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Does Subaru still have head gasket issues?

Author

Michael Henderson

Updated on February 24, 2026

Does Subaru still have head gasket issues?

The head gasket problems have been apparent in most Subaru models since the 1990s, affecting the Subaru Outback, Subaru Impreza, Subaru Baja, Subaru Forester, and Subaru Legacy. Unfortunately, when a Subaru undergoes head gasket problems, the head gasket must be fixed for the car to continue running.

In respect to this, what year Subarus have head gasket issues?

A damaged head gasket of a Subaru model. The Group 2 or second generation models are the Legacy and Outbreak from 2000, the Forrester from mid-1998, and the mid-1998 Impreza. These cars develop an external oil leak at the head gasket and coolant leak at the gasket's left side.

Similarly, which Subaru engines to avoid? These are Six Engines to Avoid

  • General Motors 2.4-L Four Cylinder.
  • Audi/Volkswagen 2.0T Turbo Four Cylinder.
  • Ford 1.6-L EcoBoost Four Cylinder.
  • Subaru 2.5-L Turbo Four Cylinder.
  • Fiat Chrysler 3.0-L V6 EcoDiesel.

Hereof, which Subaru's have head gasket problems?

The Dreaded Subaru Head Gasket Issue

  • Impreza 1999 to 2011.
  • Forester 1999 to 2010.
  • Legacy 2000 to 2009.
  • Outback 2000 to 2009.
  • Baja 2003 to 2006.

What are common problems with Subarus?

The Most Common Subaru Problems

  • Problems with Air Conditioning O-Rings. One common problem facing the owners of is the problem of the vehicle's air conditioning working properly.
  • Problems with the Inner Joint Boots. The axle of your Subaru connects the wheels with the transmission.
  • Problems with the Head Gaskets.
  • Problems with Front Suspension.

Is it worth fixing Subaru gaskets?

The engine comes out of the car to replace head gaskets – drive belts and timing belts can be replaced for the cost of parts while some timing components and clutch replacement add a minimal amount of labor. 3. If it's been working well for you before the head gasket failure, it's likely worth fixing.

Is the Subaru 2.5 a good engine?

By the way, the 2.5 is rated by Consumers to be MORE reliable than the 3.6. And, when you consider that there are only 15 to 20 percent of 3.6 engines or less out there in the pool of available cars, they represent a fraction of the cars Subaru produces.

Has Subaru fixed their engine problems?

Subaru has never fixed the headgasket problem. They continuously tell customers “Oh… thats a problem with the older models. They fixed it on the “insert model year here”.

How do I know if my Subaru head gasket is blown?

There are signs to look for that will point to a blown head gasket.
  1. Overheating. When a head gasket is cracked or malfunctioning, coolant can leak.
  2. White Smoke. White smoke coming from the exhaust is a sign that the head gasket is not functioning properly.
  3. Beige-colored Oil.

What is the best Subaru model to buy?

10 Best Subaru Models of the Decade
  1. 1 2019 Subaru Forester. The 2020 Forester is perhaps the best-matched Subaru model when it comes to showcasing its adventurous brand image.
  2. 2 2020 Subaru Ascent.
  3. 3 Subaru BRZ.
  4. 4 2020 Subaru Crosstrek.
  5. 5 2019 Subaru Outback.
  6. 6 2019 Subaru WRX.
  7. 7 2020 Subaru WRX STI.
  8. 8 2019 Subaru Legacy.

How do I stop my Subaru head gasket from failing?

Tips on how to avoid or decrease the chance of failure are as follows.
  1. Change the engine oil on a regular basis.
  2. Don't let your Subaru's battery become a hazardous waste area.
  3. Change your Subaru's coolant on a regular basis.
  4. Know what is being used in your Subaru.
  5. This is a biggie, and the most overlooked.

Will Subaru pay for head gasket repair?

Subaru will prepay the dealer for the head gaskets, but only if you have very good service history from the dealer.

How long do Subaru engines last?

In general, it has been observed that with proper care and maintenance of Subaru cars, it can last to do well up to 200K mark. Therefore, everything related to how long do Subarus last depends on how well you are taking care of them.

Is it worth fixing a head gasket?

The cost of brand-new head gaskets rarely goes over $100, and most are well below that. However, the head gasket repair job can be very expensive because of the labor involved. It is still difficult and time-consuming labor, but it's still cheaper and faster than repairing the damage caused by the broken head gasket.

Why do Subaru engines fail?

Why Do Subaru Ringlands Fail? Detonation is the mechanism that physically damages the pistons. Anything that promotes detonation such as low octane fuel, lack of proper tuning, and prolonged hard driving can potentially cause piston ringland failure.

Do Subaru Foresters have head gasket problems?

Foresters specifically are not prone to head gaskets, the 2.5L engines from about 98-05 or 06 were prone to head gasket issues, the one you have now is newer than the time frame when they were having that big problem.

Is Subaru owned by Toyota?

Toyota Motor Corp.
owns Lexus and Toyota. And it has a stake in Subaru and Suzuki. Volkswagen Group owns Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Volkswagen.

Are boxer engines reliable?

Due to the low, wide mount, the boxer engine can prove difficult to service. Even changing spark plugs can be a substantial job. However, boxer engines are known for their reliability, and should require less service than most other engine types.

How do I know if my head gasket is blown?

How To Tell if a Head Gasket Is Blown:
  1. Coolant leaking externally from below the exhaust manifold.
  2. White smoke from the exhaust pipe.
  3. Bubbles in the radiator or coolant overflow tank.
  4. Overheating engine.
  5. White milky oil.
  6. Fouled spark plugs.
  7. Low cooling system integrity.

Do all Subarus have head gasket problems?

These Subaru vehicles all have cylinder head gasket related issues: Impreza 1999 to 2011 Forester 1999 to 2010 Legacy 2000 to 2009 Outback 2000 to 2009 Baja 2003 to 2006 Reports of 2014 Forester gasket problems! Most manufactures will correct a problem without waiting 10 years or more.. Buy what you like, buyer beware.

What year Subarus had head gasket problems?

A damaged head gasket of a Subaru model. The Group 2 or second generation models are the Legacy and Outbreak from 2000, the Forrester from mid-1998, and the mid-1998 Impreza. These cars develop an external oil leak at the head gasket and coolant leak at the gasket's left side.

Is Subaru better than Toyota?

Based of its very low reliability index, Toyota is a very reliable brand, compared to Subaru. Subaru became very popular around 2010. Its reliability unfortunately dipped in 2016. This could be because Subaru has fewer models than competitors like Toyota.

Which Subaru is most reliable?

Crosstrek has been the shining star in the Subaru all-wheel-drive vehicle lineup and it's a Consumers Report pick as the brand's most reliable vehicle.

What years did Subaru have engine problems?

The most commonly affected models are the Impreza, the Legacy, and the Outback models between the years of 1999-2004. The main reason that they have the issues is because they share the 2.5-liter SOHC engine. This engine causes overheating, loss of coolant, and black-colored coolant in the recovery chamber.

Does Subaru have head gasket problems?

Any internal combustion engine might experience a head gasket failure, but Subaru's engines earned their reputation for this particularly troublesome issue. The design is one contributing factor, but the real problem comes down to unreliable material in the gaskets. Head gasket problems affect Subaru's EJ25 engines.

What year is the best Subaru Outback?

Subaru in general: -for most fun on and off-road in a utility Subaru: 2014+ FXT. -for most comfort on and off-road+ more room: 2010+ H6 OB. -for the most value out of a used Subaru: 2008+ Tribeca, unless mpg is a huge concern.

Is a used Subaru a good buy?

The Forester and Outback are fantastic vehicles. They top the safety scores in their segment, and all segments, for that matter. Both are also among the most fuel-efficient AWD vehicles available. They make great used vehicles.

Are Subaru engines reliable?

Maybe a little less good than Toyota but as good as the best of most other brands. Subaru seem to emphasize turbo engines less, and have improved reliability. They also have the reputation that they last very well even if they aren't driven much.

Do newer Subarus have head gasket problems?

There was no Subaru head gasket recall but the company redesigned the cylinder heads and configurations of the camshaft. However, it only led to the coolant and oil leak at the external head gasket.

Do Subarus have alot of problems?

But in J.D. Power's IQS report card, Subaru has consistently struggled. In 2018, it ranked fourth from the bottom in the industry, with 115 problems per 100 vehicles.

What is wrong with the Subaru Forester?

Common complaints related to the Subaru Forester's engine revolve around excessive oil consumption. The worst model year seems to be 2014, which gets the most complaints about excessive oil consumption. The Subaru Forester doesn't garner as many complaints from owners as some other compact SUVs do.

Is Subaru going out of business?

Two years later, the company changed its name to Subaru Corporation. Then, last November, the company announced it would be closing its industrial division. The company said ongoing, after-sales service will still be provided by its Industrial Products affiliate.

How many miles can Subaru last?

300,000 miles

Are Subarus expensive to repair?

Yes, Subarus are more costly to fix. At least when compared to domestic brands, they are. Subaru engines are also prone to head gasket failure, and catalytic converters can cost a lot more to replace than the same part on domestic brands.

Why are Subarus so safe?

Subaru-Such an excitement to teach people how Subaru's are the greatest cars ever made. They are considered a safe car because of the technology in them. But at the same time the technology doesn't interfere with driving. Every Subaru has a IIHS top safety pick PLUS.
Subaru vehicles are popular because they've maintained a low price by offering AWD and basic features that are in demand. Their all wheel drive systems and larger 4 cylinder engines that have decent torque. They sort of fill a specific niche that no other car company quite does.

How often should a Subaru be serviced?

Typically, 6,000 miles is the point for a service interval, or roughly twice a year. It's at this time that your Subaru service advisor would recommend bringing your vehicle in for a synthetic oil and oil filter change, which should include tire balancing and rotation.

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