A Subaru engine that has been maintained well commonly lasts 200,000 miles or more. The naturally aspirated EJ25 engines in older Outbacks, Foresters, Imprezas and Legacys are known for head gasket leaks that are repairable without replacing the engine. Turbocharged engines in the WRX and STI can also last a long time stock, but they are more sensitive to oil level, fuel quality and modifications, with ringland and bearing failures the main risks. Newer FA and FB engines replaced the EJ in most models.
Subaru engine life by type
| Engine | Common in | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| EJ25 (non-turbo) | Older Outback, Forester, Impreza, Legacy | Head gasket seepage; see EJ25 problems |
| EJ255 / EJ257 (turbo) | WRX, STI, Forester XT, Legacy GT | Ringland and rod bearing failure; see EJ257 problems |
| FA20 / FA24 | Later WRX, BRZ, 86 | Oil consumption on some, carbon on direct-injection engines; see FA20 problems |
How long does a WRX engine last?
A stock, well-maintained WRX engine can reach high mileage, but turbo Subaru engines are less forgiving. Low oil, poor fuel, heavy modification or abuse shorten their lives sharply. Check the oil level often, use the specified octane, and let the engine warm up before hard driving; see Subaru head gasket and ringland failures.
What makes a Subaru engine last
- Checking the oil level between changes, because boxer engines can use some oil
- Timing belt changes on schedule for EJ engines; see timing belt
- Watching the coolant level for early head gasket seepage
- Quality fuel and no excessive boost on turbo engines
Signs of a tired Subaru engine
- Coolant loss or overheating, which on an EJ25 often points to the head gaskets
- Knocking that rises with rpm, a sign of bearing wear; see spun rod bearing
- Low compression on one cylinder on a turbo engine; see low compression in one cylinder
- Rising oil consumption and smoke
When to replace
Head gasket leaks on a sound EJ25 are usually repaired rather than replaced. Ringland or bearing failure on a turbo engine usually means a short block or long block; see what comes with a long block. We list built EJ25 short blocks, such as the Turn In Concepts Stage 3+2 EJ257 short block at $6,799.00; see Subaru EJ25 engines and Subaru FA20 and FA24 engines.
Buying a used Subaru
Ask for timing belt and head gasket records on EJ engines, look for coolant or oil seepage at the head joints, and on turbo cars ask about modifications. A compression test is worthwhile on any high-mileage turbo engine.
Related
See what is a boxer engine?, WRX vs STI and forged vs cast pistons.
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