Subaru engines—especially EJ and early FB series—are widely known for developing oil leaks over time. Common leak points include valve covers, cam seals, timing covers, and rear main seals. These leaks are frequently cited in owner forums, mechanic reports, and long-term defect summaries.
| Year(s) | Make | Model | Should Purchase? | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 | Subaru | Outback | Caution |
Engine: EJ25 Issues: valve cover leaks, cam seal leaks, timing cover seepage, rear main seal leaks Notes: EJ-series engines are notorious for long-term oil leaks; repairs often require engine-out service |
|
| 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 | Subaru | Legacy | Caution |
Engine: EJ25 Issues: valve cover seepage, cam seal leaks, timing cover leaks Notes: common on higher-mileage EJ engines; often accompanies head gasket repairs |
|
| 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 | Subaru | Forester | Caution |
Engine: EJ25 Issues: valve cover leaks, cam seals, rear main seal seepage Notes: oil leaks frequently appear around 100k–150k miles; widely documented by owners |
|
| 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 | Subaru | Impreza (2.5L) | Caution |
Engine: EJ25 Issues: valve cover leaks, cam seal seepage, timing cover leaks Notes: less severe than Outback/Forester but still common on EJ engines |
|
| 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 | Subaru | Outback | Awareness |
Engine: FB25 Issues: valve cover leaks, timing cover leaks Notes: FB engines leak less than EJ but timing cover reseal is labor-intensive |
|
| 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 | Subaru | Forester | Awareness |
Engine: FB20 Issues: valve cover seepage, timing cover leaks Notes: timing cover leaks require extensive disassembly; common on early FB engines |
While Subaru oil leaks have not resulted in a major nationwide class action, they are among the most frequently reported long-term issues for EJ and early FB engines. Numerous TSBs address gasket seepage, seal replacement, and timing cover reseal procedures.