Comments on: Subaru Head Gasket, Will Subaru pay for repair? http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/02/subaru-head-gasket-will-subaru-pay-for-repair Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:29:44 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Susan http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/02/subaru-head-gasket-will-subaru-pay-for-repair/comment-page-1#comment-10699 Susan Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:08:47 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=105#comment-10699 Thank you Mike for your rapid and helpful response! My records say the head gaskets were leaking oil (or a few times early on simply "head gaskets are leaking" -- in the future I will ask for more clarification) with no mention of leaking coolant. I believe I overlooked the warranty point about external COOLANT leaks only. Your blog is much appreciated. At some time I may just travel the 60+ miles to visit your Mulkiteo shop! Susan Thank you Mike for your rapid and helpful response! My records say the head gaskets were leaking oil (or a few times early on simply “head gaskets are leaking” — in the future I will ask for more clarification) with no mention of leaking coolant. I believe I overlooked the warranty point about external COOLANT leaks only. Your blog is much appreciated. At some time I may just travel the 60+ miles to visit your Mulkiteo shop! Susan

]]> By: Mike Corbin http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/02/subaru-head-gasket-will-subaru-pay-for-repair/comment-page-1#comment-10696 Mike Corbin Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:54:30 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=105#comment-10696 Hi Ken, From what I've seen, although not completely leakproof, the 2006 and newer vehicles seem to be leaking less often than their predesessors. If Subaru is offering $750 to help out it may be best to take the offer. Of course, if you are a good negotiator you may be able to get more so I'll leave that part up to you.Depending on your relationship with the dealer, you may get them to throw in some assistance also beyond what Subaru corporate is offering. If the engine repair is done properly, there should be no concern about removing the engine. While it is apart you may as well spend the money for the timing belt (since it's due at 105k anyway). Good luck and let me know how it turns out. Mike Corbin Smart Service Independent Subaru Repair Seattle Hi Ken,

From what I’ve seen, although not completely leakproof, the 2006 and newer vehicles seem to be leaking less often than their predesessors. If Subaru is offering $750 to help out it may be best to take the offer. Of course, if you are a good negotiator you may be able to get more so I’ll leave that part up to you.Depending on your relationship with the dealer, you may get them to throw in some assistance also beyond what Subaru corporate is offering. If the engine repair is done properly, there should be no concern about removing the engine. While it is apart you may as well spend the money for the timing belt (since it’s due at 105k anyway).

Good luck and let me know how it turns out.

Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Repair
Seattle

]]> By: Ken http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/02/subaru-head-gasket-will-subaru-pay-for-repair/comment-page-1#comment-10695 Ken Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:16:37 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=105#comment-10695 Mike, Thank you for manning this web site and offering your experienced input. I have a 2006 2.5i Outback Wagon with 75K miles. A couple of months ago, we noticed small drops of oil leaking from the lower driver's side of the engine onto our garage floor. Took it to our local dealer, and they said it was a head gasket repair...$1900 total to replace both head gaskets. I called SOA and complained. They have offered to reimburse $750 after we have the repair done. I guess that's better than nothing, but it still leaves us with an $1156 balance...a rather substantial amount of money we never expected to have to pay so soon in the game with a Subaru (this is our first Subaru, and we had never heard about the head gasket issue). I'm trying to determine wheter to accept the $750 offer or to contest it further. It seems I read somewhere that Subaru had cleared up the issue in 2006 and newer vehicles...is that correct? If so, then I shouldn't even be experiencing the problem. If not, it just seems a bit strange to me that this head gasket failure has been going on for many years, yet Subaru has done nothing to remedy the situation. Mike, in your experience, would you suggest that I try to protest this further with SOA, or do you think I've hit the max assistance I should expect from them? Any chance the dealer might discount their price a bit as well? Also, I'm concerned about the fact that it sounds like they have to literally lift the engine out of the car to get to those gaskets. Is that correct? What kind of impact will that have on the original fit and drive of the vehicle (any vibration issues, etc.) once the engine is placed back in position? Is there a particular type of Subaru dealer or independent Subaru service center that would be better to do the work than others (we currently go to Subaru of Gwinnett here in Atlanta for all of our service)? Lastly, you have suggested timing belt replacements, etc. during such a repair. What other repairs would you suggest we do at the same time on this specific 2006 Outback to save future expenditures. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer. Mike,

Thank you for manning this web site and offering your experienced input. I have a 2006 2.5i Outback Wagon with 75K miles. A couple of months ago, we noticed small drops of oil leaking from the lower driver’s side of the engine onto our garage floor. Took it to our local dealer, and they said it was a head gasket repair…$1900 total to replace both head gaskets. I called SOA and complained. They have offered to reimburse $750 after we have the repair done. I guess that’s better than nothing, but it still leaves us with an $1156 balance…a rather substantial amount of money we never expected to have to pay so soon in the game with a Subaru (this is our first Subaru, and we had never heard about the head gasket issue). I’m trying to determine wheter to accept the $750 offer or to contest it further. It seems I read somewhere that Subaru had cleared up the issue in 2006 and newer vehicles…is that correct? If so, then I shouldn’t even be experiencing the problem. If not, it just seems a bit strange to me that this head gasket failure has been going on for many years, yet Subaru has done nothing to remedy the situation. Mike, in your experience, would you suggest that I try to protest this further with SOA, or do you think I’ve hit the max assistance I should expect from them? Any chance the dealer might discount their price a bit as well? Also, I’m concerned about the fact that it sounds like they have to literally lift the engine out of the car to get to those gaskets. Is that correct? What kind of impact will that have on the original fit and drive of the vehicle (any vibration issues, etc.) once the engine is placed back in position? Is there a particular type of Subaru dealer or independent Subaru service center that would be better to do the work than others (we currently go to Subaru of Gwinnett here in Atlanta for all of our service)? Lastly, you have suggested timing belt replacements, etc. during such a repair. What other repairs would you suggest we do at the same time on this specific 2006 Outback to save future expenditures. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.

]]> By: Mike Corbin http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/02/subaru-head-gasket-will-subaru-pay-for-repair/comment-page-1#comment-10694 Mike Corbin Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:15:36 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=105#comment-10694 Hi Susan, My first advice is to compile your records/receipts that have any notations about the head gasket condition on them. Keep in mind that Subaru was only willing to pay for external coolant leakage so if it was an oil leak they were mentioning Subaru would not have covered it. After you compile and organize a timeline of the head gasket related receipts from the dealer, call 1-800-SUBARU3 with the information. If a Subaru dealer is abusing the system then Subaru customer service will probably get involved and help you. If they have merely been telling you about an oil leak from the head gasket but no coolant then it may just be a bad coincidence. Please let us know how it works out, Mike Corbin Smart Service Independent Subaru Experts AAA Top Shop Hi Susan,

My first advice is to compile your records/receipts that have any notations about the head gasket condition on them. Keep in mind that Subaru was only willing to pay for external coolant leakage so if it was an oil leak they were mentioning Subaru would not have covered it. After you compile and organize a timeline of the head gasket related receipts from the dealer, call 1-800-SUBARU3 with the information. If a Subaru dealer is abusing the system then Subaru customer service will probably get involved and help you. If they have merely been telling you about an oil leak from the head gasket but no coolant then it may just be a bad coincidence.

Please let us know how it works out,

Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Experts
AAA Top Shop

]]> By: Susan http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/02/subaru-head-gasket-will-subaru-pay-for-repair/comment-page-1#comment-10688 Susan Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:56:40 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=105#comment-10688 We have a 2000 Subaru Legacy wagon. At 52K mi. the dealership added the coolant conditioner per Subaru (WWP99). At 62K (12/06) our head gaskets were said to be leaking. We were not aware or made aware that Subaru had possibly issued a voluntary recall on the head gaskets, extending the warranty to 8yrs or 100K mi. The dealer said the leak was light and probably slow and that we could probably get by with watchful waiting. Subsequently, head gasket leaks were noted at most followup repairs, with no recommendation to repair until 12/10 at 103K. It was the first time the dealer wrote needs to have the cylinder head gaskets resealed and a new timing belt. We had the work done and we paid the dealer, still unaware of the voluntary recall. In hindsight, should the dealer have made the repairs under warranty sooner? What is the likelihood that the dealer or Subaru would reimburse us for the work ALREADY completed? We have a 2000 Subaru Legacy wagon. At 52K mi. the dealership added the coolant conditioner per Subaru (WWP99). At 62K (12/06) our head gaskets were said to be leaking. We were not aware or made aware that Subaru had possibly issued a voluntary recall on the head gaskets, extending the warranty to 8yrs or 100K mi. The dealer said the leak was light and probably slow and that we could probably get by with watchful waiting. Subsequently, head gasket leaks were noted at most followup repairs, with no recommendation to repair until 12/10 at 103K. It was the first time the dealer wrote needs to have the cylinder head gaskets resealed and a new timing belt. We had the work done and we paid the dealer, still unaware of the voluntary recall. In hindsight, should the dealer have made the repairs under warranty sooner? What is the likelihood that the dealer or Subaru would reimburse us for the work ALREADY completed?

]]> By: Mike Corbin http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/02/subaru-head-gasket-will-subaru-pay-for-repair/comment-page-1#comment-10550 Mike Corbin Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:10:57 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=105#comment-10550 Hi Julie, Depending on if AWD is important to you or not Toyota wagons have a pretty good track record. I still think Subarus have a very good track record other than the fact that sometime during the car's life it will need to have it's headgaskets replaced. The AWD is second to none and for that alone it may be worth choosing a Subaru. Basically, the newer the Subaru, the fewer head gasket problems we see. Also if you choose to get a Subaru that is the 6 cylinder equipped model we rarely see any head gasket issues with these until well over 200000 miles. Make sure whatever you purchase, do your research, do your carfax, and have a qualified shop check it over thoroughly before purchasing it. Take care Mike Corbin Independent Subaru Expert at Smart Service in Seattle Hi Julie,

Depending on if AWD is important to you or not Toyota wagons have a pretty good track record. I still think Subarus have a very good track record other than the fact that sometime during the car’s life it will need to have it’s headgaskets replaced. The AWD is second to none and for that alone it may be worth choosing a Subaru. Basically, the newer the Subaru, the fewer head gasket problems we see. Also if you choose to get a Subaru that is the 6 cylinder equipped model we rarely see any head gasket issues with these until well over 200000 miles.

Make sure whatever you purchase, do your research, do your carfax, and have a qualified shop check it over thoroughly before purchasing it.

Take care
Mike Corbin
Independent Subaru Expert at Smart Service in Seattle

]]> By: Julie http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/02/subaru-head-gasket-will-subaru-pay-for-repair/comment-page-1#comment-10502 Julie Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:15:54 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=105#comment-10502 Hi, Mike. Your advice site is great. I'm looking to buy a used wagon and was planning to look at Subarus. But Consumer Reports didn't give the 2000-2006 models in price range a good rating on engines because of the head gasket problem. Given the problems, would you even recommend buying a used Subaru? Should I be looking at Toyota wagons instead? If I can scrape together the money, have the head gasket problems been fixed in the 2008 and newer models? Thank you! Hi, Mike.

Your advice site is great. I’m looking to buy a used wagon and was planning to look at Subarus. But Consumer Reports didn’t give the 2000-2006 models in price range a good rating on engines because of the head gasket problem. Given the problems, would you even recommend buying a used Subaru? Should I be looking at Toyota wagons instead? If I can scrape together the money, have the head gasket problems been fixed in the 2008 and newer models?

Thank you!

]]> By: Mike Corbin http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/02/subaru-head-gasket-will-subaru-pay-for-repair/comment-page-1#comment-10495 Mike Corbin Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:38:57 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=105#comment-10495 I think it's financially more affordable to repair the Subaru headgaskets than to replace the whole car. $2600 is not even a down payment these days not to mention you'd be paying years of payments after that if you upgrade now. If the rest of your Outback is in good condition I think it's well worth the repair. Even if you decide to sell it a month later, it's worth more than it is now if you fix it. Good luck in your decision, Mike Corbin Smart Service Independent Subaru Expert Seattle, WA I think it’s financially more affordable to repair the Subaru headgaskets than to replace the whole car. $2600 is not even a down payment these days not to mention you’d be paying years of payments after that if you upgrade now. If the rest of your Outback is in good condition I think it’s well worth the repair. Even if you decide to sell it a month later, it’s worth more than it is now if you fix it.

Good luck in your decision,

Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Expert
Seattle, WA

]]> By: Kim http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/02/subaru-head-gasket-will-subaru-pay-for-repair/comment-page-1#comment-10470 Kim Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:32:15 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=105#comment-10470 I am the second owner of a 2000 Subaru Outback. From 51k miles (at purchase) until a year or so ago, it was problem free. I now have about 111,000 miles on it and just noticed the coolant leak. I am told that it needs a head gasket at about $2600. I have recently (in the last two years)done the brakes, timing belt, battery, new tires, oil change, new windshield, fluids flushed and a couple of other things. I have never owned a Subaru before, but am wondering if it is financially worth it to hold on to this one or maybe to buy another one that is a 2005 or 2006. I cannot afford the gasket, much less many more costly repairs. Do you suggest any particular years for Outbacks? Thanks so much. I am the second owner of a 2000 Subaru Outback. From 51k miles (at purchase) until a year or so ago, it was problem free. I now have about 111,000 miles on it and just noticed the coolant leak. I am told that it needs a head gasket at about $2600. I have recently (in the last two years)done the brakes, timing belt, battery, new tires, oil change, new windshield, fluids flushed and a couple of other things. I have never owned a Subaru before, but am wondering if it is financially worth it to hold on to this one or maybe to buy another one that is a 2005 or 2006. I cannot afford the gasket, much less many more costly repairs. Do you suggest any particular years for Outbacks? Thanks so much.

]]> By: Mike Corbin http://www.smart-service.com/blog/2010/02/subaru-head-gasket-will-subaru-pay-for-repair/comment-page-1#comment-10425 Mike Corbin Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:29:57 +0000 http://www.smart-service.com/blog/?p=105#comment-10425 I'd go for car #1 and have it checked before the purchase. Your loud sound from the rear is probably a rear wheel bearing beginning to fail. Take care, Mike Corbin Smart Service Independent Subaru Expert I’d go for car #1 and have it checked before the purchase. Your loud sound from the rear is probably a rear wheel bearing beginning to fail.

Take care,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Expert

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