2004 Subaru Outback Head Gasket Issue?
20

Asked by Tanner Sep 14, 2018 at 09:06 PM about the 2004 Subaru Outback Limited Wagon

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I recently bought an 04 outback 145k miles on it
from a private seller with supposedly no issues.
Drove it for two weeks and no problems. Past two
weeks we've had overheating issues and have tried
almost everything. Coolant flush, replaced
thermostat, coolant temp sensor, radiator cap,
radiator, bypass on heater core. Isn't leaking from
water pump and no sound from it either. Passed a
pressure test, no leaks. No smoke, no milky oil.
Took it to Subaru dealer to diagnose it and they
seem to think because of a cylinder 4 misfire it's
the heads and we need to do a head gasket repair
job or just replace the engine completely. Does this
seem right? What could be the issue?

4 Answers

F_O_R answered 6 years ago

Head gaskets are a very common issue with your car. If you want to save money find an independent Subaru specialist to do the work. Make sure and replace the timing belt while the heads are being done. You should only pay for the parts as there is no additional labor at this time.

4 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
20

Tanner answered 6 years ago

Yes, they said they'd change the timing belt along with the head gasket repair. Estimated at around $1900. Is that worth it? Or should I just sell it as is and find something else?

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

F_O_R answered 6 years ago

You have to judge this. If the car is in really nice shape and you like it then go ahead.

Mark helpful
20

Tanner answered 6 years ago

Would it be possible to just switch the engine with a 2010 model engine (one without the head gasket issues)?

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • 2004 Subaru Outback Head Gasket Issue? 4 Answers

    I recently bought an 04 outback 145k miles on it from a private seller with supposedly no issues. Drove it for two weeks and no problems. Past two weeks we've had overheating issues and have tried ...

    2004 Subaru Outback Limited Wagon

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Early 2000s Outback head gasket issue 2 Answers

    Can the head gasket issue of the early 2000s Outbacks be resolved by replacing with the multi layered gaskets that resolved the issue in later years... say 2007 and beyond?

    2001 Subaru Outback Base Wagon

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Subaru Outback overheated. Mechanics say head gasket. Other reasons? 4 Answers

    I think there is something not quite right with Convenience Auto Subaru Specialists who have worked on my car for 6 years. Just put $3k into my 2004 Outback which is in pristine condition, low miles...

    2004 Subaru Outback 2.5i

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2010 Subaru Outback, blown head gasket, warped head. 2 Answers

    I'm considering the purchase of a new or refurbished head on ebay. Can you tell if a part like that will match up with my car and have a good fit? Or can that only be determined once you have the pa...

    2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2009 Subaru Outback Head Gasket repair 7 Answers

    We have a manual 2009 Outback and just discovered it needs a head gasket repair. We had a disaster/lemon 2001 Forester that needed a HG repair years ago, and I thought my husband had researched the...

    2009 Subaru Outback 2.5i

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Outback

Looking for a Used Outback in your area?

CarGurus has 827 nationwide Outback listings starting at $1,995.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Subaru Outback Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Mark Weiner
    Reputation
    33,490
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    28,650
  • #3
    Keith Cahalan
    Reputation
    3,380
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Forester
26 Great Deals out of 1,027 listings starting at $2,000
Used Toyota RAV4
91 Great Deals out of 2,055 listings starting at $3,499
Used Honda CR-V
90 Great Deals out of 3,817 listings starting at $1,995
Used Toyota 4Runner
13 Great Deals out of 337 listings starting at $9,900
Used Subaru Legacy
5 Great Deals out of 159 listings starting at $4,999
Used Subaru Impreza
19 Great Deals out of 458 listings starting at $3,999
Used Toyota Highlander
31 Great Deals out of 718 listings starting at $2,495
Used Toyota Camry
49 Great Deals out of 940 listings starting at $2,212
Used Honda Pilot
47 Great Deals out of 1,226 listings starting at $2,133
Used Toyota Tacoma
54 Great Deals out of 1,033 listings starting at $8,708
Used Ford F-150
299 Great Deals out of 15,725 listings starting at $1,712

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.