NHTSA Complaint #10103692 — 1998 SUBARU LEGACY

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS REGISTERING HOT ON THE DASHBOARD WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *AK......IT WAS NECESSARY TO TEAR DOWN THE ENGINE AND REPLACE ALL THE GASKETS/HOSES/RADIATOR/WATER PUMP/THERMOSTAT, AS WELL AS THE COOLANT AND OIL. FROM JANUARY 2004 TO SEPTEMBER 2004, SUBARU REPLACED 13 HEAD GASKETS ON OUTBACKS, AND VINTAGES FROM 1996-1998, AND A MILEAGE FROM 60,000 MILES-90,000 MILES. THIS REPRESENTED A SERIOUS MANUFACTING DEFECT, IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER WITH A RECALL NOTICE. *AK