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Engine coolingPart report

2008 Subaru Outback Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
3%of 226 total for the year
Median mileage
68,023miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 Subaru Outback, 3% of the 226 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,023 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“In july following the replacement of our catalytic converter I wrote to Subaru to inquire about reimbursement. There was no response. The replacement cost was $728.08. Apparently only seven states issued a mandatory recall. Virginia isn't one of them. The vehicle was religiously maintained, all supported by documentation. At 97,600 miles the catalytic converter wearing out had something to do with the part itself. Reimbursement for this catalytic converter would go a long way in our future decision of which brand car to buy. …”

NHTSA complaint #10660018, filed 2014-11, 97,600 miles

“My car engine stalls in the middle of the road while driving and while making a left turn in a signal, while waiting on the red light and while stoping and idling at the parking lot. When this issue happens all the lights in the dash lights up and the steering wheel becomes locked. This engine stalling issue happens randomly. Some times every day in a week, 2 days in a week or 3 days in a week. Some times the engine stalls more than 10 times in a day. In order to correct this issue, I took my car to Subaru dealership and explained the service technician the problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #10398135, filed 2011-04, 54,000 miles

“Vehicle started running bit rough while idling at intersection; upon acceleration, check engine light and other instrument lights started flickering and car stalled. Restarted normally.”

NHTSA complaint #10447686, filed 2012-02, 63,046 miles

“Vehicle overheated, drove to nearest service station. Radiator flushed and tested for leaks, none found. No other determination made. Car overheating, slow coolant loss. Subaru diagnosed major head gasket failure probably occurred prior to 73000 miles, but beyond power train warranty. Subaru hq declined to help with cost considering the service tech mgr stated a 2008 model car should not have this failure. Previously owned 1998 Subaru Outback with similar gasket failure some time after power train warranty expired. Costly repair.”

NHTSA complaint #10513068, filed 2013-05, 73,000 miles

“The problem is the car suddenly loosing power at various speeds for no apparent reason. Has occurred over 6 times in the past month, 4 times in this last week. The most recent on 4/30/10 the car completely shut down while driving at a speed of 20 MPH. No warning indicators came on the dashboard. …”

NHTSA complaint #10328667, filed 2010-05

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202511%
202210%
202121%
202030%
201910%
201630%
201531%
201410%
201310%
201221%
201181%
2010236%
200933%
200863%
200732%
200673%
2005166%
20041314%
20031415%
20021712%
20012213%
20003517%
19992321%
19984032%
19972430%
19961022%

Other parts of the 2008 Subaru Outback

Air bags
104 complaints
Electrical system
34 complaints
Brakes
31 complaints
Exterior lighting
15 complaints
Engine
14 complaints
Suspension
12 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
12 complaints
Other or unknown
10 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaints
Body and structure
6 complaints
Vehicle speed control
6 complaints
Steering
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 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