A modern Subaru 2.5L engine should have no problem lasting over 200,000 miles as long as you take care of it. There are plenty of 2.5L engines that have lasted over 300,000 miles as well when owners have done the regular maintenance on them such as oil changes, spark plug changes, and coolant changes.
The boxer engine can endure an average of 250,000 miles, and the most reliable Subaru engine can serve up to 300,000 miles. This number can increase if other components (head gaskets) steadily operate. Unlike other parts (small, easy to disassemble, etc.), the boxer engine is difficult to maintain on a regular basis.
Engines you should avoid if you are buying a Subaru include the EJ20 2.5L/EJ205/EJ207/EJ20G and EJ25 2.5L. Additionally, some Subaru’s have head gasket problems. You should always check with Subaru when buying a vehicle to ensure the engine in the vehicle you want is trouble-free.
Do Subaru 2.5 engines have head gasket problems?
Abnormal combustion: Head gasket failure can occur on naturally aspirated 2.5L Subaru engines due to detonation or pre-ignition. It is more common for owners of turbocharged models to experience this type of failure though, due to increased cylinder pressures.
Are Subaru 2.5 engines reliable? – Related Questions
At what mileage do Subaru head gaskets fail?
The original head gaskets on a Subaru engine have a life between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. Most replacement head gaskets last just as long. Regular coolant replacement and thermostat replacement can help prolong Subaru head gasket life.
Does the Subaru 2.5 engine have a timing belt or chain?
What Kind of Timing System Does My Subaru Have? Since 2013, all Subaru engines have been equipped with timing chains rather than belts – except for the high-performance Subaru WRX and WRX STI.
Does Subaru engines still have head gasket problems?
It has been an issue with this vehicle lineup since the 1990s, in fact. Newer models still have a higher tendency to have head gasket problems than other vehicles like it.
Do non turbo Subarus have head gasket problems?
Subaru External head gasket leaks
EJ25 and most EZ30 Subaru non-turbo engines are prone to this type of leak, which will often go undetected for some time as it is only in the advanced stages that coolant loss causes overheating.
Gasket problems and engine repairs sometimes happen, including the Outback from 2000 to 2011 and the Legacy between 2000 and 2009. Consumer Reports says the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5-liter engine is most at risk for needing an expensive engine rebuild.
How much does Subaru charge for head gasket replacement?
3. How much should I expect this to cost? Depending on the year and engine configuration of your 2.5 Subaru, the base head gasket job for parts (including tax and labor) costs between $1600 and $1700. Adding the timing belt, idlers, and tensioners, seals and water pump adds about $700.
Why do Subaru head gaskets fail so often?
The most common cause of a blown head gasket is an overheated engine caused by a lack of coolant in the radiator. The heat of the cylinder head and engine block expand, pinching and contracting against the head gasket so that it can’t maintain the proper seal.
Can you drive with blown head gasket Subaru?
The short answer is yes, but it is not recommended. Ignoring a blown head gasket will likely lead to more damage to your engine as well as your wallet. Gaskets are some of the most important and necessary parts of any engine which function to seal off compartments.
How do I know if my Subaru head gasket is blown?
7 Possible Signs of a Bad Head Gasket
Milky Engine Oil.
Overheating Engine.
Bubbles in the Radiator.
White Exhaust Smoke.
Blue Exhaust Smoke.
Cylinder Misfire.
Low Coolant. If the coolant in your vehicle is lower than it should be, a head gasket may be the culprit.
If your head gasket leak has caused this problem you are almost always better off replacing the whole engine as a new head gasket will stop the leak but bearing damage has probably already been done.
How much does it usually cost to fix a blown head gasket?
How much does it cost to replace a blown head gasket? The cost of head gasket repairs can run into the thousands, meaning it’s often easier and cheaper to scrap the vehicle than it is to have it repaired. The average cost of head gasket repair is around $1,000 to $2,000, but this isn’t because the parts are expensive.
How do you prevent a Subaru head gasket from failing?
Change your Subaru’s coolant on a regular basis.
As discussed previously corrosive coolant can deteriorate seals and gaskets over time. The use of the proper anti-freeze is recommended by Subaru as well as is a coolant additive on vehicles with the 2nd generation engines for a period of time.
What is the main cause of head gasket failure?
Overheating. Engine overheating is one of the most common causes of a blown head gasket. When the engine gets too hot, the gasket is exposed to temperatures outside of what it is meant to handle. Extreme heat can cause failure.
What ruins a head gasket?
Head gasket failures are usually caused by repeated overheating, or continuing to drive after the car has overheated, so the best way to prevent a head gasket failure is to ensure your cooling system is in good condition.
What is the cheapest way to fix a blown head gasket?
What does a blown head gasket sound like?
You may even hear a knocking sound emanating from the engine, or the sound of a misfire, depending on how the head gasket blew. The sound of a misfire could be related to an overheating engine, coolant leak, or lowered compression as a result of rough idling.