Subaru Engines Should You Avoid?

Subaru has built a reputation for producing reliable, high-performance engines that have earned the loyalty of many car enthusiasts. However, not all Subaru engines are created equal, and some have proven to be problematic. If you’re in the market for a Subaru, it’s important to know which engines to avoid to make sure you don’t end up with a lemon.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Subaru engines you should avoid, detailing the problems that have been reported and discussing the impact they have on the car’s performance and reliability. We’ll cover the 1.5L, 2.0L, and 2.5L engines, which are the most common engines found in Subaru vehicles.

We’ll also examine recurring issues across Subaru engine models and explain the causes of these issues. This information will be helpful for potential Subaru buyers who want to make an informed decision and avoid costly repairs down the line.

It’s important to note that proper engine maintenance and servicing can go a long way in preventing these issues from occurring. However, even with regular maintenance, some Subaru engines may still prove problematic. So, let’s dive in and explore which Subaru engines you should avoid.

History of Subaru Engines

Subaru engines have a long and storied history, dating back to the company’s founding in 1953 as a division of Fuji Heavy Industries. The first Subaru engine, the EA series, was introduced in 1966 and featured an air-cooled, horizontally opposed design. This engine would go on to power the iconic Subaru 360, which helped establish Subaru’s reputation for producing small, reliable vehicles. In the 1970s, Subaru introduced the EA71 and EA81 engines, which were used in a variety of models including the Leone and Brat. These engines featured improved power output and fuel efficiency, further solidifying Subaru’s place in the automotive industry. In the 1980s and 1990s, Subaru continued to innovate with engines such as the EJ series, which featured a water-cooled, horizontally opposed design and turbocharging capabilities. Today, Subaru engines are known for their reliability, power, and unique design, making them a popular choice among car enthusiasts.

Subaru Engines Should You Avoid

Subaru has had a few engines with known issues that potential buyers should be aware of. The engines to avoid include the 1.5L, 2.0L, and 2.5L engines.

The 1.5L engine, found in the Subaru Impreza, Crosstrek, and Forester, has been reported to experience excessive oil consumption. Symptoms of this issue may include a check engine light, engine knocking or misfiring, and low oil levels. If left unaddressed, this issue can cause serious engine damage and potentially even engine failure.

The 2.0L engine, found in the Subaru BRZ and WRX, has been known to experience problems with the connecting rod bearings. Symptoms of this issue may include knocking or tapping noises coming from the engine, as well as a check engine light. If not addressed promptly, this issue can lead to significant engine damage and costly repairs.

The 2.5L engine, found in many Subaru models such as the Legacy, Outback, and Forester, has had issues with head gasket failure. Symptoms of this issue may include overheating, coolant leaks, and white smoke coming from the exhaust. If left unaddressed, this issue can cause significant engine damage and potentially even engine failure.

It’s important to note that while these issues may be serious, they are not necessarily indicative of all Subaru engines. It’s essential to have any potentially used Subaru vehicle thoroughly inspected by a trusted mechanic before purchasing to ensure that there are no underlying issues.

1.5L engine issues

The 1.5L engine is a four-cylinder engine found in some Subaru models, including the Impreza, Crosstrek, and Forester. This engine is designed to provide good fuel efficiency while still delivering decent power output.

However, there have been reports of excessive oil consumption in this engine, which can be a serious problem. When oil levels become too low, it can cause engine knocking or misfires, which can ultimately lead to engine failure if not addressed promptly.

The issue of excessive oil consumption in the 1.5L engine has been reported by many Subaru owners. Some have reported needing to add up to a quart of oil every 1,000 miles, which is much higher than the average rate of oil consumption for a vehicle.

The impact of excessive oil consumption on the car’s performance and reliability can be severe. If left unaddressed, the engine can become damaged, which can be a costly repair. Additionally, the constant need to add oil can be inconvenient and time-consuming for the owner.

If you are considering purchasing a vehicle with a 1.5L engine, it’s essential to have it thoroughly inspected by a trusted mechanic before making a purchase. If you already own a Subaru with this engine and are experiencing oil consumption issues, it’s important to have it addressed promptly to avoid any further damage.

2.0L engine issues

The 2.0L engine is a four-cylinder engine found in some Subaru models, including the BRZ and WRX. This engine is designed to deliver good power output and responsiveness, making it a popular choice among performance enthusiasts.

However, there have been reports of connecting rod bearing issues in this engine, which can be a serious problem. The connecting rod bearings are responsible for connecting the piston to the crankshaft and are critical to the engine’s operation. When these bearings fail, they can cause knocking or tapping noises coming from the engine, as well as a check engine light.

The issue of connecting rod bearing failure in the 2.0L engine has been reported by some Subaru owners, particularly those who push the engine to its limits. The bearings can become damaged due to excessive heat or wear and tear, which can cause them to fail.

The impact of connecting rod bearing failure on the car’s performance and reliability can be severe. If left unaddressed, the engine can suffer significant damage, which can be a costly repair. Additionally, the constant knocking or tapping noises can be a source of annoyance for the owner.

If you are considering purchasing a vehicle with a 2.0L engine, it’s essential to have it thoroughly inspected by a trusted mechanic before making a purchase. If you already own a Subaru with this engine and are experiencing connecting rod-bearing issues, it’s important to have it addressed promptly to avoid any further damage.

2.5L engine issues

The 2.5L engine is a four-cylinder engine found in many Subaru models, including the Legacy, Outback, and Forester. This engine is designed to deliver good power output and decent fuel efficiency.

However, there have been reports of head gasket failure in this engine, which can be a serious problem. When the head gasket fails, it can cause overheating, coolant leaks, and white smoke to come from the exhaust. If left unaddressed, this issue can cause significant engine damage and even engine failure.

The problem with head gasket failure in the 2.5L engine has been reported by many Subaru owners, with some reporting needing to replace the head gasket multiple times during the life of the vehicle. This issue seems to be most prevalent in older Subaru models.

The impact of head gasket failure on the car’s performance and reliability can be severe. If the head gasket fails, it can cause the engine to overheat, which can lead to significant engine damage. Additionally, coolant leaks can cause damage to other components in the engine, and white smoke from the exhaust can indicate the presence of coolant in the combustion chamber, which can cause further engine damage.

If you are considering purchasing a Subaru with a 2.5L engine, it’s important to have it thoroughly inspected by a trusted mechanic before making a purchase. If you already own a Subaru with this engine and are experiencing any symptoms of head gasket failure, it’s important to have it addressed promptly to avoid any further damage.

Common themes in Subaru engine issues

While Subaru engines are generally known for their reliability and performance, there are some recurring issues that have been reported across different engine models. Some of the most common issues include excessive oil consumption, head gasket failure, and connecting rod bearing failure.

One of the main causes of these issues is the design of the engine itself. For example, the horizontally opposed design of Subaru engines can cause uneven wear on components, which can lead to issues such as excessive oil consumption and head gasket failure. Additionally, some engines may have manufacturing defects that can cause issues down the line.

For potential Subaru buyers, it’s important to research the specific engine model in the vehicle you are considering purchasing and look for any known issues or recalls. It’s also a good idea to have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic before making a purchase to ensure that there are no underlying issues.

If you already own a Subaru with one of these recurring issues, it’s important to have it addressed promptly to avoid any further damage to the engine. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and coolant flushes, can also help prevent these issues from occurring in the first place.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Subaru has a reputation for producing reliable and high-performing vehicles, but as with any car brand, there are certain engine models that may have recurring issues. The 1.5L, 2.0L, and 2.5L engines have all been reported to have problems such as excessive oil consumption, head gasket failure, and connecting rod bearing failure.

It’s important for potential Subaru buyers to do their research and have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic before making a purchase to ensure that any underlying issues are addressed. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and coolant flushes, can also go a long way in preventing these issues from occurring.

Despite these recurring issues, Subaru remains a popular and well-regarded car brand, known for its all-wheel-drive system and rugged, sporty design. By staying informed and taking proper care of your Subaru, you can enjoy the performance and reliability that these vehicles are known for.