8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,100
Average Mileage:
114,350 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. replace spark plugs, wires, general tune up (1 reports)
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 #3

May 082008

Outback Limited 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 173,000 miles

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

misfires on cylinders 1&2 according to scan tool,have installed new plugs,wires,head gaskets and timing belt,this problem did not start until after the work was done,need help on how to fix to pass inspection

thanks

- Judy F., Anchorage, AK, US

problem #2

Feb 122007

(reported on)

Outback ES 2.5L

  • Manual transmission
  • 103,000 miles

In 2/2002, Engine overheated and burned through head gasket, destroying engine at 103,000 mi. It sat around until I could afford to put in a new crate engine in the summer of 2005. Needed a shoe horn to squeeze it in, and had to grow some extra elbow joints to be able to work on it, what a hassle! After putting in the new engine, it ran fine for 3 months (less than 3,000 miles) when suddenly on my way home from work, it was only runnin on 3 cylinders. New check engine light. Bought OBD2 which gave code for P0341 Camshaft position sensor Circuit Range/performance. So I got a new one and swapped it out. Then got code P0267, Cylinder 3 Injector circuit low. I had already done the obvious, new plugs, all new injectors, etc. I had already concluded that for some unknown reason cylinder #3 was not firing. Injector is fine, I can hear it working. Nothing seemed to fix this problem. So I took it to a garage owned by a buddy who has had experience with Outbacks. He could not figure it out either. Suggested it might be a bad brain. So I got a new brain and swapped it out. Same damn OBD codes. Tried conversing with several garages, they don't even want to touch this unless I agree to pay rediculous time/labor charges they know they will need to track this down. So here I sit with a large expensive lawn ornament, nobody can fix. I guess I will try to get my hands on a whole new complete wiring harness, (I traced individual wires and all seem ok, but I can't check the pins on the harness) and see if that fixes it. If not, I guess I will just part it out and try to get some of this money back, and buy an Accura.

- fredzo, Glenwood, NJ, US

problem #1

May 162001

(reported on)

Outback 2.5L

  • Manual transmission
  • 67,000 miles

The engine light came on. The dealer said there was a misfire on pistons 1 & 2, & that I needed new spark plugs, wires & a general tune up. They also said I should have the engine flushed & injectors cleaned which is recommended every 15,000 miles. The dealer just replaced the short block 9,000 miles ago (under warranty) so I'm not sure they're entirely right.. we'll see.

- Mike W., South Hero, VT, US

Not what you are looking for?