2002 Subaru Outback from North America - Comments

Engine threw a timing belt and failed at 55,000 miles. Engine beyond repair.

We purchased the 2002 Outback due to its reliability ratings in consumer reports and word of mouth. We are the third Subaru owners in our group of friends who've had to replace well maintained engines in our various years Outbacks.

If your Outback was driven in the city a lot and had 55,000 miles with a bad timing belt (which isn't rare) Id say that you got one with 55,000 miles of a lot of idling and likely very little highway miles.

A 60K mile suggested replacement by about every manufacturer out there cannot possibly take into account actual HOURS of use on that piece of rubber and fiberglass.

60K is NOTHING if driven on the Hwy "Hours" wise.

It takes far less run hours to go 60K at 70 Mph than it does at 35-40 Mph is my point.

Excess Idling only compounds the problem as well as revving the engine when cold.

If this was any other vehicle, in the same situation, it too would likely be an "interference" type engine meaning that if you were to snap a timing belt you would likely damage pistons and valves.

If running at high RPMs at the time = Massive damage.

Although I feel sad for your situation try to consider other possibilities what caused this.

Since you are the first owner then maybe you can enlighten me on your driving habits over the 55K and I can just say "you had a bad run of luck" rather than basically "Subaru sucks" because of a maintenance part and bad luck on your part.

Your rating about the car beforehand is what matters leading to the situation.

So you blew a motor.. OK.

How did you feel about the rest of the car?

I know those seats can't possibly be rated a 4.. they aren't perfect, but they are more like a 7.

You mentioned you didn't like the dealer experience.. why didn't you?

Was it because the timing belt snapped or that and other things?

Anything else happen to your car?

Any accidents to the front end that might have damaged the timing cover?

Your situation isn't completely unheard of and has nothing to do with the quality of the engine.

None whatsoever.

And I could see Subaru saying the same thing.

I've seen engines blow up from mechanical failures with only 200 miles on them.

But rarely due to timing belt failure in under 60K miles.

Again, sorry to hear it happened, but I also think there might be an explanation.

I saw a timing belt in a 1987 Nissan Sentra with 180K on it.. It fell apart in my hands.. but it worked until that point.

It also messed up the motor when it did.

I also think your opinion might be alittle harsh due to your "not so good" experience.

Actually I am quite surpised at that. My parents bought a 2001 Subaru Outback and they have yet to experienced any problems except flaky DRL s. The car now has 193,500 miles and we do city driving quite a bit around Baltimore and Washington D.C. I honestly believe it is one of the best cars we have ever owned.

I am also surprised at their bad luck. We have a 2001, Outback, we purchased 3 years ago at 44K miles, now it has 97K miles, and have still not put a timing belt in it, but it's on my list to do soon.

Been a great car, it is more sure-footed on ice and snow than our last 4WD Jeep Wrangler was.

Only problem we have had is the cruise control paddle switch is broke, and rocks have put a hole on both glass fog lamp lenses. I've towed a fishing boat with it and a utility trailer, it tows fine, and it only has the 4 cyl. engine in it.

Great Auto. Trans, it knows when to upshift and downshift, just at the right times. You especially notice it when towing. Never has used any oil.

I would definitely own another one. The only other car I have, which I must say rates as well or better is my old Honda Civic, which I believe will outlast me!! HAHA.

Hi. I had the last post also. I just changed the timing belt at 98,000+ miles, and the belt looked like it had about 30,000 miles on it. I'm sure it was the original belt, it had no cracks, no tears, nor any missing teeth. I'm sure it would have gone quite a bit longer, but why push your luck? At least I now have the peace of mind. I have yet to figure out how to change the cruise paddle switch in the steering wheel. Great car otherwise!