highway,and we had to glide off to the side. Had to have it towed. Our mechanic had to replace the entire engine. He did not know why it failed. Now, after researching this site, I see that there was a recall due to faulty water pump in 2003. I am wondering if this costly incident was a result of this not being repaired? How can I find this out please? I purchased the vehicle certified used from a local dealership. I would also like to mention the unusually large amount of rusting underneath the car, as well as in the wheel areas. Thank you.”

“Head gasket failure***** 2003 Outback **** this is not a new problem as four of the Subaru's we've owned had hg issues. Although in the past Subaru acknowledged the failures and repaired them under the wwp99 campaign (1998-2002 model years). While this failure continues to be widespread (just google Subaru head gasket problems and you'll get pages of complaints of hg failures) Subaru has stopped repairing them or even acknowledging there is a problem. This appears to be solely a cost saving strategy. When the gaskets fail, oil leaks outside the engine which contacts the exhaust system. …”