8644 messages,
Last post on May 22, 2013 at 4:04 PM
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Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.
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Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Wagon
#8565 of 8644 Re: 2012 Subaru Outback - Expected Problems? [Mr_Shiftright]
by jd_24
Apr 29, 2012 (11:02 am)
Yes, it was a prime canidate for head gaskets. Its still a daily driver for us. The AWD is fantastic.
Power windows don't get used a whole lot up here in MN. 5 months its too cold and 3 months its too hot for putting the windows down.
Most of my commuting is freeway, so the windows tend to stay up the rest of the time too!
#8566 of 8644 Re: 2012 Subaru Outback - Expected Problems? [jd_24]
by Mr_Shiftright HOST
Apr 29, 2012 (12:10 pm)
How 'bout your catalytic converter? Did that fail or break loose?
The window switches just get harder and harder to push up and down---they move but they don't make contact very well after a while.
Did you know that Subarus get more speeding tickets than any other car? Weird, huh?
#8567 of 8644 Re: 2012 Subaru Outback - Expected Problems? [Mr_Shiftright]
by jd_24
Apr 29, 2012 (3:25 pm)
Yes the catalytic converter did go. I sort of figured it was a wear and tear thing since it went at around 160k miles.
#8568 of 8644 Re: 2012 Subaru Outback - Expected Problems? [jd_24]
by ateixeira
Apr 30, 2012 (7:16 am)
If you are still concerned about head gaskets, wait for the 2013 model, which they just showed at the NY Auto Show.
It gets the FB engine block. The coolant lines for the head and block are completely separate now.
No coolant will leak from the gaskets no matter what - because the coolant no longer flows through the gasket at all.
Recent gasket improvements all but solved the issue, but with the FB blocks ( now used on the Forester, Impreza, Outback, and Legacy) that chapter is thankfully completely closed.
The FA block in the BRZ is designed similarly. The EZ36 block is not, IIRC, but it never had many problems in the first place.
#8569 of 8644 Re: 2012 Subaru Outback - Expected Problems? [ateixeira]
by jd_24
Apr 30, 2012 (9:39 am)
Nope. Not real concerned about the gaskets. Slightly concerned about all the other parts I haven't replaced yet.
At 200K miles just about anything can wear out and need to be replaced.
Our new 2012 Impreza is the replaceement, and the Outback can go to my daughter who will be learning to drive soon.
#8570 of 8644 Odd Starting Issue
by pathtomax
Apr 30, 2012 (12:11 pm)
I am currently driving my 3rd Outback. This same issue has happened to every model ('96, '01 4EAT, and now '08 H6)
Here is the situation where it happens.
I have my car in the driveway. I need to just start it and move it about 2 feet and then will shut it off again. This was Saturday afternoon.
Today, Monday, I go out to start my car for my morning commute. It takes a good 2 minutes to get the car to turn over. I wait, as always, for a bit for the dashboard needles to move over and back before starting. Just like I always do.
My question, is this a common problem with Subies if you start them for a quick move and then shut off again? Does the engine not burn the fuel enough or something? This has happened with all 3 Subarus I have had. Hard starting the next time after a short start.
Does this make sense what I am describing?!
#8571 of 8644 Re: Odd Starting Issue [pathtomax]
by ateixeira
Apr 30, 2012 (12:21 pm)
Could be an emissions thing. If you shut off the engine before it's fully warm, that is.
#8572 of 8644 Re: Odd Starting Issue [pathtomax]
by jd_24
Apr 30, 2012 (1:38 pm)
Seems I've had similar problem with my 2001 Outback. Its probably happens once per year and I could never figure out the cause. I don't think I ever moved my car just two feet, but I have had the key slip from my fingers when attempting to start. That failed it starting, then caused a tough second attempt at starting... related? extra gas left un-burned in the system from a really cold engine? don't know.
The car always started (with a little extra effort) the second try so I've never really cared or was concerned.
It hasn't happened on my 2012 Impreza yet, but one or two others complained of a "hard start" once.
#8573 of 8644 Re: Odd Starting Issue [jd_24]
by pathtomax
May 01, 2012 (7:13 am)
OK, so I am not crazy.
I guess it is a combo of the unburned gas and emissions. It started just fine this morning on a cold and rainy New England day!
#8574 of 8644 Re: 2012 Subaru Outback - Expected Problems? [Mr_Shiftright]
by jd_24
May 16, 2012 (11:54 am)
your 2001 is susceptible to head gasket failure as well but sounds like with those miles that you've dodged the bullet. Usually it shows up on the 2.5L Subaru at around 110K-130K.
You had to mention it didn't you. 3 weeks later and its in the shop. Oil and coolant leak from headgasket. So i didn't dodge it, but just avoided it a bit longer than some. 200K miles on the 2001 Outback.
The 2013 or 14 Outback might be the replacement for it in another year or two.