What is the average life of a Subaru engine?

Most Subaru engines can run about 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance; many owners report 250,000 to 300,000 miles. The exact figure varies by model, maintenance history, and how the vehicle is driven.

Understanding longevity requires looking at engine generations, maintenance practices, and driving conditions. Subaru has evolved from earlier EJ-series engines with known gasket challenges to newer FA/FB designs that emphasize durability and cooling efficiency. This article outlines the general expectations and the main factors that influence how long a Subaru engine will last.

What affects how long a Subaru engine lasts

Several key factors determine how many miles you can get out of a Subaru powerplant, from routine upkeep to how aggressively the vehicle is driven.

• Regular maintenance: timely oil changes with quality filters, coolant service, and adherence to the manufacturer’s service schedule are the biggest predictors of longevity.


• Head gasket history and cooling system health: older EJ engines, particularly certain 2.5L variants, are prone to head gasket issues if cooling and lubrication systems are neglected; addressing cooling system wear early can extend life.


• Driving style: highway cruising generally stresses engines less than frequent short trips, heavy acceleration, or towing, which can accelerate wear.


• Coolant and oil quality: using the recommended fluids and avoiding contamination helps prevent wear from overheating and viscosity loss.


• Engine design and generation: newer FA/FB engines incorporate improved sealing, piston design, and cooling paths, which generally support longer life than some older designs.


• Avoidance of major failures: timely repair of serious issues (like head gasket problems on older engines or turbo-related stresses on performance models) can prevent cascading failures that shorten overall engine life.

In practice, disciplined maintenance and early addressing of known weak points tend to yield longer engine life, while neglect or aggressive use can reduce it.

Lifespan by engine family and usage

The following ranges reflect typical experiences among Subaru owners and reviewers, acknowledging that individual results vary based on care and usage.

1. EJ family (older generation, including 2.2L and 2.5L engines):

Typical life: roughly 150,000–200,000 miles is common, with many engines reaching 200,000–250,000 miles when properly maintained. Older EJ 2.5 engines are especially noted for head gasket considerations, so proactive gasket work and cooling-system maintenance can extend overall longevity.

2. FA/FB family (modern generation, including 2.0L and 2.5L variants, used since about the 2010s):

Typical life: about 200,000–300,000 miles with diligent maintenance. These engines benefit from improved seals, cooling paths, and lubrication, contributing to longer, more reliable lifespans compared with earlier designs.

3. Turbocharged variants (WRX/STI and other turbo models within FA/FB lines):

Typical life: roughly 180,000–250,000 miles under careful maintenance. The turbocharger adds turbo-related wear and heat, so regular attention to oil quality, timely turbo-related service, and cooling can impact longevity. Some owners push beyond 250,000 miles with meticulous care.

Note: Engine longevity is highly contingent on maintenance and usage patterns. Even within the same engine family, individual vehicles may diverge significantly based on how they’re cared for over time.

Summary

Across Subaru’s mainstream engines, an actionable average life tends to center around 200,000 miles, with many vehicles reaching 250,000–300,000 miles when properly maintained and driven conservatively. The older EJ engines carried a risk profile that made gasket-related maintenance more critical, while the newer FA/FB family generally offers stronger reliability and longer service life. For prospective buyers or owners planning long-term ownership, prioritizing regular maintenance, addressing cooling and gasket issues early, and avoiding aggressive operation can maximize engine longevity.

How long do Subaru engines usually last?

Subaru engines can last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles on average, with many well-maintained engines exceeding 200,000 miles and some even reaching 300,000 miles or more. The key to a long lifespan is consistent maintenance, including regular oil changes, fluid checks, and using synthetic oil. The engine's durability is also helped by its boxer design, which balances forces and minimizes vibration. 
Factors that influence engine longevity

• Regular maintenance: Performing all recommended service, especially oil and filter changes, is crucial for keeping the engine in good condition. 
• Engine design: The horizontally opposed (boxer) piston layout in Subaru engines naturally reduces vibration and mechanical stress, contributing to a longer life. 
• Driving habits: How the vehicle is driven can impact its lifespan. Aggressive driving or frequent hard acceleration can lead to more wear and tear. 
• Synthetic oil: Using synthetic oil can help an engine last longer, especially turbo engines that generate a lot of heat. 

Potential issues to address

• Head gaskets: Some older Subaru models had known head gasket issues, but modern Subaru engines have largely resolved this problem. 
• Timing belt: In engines that use a timing belt, following the manufacturer's replacement schedule is essential to prevent catastrophic failure. 

By following a consistent maintenance schedule and addressing potential issues proactively, Subaru owners can significantly extend the life of their engines.

Are Subarus reliable after 100k miles?

Yes, Subarus can be very reliable after 100,000 miles, often lasting 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more, but this depends heavily on proper and consistent maintenance. A common and potentially costly repair for older models is head gasket replacement, which often occurs around the 100,000 to 130,000-mile mark, but is manageable with updated parts. 
Factors for long-term reliability

• Maintenance is key: Following the recommended maintenance schedule, especially for the 100,000-mile service which includes replacing spark plugs and fluids, is crucial. 
• Head gasket issues: Many older models can face head gasket leaks, but this is a known issue that can be addressed with updated kits to fix the problem and extend the car's life. 
• Model-specific considerations: Newer models with FB engines have timing chains, avoiding the need for timing belt replacement. However, some early FB engines had issues with oil consumption and certain CVT transmissions may need repairs. 
• Beyond major repairs: After the initial 100,000-mile mark, other components like suspension parts, wheel bearings, and the alternator may need replacement, which is common for any car at this age. 

What to do for a reliable Subaru over 100k miles

• Follow the schedule: Ensure all recommended services, especially fluid and spark plug changes, are completed on time. 
• Address known issues: If the car has the potential for head gasket issues, factor in the cost of replacement, preferably with updated parts. 
• Invest in quality repairs: Use high-quality parts and find a reputable mechanic to ensure the repairs are done correctly. 
• Check maintenance history: When buying a used Subaru over 100k miles, thoroughly check its maintenance records to understand its history and condition. 

Can Subarus last 300,000 miles?

On average, a well-maintained Subaru Outback can last anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles!

What years did Subaru have engine problems?

Subaru had significant engine problems during 1996–2010 due to head gasket failures, particularly in the 2.5-liter engine. Other problematic years include 2008–2014 for certain WRX/STI models with bearing issues, and 2011–2015 for various models with excessive oil consumption due to problems with the FB engine's piston rings.
 
Head gasket failures (1996–2010)

• Models affected: Primarily the 2.5-liter engine in models like the Outback, Legacy, and Forester.
• Symptoms: White smoke, coolant leaking into oil, and fluctuating engine temperature.
• Resolution: Subaru addressed this by using multi-layer stainless steel head gaskets and larger head bolts in later models, with fixes becoming more consistent around 2012. 

Bearing and other performance issues (2008–2014)

• Models affected: The performance-oriented WRX and WRX STI. 
• Symptoms: Bearing failure in the EJ series engines, which could lead to major engine rebuilds or replacements. 
• Resolution: A class-action lawsuit alleged that insufficient oil supply to connecting rod bearings contributed to this problem. 

Excessive oil consumption (2011–2015)

• Models affected: Early FB engine models in the Forester (2011–2015), Crosstrek (2013–2015), Impreza (2012–2015), and Legacy/Outback (2013–2014). 
• Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption. 
• Resolution: This was due to a change in piston ring design to improve fuel economy, which was less effective at scraping oil. Subaru has since updated the design, with models from 2011 onwards (Forester), 2012 onwards (Impreza), and 2013 onwards (Legacy/Outback/Crosstrek) seeing improvements.