What year does Subaru have a timing chain?
Subaru uses timing belts on many older engines and timing chains on newer ones. There isn’t a single year that applies to all models—the shift began with newer engine families in the early 2010s and varies by engine code.
This explainer lays out how Subaru moved from belts to chains, which engines use which, and how to verify the setup for your model/year. Understanding the distinction matters for maintenance planning, reliability, and resale considerations. Always check your exact model, year, and engine code for the definitive answer.
Belts vs. chains in Subaru engines: a historical overview
Subaru’s engine lineup has evolved from belt-driven designs in the EJ-era to chain-driven designs in newer families. The transition is engine-family dependent rather than tied to a single year, so the belt-versus-chain question must be answered by looking at the specific engine in your car.
Engines historically using timing belts
Before diving into the current lineup, here is a guide to the belt-driven engines that dominated Subaru’s earlier generations. This helps explain why many older Subarus require periodic belt replacement.
- Subaru EJ-series 4-cylinder engines (e.g., EJ20, EJ22, EJ25) were primarily belt-driven in many models produced through the late 2000s into the early 2010s.
- Older EA/EA82-era flat-four engines also relied on timing belts in various markets and generations.
In practice, belt-driven EJ-family engines generally require a timing-belt replacement at a specified interval (commonly around 105,000 miles) and related service items such as water pumps and tensioners.
Engines that typically use timing chains (modern Subaru)
As Subaru updated its engine families, timing chains became the norm for many newer designs. These chain-driven engines tend to reduce the frequency of scheduled cam-timing maintenance, though chain-related issues can still arise.
- EZ36 3.6L engine (found in several Legacy/Outback configurations) — chain-driven.
- FA20 2.0L engine (used in WRX and BRZ variants) — chain-driven.
- FB20/FB25 2.0L/2.5L engines (used across multiple models from the early to mid-2010s onward) — chain-driven.
Note: Engine families vary by model and year. The presence of a belt or chain should be confirmed for your exact vehicle by checking the engine code, owner’s manual, or dealer specifications.
How to verify your model’s timing method
To determine definitively whether your Subaru uses a belt or a chain, start with the basics below. This helps you plan maintenance accurately and avoid surprises.
- Check the engine code and model year in the owner's manual or under the hood. The code often indicates the engine family (EJ, FA, FB, EZ, etc.).
- Ask a dealer or look up the specific VIN–engine configuration to confirm whether the camshafts are driven by a belt or a chain.
- Inspect or inquire about the timing belt cover (belt) versus the chain timing area (chain). If in doubt, have a mechanic confirm whether a belt or chain is present and whether any wear items (tensioners, guides) need attention.
Having this information helps you follow the correct maintenance schedule and manage ownership costs over time.
Maintenance implications at a glance
Belts require scheduled replacement at manufacturer-recommended intervals, typically including associated components like water pumps and tensioners. Chains generally do not have a fixed replacement interval, but tensioners and guides can wear out and cause problems if not addressed. Always rely on Subaru’s official maintenance schedule for your exact model/year.
Summary
Subaru’s shift from timing belts to timing chains occurred gradually with the move to newer engine families starting in the early 2010s. If you drive a newer Subaru, your engine is more likely to be chain-driven; older models with EJ-series engines typically use timing belts and require belt-replacement maintenance. To know for sure, verify your model/year and engine code with the owner’s manual or a dealership. This distinction influences maintenance planning, reliability considerations, and long-term ownership costs.
What year to stay away from a Subaru Outback?
The worst years for Subaru Outback include 2010–2014 and 2017–2020 due to major issues like airbag defects, engine failure, CVT transmission problems, electrical faults, and frequent windshield cracks.
Does the Subaru 3.6 have a timing chain?
Subaru doesn't have a service interval for chains. No issues with them although they will “stretch” over a long period of time. If it's the 3.6R motor then the timing CHAIN does not need to be replaced unless there is an issue with it not being in time correctly.
Does a 2005 Subaru Outback have a timing belt or chain?
2005 Outbacks have timing belts that wear out at about 80 to 100k miles. They don't have timing chains. Newer Subaru models do have timing chains. Replacing the belt requires pulling the engine.
Which Subaru has a timing chain?
2010-2012 Outbacks with the 2.5 SOHC (EJ253) have a timing belt. 2013-2014 Outbacks with the 2.5 DOHC (FB25) have a timing chain. And the Outbacks with the 3.6 (EZ36) have chains as well.
