The engine light came on after misfiring began when starting the car. After a moment, it would go away and became drivable. We brought it to the mechanic and when they finally diagnosed it, they confirmed it was the head gasket (for the 3rd and final time). We were hoping for anything else, but we've decided to get rid of the car since we've already put over $6500 into fixing this one problem that won't stay fixed. We'll be avoiding the 08 Impreza from here on out. It has admittedly been the worst investment I've ever made.

After around 2 years of owning the car, the engine blew out. There were a number of issues when the engine gave out and I can't recall the list, but head gasket has been the ongoing trend with the first and second engine we've placed in the car.

My wife placed it in drive after reversing out of a parking space and the engine began to shake violently and the check engine light was blinking. She turned it off and we had it towed.

The closest mechanic was able to take it and returned it to us relatively promptly, but we needed to replace the engine and it cost us about $3500.

The car was bought used at 105k miles for $7200 in 2016 - the engine first broke (head gasket + compounded issues) at about 135k miles, and it was replaced for about $3500.

This report is for when the head gasket broke after about 15k miles with the new engine. It was fixed for about $3200. The engine was not replaced this time around.

Finally, 3-4 years later and 40k-50k miles tacked on, the head gasket failed once more. It will not be repaired and the vehicle will be scrapped or traded in, if anyone will even bother with it.

I just came from Anchor Subaru and technician diagnosed head gasket leak, oil only at this point, it is leaking pretty significantly. Oil is leaking on passenger side and technicians report strongly suggests immediate repair. $1.979.00 plus tax. car was well maintained only 2 owners. Subaru should accept some responsibility. Do not buy a Subaru unless you put it on lift and look for common Subaru manufacturers defect. Also newer Subaru models may have similar defect but mileage and age have not exposed yet.

I had an aftermarket warranty for my 2008 2.5i and under warranty the dealership told me that my valve cover needed replacing because I was leaking oil. Just after my warranty expired, I was informed by the same dealership that it looks like my head gasket is leaking. Research further says that most inexperienced people often replace the valve cover when it's actually the head gasket.

My sister's husband just told me that he's just been diagnosed with a head gasket issue with his 2007 Forrester. I don't know how Subaru can get away with this head gasket problem because there's just so many of us and the cost for us is high with so few kilometers. I drive an Evo X and I lap and autoX that car. I have little to no expense (other than tires) for that car yet the Subaru has always and is now costing me tons. I will never buy another Subaru.

Update from Nov 15, 2016: I spoke to my dealership service manager and to Subaru Canada, and after they spoke, they are each participating in my head gasket fix which will include 100% of all parts and labor. They said that the reason they will do this for me, is because I've been a good customer, done perfect maintenance, and that my extended warranty had just recently expired. I'm still in shock, but I couldn't be happier with Subaru.

I've had a bill of $5,091.72 Canadian on replacing the release clutch bearing, both front shock (the right twice) lower control arm and bushing, rack and pinion assembly and the oil pressure switches all problems that are apparently not a common issue with these cars. I noticed that on a blog the release clutch bearing is a common problem and so is the head gasket which has been a problem for years but for some reason Subaru doesn't seem to want or know how to fix this problem.

Now I'm going to tack onto my $5,091.72 the replacement of my head gasket it is estimated to cost about $1,500 to add onto my $5,091.72. I really tired of this car. I'm still going to write a letter to Subaru Canada and provide copies of my invoices (mind you it was not done at a Subaru dealer) and see if they are able to provide me with some kind of financial reimbursement. This car had to have been built on F&%CKING MONDAY BY SOMEBODY WITH A HANGOVER. I don't think I'm going to buy another Subaru again my wife hands down doesn't want another Subaru. She'd rather have a Chrysler/Dodge........ WHAT THE F&^K???