2000 Subaru Outback review from North America

Head gasket blew at 94K.

Coolant level falling rapidly.

Check engine light came on multiple times.

I had a 2000 subaru outback with a 2.5 liter engine. It died earlier this month at 94K miles.

Basically on a road trip, it overheated and the engine failed. Had it towed to the nearest Subaru dealer and was told that this was caused by an internal coolant leak of the head gasket, so it is not covered by the warranty of the external head gasket leak that Subaru has issued for all those who got the special coolant/sealer for the recall. The dealer and Subaru of America basically said this was my fault for not monitoring the temperature gauge and that I was responsible for the damage. That meant paying $7000 for an engine rebuild, with additional repairs needed to replace the melted radiator. I ended up selling it to a salvage yard and am now looking for another car.

I've looked online and found many others with this problem, so it seems to me that this is a defect in the engine. We had done all the recommended servicing, and even had topped off the coolant just 3 days prior to the engine failure.

I am sad to lose the car I loved, but am also angry that Subaru won't stand behind their product and customers.

I just want you all to know so that you watch your temperature gauge like a hawk!