Which Subaru models have timing chains?
Most recent Subaru models use timing chains rather than timing belts.
In this article, we break down which engine families Subaru uses today and map them to models and typical years, with notes on maintenance and historical context.
Engine families with timing chains
Subaru's modern boxer engines shifted to timing chains across several engine families, reducing the need for belt replacements. The key chain-driven families are FB/FA engines (2.0L and 2.5L), the FA24 (2.4L), and the EZ36 (3.6L). Older EJ engines used timing belts, which is relevant for some legacy models.
- FB20/FB25 family (2.0L and 2.5L flat-4): used in many current Subarus; all variants use a timing chain.
- FA20/FA24 family (2.0L turbo; 2.4L): used in WRX, BRZ/86 variants, Ascent, and others; all variants use a timing chain.
- EZ36 (3.6L flat-6): used in certain models (notably some Outbacks and Legacies); timing chain.
Regardless of the model, if your Subaru is from roughly 2010 onward, the likelihood of a timing belt is low; most engines in daily Subarus use chains, though service intervals and tensioner components can still wear and require inspection.
Models and years commonly equipped with timing chains
Below are representative Subaru models from the 2010s to present that typically rely on timing-chain engines. Individual model years may vary by market and trim, so check the specific engine code for your vehicle.
- Impreza (current-generation): commonly uses FB20/FB25 engines with timing chains.
- Forester (current-generation): uses FB25 engines and, in some trims, FA family engines; all timing-chain equipped.
- Outback: features EZ36 in earlier generations and FB/FA family engines in later models; all timing-chain driven.
- Legacy: commonly uses FB25 and EZ36 engines; timing chains across these families.
- Crosstrek (XV): traditionally uses the FB20 engine; timing chain.
- WRX (and STI): turbocharged FA20-derived engines; chain-driven.
- BRZ: originally FA20 (2.0L) in early models; newer variants shift toward FA24 (2.4L); both are chain-driven.
- Ascent: uses FA24 2.4L engine; timing chain.
These examples illustrate that Subaru has broadly adopted timing chains across its modern lineup, with older models and certain regional variants still featuring belt-driven engines.
Maintenance implications
Timing chains typically require less frequent replacement than belts, but chain-driven systems include components like chain guides, tensioners, and sprockets that wear over time. Subaru recommends following the maintenance schedule for inspections at regular service intervals, and to be attentive to unusual noises or oil leaks that could affect chain lubrication and tension.
Historical context
Subaru's older EJ-series engines (used in many 1990s–2000s models) relied on timing belts with replacement every 60k–100k miles, depending on the model and region. The transition to chain-driven designs began in the 2010s with the FB/FA/EZ engine families, aligning with industry-wide moves toward longer-lasting timing systems.
Summary
For most Subaru owners shopping or reviewing maintenance, the practical takeaway is that modern Subarus largely use timing chains across the main engine families (FB/FA, FA24, EZ36). This reduces routine belt replacements, though regular inspections remain important to catch chain tensioner wear or guides early. When in doubt, verify the exact engine code and year for your model, as there can be year-by-year variation by market and trim.
