Do subarus use timing belts or timing chains?
In short: it depends on the engine and generation. Subarus with older EJ-series engines predominantly used timing belts, while most newer Subaru engines—especially the FA/FB family—use timing chains. Always verify for your specific model and year.
Understanding this helps you plan maintenance and avoid unexpected failures. Subaru’s engineering has shifted from belt-driven timing on older engines to chain-driven timing on many modern engines, but there are important exceptions and model-year nuances to know before you service or replace components.
Overview by era and engine family
The history of timing systems across Subaru’s lineup reflects a transition from belts to chains as newer engines were developed. The following breakdown highlights the general pattern you’ll find in most model-year ranges.
- EJ-family engines (roughly late 1990s through the early 2010s): timing belts. This includes common 2.0L and 2.5L non-turbo variants where the belt required periodic replacement (often around 100,000 miles, per your owner's manual) and included associated components like the water pump as part of the belt kit.
- Other older Subaru 4-cylinders in this era (various small-displacement EJ variants): typically belt-driven timing as well.
In this era, your maintenance schedule would revolve around belt replacement intervals rather than a lifetime chain. If you own an older Subaru, check the belt status and plan for replacement at the interval specified in the manual.
Modern engines and timing chains
Since the mid-2010s, Subaru shifted many of its mainstream engines to timing chains, which generally require less frequent maintenance than belts. The major modern boxer engines in current models (including the FA/FB families and related variants) use chain-driven timing with tensioners. These chains are designed for longer life, though components like tensioners and guides can wear over time and may need inspection or replacement as part of routine maintenance.
- FA/FB engine families (2.0L and 2.5L variants used in models like WRX, BRZ, Forester, Impreza, and Outback): timing chains. Examples include the FA20D/FA20DIT and the FB20/FB25 series in many 2010s–2020s Subarus.
- FA24/FB24 family (2.4L variants used in newer models such as some Outbacks, Ascent, and related trims): timing chains.
In practice, almost all current-generation Subarus rely on timing chains. While chains can last a long time, some owners experience wear-related issues with tensioners or guides, so periodic inspection is still prudent as part of a larger preventive-maintenance approach.
How to verify the exact system for your car
To confirm whether your specific Subaru uses a belt or a chain, use these steps tailored to your model/year:
- Locate the engine code and model year on the vehicle registration or under-hood label.
- Cross-check the engine code with Subaru’s official documentation or a trusted service/parts resource to identify the timing system (belt vs. chain) for that engine family.
- Consult the owner's manual or maintenance schedule for the recommended service intervals related to timing components.
- If still unsure, contact a Subaru dealer or a qualified mechanic with the VIN to confirm the exact configuration for your vehicle.
Knowing the exact engine code (for example EJ-family belts versus FA/FB-chain designs) will help you estimate replacement intervals and plan service accordingly. When in doubt, rely on official documentation for your exact trim and year, as there can be mid-year changes or regional variations.
Key takeaways for owners and buyers
For practical purposes, if you own a newer Subaru (roughly 2010s onward) you should expect a timing chain in most configurations, with some exceptions in early models or non-standard engines. If you own a classic or older Subaru (EJ-era), you are more likely dealing with a timing belt that requires periodic replacement. Always verify by engine code and consult the specific maintenance schedule for your vehicle.
Summary
Subarus span a range of timing-drive configurations. Belts were common in the EJ-era engines, while the modern FA/FB engines and many recent designs use timing chains. The exact configuration depends on model, year, and engine code. To avoid surprises, identify your engine code, check the official maintenance schedule, and consult a dealer or trusted mechanic if you’re unsure. Staying informed helps you budget for wear-related components and replacement when needed.
