Subaru boxer engine on a stand with the timing belt exposed

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Subaru EJ25 common problems by mileage

Common problems · Subaru · 5 known issues

Every Subaru person knows the EJ25 head gasket story. It's real, but it's also very fixable, and a Subaru independent can do the job without drama. Here's the rest of the list too.

Covers: Non-turbo EJ25: roughly 1999–2012 Impreza, Forester, Legacy and Outback 2.5. Turbo EJ255/EJ257: WRX (2006–2014), STI (2004–2021), Forester XT and Legacy GT.

When these usually show up

Routine wearFix it when it startsCan wreck the engine or gearbox

Rod bearing failure (turbo EJ255/EJ257)

Cam and valve cover seals

Wheel bearings

Timing belt, water pump and idlers

Head gaskets (non-turbo)

0k50k100k150k200k

Miles where owners and shops commonly report each problem. Plenty of cars go longer, some fail sooner. This is a heads-up list, not a schedule.

The list, in mileage order

Rod bearing failure (turbo EJ255/EJ257)Can wreck the engine or gearbox

Usually about 60k–150k miles

Signs: Knock that gets louder with revs, low oil pressure.

Tuned and hard-driven turbo cars are the ones you hear about. Check the oil level often; these engines can use some.

No price reports for this one yet. Paid for it? Add yours.

Cam and valve cover sealsRoutine wear

Usually about 70k–140k miles

Signs: Oil seeping near the front of the engine or along the sides, burning smell.

Usually slow. Often done together with the timing belt.

No price reports for this one yet. Paid for it? Add yours.

Wheel bearingsRoutine wear

Usually about 70k–150k miles

Signs: Hum or growl that changes with speed or when you turn.

Very common on Subarus. Usually one at a time.

No price reports for this one yet. Paid for it? Add yours.

Timing belt, water pump and idlersFix it when it starts

Usually about 100k–110k miles

Signs: No warning before it breaks. Go by the mileage and age in your manual.

Subaru lists about 105k miles on most later EJ25s (older cars were lower). Most shops do the water pump, tensioner and idlers at the same time because the labor overlaps.

What owners paid: non-dealer median $812 (4 reports) · dealer median $1,000 (1). All 5 reports → · Repair guide →

Head gaskets (non-turbo)Fix it when it starts

Usually about 100k–160k miles

Signs: Oil or coolant seeping at the bottom edge of the heads, coolant smell, slow coolant loss, sometimes overheating.

On the SOHC non-turbo engines it usually starts as an external seep. Fix it before it turns into overheating.

What owners paid: non-dealer median $4,000 (1 report) · dealer median $3,600 (1). Small sample, so treat it as rough. All 2 reports → · Repair guide →

Shop-floor advice

If you're doing head gaskets, ask about doing the timing belt in the same visit. A lot of the labor overlaps.
Check the oil between changes, especially on turbo cars.

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This article is general information for car owners. It is not a substitute for a diagnosis by a qualified mechanic who can inspect your car. Prices mentioned are medians of owner reports, not quotes.