2008 Subaru Outback

Introduction

The 2008 Subaru Outback is a midsize crossover SUV that offers a combination of ruggedness and practicality. It is available with a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter six-cylinder. Transmission options include a five-speed manual, a four-speed automatic, or a five-speed automatic.

The Outback is praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and excellent all-weather capability. However, it has also been plagued by a number of issues, which are detailed below.

Engine

2.5-liter Four-Cylinder

• Head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leakage of coolant and oil, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing belt failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, loss of power, rattling noise
  • Solution: Replace timing belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0-liter Six-Cylinder

• Oil consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace piston rings and valve seals
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Grinding gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, grinding noise
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic

• Transmission slippage
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, erratic shifting
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 10V182000

Suspension

• Strut mount failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dim lights
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tailgate latch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate won’t open or close properly
  • Solution: Replace tailgate latch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard rattles
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattles and vibrations from the dashboard
  • Solution: Install sound dampening material
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• HVAC blower motor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Blower motor won’t turn on or blows intermittently
  • Solution: Replace blower motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Subaru Outback has a number of known issues, including head gasket failure, timing belt failure, and transmission slippage. However, it is also a popular vehicle with many happy owners. The severity and cost of the repairs vary, but it is important to be aware of these potential problems before purchasing one.