If you own a Subaru in the Palatine or Northwest Chicago suburbs, chances are you’ve heard the dreaded words: “head gasket.” Subaru’s EJ-series engines (found in Outbacks, Foresters, Imprezas, and Legacy models from the late 1990s through mid-2010s) developed a well-documented head gasket issue that can catch owners off guard. Here’s what you need to know — and what to do about it.
Which Subarus Are Affected?
The most commonly affected vehicles are:
- Subaru Outback (1999–2011, 2.5L EJ25)
- Subaru Forester (1999–2010, 2.5L EJ25)
- Subaru Legacy (1999–2009, 2.5L EJ25)
- Subaru Impreza (1999–2011, 2.5L)
- Subaru Baja
The newer FA-series engines (2012+) significantly improved on this design and are far less prone to the issue.
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Overheating or temperature gauge running hotter than usual
- White smoke from exhaust — especially at startup or under load
- Coolant loss with no visible leak under the car
- Milky/brown oil on the dipstick (coolant mixing with oil)
- Sweet smell from the engine bay
- Rough idle or misfires
The tricky part: early-stage Subaru head gasket failure is often a “seeping” external leak — meaning coolant slowly leaks out but doesn’t immediately cause overheating. Many owners miss this for months or years until it progresses into a more serious internal failure.
What the Repair Involves
A proper head gasket job on a Subaru boxer engine requires removing the engine or at minimum significant disassembly. At Wizard Werks, our process includes:
- Full coolant system inspection and flush
- Head removal and surface inspection/machining if needed
- Multi-layer steel (MLS) upgraded head gasket installation
- Head bolt replacement (one-time use bolts)
- Timing belt replacement (since we’re already in there)
- Water pump replacement
- Thermostat replacement
- Full reassembly and cooling system pressure test
Cost: Wizard Werks vs. Dealership
Subaru dealerships in the Chicagoland area typically charge $1,800–$2,800 for a head gasket job. At Wizard Werks, the same quality repair with upgraded MLS gaskets runs significantly less — and you get honest communication throughout the process.
Schedule Your Subaru Inspection
Located at 648 E Northwest Hwy, Palatine, IL 60074. If your Subaru is showing any of the symptoms above — or if you just want peace of mind with a cooling system inspection — call us at (224) 801-6094. We serve Palatine, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, and all Northwest Chicago suburbs.
We also provide full Subaru repair and maintenance services and Japanese vehicle repair across all makes and models.