7th Jan 2004, 21:40

I totally agree I just purchased my new 2004 wrx. I drove it off the lot and since then I have taking it in to change the cam seals, radiator, and muffler. I don't know why my brand new car is having so many problems, Subaru has definitely lost a lot of customers. This is totally unacceptable. I'm really sad!!

11th Feb 2008, 23:18

I agree, my 1999 Subaru wagon blew a head gasket at 60,000 and again at 96,000. The company basically told me to get lost that it was my problem when all along they knew there was a huge issue with the head gaskets in the 99 cars. How can a company stay in business with such poor product and customer care. Subaru was a huge dissappointment and NEVER again will I even toy with ownership of this brand of car.

4th Mar 2008, 15:01

I bought my 1999 Limited Edition Outback new - 65 miles on the odometer. The car was chosen because of Subaru's reputation for longevity.

This car is a lemon and I've thought so for a long time! And now, because of the latest problems, I actually took the time to read up on others experience with Subaru's of this era.

At 70,000 miles I have had the following problems...

* Broken odometer

* Seat belt failure

* Poor shifting in automatic transmission

* No power in the mountains - I get passed by semi's!

* A so called "spooky problem" where the engine would rev up and then drop off to a chug-chug-chug. No one could diagnose this one and then it suddenly went away - only to reappear at some point in the future, I'm sure

* I've been through 5 batteries, despite no abuse of the charging system

* Failure of power steering pump twice

* Leaks, leaks, everywhere

* And now, most likely, blown head gaskets.

This car is the biggest piece of junk and now I'm wondering how in the world I am going to afford a new car before this one completely dies.

I would never, ever buy another Subaru.

16th Jan 2010, 05:41

I inherited a 30th anniversary Outback wagon from my mother about a year ago. I am glad that I didn't have to buy it because it would cost me lots if I chose to repair:

- Speedometer cluster (works sometimes)

- Front end seals

- Rear defroster

- Water pours out of rear hatch when opened after rain

- No cruise control

- No seat heaters

- Gas mileage not great

- Tires seem to always need air

It still runs well though and does really well on snow and ice. Paint is peeling too.

5th Mar 2011, 19:36

I bought my 1999 Subaru Outback Limited new. It came with 2.5 L flat 4 AWD.

This car is now 12 years old. Currently it has over 200K km on the odometer. The low mileage is because it sat on the driveway for the last 2 years while I was out of the country.

The catalytic converter was replaced under warranty in 2004.

The Engine Control Module was replaced in 2006.

The exhaust system was replaced in 2009 for the first time.

Power antenna motor died in 2009.

There was no other repairs other than brake rotor replacement every 4 year or so. This I consider as normal wear and tear.

Engine oil is changed at Easter and Thanksgiving weekends. This car plows through mud and snow as if there is nothing.

My only complaint is the fuel economy. This could be the fault of its antiquated 4-speed automatic transmission.

I am thinking of buying another Outback. Apparently the fuel economy is greatly improved with CVT.