How long does it take to replace a head gasket on a Subaru?

A typical head gasket replacement on a Subaru is a major repair that usually runs in the tens of hours of labor, not minutes. In most shops, you should expect roughly 15 to 25 hours of labor, with longer timelines if additional components or head work are required. Plan for a multi-day process and a thorough inspection of surrounding cooling and timing systems.

The exact duration depends on the engine family (EJ, FA/FB, or turbocharged variants), the condition of the heads, and whether accompanying components like the water pump, timing belt/chain, thermostat, or turbo plumbing are replaced as part of the job. Complications such as warped heads, seized bolts, or the need for head resurfacing can extend the timeline beyond the standard range.

Typical labor time by Subaru engine family

Below are commonly reported ranges based on engine design and layout. These figures reflect typical shop hours and can vary with the specific vehicle and shop practices.

EJ family (2.0L/2.5L naturally aspirated)

Before listing, note that these engines are among the most frequently serviced for head gasket issues in older Subaru models. The following labor estimates are representative of a standard replacement plus common ancillary work.



• Estimated labor: roughly 15–22 hours for a straightforward head gasket replacement


• Additional work (head resurfacing, timing belt, water pump) can push toward 25–30 hours

Conclusion: The EJ series timing and accessory layout are well understood, but head condition and extra services significantly influence total time.

FA/FB family (modern 2.0L/2.5L engines)

Before listing, these engines reflect Subaru’s newer architecture with updated accessory routing. Times can vary by model year and configuration.



• Estimated labor: approximately 18–28 hours for a typical replacement


• Higher if multiple ancillary components are replaced or if head work is required

Conclusion: FA/FB engines share the gasket process but can involve more complex access to components, affecting duration.

Turbocharged variants (WRX/STI and other turbo models)

Before listing, turbo variants add complexity due to additional piping and higher access demands.



• Estimated labor: roughly 25–40 hours depending on turbo plumbing, manifold access, and related lines


• Longer if turbo components are removed in tandem with the gasket job or if head work is needed

Conclusion: Turbocharged Subarus typically take longer because of extra parts and higher complexity in the engine bay.

What can influence the duration of a head gasket replacement

Before listing, consider that some jobs go faster or slower based on shop workflow and engine condition. The factors below commonly affect total time.

• Head condition and need for resurfacing or machining


• Whether immediate replacement of related components (water pump, timing belt/chain, thermostat) is included


• Access to the cylinder heads and tightness of bolts, especially on modern layouts


• Presence of turbo hardware or other high-access components


• Need to diagnose and address additional damage (warped heads, cracked blocks, coolant/oil cross-contamination)

Conclusion: While ranges provide a baseline, the actual timeline depends on the engine’s condition and the scope of associated repairs.

What to expect during the repair process

Once the work begins, you’ll typically see a multi-step process: removing the intake and exhaust assemblies, detaching cooling and fueling lines, lifting the cylinder heads, inspecting the heads for warping, replacing the gasket set and head bolts, reassembling, and performing a careful coolant and bleed procedure. A test drive and leak checks follow to confirm the repair’s success.

Conclusion: Because this is a high-stakes engine repair, precise estimates should be documented in a repair plan, with clear indications of parts and labor charges before authorizing work.

Summary

Replacing a head gasket on a Subaru is a major, time-intensive repair. Expect roughly 15–25 hours of labor for typical engines, with 18–28 hours for newer FA/FB engines and 25–40 hours for turbocharged variants. Real-world times depend on head condition, the extent of ancillary work, and whether complications arise. To avoid surprises, obtain a detailed written estimate that lists the expected hours and the scope of accompanying services, and confirm post-repair testing procedures with the shop.

How much is it to replace a head gasket on a Subaru?

The average price of a head gasket replacement starts around $1200 and can increase to $3000+ depending on any other damage and other work required. Signs of a blown head gasket can be a noticeable coolant leak, reduced coolant levels, engine overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and discoloured oil.

How many hours to change a head gasket?

Changing a head gasket typically takes 6 to 12 hours of labor, but can vary significantly depending on the vehicle. Simpler, older vehicles might take less time, while complex, modern, or engine-out jobs can take longer, sometimes up to 16 hours or more. Factors like the need for machine shop work on the cylinder head and whether the engine must be removed from the vehicle will affect the total time. 
Factors that influence repair time

• Vehicle complexity: A V6 or V8 engine with a head gasket job requiring the engine to be dropped will take much longer than a simple inline-four engine where the head can be accessed from the top. 
• Engine access: If the head can be removed and reinstalled without removing the engine or subframe, the job will be faster. 
• Cylinder head work: It is common to send the cylinder head to a machine shop for inspection and resurfacing to ensure it is perfectly flat, which adds time for transportation and the machine shop's turnaround. 
• Engine damage: If the head gasket failure caused coolant to mix with oil or other parts to be damaged, it will require extra time for cleaning and replacement. 
• Shop experience: A highly skilled mechanic who has performed the job on that specific model can be much faster than one doing it for the first time. 

How long does it take to replace a Subaru head gasket?

two to three days
In most cases, a Subaru head gasket repair takes two to three days depending on parts availability and how quickly the machine shop refinishes the cylinder heads. This gives our Subaru technicians time to repair the vehicle, road test it, and do a final quality assurance inspection.

Are subarus prone to head gasket problems?

No, modern Subarus no longer have the notorious head gasket issues that plagued older models, as the problematic design was fixed over a decade ago. The problems primarily affected certain EJ engine models, particularly non-turbo versions, built before approximately 2012, when Subaru transitioned to the newer FB engine design with a different head gasket construction. 
Why older Subarus had head gasket problems

• Faulty design: The issue stemmed from a single-layer graphite-coated head gasket used in specific EJ engines, which was prone to failure and leaks between coolant and oil. 
• Affected models: This problem was common in models like the Impreza, Forester, Legacy, Outback, and Baja built between roughly 1996 and 2011. 

How the problem was resolved

• Engine redesign: Subaru phased out the EJ series engine in favor of the newer FB engine, which uses a different head gasket design that does not have the same failure point.
• Improved gaskets: Subaru also made design changes to the head gaskets in the later EJ engines before the full engine changeover. 

What to know about modern Subarus

• Head gaskets are no longer a major concern: The head gasket issue is largely a thing of the past and is not a common problem on newer models from the last decade. 
• Newer potential issues: While head gasket problems have been resolved, some newer engines may have different issues, such as cam carrier oil leaks, although these are not as widespread or severe as the older head gasket problem.