My GarageAre Used Subarus Reliable?
Short answer: Subaru's AWD system and boxer engines are unique in the mainstream market. Reliability is generally good — but two specific issues (head gasket failure on older 2.5L NA engines and oil consumption on 2011–2014 FB25 engines) define the buying conversation.
Subaru ownership rewards a buyer who understands the platform. Verify head gasket history on EJ25 engines, verify oil consumption behavior on FB25 engines, and enjoy the AWD everywhere else.
Best Used Subaru Models
Generations that have earned a strong long-term reputation.
- • 3.6L H6 avoids the FB25 oil consumption story
- • AWD
- • Comfortable, practical
- • CVT fluid service every 60k on turbo/CVT models
- • FB25D revised — much improved
- • Excellent visibility
- • Great AWD
- • Base trim is spartan
- • CVT service intervals matter
- • FA20DIT is much improved over EJ255
- • Excellent chassis
- • Check for modifications
- • Ringland failure on abused examples
- • Toyota/Subaru shared engine
- • Simple, RWD
- • Cheap to own
- • Modest power stock
- • Aftermarket has flushed out issues
- • Updated FB20
- • Standard AWD
- • Reasonable fuel economy
- • Slow, but honest about it
- • Turbocharged FA24
- • Family-friendly
- • Newer platform — long-term data still developing
Models to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
Documented oil consumption from worn piston rings led to a class-action settlement. Some received short-block replacements. Verify oil consumption history and settlement participation.
External head gasket leaks on the naturally aspirated 2.5L are essentially a maintenance item at 120–150k. Not a reason to avoid — but budget for the repair.
Ringland failure on tuned or abused STIs is a known catastrophic risk. A stock, well-maintained STI is fine; a modified example needs an engine-out inspection.
Best Subaru Engines
Powertrains that have earned a bulletproof reputation.
Outback, Legacy, Tribeca. The naturally aspirated H6 avoids essentially every Subaru-specific engine issue.
Direct injection turbo. Much improved over EJ255 in stock form.
Modern turbo Subaru engine — still gathering long-term data but early signs are good.
Engines to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
Piston ring oil consumption. Class-action settlement applied. Verify history.
External head gasket leaks are near-universal at high mileage. Serviceable but budget accordingly.
Ringland failure on tuned examples. Stock cars are generally fine.
Common Problems
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- ✓Head gasket leaks on EJ25 SOHC
- ✓Oil consumption on 2011–2014 FB25
- ✓CVT longevity on turbo models without fluid service
- ✓Wheel bearings on higher-mileage AWD examples
- ✓Rear wheel bearings and control arm bushings
- ✓Battery drain from infotainment on some 2015+ models
Maintenance Costs
Subaru parts are moderately priced and independent specialists (especially in the Northeast and West Coast) know the boxer engines well. AWD service intervals are honest but non-negotiable — mismatched tire sizes destroy the differential.
The CVT deserves fluid service every 60k on turbo models. The 5-speed and 6-speed manuals are largely trouble-free.
Should You Buy a Used Subaru?
A used Subaru is an excellent all-weather choice — if you understand the engine history. The important buying factors are:
- • Engine — H6 avoids the biggest known issues
- • Head gasket history on older EJ25
- • Oil consumption history on 2011–2014 FB25
- • CVT fluid service on turbo models
- • Tire matching on AWD (all four within 2/32")
Thinking About Buying a Used Subaru?
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- ✓Buy Score
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