I recently got a tune-up as part of regular maintenance. About a week after that my Check Engine light appeared. I used a code reader and found that cylinder 4 was misfiring. I took it back to the repair shop thinking it was a bad plug or wire. They replaced both and sent me on my way. The check engine light came on again. I brought it back and they replaced the O2 sensor and injector serving that cylinder. The mechanic couldn't figure it out and sent me on to the dealer.
The dealer told me that the valves were "floating" and I needed at least $3,500 worth of repairs for the valves.
It seems from this site that this is a more common problem with this type of car than I first thought. Anyone else with a similar problem?
I just had the same problem. Misfire on #4 cylinder and wires and ignition coil are recommended replacements. In addition, I have transmission fluid leaking and they need to reseal. Not good news.
Greetings from Canada - I purchased my 1998 Outback Limited in 2000 - it had just over 90,000 kms. It ran great... until this year. I had to replace a head gasket, cracked piston, radiator, seized emergency brakes. ($3,000.00) cdn eh!
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