The #1 Subaru Repair We See at the Shop: Head Gasket Failure

Subaru Repair Experts in Newcastle, OK

If you drive a Subaru especially an Outback, Forester, or Impreza from the early 2000s to mid-2010s — chances are you’ve heard about head gasket issues. It’s the most sought-after (and most dreaded) repair we handle for Subaru drivers here at Impact Auto Repair.

These boxer engines are loved for their reliability, AWD capabilities, and rugged performance — but they also have a history of blowing head gaskets. Catching it early is key to saving your engine and your wallet.

What Causes Head Gasket Failure in Subarus?

Subaru’s horizontally opposed (boxer) engine design places unique stress on its head gaskets — and over time, heat and pressure take their toll.

  • Thermal Expansion:
    The aluminum engine heads expand and contract during driving, eventually causing the gaskets to wear or crack.
  • Cooling System Issues:
    If your cooling system isn’t performing properly, it can overheat the engine — and the head gasket is often the first thing to fail.
  • Design Flaws in Early Models:
    Some older Subarus came with single-layer gaskets that weren’t up to the long-term stress of the engine design.

Common Symptoms of a Blown Head Gasket

The sooner you catch a failing gasket, the less damage you’ll have to deal with. Here’s what to look for:

  • Milky substance on your oil dipstick or oil cap
  • White smoke from the exhaust
  • Bubbling in the coolant reservoir
  • Overheating engine
  • Visible coolant or oil leaks near the head
  • Poor engine performance or misfiring

Why This Repair Matters

A blown head gasket isn’t something you can just “top off fluids” and ignore. Left unrepaired, it can lead to:

  • Warped cylinder heads
  • Complete engine failure
  • Costly towing and emergency breakdowns

This is the kind of issue that’s cheaper and safer to fix before it gets worse.

Subaru Head Gasket Repair Done Right

At Impact Auto Repair, we’re no strangers to Subaru engines — and we know exactly what it takes to repair them properly. We use upgraded, multi-layer head gaskets and proven installation techniques to give your engine the longest life possible.

We don’t just patch the problem. We check the heads, cooling system, and related components to make sure everything runs like it should for the long haul.


Located in Newcastle, OK
Call (405) 852-2258 to schedule your Subaru inspection

Experts in Subaru, BMW, Audi, and other performance imports

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