Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Subaru Outback
Subaru Outback Models:
Subaru Outback Problems
Cooling System Problems Cause Head Gasket Failure
The head gasket has a high failure rate due to cooling system problems. Subaru is aware of the problem and has extended the warranty to 8 years/100k miles on many vehicles.
Engine Oil May Leak From Camshaft/Crankshaft Front Seals
Front engine oil leaks can develop from the camshaft seal and the crankshaft front seal. If one or more seals require replacement, it may be wise to consider replacing the timing belt as well. These seals are commonly inspected and replaced as needed as part of a timing belt service.
Vibtation or Shutter on Acceleration
A vibration or shutter may be noted on acceleration. If the transmission torque converter is suspected a revised part is available to correct this concern.
Engine Oil Leak Form Pump Seal
The leak may develop from the oil pump seal. Our technicians prefer to use thread locker when replacing the seal to prevent the bolts from becoming loose again.
Check Engine Light Due to Failed Front O2 Sensor
The front oxygen (air fuel ratio) sensor element may develop a crack, causing the Check Engine Light to illuminate. Subaru has recalled certain models to replace sensors that may fail. The Subaru service program number is WXW-80, this is not a government mandated recall.
Subaru Outback Recalls (Recent)
Moonroof Glass May Detach from Vehicle
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Due to the amount and position of the adhesive between the glass and its retainer, the moonroof glass may come loose or completely off. If the moonroof were to detach from the vehicle while driving, it would become a potential road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the condition of the glass adhesion and apply additional adhesive or replace the moonroof glass as necessary. The Subaru recall number is WVW-33.
Learn more »Transmission Cooler Hose May Leak Transmission Fluid
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The hose to the continuously variable transmission oil cooler may split, which will cause a fluid leak. Loss of transmission fluid may result in loss of vehicle power and operation. Subaru dealers will replace affected oil cooler hoses. This recall began on June 8, 2010. The Subaru recall number is WVQ-27.
Learn more »Manual Transmission May Fail Due to Lack of Lubrication
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Some six speed manual transmissions may have been manufactured with a certain lubrication hole not drilled. Lack of lubrication can result in an abnormal noise from the transmission. If this noise were to be ignored, the transmission could fail completely. Engine power available to the drive wheels would be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the affected transmissions, drill the lubrication hole as necessary, and replace any internal parts damaged do to lack of lubrication. This recall is scheduled to begin by July 28, 2010. The Subaru recall number is WVS-29.
Learn more »Front Windshield Wipers May Stop Working
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Components inside the front wiper motor bottom cover may overheat. If the bottom cover overheats, the wipers may stop working, which can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash or fire. Dealers will replace the front wiper motor bottom cover assembly to correct this concern. The Subaru recall number is WVV-32.
Learn more »Steering Column Electrical Connector May Break
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The electrical wiring in the steering column that provides power and communication to the steering wheel components may break at the roll connector. This may cause steering wheel components, such as the driver's side air bag, cruise control, and horn to malfunction. Loss of these components may result in an accident and possible personal injury. Dealers will inspect the steering roll connector and replace it as necessary. This recall began on July 7, 2010. The Subaru recall number is WVR-28.
Learn more »Subaru Outback Questions and Answers
When place in Drive, car won't bo when pressing on gas.
When I put car in Drive, and then take foot off break to press on gas it delay's going. After a period of time it does drive but won't take off initially. Just replaced transmission fluid with 1 qt.
when i turn engine on i get a squeeling noise that stops when the car is put in drive.
I just had a steering rack replaced, and it isn't right, but that's another story/question - it has no radius, steers hard, and makes a horrible grinding sound when turning hard left (like trying t...
2 tires blown off the rim 1 flatt tire, 1 broken rim,broken heated power mirrior,broken part of front bumper, broken back bumper, loose headlight,2 blown out (back windows ,main and one side)broken...
Subaru Outback Stories
I have a subaru outback 2002 w/190000 miles I am mechanic (small engines ) I do good maintenace and service every 3000 miles. on driver side when I remove the spark plug I founded oil around the spark plug boot wire. ( when has 95000 miles) now leak oil from both head/valves cover the question is only gaskets or major problem?
I have a 2002 Subaru Outback Wagon. I had both head gaskets replaced at 54,527 miles at Subaru dealer. I now have 98,000 miles and took my car to dealer because of the same issue. Dealer now says that I need to have them replaced again. This seems to be odd, as I was told by dealer that if the head gasket job was done correctly that it would be good for 100,000 or more miles. The dealer first told me that both gaskets were bad and would cost me $2,100 to fix. Then they said that only one side was bad and it would cost $1,200 to fix. Subaru of America tells me that because of the age of the car that there is not anything they can do.
Prior to the first gasket job, all maintenance (oil changes) were done at the dealer every 5000 miles. I have continued to have the oil changed every 5000 miles, just not at the dealer. It obviously did not make a difference on the first gasket replacement and do not believe that this has any bearing now.
I am not sure who to contact next. Any ideas???
Recent problem; about two weeks now. Hear a noise while accelerating which disappears when the foot is off the gas pedal. Increses with increasing speed. Hear this noise again as the car is coming to a stop. The shop that changed oil and serviced AC says this is because of bad bearing in front differential and the transmission has to come off to replace this bearing and has referred me to a transmission specialist. The projected cost of repair is $3,000. I will be grateful for any guidance here. Thanks....Tumkur
Problem with a/c and radio lights on center console blinking at various times! Does anyone have a fix? Local Subaru Repair Shop not aware of a fix for this problem. E-mail me @ billbrunson@hotmail.com. Thanks, Bill
I love this car! Two minor items: a) the pistons became "loose" after a certain age, so there's a minor "flutter" noise. Apparently the replacements fit tighter than the originals, but I've not spent the money for that. b) The visibility is less than ideal. I look 2-3 times each way to try to compensate for it, but sometimes I've looked and missed a car coming.
Now at 273,000 miles the engine has a crack in it, overheats within 3 min. of turning on the car and has to be replaced. We are considering it vs. buying a different "unknown" used Subaru