Since Outbacks are known for leaks and engine gasket failures, the defective designs and parts that fail so early are definitely a contributing factory. These leaks should be covered to 100k. Tried to call Subaru of America, had a bad customer service experience. My last Subaru ever!!!
This is my wife's car and since this vehicle was new I can smell coolant intermittently when the vehicle was parked in the garage after driving. The coolant reservoir level slowly dropped approaching the low mark.
I brought the vehicle in to the dealer (International Subaru of Merrillville) in Oct 2017 and they couldn't find the issue and just topped off the coolant level, but didn't document that they added coolant. I have been monitoring the coolant level and it was at the low mark again and brought it in for the second time on 4/5/18 with 13k miles now.
The dealer topped off the level again and said no issue found except the radiator cap doesn't hold full pressure so they ordered another one????? The incompetent service writer told me three untruths within several minutes: first to check the coolant level when hot (not cold engine), an intermittent coolant smell is normal and the coolant evaporates and it is normal. Well.... I was a Ford dealer mechanic for 10 years or so while I was going for my degree in the evenings and I can say that coolant levels do not drop or evaporate without an underlying issue on Fords.
My 2003 Explorer (140k) , 2010 Legacy and 2017 Escape coolant levels do not drop nor do I smell any coolant. I asked them to document that the level was low and they topped it off and again the paperwork states "customer smells coolant". I want written documentation that it is indeed low and they had to top it off if an issue arises after the base warranty and it turns out its a head gasket or other high dollar repair when the signs were there from day one. When I return for the new radiator cap that they had to order that has nothing to do with this issue, I will demanding in writing that they have been adding coolant.
There is a fair amount of discussion on other forums regarding this same issue and it appears the standard message is no problem found. I may open a case with a Subaru rep.
Added 12 oz of antifreeze to the overflow bottle as it was almost dry below the low fill line. This was noticed at 6,000 mile first oil change. Still has a faint smell of antifreeze but not as bad during these winter months. coming up on 12,000 mile oil change. The coolant level has dropped again at the coolant overflow bottle. No visible coolant leak in engine bay. Coolant is evaporating out somewhere. 35,000 dollar car doesn't seem right.
2017 Outback has been loosing coolant from the overflow since purchased in late 2016. Have to fill every 2 months. Dealership unable to diagnose and/or repair.
- Chad F.,
Hobe Sound, US
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Since Outbacks are known for leaks and engine gasket failures, the defective designs and parts that fail so early are definitely a contributing factory. These leaks should be covered to 100k. Tried to call Subaru of America, had a bad customer service experience. My last Subaru ever!!!
- Paul S., Hollister, CA, US