2001 SUBARU LEGACY GT

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Oil seepage at cylinder head mating surface, Oil smell from engine bay, Low oil level between changes, Occasionally coolant mixing with oil (milky dipstick)

Fix: Replace both head gaskets with updated multi-layer steel (MLS) gaskets, resurface heads if warped, replace timing belt/water pump while in there. 12-16 labor hours typical.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500

Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Sudden loss of compression in one cylinder, Severe knock or rattle, Metal shavings in oil, White/blue smoke under boost, Check engine light with misfire codes

Fix: Usually requires short block replacement or full rebuild with new pistons, rings, bearings, and machining. Often follows detonation events or oil starvation. 18-25 labor hours for short block swap.

Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: ATF puddles under vehicle, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Low transmission fluid level, Slipping or delayed shifts if fluid level drops significantly

Fix: Replace corroded steel cooler lines running to front-mounted cooler. Lines rust through where they route near subframe. 2-3 labor hours plus fluid refill.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking on acceleration/deceleration, Excessive driveline vibration, Visible torn rubber or separated mount, Shifter feels loose or vague

Fix: Replace rear transmission crossmember mount. Requires supporting transmission, removing crossmember. 1.5-2 labor hours.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Turbo whine or squealing, Loss of boost pressure, Blue smoke from exhaust, Turbo failure if left unaddressed

Fix: The banjo bolt filters at turbo oil feed clog with sludge, starving turbo of oil. Clean or replace banjo bolts and screens, replace oil feed line, inspect turbo for damage. If turbo damaged, add 4-6 hours and $800-1,500 for turbo replacement. Preventive cleaning is 1-2 hours.

Estimated cost: $200-2,000

Typical onset: 150,000+ mi

Symptoms: Hard starting when hot, Loss of power under boost, Stumbling or surging at highway speed, Fuel pump whine

Fix: In-tank fuel pump strainer clogs, restricting flow. Requires dropping fuel tank, replacing pump assembly or cleaning strainer. 2-3 labor hours.

Estimated cost: $400-800

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: No-start condition, Stalling while driving, Intermittent crank/no-start, Check engine light with crank sensor code P0335

Fix: Sensor located behind timing cover fails due to heat. Replace sensor; if accessible without timing cover removal, 1 hour. If timing cover must come off, 3-4 hours.

Estimated cost: $150-500