What year did Subaru switch to timing chains?
Subaru started moving away from timing belts toward timing chains in the early 2010s; there isn’t a single year that marks a universal switch across the entire lineup.
In practice, the transition varied by engine family as Subaru redesigned its lineup. Newer FA/FB and EZ36/H6 engines adopted timing chains around 2010–2012, and by the mid‑decade most mainstream models used chain-driven timing. Older EJ-based engines continued to rely on belts for longer, but the belt era gradually faded from new designs.
A gradual transition by engine family
The following overview highlights when key Subaru engine families began using timing chains. Note that exact model-year availability can vary by market and trim.
- FA and FB engine families (2.0L and 2.5L): introduced with timing chains and became standard across many models in the early to mid-2010s, replacing belt-driven designs in newer platforms.
- EZ36 and related H6 engines (3.6L): used timing chains and appeared in models beginning in the late 2000s, continuing through the 2010s as Subaru shifted its lineup toward chain-driven timing.
- EJ family (classic 2.0/2.5L engines): relied on timing belts for much of its life; belt-driven variants persisted in older models into the late 2000s, with newer EJ-based applications gradually moved to chains as replacements and redesigns occurred.
As a practical takeaway, this means there isn’t a single calendar year to remember; the switch happened gradually as Subaru updated its engine families across generations.
Maintenance implications for owners
Understanding whether your Subaru uses a timing belt or timing chain is important for maintenance planning. Here are the key points to consider if you’re shopping for a used Subaru or maintaining an older model.
- Timing chains generally last longer than timing belts, but they rely on tensioners, guides and oil to prevent wear. If any of these components wear, it can affect engine timing.
- Belts require replacement on a defined interval (often cited in owner manuals at around 60,000–105,000 miles, depending on the model). Chains do not have a universal mileage replacement interval, but they should be inspected for noise, slack, or tensioner wear as the engine ages.
- Specific reminders vary by engine family. If you own or buy a Subaru with an FA/FB or EZ36/H6 engine, you’re dealing with a chain-driven timing system; an EJ-belt model will still require belt-replacement maintenance according to its schedule.
Always verify the exact engine code in your vehicle’s VIN or owner’s manual to confirm whether the timing system is a belt or a chain, and follow the recommended maintenance intervals accordingly.
Summary
Subaru’s shift to timing chains was a multi-year evolution rather than a single moment. By the early to mid‑2010s, newer engine families such as FA/FB and EZ36 increasingly used timing chains, and by the mid‑2010s most new Subarus featured chain-driven timing. Older EJ engines continued to rely on belts for a time, but the industry-wide trend within Subaru was toward chain-driven designs for future models. For current ownership, checking the engine family and model year is the best way to determine the timing system and maintenance needs.
