NHTSA — Engine And Engine Cooling Problems

2.3

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
66,525 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Subaru Outback engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1997 Subaru Outback:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

1997 Subaru Outback Owner Comments

problem #6

May 232008

Outback

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Overheating, blown head gasket.

- Salt Lake City, UT, USA

Add Complaint
problem #5

Jun 142007

Outback 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles
'97 Subaru Outback wagon impeccably maintained 85,000 mi is overheating. Began as intermittent problem approx 5 months ago. Flushed radiator, repl cap, pressure tested radiator. Driving down hill on mountain road in morning cold, overheats after about 6 miles. Repl thermostat, water pump, timing belt. Subaru dealer repair mechanic says head gasket. Googled problem online before replacing thermostat. Blogs from Outback owners with same symptoms say head gasket. An incredible number of blogs describing the same problem and statements that Subaru has never taken responsibility for this flaw which has affected so many Outback owners. This is a crime.

- Idyllwild, CA, USA

Add Complaint
problem #4

Mar 162006

Outback 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 74,624 miles
Blown head gasket 1997 Subaru Outback legacy.

- Westport, CT, USA

Add Complaint
problem #3

Feb 212006

Outback 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 111,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1997 Subaru Outback 2.5 DOHC engine 1) car was suddenly leaking anti-freeze, brought it in to shop asap 2) head gasket busted, ruined the engine 3) needed to replace most of engine, including block checked other sites, this seems to be a hugely common problem with Subaru 2.5 DOHC engines and they aren't doing anything about it.

- Windsor, CO, USA

Add Complaint
problem #2

Feb 052004

(reported on)

Outback

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles
The engine seals of the main cam shaft failed and caused the engine to leak oil. The dealer replaced the seals and the timing belt.

- Grosse Ile, MI, USA

Add Complaint

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

engine failure engine defect noisy engine engine knock intake manifold gasket leaking coolant oil sludge whining noise stalls while driving engine complaint electrical issue heater complaint transmission complaint paint defect Outback recall
problem #1

Mar 122001

Outback 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 68,526 miles
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

Add Complaint

Not what you are looking for?