What year did Subaru stop using a timing belt?

There isn’t a single cutoff year for Subaru’s shift away from timing belts. The transition happened gradually as the company introduced new engine families, with most modern Subarus built from about 2011 onward using timing chains rather than belts. Older EJ-series engines, however, continued to rely on timing belts in many applications.

Timeline of the switch from timing belts to timing chains

The change happened over several years as Subaru redesigned its engine lineup. While belt-driven engines remained in production for some models into the late 2000s, the company increasingly adopted timing chains in newer families starting around 2010–2012. By the early 2010s, most newly launched Subarus were powered by chain-driven engines, and today virtually all new Subarus use chains.

Key engine families and how they are driven

Below is a snapshot of which Subaru engine families used timing belts versus timing chains, and when the switch broadly occurred.

• EJ series engines (older Subaru engines): predominantly timing belts. These were common in many models through the late 2000s, with belt-replacement intervals typically around 100,000 miles. The belt-driven setup required regular maintenance to avoid catastrophic engine damage if the belt failed.


• FB/FA/ EZ-series and newer engines (introduced in the 2010s): timing chains. These engine families began to replace the belt-driven designs around 2010–2012, and most models from 2011 onward use chains, reducing the need for major belt-service intervals.

In short, Subaru’s belt-era persisted mainly with older EJ-based models, while the modern lineup moved decisively to timing chains as the standard drive method.

Model-year guidance for buyers

When buying a used Subaru, the timing-drive method is a practical clue to expected maintenance needs and service history. Here’s a quick guide to help prospective buyers assess risk and maintenance planning.

• Model years around 2010 and earlier: many of these vehicles run on timing belts. Expect belt-change schedules and potential belt-related repairs if maintenance has lagged.


• Model years from roughly 2011 onward: most models use timing chains. Chains typically require less frequent service, though tensioners and guides can wear over time, especially with high mileage.


• Exceptions exist: some late-EJ or specialist models may have belts beyond 2011, and regional market variations can apply. Always verify the specific engine type in the vehicle’s VIN and check the owner’s manual or service history for belt/chain status and maintenance records.

For buyers, the concrete takeaway is to check the engine family and the service history. If you’re aiming for lower maintenance, a chain-driven Subaru from 2011 or newer is generally the safer bet, while older belt-driven models require careful belt-change history.

Summary

Subaru’s move away from timing belts happened gradually rather than on a single date. By the early 2010s, the company had largely shifted its newer models to timing chains, and today chain-driven engines are the norm across the lineup. However, belt-driven EJ-powered Subarus from the late 1990s through the 2000s remain in circulation, making it essential to know the specific engine family and maintenance history when evaluating a used vehicle.

The bottom line: if you want to know whether a particular Subaru uses a timing belt or chain, check the engine code (EJ vs. FB/FA/EZ, etc.) and review the maintenance history. This will tell you whether belt replacement was a factor in the vehicle’s past and what it will require in the future.

Does a 2018 Subaru Outback have a timing belt or chain?

The 2018 Subaru Outback uses a timing chain, not a timing belt. Timing chains are designed to be a "lifetime" component and do not have a scheduled replacement interval like a timing belt. However, the chain can stretch over time, which may cause symptoms like rattling noises, a check engine light, or rough idling. 

• Timing chain vs. belt: The 2018 Outback's timing chain is made of metal, while older or performance models like the WRX STI may use a rubberized timing belt that needs regular replacement. 
• Maintenance: Unlike a timing belt, a timing chain does not require a scheduled replacement. 
• Potential issues: Over time, the chain can stretch, and the tensioner or guides can wear out. 
• Symptoms of a problem: If you notice rattling noises on startup, a check engine light, or rough idling, it could indicate a timing chain issue. 
• Action to take: If you experience these symptoms, have a certified mechanic inspect the timing chain and related components to prevent potential engine damage. 

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. 

How do I know if my Subaru has a timing belt or chain?

But you will see a black plastic timing belt cover on the front side of the engine. Now pros of timing belt.

When did Subaru switch from timing belt to chain?

Subaru began switching to timing chains in the early 2010s, with the transition happening model-by-model. The introduction of the new FB engine family led this change, starting with the 2011 Forester, 2012 Impreza, and 2013 Legacy/Outback. It's important to note that this switch applied to naturally aspirated engines; turbo engines and older EJ series engines typically used timing belts for longer. 

• 2011: Forester with the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine (FB25 engine) was the first to adopt a timing chain. 
• 2012: Impreza with the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine (FB25 engine). 
• 2013: Legacy and Outback with the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine (FB25 engine). 
• Older/Turbocharged engines: Many older EJ series engines (like those in older Foresters and WRXs) and some turbo models up to around 2013 continued to use a timing belt, which requires periodic replacement. 
• 2014+ Turbocharged engines: Some later turbocharged models, like the Forester XT, switched to timing chains starting around 2014.