2000 Subaru Outback engine and engine cooling problems
35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2000 Subaru Outback — 17% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Smelled coolant and burnt oil upon returning to garage after normal operation. Diagnosis: failed head gasket & leaking rear oil seal. Repair included both head gaskets, complete valve job, and new seal. Also replaced timing belt after only 11,000 miles of service, and clutch as preventative…”
filed Feb 10, 2012
“I had recurrent leaks in my 2000 subaru outback and took it in to dealership starting in 2007. 4/01/08 had all antifreeze came out of car dealership could not find problem. Had to have transmission replaced in 2007. Had to replace water pump,oil pump and head gasket in 2008. Then because of coolant…”
filed Sep 4, 2010
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 Outback | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 Outback | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 Outback | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 Outback | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 Outback | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 Outback | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 Outback | 23 | 6% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2000 Subaru Outback
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.