From Jalopnik · Michael Frank · · 50s
Subaru EJ Engines: Reliability Failures Explained
Subaru's EJ boxer engines face head gasket, piston ringland, and timing belt failures.
In brief
Subaru's EJ boxer engines face head gasket, piston ringland, and timing belt failures. Subaru EJ engines suffer from head gasket leaks, piston ringland failures, and timing belt issues causing reliability problems. Originally reported by Jalopnik.
Subaru EJ Engines
Subaru made EJ boxer engines from early 2000s WRXs to 2021 WRX STI models.
Head Gasket Failures
EJ25 engines have a bad reputation for head gasket leaks causing overheating and white smoke.
Piston Ringland Problems
Piston ringland failures cause power loss and excessive oil burn-off in Subaru engines.
Oil Starvation Risks
High oil consumption and oil pump failures can lead to bearing damage in Subaru engines.
Timing Belt Vulnerability
Timing belts in Subaru engines can break, causing piston-valve collisions.
Critical Maintenance Needed
Subaru recommends changing timing belts every 105,000 miles to prevent catastrophic engine failure.
The takeaway
Subaru EJ engines suffer from head gasket leaks, piston ringland failures, and timing belt issues causing reliability problems.
