Which cars have head gasket problems?

What car blows the most head gaskets?

The More You Know:

The top offender is the 2006-2007 BMW 3 Series, with head gasket failures possible between 90,000 and 138,000 miles. From there it's a parade of Subarus with the 2006-2008 Impreza, 2001-2009 Outback, and the 2001-2009 Forester.

Do all cars have head gaskets?

The head gasket lives between your engine block and cylinder head. Every modern car has this gasket but they vary in their thickness and construction based on the manufacturer's design of the engine.

What mileage do head gaskets fail?

Head gaskets typically last 200,000 miles, which is considered about the lifetime of most cars. That means, if you look after your car and follow the service schedule, you should never be faced with a blown head gasket.

Do newer Subarus still have head gasket issues?

The head gasket problems on Subaru vehicles is not new. It has been an issue with this vehicle lineup since the 1990s, in fact. Newer models still have a higher tendency to have head gasket problems than other vehicles like it.

Top 5 Signs Of A BAD HEAD GASKET

Why are Subarus so unreliable?

One of the core reasons that Subaru reliability has dropped is due to the problems that the Outback and Legacy have had with in-car technology. This is a common reason for declining dependability in several makes and models since the early 2000s. Many cars today have a great deal of new and complex technology.

Is Subaru more reliable than Toyota?

Overall, Toyotas are more reliable than Subarus. They have consistently won more distinctions and awards across all models and have higher scores with both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power.

How expensive is it to replace a head gasket?

According to a national average, it costs between $1,624 and $1,979 for a head gasket replacement. The associated labor costs are estimated between $909 and $1147 while the parts themselves vary in the range of $715 and $832.

How do you prevent a head gasket problem?

The best way to prevent head gasket failure in your car is to keep the engine coolant at the proper level with the correct mixture according to the manufacturer's recommendation. If you experience coolant leaks on the ground or garage floor, have it checked out.

How can I make my head gasket last longer?

Head gasket failures are usually the result of an engine overheating, so the best way to prevent a problem is to ensure your cooling system is in good condition. Ensure the system has no leaks, the radiator is working efficiently and the coolant is topped up to the correct level.

Do modern cars have gaskets?

There are typically four types of gaskets in your car engine. These types are: The cylinder head gasket. This gasket is typically made of either copper and asbestos or steel and asbestos and prevents coolant and engine oil from leaking into the cylinders or out of the car.

How many labor hours does it take to replace a head gasket?

For starters, most head gasket jobs require 3-8 hours depending on the how your car is built and what the disassembly and reassembly procedure is. This labor cost is where most of the expense come from for your head gasket job. On top of the labor costs, you have to add on the replacement parts required for the job.

Do all Subarus have head gasket problems?

head gasket problem has received so much attention on the web that many consumers may think it is all Subaru models that are afflicted and that just isn't true. There is also a misconception that it was the same head gasket issue affecting all models. Again, this is not true either.

Does milky oil always mean head gasket?

Milky, frothy oil on the dipstick could mean you have coolant leaking into your oil pan, but doesn't necessarily mean a bad head gasket. This symptom is too often mis-diagnosed as a bad head gasket with unneeded repairs performed. There are many other things that can also cause this and it is rarely a headgasket.

Does white smoke always mean blown head gasket?

White smoke from your exhaust almost always indicates a blown head gasket, and just like there is coolant mixed with your engine oil, there will also be engine oil mixed with your coolant.

What causes head gaskets to go bad?

Head gasket failures are usually caused by repeated overheating, or continuing to drive after the car has overheated, so the best way to prevent a head gasket failure is to ensure your cooling system is in good condition.

What does a car sound like with a blown head gasket?

If a failed head gasket allows compressed air/fuel to escape, the compression of that cylinder is reduced. This loss of compression results in a rough running engine and a notable reduction in engine power. This sort of failure typically is accompanied by a sound like an exhaust leak.

What is the main cause of a blown head gasket?

Overheating. Engine overheating is one of the most common causes of a blown head gasket. When the engine gets too hot, the gasket is exposed to temperatures outside of what it is meant to handle. Extreme heat can cause failure.

Is it better to replace head gasket or engine?

Water in your oil will allow your bearings to rust and wear out very quickly. If your head gasket leak has caused this problem you are almost always better off replacing the whole engine as a new head gasket will stop the leak but bearing damage has probably already been done.

Does blown head gasket mean new engine?

No! A blown head gasket is a major problem for any engine, and one that costs quite a bit to fix mechanically. The head gasket is responsible for creating a seal between your engine block (the lower portion that houses the cylinders) and the head (the upper portion that contains the valves).

Can I fix a head gasket myself?

A blown head gasket fix can be as easy as dumping a bottle of sealant in your radiator, and you're good to go. The seal created from our product is as permanent as replacing the head gasket, but with less money and time.

What Subaru should I avoid?

With major redesigns leading to extensive safety recalls for multiple models, 2009 and 2013 are the top two Subaru years to avoid. The Subaru name is synonymous with reliability, robust performance, and the love that goes into each car.

Is Hyundai or Subaru better?

J.D. Power ranks Hyundai 8th in reliability, above the industry average. With 12 more problems per 100 vehicles, Subaru is ranked 14th. From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports' December 2019 Auto Issue reports that Hyundai vehicles are more reliable than Subaru vehicles.

Is Subaru as good as Honda?

While both brands have good handling, good all-weather performance, and reasonable acceleration and speed, Subaru goes for more standard performance while Honda gives their vehicles a bit of sporty flair.