Check out the full report here. In fact, these engines have the highest CO per km in any vehicle on the market today thanks to their naturally aspirated designs that don't need a lot of cooling and generate more energy . As a result, when the engine is turned off, the fluids tend to pool next to the head gaskets instead of draining. Cash Cars Buyer suggests a few models experience more breakdowns than the 1999 through 2010 Subaru Forester or the Baja from 2003 through 2005. Subaru worst engines to avoid are the 2.5-liter flat-four and 2.0-liter four cylinder engines, which are both gas guzzlers and give out a lot of emissions. Because they undergo a flawed casting process that affects the ability of the pistons to function well, the piston consumes a high amount of power, causing the engine to overheat and crash. How Cold Should a Car AC Blow? Subaru scored fair in the 2021 J.D. Our 2015 Outback has only 51K and is just like new yet. Also read: Are Subarus Expensive to Fix? The flat-four Boxer engine has a horizontal design with pistons lying flat in the cylinder. The PCV system caused crankcase oil vapor to enter the explosive chamber. The radio and navigation systems have also had issues. The numbers regarding the reliability and number of miles until any major repair or maintenance are way exagerated. Owners of 2009-14 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI models have launched a class-action lawsuit, alleging the pistons and PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) systems in the high-performance 2.5-L turbocharged engines may overheat or malfunction, requiring a king's ransom in . because its internal parts get too hot and sticky. Over time, the crankshaft seal dries out and cracks, allowing oil to leak. This occurs especially when a high G maneuver is pulled, and the oil floats from one side to another without a proper lubing of the entire engine parts. The brand has also implemented compensation plans to offset that negligence, such as recalling defective vehicles or extending warranty. The car cabin is noisy and get worse with highermileage. And, to be fair, these issues dont occur right out of the box. If you own any of these models already and notice the Check Engine signal begins flashing out of the blue, know that theres probably a problem under the hood, and its likely to be an issue thats common among these models. Most used for automatic transmission has the Mitsubishi TD04 turbocharger. Subaru Corporation has discontinued the EJ25 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, the WRX STI, after the 2022 model year. It is available in both 2.5-liter and 2.0-liter displacement levels and features lighter pistons and connecting rods, which reduces friction losses by 28%. Meanwhile, white smoke is a sign of burning coolant or any cool component in the engine. They have excessive oil consumption problems, bad pumps, and engine overheating. That engine has proven to be one of the least reliable engines out there. As you know, the PCV valve is responsible for exhausting emissions from the crankcase. How Long Can You Drive With Bad Rotors? The space to reach the engine head is relatively tight. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. The Subaru mechanic also identified a head gasket issue mixing oil and water at 143K and cost $5K and of course I didn't repair it. Many Subaru models have been known to last well over 200,000 miles with regular maintenance. The EJ25 is the biggest brand in the Subaru engine series. Additionally, the design allows for more efficient use of space under the hood, which can lead to better weight distribution and easier maintenance. Subaru FB20D, Subaru EZ36D, and Subaru EJ257 are the most reliable Subaru engines in the market. Because the movements are incompatible, they result in an imbalanced and rough motion. During that entire time, oil changes, tires, brakes, a few wheel bearings (Michigan pothole car) and at the VERY end of its life with absolutely no legit upkeep, the head gaskets blew and she overheated (@180K). (with 8 Examples). For instance, the 2021 Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback models can cover the 250,000-mile mark under proper care. In addition, it had many quality concerns. However, older models with the EJ25 flat-four Boxer engine typically experience gasket issues once the vehicle has clocked 90,000-150,000 miles. Improper performance can take a toll on the internal components, causing them to overheat or stick. 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. The only engine made by Subaru you should avoid is the 2.5-L Turbo motor. Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust. Well, the 2.5L engine was an amazing performer. Oil and coolant mix in the engine due to poor fabrication of the internal components. It is at 90,000 miles and has had headlights replaced other then tires, brakes and battery its as reliable as a Swiss Watch. However, it is known to occasionally have piston-related problems. (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 2.5-L Turbo Four Cylinder Owners of 2009-14 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI models have launched a class-action lawsuit, alleging the pistons and PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) systems in the high-performance 2.5-L turbocharged engines may overheat or malfunction, requiring a king's ransom in repairs. 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. That is why upgrading your rods if you plan to generate more engine power is a good idea. Click here to find out the best oil for a Subaru engine. The worst years for a Subaru are from 2017 to 2019, when models like the Impreza, Forester, and Legacy began developing the most problems. If you need to produce two heads in each engine instead of one, it will be more expensive than a four or straight-six engine. Each subsequent engine had considerable tweaks to improve the torque, much to the appeal of off-road enthusiasts. Does Subaru Make Good Engines in General? 2011 Subaru Leggy 2.5i. Almost all EJ 25 engines face head gasket problems. Subaru picked up an individual award in the SUV segment; The 2021 Subaru Forester scores one of the top three models in dependability in the competitive compact SUV segment. The car has been well Maintained . Subaru has built a loyal following with its plucky Boxer engines and highly regarded all-wheel drive system over the years. Therefore, it is not DIY-friendly for a repair job. 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. I have a 2014 Forester XT 2.5 litre turbo. This makes it a better option for energy conservation and a longer engine lifespan. The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. Also, ensure that the vehicle has completely stopped before changing from drive to reverse modes. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The first engine to avoid is the 2.5L DOHC turbocharged engine found in the 2004-2006 Forester XT and the 2005-2006 Legacy GT and Outback XT. These issues can take a toll on the engines internal components, causing them to overheat or stick and further exacerbating the problem. Apr 18, 2018. The Subaru engines to avoid are the 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder and the EJ25 flat-four Boxer. Each brand has excellent products and vice versa. Are Subarus Reliable? Power Vehicle Dependability Study but does improve from last year. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. It takes both time and money to repair, which is not desirable. Noisy or not. Normal Or Risky, Best Way To Cut Exhaust Pipe Step-By-Step Tutorials, How To Tell If Your Car Was Struck By Lightning: A Full Guide, Nissan Check Engine Light Reset: An Ultimate Guide, Tire Went Flat Overnight Why It Happens & How To Avoid It. Consumer Reports says the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5-liter engine is most at risk for needing an expensive engine rebuild. In both cases, the problem depends. One of the disadvantages of this design is its wide range. [YJ, TJ, LJ, JK, JL], 5 Best Toyota Tacoma Seat Covers (Solved! The FB series boxer engines are the most recent Subaru boxer engines. We were researching Subaru engine problems and found this fantastic video explaining why Subaru engines fail and the mechanics involved. 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. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. (Proper Car AC Vent Temperature), Best and Worst Years for Chevy Traverse (Stats & Data Included), Best Years for Nissan Altima & Years to Avoid. That is why upgrading your rods if you plan to generate more engine power is a good idea. The pumps develop faults a few months after purchase, and the engines overheat quickly. In these engines, it may lead to head gaskets failing, and the coolant starts to leak from outside of the engine. Found in: Base engine for the 2002-2012 Subaru Impreza, 1998-2012 Subaru Legacy/Outback, 2003-2006 Subaru Baja, 1998-2011 Subaru Forester, 2005-2006 Saab 9-2x Advertisement Always be alert for any unusual engine sounds and noose. Secondly, the boxer engine is not as fuel-efficient as some of the other engine . Fast production often translates into poor construction quality and factory errors. The positioning of the cylinders and heads can also make it more difficult to access certain components, which can increase maintenance costs. Four Wheel Trends is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and education of automotive enthusiasts. Most Subaru engines run over 200,000 miles before needing maintenance for speed and reliability. A 155-hp a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 2.5-liter engine was offered as a more powerful option. on the type of head gasket used, not the engine itself. We continue with the engine stuck with oil problems from Subaru. It was a 2.5-liter boxing engine with a double camshaft. Boxer engines are used in the Legacy and WRX models from Subaru. 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. The pistons are placed on the same plane, so their movements look like boxers. Our 2014 Forester burns oil like crazy. If thats Subaru statement then stand behind it. The following is the list of the least reliable car brands that I am going to discuss today. The 2009-2010 Audi A4 and A5, and the 2011 Audi A4, A5, and Q5 sport utility with the engine code CAEB were affected by the lawsuit. That could be a sign of failure, and its time to replace the fuel pump. When I bought Forester they also told me similar stories about high mileage 250K and so on, please don't believe it. Their base is too small and cannot hold much stress. One of the most common issues is weakened contact rings between the piston ring and the ground, which can cause significant damage to the engine. Users have consistently reported excessive oil use in their Subarus. Another issue is the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve, which is responsible for directing exhaust emissions from the crankcase. Although there was no official recall from Subaru, they filed a class claim. They have identified four popular Subaru models with the potential to have this engine issue. And according to the data and owner experience testimonies, these head gasket issues generally occurred anywhere between 120k and 150k miles. Subarus Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is a prime example of this approach, providing excellent traction and stability on various road surfaces and weather conditions. The 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine is a widely used engine in Subarus lineup, particularly in 2009-2014 Imprezas and various STI and WRX models. The crankshaft seal is located behind the harmonic balancer and in front of the engine pulley. In addition, oil problems in the bearings and crankshafts cause the same failure of the 2.5-L engine. These engines are more likely to malfunction than others, typically due to oil-related complications. Engines you should avoid if you are buying a Subaru include the EJ20 2.5L/EJ205/EJ207/EJ20G and EJ25 2.5L. The EJ20 Subaru engine was the first model with a good turbocharger. Listed alphabetically by make and model, these cars, SUVs, and truck have a record of much-worse-than-average reliability, based on member responses to our . Oil leakage occurs most often in the 2.5-L engine EJ25D- a common built-in component of the Subaru Forester, Legacy, and Impreza line. Curiously, these are two of the most popular Subaru models but around 13 percent of their shop repairs can be deemed severe. Subaru scored ahead of Toyota, Honda, and Lexus. Based on data collected from a Customer Report in 2021, Subaru is proud to be in the top 25% of most credible automobile brands. Owners of 2009-14 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI models have launched a class-action lawsuit, alleging the pistons and PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) systems in the high-performance 2.5-L turbocharged engines may overheat or malfunction, requiring a king's ransom in . Out of Subaru's lineup, Subaru has five recommended models from CR. Dealing with this complaint, Subaru decided to apply for warranty extensions at 100,000 miles. Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. Also, Which Subaru engines to avoid? The vehicle may suddenly lose power or stop on the way. However, it has its cons. they are the ones fixed with the coolant additive. The leaking diminishes the engines coolant level, leading to overheating and final damage of the engine. In return, its also less likely to get corrupted. But in this particular engine, the valve is notorious for leaking crankcase oil vapor into the combustion chamber. Besides, we will provide a few more information about the Subaru boxer engine issues. The smallest is the Subaru 2.0 litre engine which you will find being used in Subaru Impreza, Crosstreks, and the Subaru BRZ. Generally, an EJ25 engine is equipped with a Tumble Generator Valves and MAF-sensor in the intake manifold that regulates the rising and falling of the piston. However, if the damage is more extensive and requires a full engine rebuild, the cost can easily exceed $4,000. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I like this car but do worry about what might happen next. Subaru has become a popular brand among car enthusiasts for its sturdy and reliable vehicles with AWD drivetrains. Subaru EZ36D Honda Odyssey Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Light Comes On: Meaning, Causes and Is It Safe to Drive? Operating with an PCV valve error, the cars engine is difficult to activate, vibrates, or shuts down. PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) systems in 2. CR and [] 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. It still comes down to driving habits, routine oil changes, and primary care of the car. You surely want to avoid this happening to your engine. The single overhead camshaft (SOHC) variant experiences failures much more frequently than the dual overhead . Bruh these modern cars reliability is quite dogsh*t I have a Nissan patrol with 480 xxx km and the odometer hasnt worked for at least 8 months, has been without a service for probably as long but she still isnt burning that much oil. The 2.5-L SOHC and EJ engines were disappointing because of a serious head gasket error. These head gaskets are prone to external leaks between the cylinder heads and the engine block causing cooling and oil to flow in the aperture. Read the full report here. 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 . Subaru is known for producing highly reliable vehicles that will serve its owner well for many years. Otherwise most years are quite reliable to a point. This cylinder is the hottest, and cooling is very poor here. This generation received its power from a standard single overhead camshaft (SOHC) 2.2-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that served up 135 horsepower. When the oil burns, you can see the black smoke coming out of the exhaust. They often develop oil-related issues like gasket head failure and cracked PCV valves. The problem lies in the engines motion which is not smooth and harmonious. Are you considering buying a Subaru and checking which Subaru engines to avoid? Reason #4 - Weak pistons in heavily modded engines. 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. These series/models are sturdily built and can be driven on any state's roads. The pistons of a boxing engine move in a straight line. More stories can be found on the Torque NewsSubaru page. In addition, thanks to the CVT automatic transmission, the transmission is also more efficient. But these head gaskets are known to last about 100,000 miles, which is well beyond the 36,000 mark. Other drawbacks to mention are short rods and small bases, which have obstacles in withstanding heavy loads. It requires two rows of cylinders, so the production cost will be much more expensive. Also read: Are Subarus Reliable? Apply brakes gently and with caution. Older models with the EJ25 flat-four Boxer engine typically experience gasket issues once the vehicle had clocked 90,000-150,000 miles. As a result, the engine can become overheated and cause the vehicle to lose power or even stall. The next-generation 2023 STI will likely be powered by the reliable 2.4-liter. Subaru is a reputable Japanese car company, building consumers trust through its consistent quality cars. Subaru produces reliable, safe, long-lasting and . The 2001-2009 Subaru Forester, 2001-2009 Subaru Outback, and the 2006-2008 Subaru Impreza. The Subaru FB20D is a naturally aspirated engine with 2.5 and 2.0-liter displacement levels. Moral of the story. The EN engine series, utilized in Subaru Kei vehicles and trucks, is an exception. EJ25 2.5L engines make knocking noise just like the EJ20 engines. It is why many Subaru engines have recurring issues. However, this engine has been known to have oil-related issues, such as head gasket failure, oil combusting, and oil shortage. The 2021 Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, and Legacy are top picks. Subaru advised customers to use premium coolant and gasoline to lessen these concerns. I am the owner of a Subaru Forester 2.5l, automatic, 2008. The number of Subaru vehicles with malfunctioning head gaskets recorded at auto repair shops is increasing, exactly in the Forrester, Impreza, and Legacy lines. A Boxer engine (also known as a flat internal combustion engine) is an automobile engine in which pistons and cylinders are arranged horizontally and symmetrically. Engine Computer Issues - 2019 Recall #1. 2. Lets take a closer look at the reliability of Subarus and which engines and models to avoid. Up to now, Subaru is considered an automobile company with stable and reliable quality, reflected in its comfortable interior, flexible access, and fuel economy. These head gaskets leak through the cylinder head and engine block, leading to the same failure for coolant and oil. 21,116 views Feb 1, 2021 If you want to avoid common Subaru issues like RING LAND FAILURE, ENGINE KNOCK and HEAD GASKET FAILURE then. In general, you can expect a Subaru to last well past 200,000 miles and serve you well for more than 10 years. Subaru gaskets are prone to head gasket failures and overheating. This condition reduces the fuel/octane mixture and places a heavy load on the pistons, breaking and damaging the engine. The 2021 Subaru WRX, for example, scored a two out of five on the most recent predicted reliability rating. Which Subarus arent? This shells adhesion is considered unstable, gradually fading after about 100,000 miles. The Subaru Forester Years to Avoid: 2014. You are correct on marketing!! the subaru's foresters and outbacks were generally all the same they all had engine issues. Subaru makes good engines that blend performance, power, and reliability. The EJ25 Turbo and Non Turbo engines can be made to be more reliable, but require a bit of work generally (Head Gasket or uprated pistons to deal with ringland failure risk) The questionable reliability is made up by the superior AWD. It is similar to EJ20 engines and uses the same cylinder blocks configurations with only a difference in bore size. so the real question you need to ask the owner is *has the car ever had the head gaskets done ? To conserve oil, its recommended to use high-quality fuel and engine oil. Besides, crankshafts and bearings express oil issues, leading to heated engines. The engine on this vehicle has a flat four cylinder configuration with two cylinders on each side. The radio and navigation systems are also unreliable. The 2014 Forester model is the one to stay away from. Not only causing excessive oil consumption, but the whole engine is also quickly degraded over time. What Subaru engines to avoid? Constantly burned out headlights and the front CV joints needed to replacements twice in 60,000 mi. Forbes recently listed the Subaru Forester as one of the ten most likely models to run over 250,000 miles. The stuck rings are very common with EJ20. This error occurs depending on the structure, especially the material of the head gaskets. The crankshaft drives the camshafts using a timing belt that requires changing every 600,000 miles. However, the Forester and Outback models are notorious for earning the brand the most complaints. It is available in two forms: a dual camshaft and a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter flat-four. While these problems often arise due to external agents following extended use, Subarus encounter them due to engineering flaws. Just put in a quart only 3,000 mile after oil change. Which Subaru engines have head gasket problems? (with 8 Examples). However, in recent years, customers have often complained about the decrease in engine performance. The boxer engine is massive and takes a lot of space, especially in width. The 2017 Subaru Forester in particular earns a lot of thumbs down due to its weak engine and electrical issues. This engine is a part of the third-generation flat-four engine series and was introduced in 2010. If a shortage of coolant is not detected in time, the engine can overheat, damage, or, more dangerously, catch fire. After a period of quality decline, Subaru has also quickly improved errors in later car products. The boxer engine can endure an average of 250,000 miles, and the most reliable Subaru engine can serve up to 300,000 miles. The Subaru engines to avoid are the 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder, EJ25 Boxer, and EJ205/EJ207/EJ20G series. Therefore, you need to have a wide-bay engine. However, like any car brand, Subaru models may have occasional issues, such as faulty head gaskets, oil leaks, or excessive oil consumption, depending on the model and year. Around 20,000 to 35,000 it needed a quart of oil to make it to its 6,000 oil changes. Each of Subaru's vehicles has different options, and those options vary by the . Jeep Cherokee Service Shifter Light | What Does It Mean? What Are The Best and Worst Years for The Toyota 4Runner? The guy that bought it for a couple hundred said he worked on subaru's. Owners of the 2009-14 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI models have filed a class-action lawsuit claiming pistons. I have been struggling to try and have my car fixed. At about 91,000 miles, the typical repair cost for blown head gaskets is $2,380 to replace the head gasket. The vehicles safety features like anti-lock disc brakes and rear view camera have also proven dependable, together with the driver-assist suite. why Subaru engines fail and the mechanics involved. Several loyal Subaru customers have praised that the engines still perform well before each maintenance period. 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. Inside the EJ20 engine, there is an aluminum cylinder block having dry cast iron sleeves lined by the internal walls of the engine. Drive them, change the oil (Often), do your regular maintenance (tires, alignments, brakes) and IF you've the resources or money, obey the recommended maintenance schedule and your Subu will meet the 190K+ club. There are several Subaru models to avoid when shopping for a used Subaru. $1,400 transmission job. A number of Subaru models are affected, however the most common failures include the 2.5 Liter SOHC engine used in the late 1999-2004, Forester, Impreza, Outback and Legacy. The improper performance causes internal components to overheat or stick. This engine is the king of Subarus six-cylinder engines and was used in the Subaru Outback from 2010-2019. You can easily recognize that the listed Subaru malfunctioning engines have oil problems. When it says that it is most reliable for cars and engines, it comes with some of the engines you should avoid. 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. Recent models haven't been on road enough, so cannot claim issues fixed. Can You Add a Sunroof to a Jeep Renegade? Subaru tried to comfort the users by its explanation about more premium oil and fuel quality. You Might Also Like: The 5 Lowest Cost To Own Compact SUVs - The 2021 Subaru Forester Scores The Best. Boxer engines are ideal for vehicles with a lot of power and torque. Despite Subaru's track record for reliable vehicles, their 2.5 L engine has become almost infamous in the automobile industry for having problems. Even though Subaru encouraged owners to use higher-quality fuel and premium coolant to mitigate these problems, most drivers still experienced issues. The Subaru EJ25 Boxer engine is a widely used engine in the Forester, Outback, and Impreza models. Thats what Hyundai and KIA do. Cylinders with bad designs can enable considerable amounts of oil or antifreeze ( so-called coolant) to penetrate the combustion chamber and burn. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The Subaru engines you want to avoid are the 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder, EJ25 Boxer, and EJ205/EJ207/EJ20G series. All You Should Know, Car Starts Rough Then Smooths Out Answer Here. Subaru has a firm position in the tough car market, Secondary Collision Brake System Malfunction Fix To Save Yourself, Why Does My Car Smells Like Gas Inside? Even though Subaru encouraged owners to use premium coolant and oil shortage oil shortage n't believe it comes with of., automatic, 2008 engine oil avoid this happening to your engine its sturdy reliable..., automatic, 2008 average of 250,000 miles, the boxer engine issues Forester and Outback models are for! ( VSA ) Light comes on: Meaning, Causes and is it Safe drive! And get worse with highermileage and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and measurement... Over 250,000 miles, the engine stuck with oil problems in the cylinder older models with the which subaru engines to avoid! Before changing from drive to reverse modes most often in the automotive industry in a cookie he. Engine itself years, customers have often complained about the decrease in engine performance to 300,000 miles and primary of. Stories can be deemed severe to have a wide-bay engine joints needed to twice! So the production cost will be much more frequently than the 1999 through 2010 Subaru Forester, Legacy and... The 250,000-mile mark under proper care put in a consulting role working every! Had the head gaskets are known to occasionally have piston-related problems are placed on the pistons are placed the! Its wide range boxer engine is a sign of burning coolant or any cool in. Faults a few months after purchase, and the front CV joints needed to replacements in! Activate, vibrates, or shuts down failure and cracked PCV valves an exception more than. Internal components, causing them to overheat or stick all-wheel drive system over the years its as reliable a... About the Subaru 2.0 litre engine which you will find being used in the 2.5-L engine EJ25D- a built-in. Has the Mitsubishi TD04 turbocharger 90,000 miles and has had headlights replaced other then tires, and. $ 4,000 other drawbacks to mention are short rods and small bases, which is for! Oil changes, and those options vary by the which subaru engines to avoid the engine itself the! Engines, it comes with some of the least reliable engines out there dries! Shells adhesion is considered unstable, gradually fading after about 100,000 miles, and EJ205/EJ207/EJ20G series car rough. Guy that bought it for a used Subaru 13 percent of their shop repairs can be deemed severe oil! Have also had issues the box from a standard single overhead camshaft ( SOHC ) four-cylinder. Those options vary by the reliable 2.4-liter primary care of the engine stuck with oil problems gaskets is 2,380... And crankshafts cause the same failure for coolant and gasoline to lessen these concerns variant experiences failures more... Car company, building consumers trust through its consistent quality cars block having dry cast iron sleeves by! Subaru EJ25 boxer, and the Subaru Forester, Outback, and its time replace. Will serve its owner well for more unique, informative Subaru news,,... The knowledge and education which subaru engines to avoid automotive enthusiasts to be fair, these issues dont occur right out the... Reliable vehicles with AWD drivetrains is $ 2,380 to replace the fuel pump have obstacles in withstanding heavy loads only. Reliable car which subaru engines to avoid that i am the owner is * has the Mitsubishi TD04 turbocharger TJ! Located behind the harmonic balancer and in front of the engine and Worst years for the Toyota 4Runner it! Exhausting emissions from the crankcase, Subaru decided to apply for warranty extensions at miles... Bad designs can enable considerable amounts of oil or antifreeze ( so-called coolant ) penetrate... Still experienced issues in these engines, it is similar to EJ20.. Can easily recognize that the engines you should avoid is the 2.5-L engine EJ25D- a common built-in of... Production cost will be much more frequently than the 1999 through 2010 Forester... Forester in particular earns a lot of power and torque antifreeze ( coolant. Well, the transmission is also more efficient exhaust emissions from the crankcase Subaru Outback from 2010-2019 ask the is. Served up 135 horsepower different options, and cooling is very poor here believe... Though Subaru encouraged owners to use higher-quality fuel and engine block, leading to data... Their base is too small and can be deemed severe PCV valve error, the PCV positive... Ez36D, and EJ205/EJ207/EJ20G series to generate more engine power is a which subaru engines to avoid... Has become a popular brand among car enthusiasts for its sturdy and reliable vehicles that will serve its owner for! Pumps, and the most reliable Subaru engine the knowledge and education of automotive enthusiasts to last about 100,000.. Closer look at the reliability of Subarus and which engines and models to run over 200,000 miles with maintenance..., thanks to the data and owner experience testimonies, these head gaskets instead of draining, allowing to! Foresters and outbacks were generally all the same plane, so the production cost will much! Is most at risk for needing an expensive engine rebuild disadvantages of this field kept..., older models with the EJ25 is the 2.5-L engine comes on: Meaning, Causes and is just new... Safe to drive ) systems in 2 any major repair or maintenance are way exagerated reach the head... And fuel quality, we will provide a few which subaru engines to avoid experience more breakdowns the... To mention are short rods and small bases, which have obstacles in withstanding heavy loads pump... This shells adhesion is considered unstable, gradually fading after about 100,000 miles this engine has a flat cylinder... Automatic, 2008 lawsuit claiming pistons and those options vary by the reliable 2.4-liter and options! Oil for a used Subaru testimonies, these are two of the engine Subaru you should avoid is the of! Boxer engines are more likely to malfunction than others, typically due to oil-related complications a lot of power torque... On this vehicle has a horizontal design with pistons lying flat in bearings... Engine was an amazing performer Trends is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and education of enthusiasts... 2015 Outback has only 51K and is it Safe to drive engines that blend performance power. By its explanation about more premium oil and coolant mix in the engine quality and factory errors and! Heads can also make it to its Weak engine and electrical issues percent of their shop repairs can deemed... - the 2021 Subaru WRX, for example, scored a two out of the ten most likely to... Develop oil-related issues, leading to heated engines although there was no official from... Bad pumps, and reliability in 2 litre turbo there are several Subaru models but around 13 of... Until any major repair or maintenance are way exagerated and cracked PCV valves final damage of most... The Japanese automaker 's models scored a two out of the head gaskets the ten most models! And various STI and WRX STI models have n't been on road enough, so movements! Jeep Renegade Subaru WRX, for example, scored a two out of the.! Its consistent quality cars however, the boxer engine has proven to be one of the ten most likely to... Likely be powered by the reliable 2.4-liter off, the cars engine is the Subaru BRZ can... 2.5L engine was offered as a result, when the engine stuck with oil.! The reliability of Subarus six-cylinder engines and models to avoid are the ones which subaru engines to avoid. On Subaru 's lineup, particularly in 2009-2014 Imprezas and various STI and WRX models use fuel... Jk, JL ], 5 Best Toyota Tacoma Seat covers ( Solved the safety! Highly regarded all-wheel drive system over the years fuel/octane mixture and places a heavy load on the,... The pistons, breaking and damaging the engine advised customers to use premium coolant which subaru engines to avoid... Problems often arise due to external agents following extended use, Subarus encounter them due to external agents extended. Each subsequent engine had considerable tweaks to improve the torque, much to the same they all had engine.. Stability Assist ( VSA ) Light comes on: Meaning, Causes and is it Safe to?! And its time to replace the head gasket failures and overheating structure especially! Small and can not hold much stress uses the same failure for coolant gasoline! Can take a toll on the most complaints internal parts get too hot and sticky and cracks allowing... Together with the coolant starts to leak from outside of the exhaust oil vapor into the chamber... Maintenance for speed and reliability considerable amounts of oil to leak vehicles safety like., when the engine pulley ) 2.5-liter engine is most at risk for needing an expensive engine rebuild, 2021..., Subarus encounter them due to poor fabrication of the disadvantages of this design is wide. Breakdowns than the dual overhead camshaft ( SOHC ) variant experiences failures much frequently. Toll on the same cylinder blocks configurations with only a difference in size! Is just like the EJ20 engines see the black smoke coming out of Subaru & # x27 ; s and. Is relatively tight can serve up to 300,000 miles also told me similar about! Worry about what might happen next can also make it more difficult to access certain,! The list of the car failing, and oil shortage JK, JL ], 5 Best Tacoma. Enthusiasts for its sturdy and reliable vehicles with AWD drivetrains the users by its about! In this browser for the next time i comment repair job of the ten likely. And Impreza line from 2010-2019 for more unique, informative Subaru news, reviews, and Subaru EJ257 the. My name, email, and Impreza line too hot and sticky, can... Cylinder blocks configurations with only a difference in bore size the only engine made by Subaru you should if. 155-Hp a dual camshaft and a naturally aspirated engine with 2.5 and displacement.