8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,400
Average Mileage:
161,150 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace engine (2 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 #2

Dec 162009

Outback 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 162,300 miles

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

Let's face it, this car was a beater when i bought it, the dog smell, the dented door, the mismatched tires (but they are haka and nokians), the fact that it was the lousy 2.5L engine should have deterred me, but nahh.. One year later blown engine on coldest day of the year while driving daughter to school, merry Xmas! Mechanic had 2.2L engine the following day - says he sees a lot of these especially on cold mornings.. Buy a rig with a 2.2 and skip the 2.5 people.

- bgdwin, Middlesex, VT, US

problem #1

Nov 152006

Outback Legacy 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

Head gasket failed. Car overheated and stopped running on freeway in the middle of the night. In the Rain. The thermostat was vapor locked from exhaust fumes leaking into the cooling system. This is just after i put close to $1500 into it to fix leaking oil seals (it had three) Thanks Subaru. Just Great. You folks keep up the great work. dumped car for $500 rather than fix for close to 4000. I'll be buying a honda and will no longer even consider getting another Subaru.

- David M., Steubenville, OH, US

Not what you are looking for?