Vehicle Data Hub

2001 Subaru Outback engine problems

Owners reported engine problems in 21 complaints for the 2001 Subaru Outback, 10% of the complaints on file. It is the 3rd most reported problem area for this model year.

At a glance

Complaints
21 10% of this year's complaints
Typical mileage
75,000 miles 14 complaints with mileage
Crashes and fires
1 and 1
Injuries and deaths
0 and 0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

When engine problems show up

Engine complaints by mileage, 2001 Subaru Outback Complaints by odometer reading in 20,000-mile steps. The median is about 75,000 miles. 0k to 20k miles: 2 complaints 20k to 40k miles: 1 complaints 40k to 60k miles: 1 complaints 60k to 80k miles: 4 complaints 80k to 100k miles: 2 complaints 100k to 120k miles: 2 complaints 120k to 140k miles: 0 complaints 140k to 160k miles: 1 complaints 160k to 180k miles: 1 complaints 180k to 200k miles: 0 complaints 200k+ miles: 0 complaints 040k80k120k160k200k miles Typical: 75,000 miles
Based on 14 complaints that include mileage. 29% were reported before 60,000 miles. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.
View the numbers
MileageComplaints
0k to 20k miles2
20k to 40k miles1
40k to 60k miles1
60k to 80k miles4
80k to 100k miles2
100k to 120k miles2
120k to 140k miles0
140k to 160k miles1
160k to 180k miles1
180k to 200k miles0
200k+ miles0

What the data shows

Of the 14 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 75,000 miles, and 29% were reported before 60,000 miles.

These complaints mention 1 crash, 1 fire.

What owners wrote

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.

Reported at 74,000 miles, May 2005 CrashFire

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.

Reported at 75,242 miles, January 2004

Other problems reported for the 2001 Subaru Outback

Engine problems in other years

Engine problems across all Subaru models