Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Subaru Outback owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
In 2003 at 74,000 miles the left gasket was replaced on 2001, Subaru Outback ltd. Wagon. In 2003 at 94,000 miles right gasket was replaced. 20 months later left gasket was blown out again. Two independent mechanics told consumer that right gasket was defective as well although the dealership told consumer no. Subaru of America paid for the repairs of both of the initial gasket replacements, but due to the mileage on the car they refused to cover this defective part. In 2004 car was recalled to receive a sealant additive to address the gasket problem. Clearly it didn't work. Many of consumer friends and neighbors are Subaru Outback owners, and 2 others I have spoken with have had blown gaskets on fairly new vehicles.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Subaru Outback. The contact noticed that the engine warning light would consistently illuminate on the instrument control panel. He took the vehicle to the dealer and a technician erased the fuel temperature code. Two weeks after the diagnostic, the contact noticed that the engine warning light had resurfaced on the instrument control panel. He took the vehicle back to the dealer and a technician replaced the knock sensor at the cost of $317. Several days after the repair, the engine warning light illuminated again. He took the vehicle to the dealer again and the technician stated that the fuel temperature sensor needed to be replaced at the cost of $520. The vehicle is currently being repaired. The manufacturer would not assist. The failure mileage was 53,378 and current mileage was 53,923. Updated 10/16/08. …
In 20 degree weather (fahrenheit) an overwhelming gasoline odor filled the cabin of my 2001 Subaru legacy wagon (Outback). This happened on three different trips around town yesterday. I have a 2.5l engine, using 87 octane gasoline. The check engine light did not eliminate during these episodes. I lifted the engine compartment hood when this happened a third time and found the vapor smell was strongest near the intake manifold. There was no evidence of fuel leaking from any neoprene of steel lines. Obviously the odor was coming from the engine compartment through the heating system vents (the climate control fan was turned to high). The odor was so strong, it was overwhelming even when the vents were blowing recirculated air from the beginning of the trip. I believe a spark could have easily resulted in an explosion.
I have gone through one head gasket on jan 2003. The head gasket went out in dec of 2003 and the whole engine had to be replaced. In January of 2004 I had the overhead camgaskets go out on the car as well as the the oxygen sensor. I have had more issues but it would be a small book. Subaru has been relativly unresponsive even after many phone calls and letters to my concerns. Every part was replaced however there seems to be a poroblem with my new engine since there is now an investigation within Subaru. They refuse to pay the dealership for the new engine replacement which raises the question of was this a new engine or what is wrong with the new engine.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and he noticed that both front sent belts would not properly retract, leaving a lot of slack between vehicle occupants and the seat belts. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The contact also stated that the engine was leaking oil onto the exhaust manifold. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the rear main entrance seal on the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures, but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 165,000.
2001 Subaru Outback at 90K after 2.5 engine is started it rattles like the valve lifters are not getting oil lubrication. It last for about 10 minutes or until the engine temp gauge is in the normal range. It does this when the engine has been sitting more that 8 hours without starting. Changing of oil in crankcase, did not change the rattling sound. Upon taking the vehicle to the Subaru dealer, the service manager informed me this was a normal character feature of 2001 and newer Subaru's that had the 2.5 engine and was caused by piston slap in the engine. The correct the noise the owner would have to have the engine rebuilt to stop the piston slap.
We have a 2001 Subaru Outback with the h6 engine. When going very slowly, such as parking in the garage, the engine will suddenly surge. You must keep one foot on the brake to prevent a sudden unintended acceleration. I have been told by the dealer that this is just the way it is with the computer control and the h6 engine. I have not had an accident , but it is a potential hazard. A sudden lurch could damage another vehicle in a parking lot or a person in front of the car. I have lived with it, but someone wrote to click and clack complaining about the same problem. So, I decided to contact your agency to also voice my concerns. Thank you.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the engine light continues to illuminate on the instrument panel and the engine seized two weeks ago. She notified the dealer and the manufacturer and they requested that she send the invoices from the dealer, where they would mostly likely replace the engine. The contact stated, however, that the invoices and repairs were done somewhere other than an authorized dealer. The failure mileage was 30,000 and current mileage was 54,500.
2001 Subaru Outback leaks fuel in cold weather. Read on the web about hundreds of owners with this complaint. Live in massachusetts and when the weather gets below about 25 degrees fuel smell fills the passenger cabin. Appears to come from under the engine manifold. Hope to not pass out from fuel vapors. Haven't had a fire yet. 2nd issue is head gasket leak which was a $1500 repair. Also appears to be a common issue with Subaru.
Power Subaru of scottsdale finalized the repair of the head gasket problem on December 28, 2006 on our Subaru Outback wagon. While in for repair for the head gasket, the dealer noted that the timing belt tensioner needed to be replaced. Power Subaru replaced the tensioner with a new Subaru tensioner (part #13033aa042.) it does not appear that power Subaru test drove the car after the repairs based on the mileage in and out shown on the service invoice. The car had a catastrophic engine failure approximately 12 miles from the dealership on state highway 87 while being driven at the posted highway speed of 65 miles per hour as we left the dealer that did the repair. That engine failure created a safety hazard for my wife, margaret, who had to coast down the highway to a small road to safely pull off. …
Engine complaints in other Outback years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Subaru Outback, 13% of the model year's 171 complaints. The component named most often is engine (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Subaru Outback engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2001 Subaru Outback, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Subaru Outback engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.