Does a 2015 Subaru have a timing belt or chain?
Most 2015 Subaru models use a timing chain rather than a timing belt. For your exact vehicle, check the engine code or the owner's manual to confirm the configuration.
Understanding timing belts vs. timing chains
Timing belts and timing chains serve the same fundamental purpose: synchronizing the rotation of the crankshaft and camshafts to ensure valves open and close at the correct times. They differ in material, maintenance needs, and expected service life. Belts are rubber and require periodic replacement, while chains are metal and typically last longer but may need occasional attention to tensioners or guides as the engine ages.
Before we dive into specifics for 2015 Subarus, here is a concise overview of how the two systems usually differ in terms of maintenance and lifecycle:
- Timing belts generally require replacement at a set mileage interval (often around 90,000–105,000 miles for many Subarus). Missing a belt replacement can lead to catastrophic engine damage if the belt fails.
- Timing chains are designed to last longer and may not need routine replacement as part of normal maintenance, though they can wear and require inspection, tensioner work, or replacement of guides over time.
In practice, this means a 2015 Subaru’s service needs will vary by engine family and model, but the modern Subaru lineup tends toward chain-driven timing in newer engines.
Does this apply to the 2015 model lineup?
For the 2015 model year, Subaru’s newer engine families are predominantly chain-driven. The engines commonly found in that year’s lineup (such as FB and FA family variants) use timing chains, while the older EJ-based designs historically used belts. The exact configuration depends on your specific model and engine code, so verification is important.
- Engine families beginning with F or A (for example, FB20, FA20) are typically timing chain configurations.
- Older EJ-based designs, if present in a 2015 model, may use a timing belt, but such configurations are less common in the 2015 lineup overall.
To be certain, check the engine code printed on the engine block or listed in the owner’s manual, or ask a Subaru dealer with your VIN to confirm the timing method for your exact vehicle.
How to verify the timing method on your 2015 Subaru
These steps help you confirm the timing system for a specific car without guessing from the model alone:
- Find the engine code. It’s often stamped on the engine block near the timing cover or listed in the vehicle’s service papers or VIN lookup. Engine codes that begin with FB or FA indicate chain-driven timing in modern Subarus; EJ indicates older belt-driven designs.
- Consult the owner's manual or a factory service bulletin for your model year to see the recommended maintenance interval for your engine type.
- Use the VIN to request exact specs from a dealer or Subaru’s official service resources if you’re unsure about the engine family.
Bottom line: for maintenance planning and risk avoidance, confirm the engine code and follow the corresponding timing system guidance from Subaru.
Summary
The 2015 Subaru lineup largely employs timing chains rather than belts, especially on the newer FB/FA engine families. The exact configuration depends on your model and engine code, so verify with the owner’s manual, VIN-based dealer lookup, or a service professional. If you know your engine family is chain-driven, routine belt-replacement-style maintenance is not a factor; if you have an older EJ-based engine, belt maintenance may be relevant. Always confirm for your specific vehicle to plan proper maintenance.
