Does a 2014 Subaru have a timing chain?
Short answer: it depends on the engine. Some 2014 Subarus use timing chains, while others still rely on timing belts. The exact drive type depends on the engine family and model.
In more detail, Subaru transitioned from belt-driven EJ engines to chain-driven FB/FA engines across its lineup during the 2010s. A 2014 model could have either belt or chain timing, depending on the specific engine under the hood. To know for sure, check the engine code, consult the owner's manual or a Subaru dealer, or inspect the timing area for the presence of a belt or a chain system.
How to determine your 2014 Subaru's timing drive
Use these steps to confirm whether your engine has a timing chain or timing belt.
- Check the engine code stamped on the engine block or under the hood (examples: EJ25, FB25, FB20, FA20).
- Find the engine code in the vehicle’s documentation or via the VIN and service records.
- Consult the owner's manual or Subaru’s official service information for your exact model/year.
- Visually inspect the timing cover area: belts are typically behind a belt-style cover, while chains sit behind a metal chain cover and are less visible without removal.
- Ask a dealer or a qualified mechanic to confirm the timing drive type for your exact configuration.
Conclusion: The timing drive for a 2014 Subaru varies by engine family; verify with documentation or a trusted automotive professional for your specific vehicle.
Common 2014 Subaru engine families and their timing drive
Below is a general guide of engine families you might encounter in a 2014 Subaru and their typical timing drive. Note: there are exceptions; always verify with official documentation for your VIN.
- EJ-series engines (older 2.0L/2.5L) — typically timing belt.
- FB-series engines (newer 2.0L/2.5L) — timing chain.
- FA-series variants (used in some models) — timing chain.
- BRZ/WRX models using FA20D or equivalent — timing chain.
Conclusion: In the 2014 lineup, many newer engine families use timing chains, while some models with older EJ engines still rely on belts. Confirm with the engine code for your exact vehicle.
Maintenance implications and recommendations
Belts have replacement intervals (often around 60,000–105,000 miles depending on the model); failing a belt can cause severe engine damage. Chains typically last longer, but tensioners and guides can wear and may require attention over time.
Conclusion: If your 2014 Subaru uses a timing belt, plan maintenance around the recommended interval; if it uses a chain, routine belt-style replacements aren’t required, but monitor front-end components for wear.
Next steps to confirm for your car
Share your exact model and trim, or provide the VIN, and I can confirm the engine family and whether it uses a timing chain or belt for that configuration.
Summary
The answer to whether a 2014 Subaru has a timing chain isn’t a simple yes or no because it depends on the engine. The 2014 lineup includes both belt-driven EJ engines and chain-driven FB/FA engines. To be sure, verify the engine code or consult Subaru documentation for your exact model/year. This distinction informs maintenance planning, with belts requiring replacement on schedule and chains generally lasting longer but still needing attention to components like tensioners.
What year did Subaru go to timing chain?
Subaru began transitioning to timing chains around 2001 for its six-cylinder (H6) engines, but the switch for most four-cylinder engines happened later, with the new FB engine series being introduced in 2011 for the Forester, 2012 for the Impreza, and 2013 for the Legacy/Outback. Therefore, the year Subaru fully switched to timing chains for its main four-cylinder models is approximately 2011-2013, depending on the specific model.
- For six-cylinder (H6) engines: The switch to timing chains began around 2001.
- For four-cylinder engines:
- Forester: Started using the new FB engine with a timing chain in the 2011 model year.
- Impreza: Started using the new FB engine with a timing chain in the 2012 model year.
- Legacy/Outback: Started using the new FB engine with a timing chain in the 2013 model year.
- Turbocharged engines: Some turbocharged four-cylinder engines continued to use timing belts for a few more years. For example, the EJ255 (2.5L Turbo) in the US was used from 2004 to 2013, while the newer FA20DIT (2.0L Turbo) uses a chain.
How do I know if my Subaru has a timing belt or chain?
But you will see a black plastic timing belt cover on the front side of the engine. Now pros of timing belt.
How much does it cost to replace a timing belt on a 2014 Subaru?
The real cost is in the labor, because a lot of parts need to be disassembled to get to the belt. Shopping around to get a few quotes is your best bet to get the best deal, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $409 to $919 (including parts and labor).
Does a 2014 Subaru 2.5 have a timing belt or chain?
timing chain
2013-2014 Outbacks with the 2.5 DOHC (FB25) have a timing chain. And the Outbacks with the 3.6 (EZ36) have chains as well.
