When did Subaru stop using timing belts?
Subaru has not stopped using timing belts entirely. The company gradually shifted many of its newer designs to timing chains beginning in the late 2000s and into the 2010s, but belt-driven engines remained in production for older EJ-series models and some transitional designs. The exact drive depends on the engine family and model year.
A gradual shift from belts to chains
Subaru began moving away from belt-driven timing in its newer engines as part of a broader industry trend toward timing chains for longer-lived, lower-maintenance timing drives. The transition happened unevenly across model years and engine families, so belt and chain configurations can be found side by side in the company’s catalog.
Here are examples of how the transition unfolded across Subaru's boxer engines:
- EJ-series engines (the long-running 2.0/2.2/2.5 engines) commonly used timing belts during their production life, especially in models from the 1990s through the mid-2000s.
- Newer engine families designed with chain timing, such as FA (e.g., FA20, FA24) and FB (e.g., FB20/FB25) series, generally use timing chains in model years from the early 2010s onward.
- V6 options (EZ-series) and other later designs typically use timing chains, reducing the frequency of belt replacements in newer models.
This evolution was gradual and not uniform across every model year; some late EJ-based models remained belt-driven for longer, while certain early FA/FB applications used belts before full chain adoption in a given model line.
Engines that use timing chains in modern Subarus
In recent years, Subaru has shifted to timing chains for many of its current engines. These chains typically require less frequent service than belts, though tensioners and guides can wear and may need replacement over time. The list below highlights the general trend rather than every model.
- FA-series engines (e.g., FA20, FA24) primarily use timing chains.
- FB-series engines (e.g., FB20, FB25) generally use timing chains.
- EZ-series V6 engines (and other late-generation flat-six options) use timing chains.
Some exceptions exist based on model year and market, so owners should verify via the VIN-specifically or service manual for their exact vehicle.
How to tell which drive your Subaru uses
To confirm whether a given Subaru uses a timing belt or chain, use these methods:
- Check the engine code in the vehicle’s under-hood label or owner's manual; belt engines are typically EJ or older, while chain engines are FA/FB/EZ in newer models.
- Look for the timing belt cover on the front of the engine; if you see a chain, you’ll see a metal chain inside the cover.
- Consult the official service documentation or Subaru’s parts catalogs for your VIN; this will specify the timing drive type and replacement interval.
In practice, the most reliable way to know is by engine family and model year indicated by your car’s VIN or owner’s manual.
Maintenance and replacement intervals
Belts and chains have different maintenance profiles. Subaru traditionally recommended belt replacements around the 100,000‑mile mark for many EJ‑based engines, though some models used 105,000 miles or 7–8 years. Timing chains, while longer‑lasting, still require periodic inspection of tensioners, guides, and seals, especially on high‑mileage or older engines.
- Timing belt replacement interval (typical): roughly 100,000–105,000 miles (160,000–170,000 km) or 7–8 years, whichever comes first, depending on model and driving conditions.
- Timing chain: generally not replaced as part of routine maintenance, but tensioners, guides, and chain wear should be checked at regular service intervals (often around 100,000 miles) and replaced as needed.
Always refer to the owner's manual or a VIN-specific service bulletin for the exact requirement for your vehicle.
Summary
Subaru’s move away from belts happened gradually, starting in earnest in the early 2010s. Today, most new Subaru designs use timing chains, while belts remain in operation on older EJ-based models and some transitional designs. For accurate maintenance timing and replacement, check your engine family and model year in the manual or with a dealer.
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.
Does Subaru still use timing belts?
Some Subarus have timing belts, while others have timing chains, and the type depends on the specific model and year. Newer models like the Outback and Forester (from 2014 or later) generally use timing chains, but older models and certain high-performance versions like the WRX STI may have timing belts. The best way to know for sure is to check your vehicle's owner's manual.
Timing belts
- What they are: Rubberized belts with teeth that synchronize the engine's crankshaft and camshaft.
- Maintenance: They have a service life and need to be replaced periodically, typically around every 105,000 miles or seven years, to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
- Affected models: Older models and certain high-performance vehicles like the WRX STI.
Timing chains
- What they are: Metal chains that serve the same function as a timing belt.
- Maintenance: They are considered a "lifetime" part and do not need regular replacement under normal driving conditions.
- Affected models: Many newer Subaru engines, including those in the 2.5L engine from 2011 onward and most models from 2014 onward.
How to tell which one your car has
- Check the owner's manual: This is the most reliable source of information.
- Check the oil filter location: A common tip is that if the oil filter is upside-down on the front-left of the engine, it likely has a timing chain. If it is underneath the engine, it likely has a timing belt.
Does a 2014 Subaru Outback 2.5 have a timing belt or chain?
2014 Subaru Outback 2.5L CVT Limited Engine Timing Chain.
Does a 2016 Subaru Impreza have a timing belt or chain?
Timing Chain Your engine's timing chain can stretch over Along, Any, BELT - OEM Subaru Part # 13143AA110.
