Is the Subaru 2.4 turbo engine reliable?
The Subaru 2.4-liter turbocharged engine (FA24 family) is generally reliable in modern Subarus when it’s properly maintained, though some early builds and specific use cases demand attentive upkeep. This article examines what the engine is, how reliable it is in practice, and what buyers should know about maintenance, recalls, and model-specific history.
What is the Subaru 2.4 Turbo engine?
Subaru’s 2.4-liter turbo is a horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engine known by the FA24 family. It delivers boosted power through a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection, and refined internals designed to handle higher output than the older 2.0-liter turbo. It’s used across multiple models, including the WRX, Outback XT, Legacy XT, and Ascent, with output varying by application (roughly from the mid-260s to about 270 horsepower and substantial torque).
Key specifications and deployment in vehicles:
- Displacement: 2.4 liters
- Configuration: horizontally opposed (flat) four-cylinder
- Turbocharger: twin-scroll turbo for improved response and efficiency
- Direct injection with supplementary fuel delivery for efficiency and power
- Applications: WRX (high-performance variant), Outback XT, Legacy XT, Ascent (where offered)
- Typical output range: approximately 260–271 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, depending on model and octane
In practical terms, this architecture emphasizes a balance of robust low-end torque and strong mid-range power, with a reputation for smooth operation when maintained according to Subaru’s specifications.
Reliability snapshot
Overall reliability for the FA24 2.4 turbo is considered solid by most owners and industry reviews. Independent surveys and long-term ownership data tend to place Subaru engines in the mid-to-upper range for reliability in recent years, though reliability can vary by year, model, and maintenance history. The most consistent reliability wins come from regular oil changes with the recommended synthetic oil, timely software updates, and adherence to recall/service campaigns.
There are a few reliability nuances to keep in mind. First, turbocharged engines require disciplined maintenance to avoid accelerated wear, especially if oil quality or change intervals are neglected. Second, some early 2.4-turbo models have generated maintenance-focused complaints from a minority of owners (for example, concerns about oil consumption and gaskets/leak points), but these have not become a dominant, widespread pattern across the entire engine family. Finally, the engine’s reliability is closely tied to the drivetrain pairing (manual vs. CVT) and overall vehicle maintenance—issues in one system can affect perceived reliability of the whole powertrain.
Pros and cons at a glance
Below is a quick look at what tends to influence reliability and ownership experience with the 2.4T family. The items reflect widespread feedback from owners, technicians, and reviewers, rather than a single model year.
- Consistently solid low-to-mid RPM torque, good everyday usefulness
- Strong power potential with the right octane fuel
- Modern engineering with improved turbo response vs. older turbo Subaru engines
- Maintenance-intensive nature of turbo engines means reliability hinges on regular service
- Some owners report oil consumption in a minority of early production vehicles
- Potential issues around gaskets/oil leak points in certain units
In short, the engine’s reliability is generally favorable when owners follow maintenance schedules, perform recalls/updates, and avoid extended neglect of fluid levels and filters.
Model-specific reliability notes
Outback and Legacy 2.4T reliability
In wagons and upscale sedans, the 2.4T is praised for strong highway and range performance. Reliability tends to be solid when oil changes and routine maintenance are kept on schedule. Some owners report oil leaks around seals or gaskets in earlier production years, but these tend to be isolated and addressable under warranty or service campaigns.
WRX 2.4T reliability
The WRX’s 2.4T variant emphasizes performance, and owners often report a satisfying balance of power and responsiveness. Reliability is generally robust for a performance-tocused engine if maintenance is regular. The manual transmission version is a durable pairing, while automatic/CVT configurations place emphasis on transmission health as a companion to engine reliability.
Ascent 2.4T reliability
The three-row Ascent’s 2.4T version delivers strong towing and cruising capability. Reliability is competitive for a family SUV, with common-sense maintenance becoming the main driver of longevity. Early-production quirks have been addressed through service bulletins and recalls in some cases, so checking service history is important when buying used.
What to check when buying used
For prospective buyers, a careful pre-purchase evaluation can help confirm long-term reliability prospects for a 2.4T Subaru. Use this checklist as a guide when inspecting used models.
- Full service history, including oil changes with the correct synthetic oil and filter type
- Completed recalls and software updates confirmed by the dealer
- Oil condition and consumption history; note any excessive consumption or top-offs between services
- Turbo-related indicators: unusual whistle, lag, or boost fluctuations
- Signs of oil leaks around valve covers, turbo lines, and oil cooler components
- Engine mounts, cooling system condition, and radiator/hoses for signs of wear
Thorough familiarity with the vehicle’s maintenance and service receipts helps gauge how well the engine has been cared for and whether potential reliability concerns may arise later.
Maintenance tips to maximize reliability
Regular upkeep is the primary driver of long-term reliability for the 2.4T engine. The following steps are generally advised by technicians and manufacturer guidelines to keep the engine performing well over time.
- Follow Subaru’s recommended maintenance schedule, with attention to oil change intervals using the specified synthetic oil.
- Use high-quality, OEM-grade parts and fluids; avoid aftermarket shortcuts on critical components like the turbo oil lines, seals, and filters.
- Keep the cooling system in good condition; overheat protection helps protect turbocharged engines from accelerated wear.
- Address recalls and software updates promptly to ensure proper engine control and performance management.
- Avoid aggressive tuning or sustained high-boost driving far beyond factory specifications unless you’re prepared for increased wear and warranty considerations.
- Monitor for any changes in fuel economy, performance, or startup behavior and have it checked promptly by a qualified technician.
Adhering to these practices can help preserve engine reliability and reduce the likelihood of turbo-related issues over the life of the vehicle.
Summary
The Subaru 2.4 turbo engine offers strong performance and modern engineering that, with consistent maintenance, tends to deliver reliable operation across its model lineup. While the engine has not shown a widespread, systemic reliability problem, a minority of owners have reported oil consumption or gasket/leak considerations in certain early production units. Prospective buyers should review full service histories, verify recalls and software updates are complete, and insist on a thorough inspection when purchasing a used vehicle. In practice, staying on top of routine maintenance and using genuine components remains the most reliable path to long-term ownership with the FA24 2.4T.
Is the 2.4 turbo a good engine?
The 2.4 is good. More HP and torque than the 3.6 and torque comes on very low in the low 2000rpm range. The longevity issue will likely be with crudded up intake valves since the motors are Direct injection only.
How long do Subaru turbo engines last?
Engine Lifespan: Subaru engines are known for their durability and longevity, with many drivers reporting engines that last well beyond 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. The key to extending the lifespan of your Subaru engine is regular maintenance, including oil changes, fluid checks, and tune-ups.
What are the downsides of the boxer engine?
The main disadvantages of boxer engines are their wider profile, which makes maintenance more difficult and costly, and their greater complexity. This design leads to more moving parts, such as two cylinder heads and double the valve train components compared to an inline engine, increasing the potential for repair needs and cost. Additionally, their wide and low design can create packaging issues for the vehicle's chassis and can be harder to work on, even for simple tasks like changing spark plugs.
This video explains the pros and cons of boxer engines, including potential issues with maintenance and complexity: 1musedYouTube · Aug 14, 2023
Maintenance and repair
- Increased complexity: Boxer engines have two cylinder heads, double the number of camshafts, and more parts compared to an inline-four engine, increasing the likelihood of a failure.
- Higher costs: Due to their complexity and the difficult access, labor costs for repairs and maintenance are often higher.
- Difficult access: The wider configuration makes it harder to reach components like spark plugs, requiring more time for simple jobs.
Design and manufacturing
- Wider profile: The flat, wide design takes up more space horizontally, making it difficult to fit into certain vehicle designs.
- Higher manufacturing costs: The design is more expensive to produce than a traditional inline engine due to the two cylinder heads, exhaust manifolds, and other duplicated components.
This video explains why Subaru engines fail, including issues related to the boxer engine design: 1mspeedkar99YouTube · Jun 15, 2020
Potential reliability issues
- Head gasket problems: Boxer engines can be prone to head gasket issues, particularly as they age, partly due to the cylinder block and head configuration.
- Oil consumption: In some cases, the horizontal design can make oil starvation issues worse, as gravity is not as effective at returning oil to the sump.
Are 4-cylinder turbo engines reliable?
Yes, 4-cylinder turbo engines can be reliable, but their reliability depends heavily on proper maintenance and design. Modern 4-cylinder turbos have improved significantly, but they are inherently more complex than naturally aspirated engines, which adds potential points of failure, such as the turbocharger itself, intercoolers, and seals. Consistent and timely maintenance, including regular oil changes, and avoiding extreme driving habits can ensure long-term dependability.
Factors influencing reliability
- Maintenance is crucial: Neglecting maintenance, especially oil changes, can shorten the life of a turbocharged engine, as the turbo relies on clean, fresh oil to stay lubricated.
- Heat and pressure: Turbochargers create more heat and pressure, which puts additional strain on engine components like seals and gaskets, increasing the risk of leaks and other failures.
- Complexity: Turbo engines have more parts than naturally aspirated engines, including the turbocharger, intercooler, and complex electronics, all of which add to the complexity and potential for repair.
- Driving habits: Short trips that don't allow the engine to fully warm up can lead to condensation and carbon buildup. Similarly, hard driving without a cool-down period can stress the turbocharger.
This video explains the disadvantages of turbocharged engines: 57sCar Help CornerYouTube · Jul 20, 2022
How to ensure reliability
- Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for all services.
- Use high-quality oil and change it at the recommended intervals.
- Allow the engine to warm up gently before driving aggressively.
- Let the engine cool down for a minute or two after hard driving before shutting it off.
- Be aware of potential issues with specific engine models and research their track record.
This video explains how to ensure the reliability of turbocharged engines: 46sExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Aug 6, 2022
