2010 Subaru Outback: Head gasket failure
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2010 Outback report: head gasket failure. CarComplaints.com lists 4 owner complaints, average mileage 118,350 miles.
NHTSA has 67 owner complaints for the 2010 Outback in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11723980 (filed 03/12/2026): “This car is a very well-maintained, low-use vehicle with regular oil changes and routine maintenance performed on schedule. early in this drive, i noticed an unusual hissing sound as i approached a stop. when i tried to brake, i realized my brakes didn't see…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11613524 (filed 09/09/2024): “I see many many complaints about the head gasket material subaru used was not compatible with the very fluid that is needed for the cars engine to not blow up.....coolant. subaru knows the head gasket material is ruined by the coolant it needs but has left us …”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace head gasket (3 reports) machine heads (1 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $3,730 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Estimated repair cost: head gasket replacement
Average shop cost
$1,135
Range $500–$1,945 (labor)
5.0–14.0 h × $100–$139/h estimated shop labor rate
Parts not included.
Average mobile mechanic cost
$1,705
Range $750–$2,920 (labor)
Shop labor × 1.5 (mobile convenience premium)
Parts not included.
Estimates only, not a quote. Actual prices vary by vehicle, shop and location. See the estimate for your city → · About this repair and its cost
Same repair on other models: 2010 Subaru Forester: Blown head gaskets · 2010 Toyota Tacoma: Leaking head gasket · 2014 Kia Sportage: Failed head gasket-exhaust gas in coolant · 2016 Jeep Wrangler: Blown head gaskets
Page last updated .