New to this board, and looking to buy a new Subaru sometime in the next few months.

 

I am reading about a lot of head gasket failures on relatively new (1999, 2000) and low mileage (75K or less) Subarus with failing head gaskets.

 

Has Subaru done anything since, say, 2000 to improve head gasket design to decrease leaks?

Do head gasket problems seem to be related to overheating, not changing thermostat regularly, or not flushing coolant regularly?

 

This is not enough to scare me off or anything, but sure would like to know since I'm thinking of either a brand new Subaru, or one coming off lease, 2 yrs old with 40K!

 

Thanks!

on subaru's behalf, they have been reworking the head gaskets multiple times. i believe that since 1997, there have been 6 revisions. to the best of my knowledge, the current one has been around for a while and seems to be working out well for most people. (subaru p/n: 11044aa610).

 

as for reasons for the failures, there doesn't really seem to be a common mode. some people have driven them hard, with no maintenance, some rally their cars, some do all the maintenance and just use it as a normal daily driver. many have had no problems whatsoever. seems to pretty much be a crapshoot as to whether it will fail or not.