How much does it cost to have a Subaru engine rebuilt?

A typical Subaru engine rebuild costs roughly $4,000 to $8,000, depending on the engine family, the scope of the rebuild, and regional labor rates. In some cases—especially with turbocharged or newer direct-injection engines—the price can be lower or significantly higher.

Understanding what goes into a Subaru engine rebuild helps you plan and compare quotes from repair shops. This article breaks down the main cost drivers, typical price ranges, and practical steps to get a fair deal.

What drives the cost

Costs vary by engine family, scope of work, parts quality, and labor rates. The following factors influence the final price:

• Engine family and generation (EJ-series vs FA/FB-series vs EZ-series) and their inherent complexity


• Scope of the rebuild (top-end only, bottom-end, or a full engine rebuild)


• Core condition and required machine work (block boring/honing, head resurfacing)


• Parts quality and sourcing (OEM vs aftermarket vs remanufactured components)


• Regional labor rates and shop specialization (general repair shop vs Subaru-certified shop)


• Additional components replaced during the job (timing kit, water pump, seals, gaskets)

These factors shape the final quote, so asking for a detailed breakdown is critical.

Typical cost ranges

Prices can be broken into parts, labor, and total. The ranges below reflect common scenarios in the United States, with turbo or direct-injection engines tending to push costs higher.

• Parts and components: $1,000–$4,000 (gaskets, bearings, rings, pistons, seals, timing kits; turbo/DI variants add cost)


• Labor: 12–25 hours at $75–$150 per hour, depending on region and shop; estimate $900–$3,750


• Total project cost: roughly $3,000–$8,000 for a standard rebuild, with more complex or high-performance builds reaching $8,000–$12,000 or more

Note: These figures are broad, and actual quotes will depend on machine work, core quality, and the specific Subaru engine involved.

Engine families and cost considerations

Subaru's engine lineup affects rebuild cost due to design complexity, parts availability, and service requirements. Here is a quick guide to the main families:

EJ-series

Older, widely used in many models. Rebuilds can range from about $3,500 to $7,000, with head gasket work or cylinder head machining potentially increasing the total.

FA/FB-series

Newer, generally more compact and with direct injection in many variants. Rebuilds can run roughly $4,000 to $9,000, with higher-end parts and DI-related service pushing toward the upper end.

EZ36 and other V6/six-cylinder variants

These larger engines tend to cost more due to bigger assemblies and more extensive machine work, with rebuild estimates often in the $5,000–$12,000 range depending on scope.

Turbo and performance variants

Turbocharged engines (such as EJ25T or FA-series turbo) add cost for turbo components, intercoolers, and stricter tolerances, often pushing estimates toward the high end or beyond $8,000–$12,000.

Common add-ons and contingencies

During a rebuild, certain items are routinely addressed to prevent future failures. Including these can influence the price but may save money in the long run:

• Timing belt/chain kit, water pump, belts, hoses


• Head gasket replacement or resurfacing, valve work if required


• Oil pump, fuel pump, seals and gaskets


• Machine shop work (block boring, honing, head resurfacing)


• New pistons, bearings, rings as required

Ask for a line-item warranty and what components are covered so you aren’t surprised by future failures.

Getting quotes and planning

To obtain reliable estimates, contact Subaru-specialist shops and request written quotes that detail parts, labor, and machine work. Consider the following when evaluating bids:

• Whether the shop offers a full long-block rebuild or a shorter top-end/valve job


• Whether you supply parts or they source OEM or aftermarket parts


• Warranty terms on parts and labor


• Turnaround time and whether a loaner vehicle is available

Comparing multiple quotes helps ensure you understand the true cost and the value of the rebuild.

Summary

For most Subaru engines, plan on a rebuild costing roughly $4,000 to $8,000 in typical cases, with wide variation depending on engine family, scope, and location. If a shop recommends a full engine replacement instead of a rebuild, weigh the long-term reliability and total cost to determine the best path. Thorough planning, multiple quotes, and clear expectations are key to getting a fair price and a durable result.

Can Subaru engines be rebuilt?

A Subaru engine rebuild specialist will remove the old engine and completely disassemble it. Each part gets inspected and cleaned, with any damaged parts getting replaced. The engine will get rebuilt with new seals, gaskets, and lubricants.

Are Subaru engines expensive to fix?

The cost to replace a Subaru engine can vary depending on factors such as the model year, engine type, and labor costs. On average, the cost to replace a Subaru engine can range from $3,000 to $5,000 or more, including parts and labor.

What is the life expectancy of a Subaru engine?

A well-maintained Subaru engine can last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more, with some drivers reporting even higher mileage. The longevity of the engine depends heavily on regular maintenance, including oil changes and fluid checks. The boxer engine's design helps with longevity by minimizing vibrations and stress on components. 
Factors influencing engine life

• Regular maintenance: Consistent and timely maintenance, especially oil changes with synthetic oil, is the most crucial factor for a long-lasting engine. 
• Driving conditions: Driving style and conditions, such as avoiding constant high-stress situations, can also impact the engine's lifespan. 
• Engine design: The horizontally opposed "boxer" engine layout balances forces, which reduces wear and tear on internal components compared to other engine types. 

Specific model examples

• Forester: Many well-maintained Subaru Foresters can reach 200,000 to 250,000 miles, with some exceeding 300,000 miles. 
• Outback: A well-maintained Subaru Outback can last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles. 
• Crosstrek: Some owners report their Crosstrek engines are designed to last up to 300,000 miles with proper care. 

What to expect at high mileage

• At or around 150,000 miles, it is common to see wear and tear on components like engine seals, water pumps, and timing belts, which may require repair or replacement. 
• Even with a well-maintained engine, be prepared for potential repairs as a vehicle accumulates higher mileage. 

Is it cheaper to rebuild or replace an engine?

It is usually cheaper to rebuild an engine ($2,500–$4,000) than to replace it ($4,000–$6,000), especially if the vehicle is in good condition otherwise and the damage is not extensive. However, if the engine is severely damaged or the vehicle is older with high mileage (over 155,000 miles), replacement may become more cost-effective. 
This video explains the cost comparison between rebuilding and replacing an engine: 59sMytonYouTube · Nov 26, 2017
Engine rebuild

• Cost: Typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,000. 
• Best for: Minor engine damage, simple wear and tear, and vehicles with less than 155,000 miles. 
• Pros: Can be significantly cheaper than replacement, especially if only a few parts are needed. It allows you to address specific known issues and can restore the original engine's life. 
• Cons: Can be time-consuming. The final cost can approach or exceed replacement if the damage is more extensive than initially thought. 

Engine replacement

• Cost: Generally ranges from $4,000 to $6,000, but can be higher depending on the engine and parts. 
• Best for: Engines with significant damage or older vehicles (over 155,000 miles) where other systems may also be failing. 
• Pros: Can be faster than a rebuild. A remanufactured or refurbished engine may be more reliable than a rebuild and comes with a warranty. 
• Cons: Can be more expensive upfront than a rebuild. The cost of parts and labor can add up quickly. 

How to decide

• Assess the vehicle's overall condition: If the rest of the car is in good shape, rebuilding or replacing the engine is likely worthwhile. If other components are failing, the money might be better saved by getting a new car. 
• Consider the severity of the damage: Simple fixes are best for a rebuild, while severe damage might make replacement a better choice. 
• Talk to a mechanic: Get a professional opinion on the damage and cost estimates for both options. They can help determine the most cost-effective solution for your specific situation. 

You can watch this video to learn how to rebuild an engine: 1mYeah Buddy GarageYouTube · Jul 23, 2025