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If you are shopping for a previously owned Subaru, there are some models to avoid or it could cost you a lot of money in repairs. The most expensive repairs on an older vehicle are an engine rebuild and transmission replacement. Consumer Reports (by subscription) lists the cars most likely to need another expensive repair, a head gasket replacement.
They have identified four popular Subaru models with the potential to have this engine issue. 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.
Why do head gaskets fail on some Subaru models?
The Subaru EJ25 2.5-liter Boxer is the engine that has experienced the most problems for the Japanese automaker. The gasket material they used in this engine was unreliable and Subaru attempted to correct the issue in 1999 with an updated multilayered metal shim gasket. But some 2001-2009 engines still had the problem.
Consumer Reports says the older Subaru models using this engine will typically start to have head gasket issues around 90,000 to 150,000 miles. The reason the Boxer engine seems to be more prone to have this problem is because of the engine design.
Subaru uses the Boxer engine which has a horizontal design and pistons lay flat in the cylinder. When the engine is turned off, the fluids tend to pool next to the head gaskets instead of draining, and over time acids in the fluids eat away at the seals. The gaskets deteriorate and oil and coolant fluids start leaking.
How much will head gasket repairs cost? If the head gasket needs to be replaced, it will cost at least $1500 for parts and labor. The parts don’t cost much, it’s the labor to pull the engine that is most of the repair bill.
What are the signs of a faulty head gasket?
The signs that a Subaru engine might need the head gaskets replaced are white exhaust from the tailpipe, milky white oil on the dipstick, the engine overheats, and exhaust bubbles in the coolant reservoir.
What if you already own an older Subaru Forester, Outback or Impreza?
There are many older Subarus with 200,000-250,000 miles on them and they’ve never had problems. You can extend the life of the head gaskets by doing a few things; Change the oil regularly (every 3,000 miles), swap out the old engine coolant with fresh antifreeze every 2-3 years, and keep batter terminals clean to reduce acidity in the cooling system caused by electrolysis.
Did Subaru fix this problem in newer engines?
After 2009, newer models using the EL25 2.5-liter engine should have far fewer head gasket problems because Subaru started using a multi-layered steel cylinder-head gasket. Starting in 2012, reports say the Japanese automaker redesigned the 2.5-liter engine in the Forester and Outback and has fixed the problem.
If you are looking to buy an older Subaru Forester, Outback, or Impreza, make sure you check the vehicle for engine leaks, pull the dipstick and check for a white milky substance, and most importantly, ask the owner for maintenance records. If the vehicle has been serviced regularly, it’s far less likely to need expensive engine repairs.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press and the founder of Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Comments
This article says that in
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In reply to "...Subaru attempted to by Eric A Gross (not verified)
This article says that in "1999 subaru switched to a multilayer steel shim gasket." And then again switched to the same steel gasket in 2009, to fix the problem. Very confusing, and must be a typo. So they have been using the same steel gasket since 1999 and it has failed? All steel gaskets are layers of stainless steel with a Viton rubber coating on them, and they are awful gaskets, that must be used on an engine that is polished to a level 80 RA finish or greater, it has to be almost mirror smooth. I know because I saw a steel shim gasket fail on a Tercel due to a single machine tool mark on the block, it was less than 0.001" deep, it was a single scratch from the factory Toyota milling tool that milled the block, and the steel shim gasket still failed and leaked coolant into the engine after about 10,000 miles of putting on the head gasket. The steel shim gaskets don't work as well as the graphite gaskets, the thick graphite gaskets actually are more forgiving and more squishy and when you remove them, they are absolutely glued on to the block, and they allow the aluminum cylinder head to slide all around on top of the block, without any leaking. You need a lot of flexibility which is why they used graphite gaskets in the first place. The problem is NOT from coolant. The problem is because Subaru is the worst engine ever, and they use an "OPEN DECK" block design, which has too much flex, the entire block flexes and expands a lot, and then contracts a lot, and the open deck doesn't provide any rigidity. High performance engines don't use an open deck, and they have to close the deck by welding the deck solid on racing engines. There are some Subaru engines with a "closed deck" but they cost twice as much for Subaru to make, and those NEVER blow head gaskets (I can't confirm this actually, but I've heard they don't have any problems, it's really the cheaper newer open deck engines that have started blowing gasket). My friend had a 1995 Subaru Turbo with almost 300,000 miles on it, and he ran it like a race car, and I believe it had a closed deck 2.2L engine, and it never had a single head gasket issue, and he basically tried to destroy that car, running it into the rev limiter every single day.
I was pretty satisfied with
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I was pretty satisfied with the 325K miles I got on my Forester ‘03 engine before I sold it to a friend (it’s still on the road with the original head gaskets).
I will say this about Subaru
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I will say this about Subaru’s if these cars was such a problem with head gaskets why do I see so many subarus on the road I see a lot of then and in China they are the number 1 most cars sold yah in China I just bought me a 2006 Firester x base model power everything with a moon roof the guy I bought it from did head gaskets timing belt water pump brand new radiator and what ever else the guy was strait forward with me I got it with 144,141 miles and paid 2500.00 cash and I’ll say I’m very happy with it it’s not eating coolant I had put about 600 miles on it he had changed the oil and like I said I put 600 miles on it and the engine oil is still clean like he just changed it so he must of done one hell of a job cleaning it as well I’m so happy with my purchase I baby it I sher the hell don’t beat on it love the all wheel drive and all service record wer up yo date from the original owner I’m. The 3 rd owner but the vehicle is in great shape
This happened because of
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This happened because of General Motors when they bought into Subaru. They redesigned the head and gasket. They did this at Opel, Isuzu and quite a few other car companies they invested in. It ultimately led to a majority of companies going out of business. SAAB and Opel being prime examples great companies and cars killed by a greedy giant.
My wife's 2017 Forester has
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My wife's 2017 Forester has almost 60,000 miles on it. It's always been dealership maintained....oil changes etc. It just had It's 60,000 mile schedualed maintenance performed at the tune of $800! Anyway..ever since new, i've had to add 1-2qts (sometimes 3! quarts) of oil in between oil changes! When asked about it, she was told, by multiple service writers, that ALL vehicles do this. I've been doing my own mechanics for about 45 years and i've (of course) never experienced or even heard of anyone that's even heard heard of such "B. S." ! I would NEVER buy, or allow anyone to buy another Subaru! How do they get away with this? Quality of a lot of products is so bad now days!
Our 2013 Forester was a
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In reply to My wife's 2017 Forester has by Paul Rapalus (not verified)
Our 2013 Forester was a rolling disaster. The lead mechanic told me to my face that all cars leak oil every 800-1000 miles. I told him that was absolute bullshit. I sold that car ASAP and I will NEVER buy another Subaru again.
That is BS my 2012 outback
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In reply to Our 2013 Forester was a by David (not verified)
My 2012 outback had 69k on it when I got it. I got it from copart it was involved in accident. Just rear bumper cover and insurance totaled it. I bought it at auction for $2500 and $200 for rear cover and $200 to match the paint and looks like new car. It now has 163,000 miles and doesn't burn or leak a drop of oil between oil changes. Don't see how these mechanics can lie to people and say it's normal for a vehicle to go through two or three quarts of oil between changes. I have 2 glc sierra 2500 one is 2005 the other 2006 neither one of them go through any oil either and they have 500 k miles between the pair ! I have a 2013 c sierra half ton and that thing eats oil!! 2-4 quarts in between oil changes. That's not normal and is a big deal. Anufacturera have their heads up there ass and mechanics lube it up for them!!!
Hello, my 2010 Forester 2.5 X
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In reply to My wife's 2017 Forester has by Paul Rapalus (not verified)
Hello, my 2010 Forester 2.5 X naturally aspirated has 117k miles on it and does not lose or use any coolant or oil. I have always changed the oil every 3k miles or so and change the coolant every other year.
Hence, the reason i drive a
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In reply to My wife's 2017 Forester has by Paul Rapalus (not verified)
Hence, the reason i drive a 57 Chevy. Very few issues & when it Does have an issue, I can Usually solve it myself & I'm no mechanic either. Wife drives an '03 Forester. Loves it & very few issues.!!!!!
How did the head gasket issue
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How did the head gasket issue never become a recall situation? I have a 2006 Forester that leaks oil and coolant and would love to keep it but I don't see why if its a known defect. I should have to pay for a known defect in the vehicle.
Very interesting article!
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Very interesting article! Keep battery terminals clean to reduce electrolysis in the coolant. That one I have yet to hear! Very interesting indeed!
Yes, this has been addressed
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In reply to Very interesting article! by Todd (not verified)
Yes, this has been addressed in repair forums and is believed to help slow down the destruction of the head gaskets
I have a lot of cars so I don
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I have a lot of cars so I don't put miles on too fast but just hit 159,000 miles on my 2002 Forester. Since I have owned the car I have replaced a steering rack, wheel bearings, ball joints, cv axles, brake pads, belts, oxygen sensors, valve cover seals and several girlfriends but no head gasket issues. Now at 160,000 miles I will do the second timing belt. This vehicle is built like a tank and inside is in incredible shape. No cracks in the dash etc. like a lot of cars and I live in Las Vegas where it's hot. I love driving the car and especially enjoy the standard transmission. I thought about buying a new car many times but why when this one is so good!
Proof that Subaru can do it.
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In reply to I have a lot of cars so I don by Darren T Cate (not verified)
Proof that Subaru can do it. They just don't most of the time.
Can someone give me a
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Can someone give me a technical explanation for the loose battery connections causing corrosion of the head gasket please, I have a suitable understanding of electricity and faultfinding. Thanks
Does it make sense to try and
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Does it make sense to try and trade my Subaru impreza sport (a few dents here and there) for a used Subaru or a Toyota that have all the new safety features like lane alert, emergency braking, etc. I don't drive much in town but when I visit my kids, it's a 2,000 mile RT. and I go 2 or 3 times a year. I'm retiring in two years and will move closer to them but they live 350 miles apart from each other so there will still be longish distances to drive. I get it that this may be a subjective thing but I'm hoping you could just give me your opinion as a knowledgable car guy. Thanks
Great info, thank you for the
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Great info, thank you for the article! Quoted this when submitting a second engine block repair request to Subaru for, 2011 Subaru Forester X H4 2.5L, (standard transmission). Vehicle seems to still be consuming a lot of oil. QUESTION for anyone that has info: Why is the OIL INDICATOR on my dash not telling me when I need oil? Any info on the functionality (or lack thereof) of this feature? Thank you!
"The reason the Boxer engine
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"The reason the Boxer engine seems to be more prone to have this problem is because of the engine design.
Subaru uses the Boxer engine which has a horizontal design and pistons lay flat in the cylinder. When the engine is turned off, the fluids tend to pool next to the head gaskets instead of draining, and over time acids in the fluids eat away at the seals. The gaskets deteriorate and oil and coolant fluids start leaking."
This whole paragraph should be removed because it's utter bullshit. You had it right in the previous paragraph. The problem lies in the gasket itself. Subaru used a graphite coated single layer steel gasket in the EJ25D (most noteably) as well as the EJ253. These were the only engines that had widespread headgasket failure and it wasn't because the "fluids pooled around the gasket. What? You think when you shut off a V, I, or W type engine the coolant drains out of the head and into the block? It's a filled system with no air in it. Every headgasket in every piston engine is in constant contact with coolant no matter if it's running or not. There hould be no air in the system. This "theory" is the dumbest myth on the internet. It doesn't even make sense.
Wrong. Any 2002-2014 WRX,
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Wrong. Any 2002-2014 WRX, 2004-2014 STI, 2005-2008 Legacy 2.5GT driven by a teenager needs a rebuilt engine. Wonder why...
I've owned 3 Subaru—2 of the
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I've owned 3 Subaru—2 of the 3 needed head gasket repair, painful. Cars were mostly serviced by Subaru. I really enjoyed them but...Am in the market for a new car, I understand this is not an issue in '14 and newer? In contrast an '02 Acura RSX in the family with over 120k miles on it, has been bulletproof, entirely.
How do you make a Subaru a
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In reply to I've owned 3 Subaru—2 of the by John R (not verified)
How do you make a Subaru a reliable Engine? You swap the boxer engine and transmission with a Honda one, and you'll have something that will last you 300k miles+.
Just throw some Lucas in the
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Just throw some Lucas in the crankcase and some k-seal in the coolant.
I've owned two Subarus and
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I've owned two Subarus and have a theory on what may be contributing to these head gasket issues. My first was a 96 Legacy. I noticed sometime in the first 50K miles that the painted steel bracket that holds the battery down was seriously rusted/corroded with paint eaten off on the bottom. I deduced that current was running across the top of the battery once it got a thin film of grim on it. I cleaned the top of the battery, cut a strip of heavy inner tube and placed it under the steel battery hold down bracket. No more rust/corrosion of the bracket and before selling it I drove my Legacy 247k miles without issue (none - just general maintenance and timing belt jobs). Did the same on my 2003 Forester ... still driving it with 173k miles on it. So on to my theory. The battery bracket is held down with 2 10" long hooked rods with nuts at the top. If current is getting into the bracket, it's also traveling down the rods to the battery "shelf/platorm" which in turn is bolted or welded to he frame. Not far away, the motor is mounted to the frame. I think current is making it's way to the engine block and head and slowly eating away at the the head gasket. Thoughts? BTW, my neighbor just bought a new 21 Forrester,,, if has the exact same steel battery hold down bracket and hooked rods.
My 2011 outbacks head gasket
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My 2011 outbacks head gasket blew out at 80k miles on the bay bridge while I was on vacation. Now at 125k my transmissions torque converter failed. I drove my honda for 220k with not a single hiccup.
All these whiners on here
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All these whiners on here should quiet down abt"boohoo my Subaru has sucked wahhhh never again" You bought it! You do the maintenance on it! Its not Subarus fault you're mechanically uninclined, nor is it their fault if you maintain your car uncorrectly. No car is faultless and the whinging on here is unbelievable. I know almost a dozen people who have sworn by subarus for Canadian winters with no issues. Nobody cares that you won't buy another Subaru. Go ahead and buy that domestic and see how much money you'll lose from what you paid, no brand is without issues its a constant game of pros and cons. Your one experience with one car does not define a brand.
My 2010 Forester had this
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My 2010 Forester had this issue but I did get 150,000 miles out of it. The rest of the car was rock solid. Can’t believe how long this proble persisted.
All car manufacturers have
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All car manufacturers have reputations, good and bad. Subaru as a company, doesn't support their products as they ought too. Many companies do logical, fair recalls, Subaru expects customers to sue instead.
That being said, I have owned, loved and driven them insanely hard, daily including autocross events. A 2002 WRX and a 2010 WRX.
My 2010 WRX (bought new) was highly modified 390hp. That car was either parked or doing four wheel drifts, it had a hard life and was my daily driver.
I say all this because my two Subarus were insanely reliable over my 15 years of rabid immature driving.
Funny article as it doesn't mention one of the biggest EJ engine problems; cylinder 3 overheating, ringland failures, low rpm knock. Simple search of 'ringland failure'. Forged engine internals and proper tuning help.
It also doesn't mention the firewall issue of the gas/brake/clutch breaking off. The firewall is too thin or not reinforced, spot welds fail and the pedals literally break away from the car.... Should be recalls. A simple search 'pedal squeak'.
Aside from my 'deserved' engine replacement, I never had any reliability issues aside from above. Many parts SHOULD have failed due to abuse but didn't.
I agree with the above writers, I have always done my own mechanical (aside from the new motor build done by a rally shop). Take care of maintenance with high quality parts and these cars will bring devilish grins to the driver for years.
Subaru needs to lose a huge class-action lawsuits for ignoring known problems.
But in my 20 years of Subaru ownership I have way more positives and only a few negatives. I have owned approximately 20 cars and a few motorcycles the past 35 years. WRX my GOAT.
Thank you for your article and the forum replies as I appreciate the detail.
Do your own maintenance, learn and grow you will be better for it. The one writer, obviously most of us can pay someone else to work on our 'girls' that's not the point, there is a pride and joy gained in DIY cash can't buy.
My kids bought 2022 Outback
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My kids bought 2022 Outback month ago and engine blew side of block apart leaving pieces on the highway. Had to wait on side of road for 3 1/2 hours for Subaru wrecker service to get to them
Wrecker driver said he got the call 30 minutes before he got to them.
My 2005 Impreza with 115K
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My 2005 Impreza with 115K miles has never been worked on, it's a virgin! But all at once, it needs a timing belt changeout, a new rear wheel bearing, and that darn head gasket. No complaints. $4,000 for repairs for 17 years of use is very, very acceptable.
Please explain to me how acid
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Please explain to me how acid from your battery gets into the cooling system?