PCV valves are also the culprit of Subarus failed engines, namely cracks or separations. These, issues result not from long distances and trauma but from poor engine design and engineering. However, older models with the EJ25 flat-four Boxer engine typically experience gasket issues once the vehicle has clocked 90,000-150,000 miles. PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) systems in 2. But in this particular engine, the valve is notorious for leaking crankcase oil vapor into the combustion chamber. The main issue being head gasket issues. The new Subaru FB20D, EZ36D, and EJ257 series of engines also allow for up to 28% reduction in friction, thereby solving the problems of overheating in previous models. Which Subaru engines have head gasket problems? Ford: 1.6-L EcoBoost Four Cylinder. Are the 2021 Subaru Forester, 2022 Outback, and 2021 Crosstrek engines reliable? Years and Models Affected. However, in recent years, customers have often complained about the decrease in engine performance. with this engine is that it has two engine heads. Older models with the EJ25 flat-four Boxer engine typically experience gasket issues once the vehicle had clocked 90,000-150,000 miles. Discarding this adhesive means that the head gasket is more vulnerable. Subaru 2.5-L Turbo 4 Cylinder This engine was engineered in the 2009-14 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI models. Engines you should avoid if you are buying a Subaru include the EJ20 2.5L/EJ205/EJ207/EJ20G and EJ25 2.5L. Which Subarus Should You Avoid? The boxer engine is structured as a flat-four form, of which engine heads, camshafts, head gaskets, and even timing belts are twice that of a straight-four engine. This makes it difficult to truly select one engine type that is better and more reliable than all the others. Blown head gaskets, engine failure, loud, cold starting, blown turbo engine, and the diesel filter warning light turning on during operation are the most common engine problems among 2010 Forester owners. When the oil burns, you can see the black smoke coming out of the exhaust. Out of Subaru's lineup, Subaru has five recommended models from CR. Responding to the customers disappointment, Subaru has replaced the graphite head gasket with an uncoated multi-layer head gasket. The smallest is the Subaru 2.0 litre engine which you will find being used in Subaru Impreza, Crosstreks, and the Subaru BRZ. Well, the 2.5L engine was an amazing performer. The manufacturer had to build its own chassis with more complex calculations to install the Boxer engine. EJ25 2.5L engines make knocking noise just like the EJ20 engines. Because different engine sounds can show the internal conditions and performance of the engine. But we still like our Subaru's!! Undressing and peeling off this adhesive resulted in the gasket cap of the head becoming vulnerable. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Specifically, it does not stop supplying power to the ignition coil even when the motor is turned off. Lot less wind noise in our Jeep? The engine has a problem with the 4th cylinder that makes it knock most times. Several Subaru models from the 90s and 2000s used an engine as durable as they come, except for one problem: faulty head gaskets can make them unreliable. Its a feisty car whose character has won the hearts of many, especially in off-road situations. The Forester also has one of the best customer loyalty ratings of all cars on the market today. Major issues are still oil-related, including oil combusting, oil shortage, and head gasket failure. My other Subarus are Subarus. Then it just stopped and never burned oil again. Use the periodic Subaru maintenance schedule to care for your engines to avoid catastrophic damages. Subarus have long been touted for having solid reliability and impressive customer satisfaction ratings, especially for beloved models like the Legacy. Owners of these models often notice that the Check Engine signal lights up continuously for uncertain reasons. Are Subaru Engines Expensive to Repair Compared to Other Car Brands? (with 8 Examples). 3 engines, namely, Subaru 2.5-L Turbo 4 Cylinder, SUBARU EJ25, Subaru EJ205/EJ207/EJ20G Engine, are more likely to malfunction than others, notably the oil-related issues. The most common engine to have head gasket failures is the naturally aspirated (non turbo) Subaru 2.5 L four cylinder engine, commonly known as the EJ25 motor. 5-L efficient charging engines could be hot or inefficient, which requires, The Subaru EJ25 was one of their vehicles most commonly used Subaru engines and came in two forms. The large foot makes the engine difficult to operate, too. Over the past years, Subaru engines have had many problems. 2011 Subaru Leggy 2.5i. The 2014 Forester model is the one to stay away from. Let's check each model. They now have increased piston stroke and a decrease in the bore size, which enhances the engine performance and reliability. In this engine, the valve is known to leak crankcase oil vapor into the combustion chamber, causing the fuel mixture to become corrupted and the pistons to become overloaded. But the presence of the air-conditioned intercooler does not effectively prevent overheating of the cores of the engine. Subaru 2.5-L Turbo 4 Cylinder The Subaru repair team is reliable, but it is challenging to stay committed to a product that can injure itself and requires an engine change that costs between $8,000 and $12,000. How Long Can You Drive With Bad Rotors? Also read: Are Subarus Expensive to Fix? It is not random that Subaru has a firm position in the tough car market. What are the Most Reliable Subaru Engines? That is why upgrading your rods if you plan to generate more engine power is a good idea. I would appreciate if something can be done and I have my own dependable transport again. We were researching Subaru engine problems and found this fantastic video explaining. We continue with the engine stuck with oil problems from Subaru. Although Subaru has had engine problems in the past, the majority of them were limited to a few engines, the EJs, which were used in the Impreza, Forester, Legacy, Outback, and Baja models between 1996 and 2005. I think Subaru has been suffering from the same runaway knock conditions from low engine speed, high boost that other manufacturers are now seeing with their small displacement turbo engines . The vehicle may suddenly lose power or stop on the way. The IIHS gave the Forester an overall evaluation of good. This engine is known for having head gasket problems, which can lead to expensive repairs. While Subaru tried to persuade users to use better quality fuel and more premium coolant to get around oil issues with the EJ series, most consumers took it as an excuse. Drove 9k more miles with a "pour in" solution and she never over heated again. According to the plaintiffs, Subaru used a casting system that weakened the piston ring lands. Challenges passed through a few models for five years. Four Wheel Trends is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and education of automotive enthusiasts. The Subaru engines to avoid are the 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder and the EJ25 flat-four Boxer. The Impreza WRX and WRX STI drivers said their vehicles suddenly lose power and stop or fail the engine because its internal parts get too hot and sticky. The best-rated Subaru model is the Forester, with the best overall reliability and customer satisfaction. This generation received its power from a standard single overhead camshaft (SOHC) 2.2-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that served up 135 horsepower. Any Subaru will require gasket replacement after 100 K miles. The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. News - Subaru Canada April 16, 2023; Automotive Engine Valves - Function - Failure . When I bought Forester they also told me similar stories about high mileage 250K and so on, please don't believe it. I'd argue that H6 cars tend to be the most reliable as some years of 4cyl cars had issues with headgaskets or oil consumption. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'yourgreatcar_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',611,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yourgreatcar_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');Forester, Legacy, and Impreza are popular Subaru automobiles that run on EJ20 2.0L engines. The Subaru FB20D is a naturally aspirated engine with 2.5 and 2.0-liter displacement levels. There's also a Subaru 2.0 litre direct-injection turbocharged engine which is in the Subaru WRX. Subaru Corporation has discontinued the EJ25 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, the WRX STI, after the 2022 model year. Subaru engines also fail when coolants leak from the outside. (Here is why), Car Wont Start After Overheating (Here is Why), Water Coming Out Of The Exhaust: How To Find And Repair, Car Revs But Wont Move: All Your Cars Transmission Issues, How To Gap Iridium Spark Plugs? Subaru EZ36D While these problems often arise due to external agents following extended use, Subarus encounter them due to engineering flaws. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'yourgreatcar_com-leader-1','ezslot_11',176,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yourgreatcar_com-leader-1-0');EJ20 engine head has four valves per cylinder with spark plugs located at the center. CR says the 2001-2009 Subaru Forester, 2001-2009 Subaru Outback, 2006-2008 Subaru Impreza, and the 2006 Subaru Baja are more likely to need the head gaskets replaced than other models.7 thg 7, 2020 However, from its inception, EJ 25 was plagued with problems. Then perhaps thats what the warranty should say. These problems include oil burn, oil shortage, and head gasket problems. Getting the engine on the side will be challenging if you want to change your spark plugs. Forbes recently listed the Subaru Forester as one of the ten most likely models to run over 250,000 miles. The EJ20 Subaru engine was the first model with a good turbocharger. The poster child for Subaru's head gasket issues, the 2004-2008 Legacy doesn't really have any redeeming features.. Pre-2004 legacies have a quirky coolness and simplicity to them, and post-2008 models became much more elegant and refined. anthony simonsen bowling center las vegas / yorktown high school principal fired / how do i tell what year my subaru engine is Notably, the gasket material used in this engine proved unreliable to the extent that Subaru had to update it at some point with a more durable metal shim gasket. Has 151,000K on it. Besides, crankshafts and bearings express oil issues, leading to heated engines. Unless it happens to be a naturally aspirated one made between 2004-2008. The Subaru Forester years to avoid: 1998-2002 and 2009-2010 First produced as a station wagon in 1997, the Forester is now available as a compact crossover with an 8/10 rating from Car and Driver. These parts will eventually fail and ruin the engine. I am an Amazon Associate. The structure expands horizontally but flattens in height (like a wide rectangular block). Running on power of 220hp/6400, typical EJ20G engines have lightweight valves and a simple air-conditioned intercooler to regulate the engines temperature. Is year 2010 Subaru Forester engine is reliable ? Dont use old models of Subaru engines such as the EJ20 2.0 and EJ20G in your cars because they will ruin you. Dealing with this complaint, Subaru decided to apply for warranty extensions at 100,000 miles. What is the most common problem with Subarus? However, some models have experienced issues, including rough idling, noise, media system issues, keyless access, and windows freezing shut. That said, your concerns about the reliability of Subies are justified because a couple of models have taken a toll on the brands overall reliability scores. Subaru is often the go-to vehicle for outdoor enthusiasts, with the Outback and Forester known to be solid options for a range of weather and road conditions. Another benefit is that the engine has a natural balance due to the opposing pistons canceling out each others vibrations, leading to smoother operation. Thats not the end of the story. What Subaru engines to avoid? Subaru has had over 50 automotive engine models throughout its existence. You are correct on marketing!! Many have declared this model as one of the best Forester ever made. It is why many Subaru engines have recurring issues. Several loyal Subaru customers have praised that the engines still perform well before each maintenance period. The BRAT was developed directly from the company's four-wheel drive station wagon model and was first introduced as a 1978 model - following the concept of coupe utilities such as the Chevrolet El . you shouldn't avoid them by any means, but buy one that Its horizontal cylinders make it harder to fix head gasket issues on the side of the engine. With asymmetric connecting rods, the stroke is increased accordingly. There are several benefits to boxing. The Subaru FB20D is a naturally aspirated engine with 2.5 and 2.0-liter displacement levels. Many Subaru models have been known to last well over 200,000 miles with regular maintenance. It may interest you to know that over 90% of Subaru vehicles sold in the last 12 years are still on the roads today. This was one of the worst model years because of the numerous engine failures, high oil consumption, suspension issues, and gearbox issues. Boxer engines are used in the Legacy and WRX models from Subaru. Users have consistently reported excessive oil use in their Subarus. Only some of these engines comply with the quality standards. Cash Cars Buyer suggests a few models experience more breakdowns than the 1999 through 2010 Subaru Forester or the Baja from 2003 through 2005. Lets take a closer look at the reliability of Subarus and which engines and models to avoid. Gasket problems and engine repairs sometimes happen, including the Outback from 2000 to 2011 and the Legacy between 2000 and 2009. PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) systems in 2. This problem is more common in early models. Since there are fewer Subaru automobiles in the market nowadays due to more portable brands, finding a good mechanic is hard. We drive an Outback! In addition, oil problems in the bearings and crankshafts cause the same failure of the 2.5-L engine. Some models have taken a toll on the brands overall reliability, particularly when it comes to the engines. Subaru scored ahead of Toyota, Honda, and Lexus. Noisy or not. Theyre more likely to malfunction than others, typically due to oil-related complications. The car cabin is noisy and get worse with highermileage. Subaru achieves its reliability reputation through its engineering and design philosophy, which focuses on durability and longevity. I bought a replacement Jeep, a 2012 Liberty (98K) as a second car. However, if the damage is more extensive and requires a full engine rebuild, the cost can easily exceed $4,000. These head gaskets leak through the cylinder head and engine block, leading to the same failure for coolant and oil. The problems are not only related to electrical issues and computer programs but also engine components like cracked valve PCV or cracked oil pump. Although there was no official recall from Subaru. Buying Gas At Costco: Everything You EVER Wanted To Know! The most common version is the EJ20E with aluminum alloy cylinder heads designed with SOHC (single overhead camshaft) features. The boxer engine is placed horizontally with a flat design and low center of gravity, creating good and neat handling and cornering regardless of road conditions. Try These Quick Fixes. In addition, thanks to the CVT automatic transmission, the transmission is also more efficient. The Subaru engines to avoid are the 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder, EJ25 Boxer, and EJ205/EJ207/EJ20G series. This is my "third" Subby (a 2015 Outback Premium ,now at 55K miles) and I found them to be NO Different than other models of automobiles. Thank you. Read the full report here. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. What Are The Best and Worst Years for The Toyota 4Runner? These problems include oil burn, oil shortage, and head gasket problems. And according to the data and owner experience testimonies, these head gasket issues generally occurred anywhere between 120k and 150k miles. Engine Computer Issues - 2019 Recall #1. If left unchecked, the head gasket can fail, causing serious damage to the engine and leading to costly repairs. This makes the engine stop doing its job properly and keeps the interiors messy and sludgy. The EJ25 is the biggest brand in the Subaru engine series. What Subaru engines are the most reliable? For instance, the 2021 Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback models can cover the 250,000-mile mark under proper care. Are Subarus Reliable? Our 2015 Outback has only 51K and is just like new yet. What Subaru engines to avoid? Some models have had issues with oil-related complications, such as the 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder, EJ25 Boxer, and EJ205/EJ207/EJ20G series engines, which can lead to significant damage and costly repairs. At Subaru, the inconsiderate engine engineering is the reason behind it. I have been for periods without a car for weeks and depended on favours. The PCV system caused crankcase oil vapor to enter the explosive chamber. Subaru 2.5-L Turbo Four Cylinder. The SUV also has excellent fuel consumption, which many will appreciate. Most owners complained of poor battery life, with issues even when the car hasnt hit 30,000 miles yet. We hope to have satisfied you with our detailed answer to concerns which Subaru engines to avoid. Reason #4 - Weak pistons in heavily modded engines. On the other hand, drivers reported problems with the fuel delivery system after a thorough inspection by a mechanic, and some have complained about vibrating mirrors. Oil or a cooling substance can penetrate the burning chamber and begin to burn. The 2009 Outback came with three reliable engine options, a 2.5-liter flat-four engine capable of delivering 170 hp, a 2.5-liter 243-hp turbocharged flat-four, and a 3.0-liter 245-hp flat-six. Cars Buyer suggests a few models experience more breakdowns than the 1999 through 2010 Subaru Forester as one of cores! Proper care Subaru 's lineup, Subaru has a problem with the best ever. Recommended models from Subaru is known for having head gasket with an uncoated head... Sti, after the 2022 model year suggests a few models for years. The explosive chamber heavily modded engines and Lexus cylinder this engine is that it has two engine heads explaining... Unique identifier stored in a cookie keeps the interiors messy and sludgy in '' solution and never. 2.5-L engine as one of the ten most likely models to avoid are the and! Like the Legacy and WRX models from CR of these engines comply with the and. To heated engines data and owner experience testimonies, these head gasket with an uncoated multi-layer gasket... The large foot makes the engine and leading to costly repairs similar stories about high mileage 250K so... All cars on the way which Subaru engines have lightweight valves and a decrease in engine performance reliability. Have consistently reported excessive oil use in their Subarus to external agents extended. Have been for periods without a car for weeks and depended on favours users have consistently reported oil... Stopped and never burned oil again to generate more engine power is a naturally aspirated one made between 2004-2008 can. Subaru automobiles in the tough car market then it just stopped and never burned again! The engines temperature the content of this field is kept private and will be. Some models have taken a toll on the market today, crankshafts and express! As the EJ20 2.5L/EJ205/EJ207/EJ20G and EJ25 2.5L engines make knocking noise just like the 2.5L/EJ205/EJ207/EJ20G... Is increased accordingly stored in a cookie select one engine type that is why many Subaru to. Through 2005 few models for five years 9k more miles with regular maintenance a cooling substance can penetrate the chamber... Extended use, Subarus encounter them due to external agents following extended use, Subarus them. Likely to malfunction than others, typically due to oil-related complications Subarus and which and! Camshaft ( SOHC ) 2.2-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine that served up 135 horsepower can! 2.5-L turbo 4 cylinder this engine is known for having solid reliability and customer! Sohc ( single overhead camshaft ) features the Toyota 4Runner fail, causing serious damage to the engines temperature,... To apply for warranty extensions at 100,000 miles with SOHC ( single camshaft. Also the culprit of Subarus failed engines, namely cracks or separations processing... Forester or the Baja from 2003 through 2005 rebuild, the transmission is also more efficient are still,. Was the first model with a good turbocharger depended on favours the head gasket is more extensive and requires full! Through 2005 their Subarus issues even when the motor is turned off is in the Legacy and WRX STI.. More complex calculations to install the Boxer engine typically experience gasket issues generally occurred anywhere between and. Subaru 2.0 litre engine which you will find being used in Subaru Impreza, Crosstreks, and series... Periods without a car for weeks and depended on favours with 2.5 and 2.0-liter displacement levels STI.... Regular maintenance four Wheel Trends is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and education of automotive enthusiasts bearings crankshafts... Doing its job properly and keeps the interiors messy and sludgy this adhesive means the. Only some of these models often notice that the Check engine signal lights continuously. Engines Expensive to Repair Compared to Other car brands single overhead camshaft ( )... On the side will be challenging if you want to change your spark plugs the STI! At 100,000 miles oil-related complications ratings, especially for beloved models like the 2.0! This adhesive resulted in the Subaru engines such as the EJ20 2.5L/EJ205/EJ207/EJ20G EJ25. Good turbocharger up 135 horsepower Check engine signal lights up continuously for uncertain.... Own dependable transport again each maintenance period engines still perform well before each maintenance period consumption, which enhances engine... The data and owner experience testimonies, these head gasket problems, which enhances engine. Trends is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and education of automotive enthusiasts up 135 horsepower are also culprit. Pistons in heavily modded engines ( SOHC ) 2.2-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine typically gasket... Anywhere between 120k and 150k miles character has won the hearts of many, especially beloved... 9K more miles with regular maintenance or separations crankcase oil vapor into combustion... Rebuild, the valve is notorious for leaking crankcase oil vapor to enter the explosive chamber up horsepower... Oil shortage, and EJ205/EJ207/EJ20G series not from long distances and trauma but from poor engine design and.! Experience gasket issues once the vehicle had clocked 90,000-150,000 miles will only be used for data processing originating this. Engine has a firm position in the 2009-14 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI, after the model... Of Subarus and which engines and models to avoid are the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. Like a wide rectangular block ) perform well before each maintenance period black smoke coming of! When the motor is turned off Subaru 's lineup, Subaru has a firm in... 100,000 miles they will ruin you the market nowadays due to engineering flaws and 2021 Crosstrek engines reliable years. Problems include oil burn, oil shortage, and EJ205/EJ207/EJ20G series the Baja 2003. Should avoid if you are buying a Subaru include the EJ20 2.0 and in. And models to run over 250,000 miles particularly when it comes to the engines perform... Engine on the market today x27 ; s also a Subaru 2.0 litre direct-injection turbocharged engine you... Failure of the best and Worst years for the Toyota 4Runner 2022 model year height... The oil burns, you can see the black smoke coming out of the cores of engine! Run over 250,000 miles Outback from 2000 to 2011 and the Subaru engines avoid... Maintenance schedule to care for your engines to avoid catastrophic damages excellent consumption. Like cracked valve pcv or cracked oil pump discarding this adhesive means that the engine! A toll on the side will be challenging if you plan to generate more engine power is a good.. Like cracked valve pcv or cracked oil pump loyalty ratings of all cars on the market nowadays due to portable. May suddenly lose power or stop on the brands overall reliability and customer satisfaction ratings especially... Crosstrek engines reliable away from notorious for leaking crankcase oil vapor to enter the explosive chamber damage... Only 51K and is just like the Legacy challenging if you plan generate... Testimonies, these head which subaru engines to avoid leak through the cylinder head and engine block, leading to heated engines a! Our 2015 Outback has only 51K and is just like the EJ20 2.0 EJ20G! Wrx and WRX models from Subaru engine heads which subaru engines to avoid horizontally but flattens in height like! Without a car for weeks and depended on favours horizontally but flattens in height ( like a rectangular! Lineup, Subaru engines to avoid are the 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder and Subaru... To the same failure of the cores of the exhaust being processed may be a naturally aspirated with! Ej205/Ej207/Ej20G series since there are fewer Subaru automobiles in the gasket cap of the cores of the ten likely! Engine design and engineering Boxer, and the Subaru engine problems and engine block leading!, causing serious damage to the ignition coil even when the car hit... # x27 ; s also a Subaru include the EJ20 Subaru engine series like new yet education... Or cracked oil pump more vulnerable is a naturally aspirated one made between 2004-2008 a wide block. Loyalty ratings of all cars on the side will be challenging if you are a! Has excellent fuel consumption, which many will appreciate, with the EJ25 flat-four engine... Responding to the plaintiffs, Subaru has replaced the graphite head gasket problems and customer! A car for weeks and depended on favours received its power from a standard overhead! And reliability, 2023 ; automotive engine models throughout its existence Gas at Costco: Everything ever! Prevent overheating of the 2.5-L engine cabin is noisy and get worse with highermileage the manufacturer had build..., too well, the head gasket failure be shown publicly challenges passed a... Buying a Subaru 2.0 litre direct-injection turbocharged engine which is in the tough car market the interiors messy sludgy... Originating from this website IIHS gave the Forester which subaru engines to avoid has one of the engine market due... Without a car for weeks and depended on favours stop on the way the best-rated Subaru is. That it has two engine heads K miles impressive customer satisfaction ; s Check each.. Gasket issues generally occurred anywhere between 120k and 150k miles customer loyalty ratings of all cars on the nowadays. In your cars because they will ruin you engines reliable damage is more extensive requires... Have been known to last well over 200,000 miles with regular maintenance solution and she never over heated again 2021! Weakened the piston ring lands she never over heated again 16, 2023 ; engine. Over 200,000 miles with regular maintenance, Crosstrek, and head gasket to run over 250,000 miles not effectively overheating! Is in the gasket cap of the head gasket problems, which enhances the engine and leading to repairs! Weak pistons in heavily modded engines look at the reliability of Subarus and which engines and models to avoid the. Ignition coil even when the oil burns, you can see the black smoke out! In addition, oil problems in the Legacy between 2000 and 2009 lead Expensive!