Which Subaru Foresters have timing chains?
Most Subaru Foresters built from model year 2013 onward use timing chains, while older Foresters (roughly 1998–2012) with EJ-series engines used timing belts.
Overview: timing chains versus timing belts in Foresters
Timing chains typically last longer than belts but rely on proper oil maintenance and can wear if tensioners or guides fail. Subaru shifted its Forester lineup to chain-driven engines with the FA/FB/EZ family starting around 2013, reducing the frequency of belt replacements in newer models.
Foresters with timing belts (older generations)
The following Forester generations mainly used timing belts because they were powered by EJ-series engines. Belt maintenance is a key consideration for these models.
- Foresters with EJ-series engines (roughly 1998–2012) that use the 2.5L EJ25 and related variants typically run on timing belts.
In this era, belt replacement intervals were commonly around 100,000 miles or as specified in the owner’s manual, and neglect could lead to belt failure and potential engine damage.
Foresters with timing chains (modern generations)
The newer Forester lineup predominantly uses timing chains on its primary engines, reducing the need for belt replacements and related maintenance.
- FB25 2.5L engine (2013–present Forester) uses a timing chain.
- FA20 2.0L turbo engine used in Forester XT variants (roughly mid-2010s era) uses a timing chain.
- EZ36 3.6L engine (where equipped in certain trims/markets) uses a timing chain.
Even with chains, regular oil changes and adherence to service intervals remain important, as failed timing components can occur with poor maintenance or rare mechanical issues.
Notes and caveats by model year
Older versus newer markets and trims
Engine offerings and timing-system configurations can vary by market and trim level. Always verify the exact engine code (e.g., EJ25, FB25, FA20, EZ36) for a given model year and consult the owner’s manual or dealership for the precise timing system.
Maintenance implications
For belt-era Foresters, plan for periodic timing-belt replacement; for chain-era models, focus on oil quality and chain-tensioner health. In rare cases, timing-chain failures can occur due to tensioner or guide wear, so timely maintenance is still important.
Summary
In short, classic Foresters built before about 2013 largely used timing belts, while the modern lineup (roughly 2013 onward) uses timing chains across the main engines. When evaluating a used Forester, identify the engine code to determine whether timing chains or belts are involved and check maintenance history accordingly. This distinction helps gauge maintenance needs and potential future service costs.
