I bought a 97 Subaru legacy Outback wgn and found out the block was cracked in cyl3 after tear down for gasket replacement, now put together and now won't start.

- New Brighton, PA, USA

Outback 1997: 108,000. Car overheated suddenly on a short trip. Replaced thermostat and flushed/filled radiator at local Firestone. Two days later, car overheats. In both cases, radiator fluid ejected onto engine. Took car to dealer who identified the now very common "blown head gasket". repairs made at a cost to me of $1400! this is a defect in these automobiles that needs to be taken care of by Subaru. What does it take for this problem to be addressed? I was fortunate to not have burned my engine, others have not been. Time to take action!!

- Boise, ID, USA

Head gasket failure. Purchased in 2/07 (est. Date) began to fail at least in 1/05 (1X). Then weekly in 7/05. But may have been signs of problem as early as 1997/1998. Result of problem is unexpected and rapid bubbling over and overheating placing occupants in potentially dangerous situation. For example, almost stranded in blizzard in 1/05. Had to pull over on high speed highways in summer 05 due to rapid red lining and risk of engine fire. Subaru picked up 1/2 cost although not in warranty for us and has done 1/2 to full for others who complained. One of the 2.5L engines has been subject to recall. The 2.5L engine in our car has not been recalled but we believe that the problems are as frequent (and worse) and the car should be recalled. This is not an isolated incident. Local mechanic said he sees frequently on Subaru Outback. Found internet weblog started 18 months ago which has 275 complaints and growing monthly - on both the 2.5L engines (including the one in our car). Bad enough we had to incur $800 of the $1600 cost but people are driving around with an engine that repeatedly has failed (head gasket) and created a hazardous condition. I can provide you with copies of correspondence with Subaru if you would like. See link below to weblog page where you can see other people's experience discussed (275 and growing monthly): scott.mcgerik.com/2004/02/18/Subaru-Outback-head-gasket-leak/.

- Wellesley, MA, USA

While driving vehicle started to overheat. The thermostat was replaced, and the vehicle continued to overheat. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the engine has to be replaced.

- Loysville, PA, USA

2.5 liter engine block cracked, causing repeated instances of overheating requiring stopping in dangerous traffic situations and eventual replacement of block at owner expense.

- Winchester, MA, USA

While traveling 35 mph water pump failed, allowing timing chain to slip off, and bending valves to engine.

- Rehobath, MA, USA