2001 Subaru Outback 2.5L from North America
Summary:
Disappointed with major mechanical failures
Faults:
Transmission.
At 115000 miles my car developed a pinion gear whine. this progressed and by 120000 the car was slipping out of gear and needed a new transmission. this was described by several mechanics and a couple of dealers as a very unlikely event as the manual transmissions are considered very durable and trouble free. I put in a used transmission for $1300 installed.
Engine failure: at 130 000 my engine developed a misfire which turned out to be a blown head gasket. not the usual one that leaks coolant, but rather one that blew oil out the intake manifold side. oil was then pulled into the intake and burned, fouling the catalytic converter.
With the engine torn down the mechanic also found a badly burned cylinder with leaky rings so a head gasket job has turned into an engine rebuild.
General Comments:
I really like the overall layout and design of this car, especially the all wheel drive, which is perfect for where I live, rural Maine. on the other hand major components have failed, components that I thought would have far greater longevity. my 4runner, which has 140K on it has never given me a lick of trouble, by comparison.
This is a practical car, but with serious mechanical failures.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 25th November, 2007
16th Oct 2008, 13:47
My 2001 Outback has had too many major failures.
The clutch went out at 62,000 (I drove a VW clutch for 120,000).
The head gasket went out at 87,000 (leaking coolant), but since the car had <100,000 on it Subaru covered it as a service bulletin item and changed the timing belt, plugs, and plug wires (regular maintenance items soon needing replacement) for just the cost of parts.
I have just had to have the center differential replaced to the tune of $2000.
I like the car, but I'll probably buy a Toyota next time.
24th Jan 2011, 16:55
I have a 2001 Outback wagon with nearly 200,000 miles on the motor and I love it.
It does have the front end that comes out of alignment easily if you should hit a pothole or two. But living in PA, that is inevitable. I like the AWD in the winter, but am having the sub-freezing gas leak issue that seems to be prevalent in this model. We've had two days this week at below zero temps and the smell is terrible. Our mechanic cannot find the problem, so we will take it back tomorrow.
Other than that, the car is reliable. We have a 1999 that I drove last year in the deep snow in the evening after work. Never had a problem the whole time. Hope this car is at least as good.
3rd Apr 2008, 14:08
You certainly had an unusual head gasket problem! I have a 2002 with 70,000 miles, and am waiting for the usual and common coolant leakage from the head gasket to develop. The engine head gasket has been a problem for Subaru 2.5 l engines from introduction until, hopefully, ending with 2002 model!