Subaru Head Gasket Issues, A Thing Of The Past! Fixed For Over A Decade! But This New Issue Isn't!

[@scottykilmer]

Brilliant video. We need more guys like you out here on KZbin.

[@diabeticnova2636]

Hi Scotty! 🤣😂

[@AttackRaidan]

Hi Scotty!!

[@thebakezone6778]

You COULD be one of those guys but you’re too busy making clickbait videos nowadays bro

[@SteelOfLegend]

Clickbait Conspiracy Kilmer! Hey bud!

[@pinkfloydscorpio]

Kilmer is trash.

[@louhmx1136]

After a hg leak and a throwout bearing failure, i have left subaru forever. Love my Toyotas!

[@rmax4haliburton]

Burning/leaking oil seems to a problem for decades. Our 2014 consumes way too much oil, the mechanic said not worth fixing, drive it and add oil weekly. Turned off the the whole subaru thing. Best to lease and dump after 3 years.

[@RMartin631]

I am so glad that I found your channel. I have a '18 Impreza 5 door. I am trying to be fanatical about maintenance but I didn't know that the PCV valve would need to be changed so often. 3,000 mile 0w20 synthetic oil and filter changes. Rotate the tires. Air and cabin filters. Valve cleaning with CRC GDI IVD Intake Valve cleaner every 3rd oil change. The whole 9 yards. I pulled mine out today at 45,000 miles and it just barely clicked when I shook it. I had a new one ready to go in. The whole job only took 20 minutes. When you first look down at the PCV valve you're wondering how you're ever going to get it out but it is pretty simple. Just remove the air intake (2 hose clamps and a clip) and set it to the side. Take a pair of 90° bend needle nose pliers and pull the PCV hose off. Then use a 19mm deep swivel socket with a long ratchet and it comes right out. Put some Permatex thread sealer on the PCV valve threads and put it back in. My old PCV valve is in the ultrasonic cleaner and hopefully I'll be able to reuse it.

[@bigdaddymak1439]

That engine has probably gotten hot also which will kill the rtv. I have an 2016 Outback with 135k and there's a little seepage at best. I agree totally on PCV and oil changes also.

[@teh60]

I would recommend replacing the PCV valve hose on the FB25 engine when replacing the PCV valve. The hose is usually rock hard, has cracks, or both. Great video Robert.

[@stevenjamesrash]

I just had my PCV valve changed today because of this video at 66K miles on my 2018 and they said my hose was all cracked up, so I went ahead and replaced it as well. I've totally added this to my every 30K maintenance. Well, since I'm at 66K I'll do it at 96K, 126K, etc. Which will give me a bit of a break since the 30K intervals are such big maintenances - I can spread some of the cost a bit.

[@texasblaze1016]

I recommend not buying subaru. Problem solved..

[@ozzierabbit587]

@@texasblaze1016 In that case you have to deal with the problems of whatever else is chosen instead, and no vehicle is without issues.

[@texasblaze1016]

@ozzierabbit Nope no issues. I own a Honda accord. Ive never had any issues and i never had to replace anything before on this car or any of my other Hondas. Ive got 360,000 on the OD still runs fine. Older Hondas have reached 1,000,000 for good reason

[@krystiankrucon2914]

@@texasblaze1016 the problem with Hondas is not mechanical, it’s the fact you’re stuck driving a honda.

[@matthewbailey1126]

My wife’s Outback had a full reseal at 72,000 miles from a cam carrier seal failure. Subaru outdid themselves in making this more complicated than it needed to be and less reliable than it should be by using RTV instead of traditional rubber seals

[@ucvrzifc8jxl7fdwvezfw2jguc7]

RTV is more reliable long term… lmao it’s just mechanics hate it bc it makes job harder. Gaskets wear out wayyyy faster. Idk where you got that from.

[@ucvrzifc8jxl7fdwvezfw2jguc7]

The only problem with RTV is people saying it clogs oil tubes, but you would notice RTV in your oil filter before that, if you maintain it properly.

[@davep2945]

Well, I will say I got 191,000 miles out of my 2013 Impreza before the head gasket, yep, the head gasket, began to leak. Some stop leak gave me a few thousand more miles to search for a new car but I did not buy another Subaru. To be honest I simply have no idea where the Subaru reputation for reliability comes from. At 44,000 miles I had to have the valve body or whatever controls the shift points in the CVT transmission replaced. At 90,000 miles I had both rear wheel bearings replaced and by that time the car was burning a quart of oil every 2000 miles. At 138,000 it was time for a new A/C compressor and a quart of oil every 1000 miles. By far the most I've ever spent on repairs to any car in my 33 years of driving and 17 vehicles all of one of which I kept for at least 150,000 miles. Hell, even my 1999 Land Rover Discovery went 160,000 with less than $1500 in repairs before I got paranoid about a major failure and sold it and there's very few experts who would recommend the LR over the Subaru for reliability. It's a one off example I'm aware but I've got 16 other examples that did better including 9 that went over 200,000 with less than $1000 in repairs each and a 2000 Nissan Sentra that went 226,000 without any repairs before I traded it. My mother tried an Outback and had the same oil burning issue and had to replace the rear wheel bearing before 70,000 miles as well. A good friend's son has a BRZ (not sure what year) and has this oil leak which is getting severe. Even the lady who sold me and my mom our cars and was a die hard Subaru fanatic no longer owns one because of the issues with them and she gets labor at cost as a perk of working for the dealer for 25 years!

[@marcpikas2859]

Thanks for your comment. I’d like a Forester but will stick with my old Toyota. I wonder if Subaru would ever consider going to a regular I4 engine instead of the boxer? Toyota could provide the engine to save on development cost

[@Mrbauto123465789]

Multi layer steel head gaskets also fail, although factory oem versions typically take longer to fail and fail in a different wa y(they don't leak oil like single layer gaskets). late 90's 3 layer 2.5l cars would fail internally at 80-120k, 3 layer gaskets on the 10-12 Legacys/Outbacks are typically good to 120-140 before they fail internally (combustion gas in antifreeze , eventual overheating issues, same for Fel-pro aftermarket 3 layer gaskets are typically good for 40-50k hence the reason we call them fail-pros. Speaking from experience, 200 Subaru head gasket jobs a year for nearly ten years.

[@johnstefanick2167]

The company I work for keeps about 24 cars for employee use. They tolerated the EJ head gasket repair because it was not so expensive. Now with the large expense of fixing the FB oil leak we have moved on to Toyota RAV4s. The Subaru dealer kept phoning because he knew our car replacement schedule. I understand he has not phoned lately and took the hint. Sorry Subaru, you did this to yourself.

[@chucklanholm5680]

That engine looks pretty clean inside suggesting that the owner likely kept up with oil changes, however it was still leaking even though it was a supposedly low mileage engine.

[@AJS86]

How do you spin a rod bearing if you're doing all that on a low mileage engine

[@jimmy7144]

Obviously a failure due to the owner being lazy and ignoring servicing the straffometer and creedlesoaker filter

[@MrSubaru1387]

Engine had just over 100k miles.

[@AJS86]

@@chrisbradley3224 and yet they've had flat 4s in WRX rally cars for years without issue. Can't be that bad a design.

[@theskyizblue2day431]

@@AJS86the engine was leaking and they did not top off the car’s oil. They then drove the car routinely low on oil. This is my best guess. You can do that in a Corolla and it will still go ten years. Not in a Subaru unfortunately

[@blipco5]

The Achilles heel for Subaru is the boxer engine itself. I wouldn’t take a Subaru if you gave it to me. The boxer engine design is the reason I opted for a Honda over a Subaru when I bought a new car ten years ago.

[@ozzierabbit587]

I own a Subaru and a Honda, both purchased new, and I had a head gasket replacement done on the Honda after about 125k miles. The reason was unknown---it had nothing to do with oil change frequency or level, or coolant.

[@iczer-2]

Porsche seem to have done all right. Subaru's designs are either flawed or in this case it almost seems like planned obsolescence (?). On the other hand, both the closed deck EJ22T and open deck EJ22 could go for a long time.

[@Skedawg88]

I am not giving you me '14 BRZ. Runs great at ten years old.

[@thadcox5298]

@@ozzierabbit587 The difference is you don't have to pull the engine to change a head gasket on a Honda

[@robertlagan8441]

@@thadcox5298not a difficult job.

[@HOTPLATEGAMING]

As someone who works for service at a Subaru dealer, Getting a whole bunch of lower oil pan leaking from the FA24 (Turbo)

[@kiwikidusa]

Excellent explanation! Well, I'm definitely keeping my 2005 Forester XS. I have pulled the engine at 198,000 miles and replaced the head gaskets with SixStar gaskets and replaced the clutch plate and ancillary parts including all engine seals. Even if I have to replace the short block I will and keep the car. These new Subarus with all the electronic gizmos in them with functions I'd never use; I'll pass. Thanks for the continuing very informative videos!

[@Braapcity]

Six star sucks. I had three engines come back right away. Engine passed deck warpage limits of 002 thou and heads got milled and new head bolts with a snap on torque wrench

[@Zt3v3]

RTV lasts 350k miles on other makes for timing covers and cam carriers. I think there might be more to it, maybe a poor choice of RTV? Maybe the expansion/contraction of of boxer is different than an I4 or a V8, I don't know.

[@rickyALH]

The new engine series in subaru's are better than the EJs, sure. But they still have concerns consumers are needing to be aware of that will lead to needing the engine pulled out to have it serviced. To be completely honest, the EJs were better at being solid after doing headgaskets once (the right way with MLS) and doing a timing belt kit every 100k. I miss my 02' obs in retrospect, but I'm not sure I'll ever want to go back after getting a toyota and not having to deal with any of this crap. You do the same type of intervals and you don't need to have your engine pulled out to eventually seal everything back up with rtv.

[@LoveMyZJ]

Subaru has reccomended replacing the PCV valve every 30k miles for as long as I can remember, so it's definitely a good idea to replace the valve regularly 👍 Based on what I've seen in the shop at the Subaru store in our dealer group, re-seals on these engines are indeed very common...there's usually at least one engine out every time I stop by, usually at around the 100k mile mark. Some parts around the mating surface of the cam carrier (corners I think), the metal looks almost perfectly smooth, like there's no ability in the surface for the RTV to "sink into" if that makes sense, and it just squishes out the sides.

[@kartboarder22g17]

I have never seen any mention in the owner's manual or at my dealer about changing the PCV valve on my Subaru Forester 2014. And mine's at 70,000 clearly on the original valve

[@MrSubaru1387]

@@kartboarder22g17 it’s been 3yr/36k mile check/replace forever and always on Subaru engines.

[@mikeoxlong3676]

​@@kartboarder22g17 Same. I check my owners manual and do my own maintenance and there was no mention of this.

[@kartboarder22g17]

@@mikeoxlong3676 thanks Mike for backing me up I too just looked at my owner's manual and there is absolutely no mention of this. I have 72000 miles on my odometer and believe this has never been checked or replaced. I'll talk to my dealer about it when I go in next time. Yet I may not be going in till fall time. So might make a call to them. If they tell me yes I should have had that checked routinely I'll ask why it isn't in my maintenance and warranty manual and why they have never brought it to my attention.

[@kartboarder22g17]

@@MrSubaru1387 I can send you the 2014 NA warranty and maintenance manual in PDF form if you would like just let me know where to send it.

[@josebenitez6840]

One thing that I seem to notice through different forums and from recent personal experience is timing issues. My 2019 inpreza recently gave me a check engine light. The code that came back was P0016. Took it to the shop, and the mechanic said it was the intake cam sprocket. He said that it's an issue F series engines are having now.

[@jbrockskill]

Ha finally a video on my leak!!! But actually there is not a way to prevent this leak. I have replaced my oil every 3,000 miles since the car was brand new. No issues with the PCV.

[@johnchambers12]

Good informative video and a reminder to check your PCV valve before the engine starts to leak.

[@jimamizzi1]

These days some pvc,s are just so hard to get to.

[@garrettdraper3609]

Great video, just went through this entire re-seal process on a 2018 Forester with the 2.5 after only 45k miles with all previous service done at the local dealer. At least it was under warranty, was only out $30 for a tire rotation, gotta love that low cost of ownership when this happens under warranty 😂

[@abrams313]

Hi @garrettdraper3609. I just had my engine out job to reseal the gaskets for my wife's 2017 Forester. Wonder if this is a trend and it was only 65k for mileage. Hope not to do this again. Would appreciate input for @MrSubaru1387. Always did my oil changes, but the leakage was from the timing cover is where it was noticed first.

[@cormaro13]

​​@@abrams313 yea it doesn't go like that lol you're going to need to re seal it again cause that's the brand you choose maybe get a mazda lol it's kinda dumb you thought it wasn't going to happen again , that's like saying you won't ever drive 😂😂

[@rodbutler4054]

I like Subarus but would always recommend warranty because of engine history problems.

[@gefreiterkurzmaul]

Except that you are not aware that re-sealing job at the dealership is never gonna be perfect as it was done at the factory.

[@kb25j]

...until you factor in depreciation

[@RollerCoasterLineProductions]

The FB in my 2019 crosstrek sprung a leak at 25k, I have a repair order and the dealer had to pull the engine to fix the oil leak. I was inspecting my engine like I do every month and I found oil near the electric power steering pump on the passenger side.

[@michaelhui7545]

The Ej 253 sohc also has a cam carrier which is sealed with 3bond. Those also leak from the cam caps on the back side of the heads. The cam caps cover the parting line between the head and cam carrier. I think this isn't talked about much because the head gaskets usually fail first and whomever does the repair will reseal the cam carrier while doing the hg job.

[@beezlebub3955]

That’s interesting, I genuinely learned something about PCV systems I didn’t really think about before, thanks man!

[@HoomanR17]

Hi there. I enjoy occasionally watching your videos mainly because I've been in the market for a Subaru car. I still consider purchasing one in the future which is why I watch your channel to stay up to date on issues with these cars should I ever decide to get one. I wish to share feedback from my perspective which others may share. When you speak of these new findings, you often talk about the engine model but for the lay person, that doesn't mean much. Would be super helpful if in the beginning you mention along with the engine name/type the model and year of the car this issue affects, that way right away as we watch we know what car(s) you are talking about. I hope you find this feedback helpful.

[@micyclesmotorbicycles2955]

Although this is months after the fact, I hope this response is helpful for you. “F” series engines as Mr Subaru puts it is just the generic term for all contemporary subaru 4 cylinders. They began to appear in 2012 and by 2015 the entire line up (besides the STI) came equipped with these engines. They are good engines, they just require a bit more maintenance than what some people coming from brands such as Honda or Toyota may be used to. And unfortunately being a flat 4 design sort of necessitates a lot of repairs being an “engine out” service. Although I can promise you that the labor cost to remove and reinstall a subaru engine is significantly less than most other vehicles

[@volks-jager]

the factory should have used anaerobic sealant (like Permatex 51845 or Loctite 518) instead of RTV. when you have 2 machined surfaces anaerobic sealant is way better. RTV should only be used on tins like oil pans. if subaru had used anaerobic it would have also prevented much of the BRZ oil pump screen debacle. Anaerobic only cures when it is clamped between 2 machined surfaces so if you use too much it just mixes into the oil and gets drained out next oil change instead of clogging stuff up..

[@EyeMWing]

An anaerobic sealant wouldn't have worked on the timing cover - the timing cover is the full width of the engine, and mates with the front surfaces of both cam carriers, both heads, and both halves of the block, plus at several points at an offset depth in between. Getting all those parts and surfaces machined and aligned together within the tolerance where an anaerobic sealant would work just isn't going to happen - and thats not even considering flex in the cover itself. So there needs to be RTV on the timing cover, and it's going to go bad with age - so you may as well use the same material for the cam carrier seal to reduce service confusion and avoid a whole BOM component.

[@volks-jager]

@@EyeMWing ive resealed several subaru timing covers with Anaerobic - it works perfectly. ive used it for years on everything with machined surfaces including subaru engine block halves, cam carriers, oil pumps etc . ive never had a leak and there is zero risk of using too much and clogging oil passages. i learned about it way back working at a place that rebuilt transfer cases and that is all they used on the case halves. the stuff is way better than RTV. only drawback is it cant be used in things with stamped surfaces like steel oil pans.

[@EyeMWing]

@@volks-jager Pulled the specs on 518 and it's good to almost 10 thou, so I guess it's possible. I've got one apart that I've been procrastinating on putting back together because I absolutely do not feel like screwing around with the RTV caulk gun, so I might give it a shot.

[@volks-jager]

@@EyeMWing give it a shot. i was skeptical when i 1st saw it being used on the transfer cases, but now i love the stuff. i get the 51845 in a caulk tube, but you can get it or the 518 in squeeze tube as well. it is great in confined spaces to, you can smear a bunch on without worry of using too much and it getting inside the engine. i did an FB25 timing cover in the car with it. (car got hit and oil sensor on cover got pushed in and cracked cover - body shop got the car fixed and then discovered the oil leak). it would have been a PITA with RTV, but with the anaerobic is was a piece of cake. also the excess that squeezes out doesnt dry so can be wiped off with a rag for a nice clean look.

[@volks-jager]

@@hankitytankity you had an headgasket fail on an FB?(wasnt this video saying they are not a issue anymore) - i havent seen an HG failure yet. (but plenty of oil burners and rods through blocks...). i honestly like the EJs better. the headgaskets aside they where alot easier to work on than the FBs.

[@obloj]

Great video. I have oil leak on my 2013 legacy. It leaks on the pipe so i do not see it on the ground it just burns up without smell on the cabin. Just have to top of 1qt per 5k miles. Oil is cheeper than repair.

[@jonkeau5155]

I had a 2012 Impreza sport 2.0, never had head gasket issues even with lots of miles, and when I worked at Subaru there wasn’t a lot of head gasket issues with stuff built in the last 10 years or so if they were stock. However the big issue with the 2.0’s is an issue with piston rings allowing excessive oil burning, which I personally experienced and got a new engine block free from Subaru North America on a service bulletin (oil consumption test failed hard)

[@joeweaver9913]

We have a 2012 Impreza and the 2.0 is going through about a quart every 400 miles at this point. My daughter primarily drives it, so at least she has learned how to correctly check the oil level and fill it.

[@Jori.55]

Have they fixed the issue? I bought a 2024 2.0 Crosstrek

[@joeweaver9913]

@@Jori.55 can't speak to the 2.0 but we have a 2022 Outback with the 2.5 and it doesn't burn oil between changes after 27k miles so far

[@edwinrodriguez804]

@@Jori.55 The issue shouldn't affect a 2024.

[@emovato]

People are astounded when I tell them I clean my PCV and EGR out yearly, but then they go out and buy a new vehicle every few years because the old one was burning oil. My 2015 impreza is around 110k and it doesn't use any oil that I can tell.

[@AndreBakerTrigga]

I did a resealing job on my fb20. My mechanic recommended I changed a few extra things while I was in there like the valve seals thermostats and multiple o rings. Also, please use the correct coolant people.

[@thomas735]

I’m hoping Toyota buying part of Subaru helps them get their act together a little. Oil leaks/burning oil on any car in 2023 is crazy to me. My AC compressor just went out at 86k miles, so I called Subaru and asked for help covering the cost ($1400). I’ve had Honda, GM, and even Chrysler and have never had an issue with AC going out! Love the car, but on the fence about buying another, especially if I have any more issues.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Subarus aren’t thinly only new cars burning oil. Its a common issue across the majority of manufacturers right now.

[@thomas735]

@@MrSubaru1387 I know that as boxer engines age they are more susceptible to it and I agree that it does happen with other brands, it’s just frustrating to deal with obviously. Neither of our cars have issues luckily. I’ve never done PCV valves but I do change the oil religiously every 4-5k miles (we do a lot of short trips).

[@niuhuskieguy]

Every Ford, GM, Chrysler my family had growing up had ac issues within 4-5 years

[@thomas735]

@@niuhuskieguy bad luck man, my parents always had domestic brands and never had any problems with them. A couple fords had transmission issues but the GMs and Chryslers we very reliable.

[@headreddedstepchild6177]

I had my a/c compressor replaced in my 22 WRX at under 3000 miles, and its needing replaced again, after less than 2000 additional miles. All under warranty of course, but it's still frustrating.

[@ohio737pro]

I have a 2016 WRX FA20DIT and this is my first Subaru. Bought it used in Feb 2022 and on my birthday in April it blew a driver side head gasket. I actually built a new FA20DIT engine starting with new OEM short block. I swapped the OEM rods and pistons out for some forged internals. Manley Tuffbeam H rods and CP pistons. ACL bearings. I sent the heads out for pressure test and decked by .00045 of an inch. I also had to replace the pax side cam carrier. I used the permatex RTV grey. I have to say doing my first ever engine build on a boxer engine, the FA platform is freaking awesome! I now know this engine inside and out and am preparing to build another one because my old block and crank is still good.. people trash on these engines but I love it.. and I'm direct port meth injected 😂

[@cormaro13]

So you blew up your trash and wanted to fix it 😂😂 let's hope you it can last before another head gasket issue lol

[@Central-Scrutinizer]

Are there no options for Subaru to use a better gasket in the first place? I'm sure anyone would pay a couple hundred for better materials and the security of dodging engine-out repairs. I had the head gaskets on my EJ replaced with MLS gaskets when I did the timing belt replacement. They were just starting to sweat. Dodged ever having a head gasket issue.

[@UAMate]

Great video, also with a bad pcv there might be a slight oil consumption! On account that this kind of job cannot be done with the engine inside, I can't agree. ;) It can be done. But it's alot easier with the engine out. If I had such tools I would have done with the engine out. Working with engine in, you just have to be careful and very patient. Especially when taking off cam cariers )) Gravity )). Putting them back with some grease using it as glue will do the trick holding them rockers while installing plates back to its place. Where real pain starts, when the cleaning begins.

[@BrianHoff04]

Your comments / content are amazing. Thank you very much for your time & effort. I am brand new to Subaru. Just bought a 70,000 mile, 2018 Outback Limited (so many bells / whistles... almost need to go to a class to learn all that stuff). Anyway.. I think the car is amazing and in incredible condition. But.. the valve carrier cover on the "right" side (passenger side) has a very slow leak. The car has a warranty with the dealer so I just sent the email, pictures, and a link to your video. So far the leak is very light (no real drip, just a slightly darker, wet looking appearance). Can't have started that long ago. The dealer has been amazing up to this point so I hope that will continue. I'll update next week just to let others know what the experience can be like. MrSubaru.. I'm very happy to know you are out there for those of us new to the Boxer world.

[@gn5536]

It's not a joke. I have a 2018 Subaru outback 38000 miles. I've done had it in for a head gasket subaru pay for.

[@michaelnoriega1564]

You are the best one guy that makes me think my car is a big mistake to have

[@Stelcom66]

And a year later I own a Subaru again. I know I'm asking for trouble with the 2012 Premium I bought - but this video certainly made me aware of the details of the cam carrier situation. Now that I have a much better idea where they are thanks to Mr. Subaru - I'm going to check the engine again, because in the week I've had it I haven't seen any leaks - yet.

[@subynut]

Wait... they went back to separate head and cam carrier assemblies like the old EA series?!? Fascinating...

[@VenturiLife]

This happened to turbo-charged engines also. EJ255, in Australia anyway. No services really helped it, some went out around 80-90 to 120km.

[@bigkaswrx8115]

I think the issue with any EJ engine is its super difficult to work on them without removing them from the car. Its a lot of labour and being aluminium means you need to be careful with the strip down and rebuild.

[@Papa_Wrenches]

05-09 in-car head gaskets aren’t too difficult, pitch the power train up with a Jack or stand where the diff meets the trans, then you can tilt the motor left or right by the pitching stopper bracket to a strut mount with an extra 12mm head nut and a ratchet strap. Gives you enough room to get the cylinder heads out *with* the head bolts. Crappy part is if the block is warped, then you gotta yank the short block. 10-14 EJ? Nah. Pull that thing. Lately I’ve been pulling the motor even for one side head gasket is leaking, I can usually sell the other side as preventative maintenance, but the rear mains are starting to go more and the separator plates have been going pretty good for a couple years now. Sorry for the lengthy response! Just thought I’d throw some info out there for folks who don’t know. 😊

[@jafa1402]

70 mins as an amateur .. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqDNe5VnmsuamKs , there's another video I cant find where the pro's do it in 45 mins. I've done it in 3 hours which included a fairly large number of smokes and coffee stops.

[@bigkaswrx8115]

@@jafa1402 yes but im talking about taking the car to a mechanic shop. They usually have no incentive to work faster than what they need especially when they charge you $70 every hour for labour.

[@s0nnyburnett]

@@bigkaswrx8115 70? it's 150-175/hr where I am in CT. If they are flat rate it may or may not be in their favor to get it done quickly and turned around if they go over book time they lose money.

[@s0nnyburnett]

Head gaskets are really the only reason to remove them

[@WilburnEdwards]

I have to admit that I never heard of this problem with the four subaru's I've own. From a 91 Legacy with 254,000, an Impreza with over 100,000 but a accident ended it's life. Next a 2003 Forester with 150,000 miles when I traded it for a new 2015 Outback which now has about 94,000 miles. Only problem with the Outback was replacing three wheel bearings. The 2003 Forester did have the leaking head gastick which is why we traded it for the Outback. The dealer serviced the Outback for the first 80,000 miles until we moved to Wyoming and then an independent garage has been doing the service. The dealer never mentioned serviceing the PCV valve, even though they did do some warrenty repair. I will get the PCV changed pronto.

[@998RC]

This is exactly my problem with my 2012 Impreza base model with 350,000 kms, although it started leaking back at 170,000 when I bought it used. I've been topping off the oil, which is about 1 L every 5000 km's, but the unbearable part is when it drips on the exhaust and the burning oil comes into the cabin and stinks. My PCV valve has always been in good shape when checked but who knows about the previous owner. I have an outstanding recall for the balce springs which means the motor has to come out, and will ask them to reseal the cam box as part of that job.

[@998RC]

I'm also starting to hear a rattling noise on cold startup, and from another video it aligns with the symptoms of a bad chain tensioner. So I'll be getting them to replace those as well. Basically the front cover and the cam carriers will be removed. Anything else I should get done while they're in there and have all of that apart at my mileage?

[@theskyizblue2day431]

@@998RChow much this cost you?

[@inTruthbyGrace]

I have had 3 Subarus in the last 15y...(2005 2.5L outback/ 2005 3.6L Eddie Bauer/ 2014 3.6L Outback).... only the eddie bauer made it past 100K. The 2014 3.6L started having oil consumption problems at 50K miles in 2020, *_WELL_* within the extended Subaru warranty in place and they just kept making me take more tests UNTIL the warranty expired. This car has FAILED 8/10 oil consumption tests over 3 years!! I have been driving an endless oil consumption test, checking in every 1200 miles to document this issue at the dealer for *_3 YEARS_* and Subaru Corporate's only response is to acknowledge the car NOW needs an engine replacement and that the extended warranty is expired.... Subaru is not a quality product anymore. They are riding on old reputation and snake attorneys that know enough about their garbage product to to cut losses by "settling" class action lawsuits at just the right loopholes that the customer can not see until they have fallen into it...If you are looking to buy a Subaru, don't... I regret working with these people and so do the old people I care for who have been negatively impacted by my car problems... [so much for the "Subaru Promise"]

[@boldcitycc]

This is my concern with my new Toyota GR 86, which is in reality, a Subaru BRZ. This cheesy crap of using RTV. I wish Toyota still made their own sports cars. They actually use GASKETS, and high quality ones. You don’t have these kinds of issues. There are some pre amazing things about the boxer engine, but this is just cost cutting, at the cost to the owner of thousands down the line

[@conanlee9024]

Wow. This is quality content right here. I was seriously considering buying a used Subaru Legacy before, but not anymore.

[@AAtta-3286]

Always enjoy your Subaru updates even though I have to watch with a remote in one hand and Maalox in the other lolo. At 72 years old I've been a long time owner of Subaru's. Presently a 2019 Forester and 2012 Impreza. I know you tell us the model engine with issues but for an old timer telling us also the actual Subaru model and year would also be helpful. Now that I said my peace, after watching this issue, I'm off to the pharmacy for a backup supply of Maalox lolo. Stay well and thanks for all your informative videos. Anthony

[@samirhasan1597]

There are so many models and trim levels it's hard to list them all individually. The video applies to all F series engines. You can Google the engine type of your vehicle online. Almost everything discussed applies to ALL engines.

[@AAtta-3286]

@@samirhasan1597 Can't argue with you, thanks for your comment

[@fredrikmardenfalkhoppe494]

Have just bought a Subaru Outback 2019 with a 2.5 liter motor. Looks like it have an ej253 engine.. Was not able to understand from the video if it is a problem with this engine? Do I have to expect it to fail?? ☹️

[@dexternuqui753]

Exactly whats happening with the Forester I bought…. 68T km mileage but helluva full of leaks…. Valve cover gaskets leaks,timing chain cover leaks, pcv leaks, water line leaks…. Axle rods leaks…. My pocket is now full of leaks….. but runs great….. just that it smells of burnt oil after running due to all of the leaks….

[@entropy3301]

‘23 Forester Wilderness here with 20,000 miles. The mechanic noticed a cam carrier leak when I took it in for an oil change. The dealership did a reseal on the engine and also found a leaking water pump. It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.

[@vabeachroach]

I've got this exact issue on my 2015 Outback. Dealer wanted $2300 to fix. I'll live with the small leak as long as possible.

[@coveyking]

i think there may be some additives you can look at... obviosuly you can seal externally...

[@cormaro13]

And then engine goes boom 😂😂 enjoy your piece of crap , should've went mazda

[@m.leland459]

Wish I had known about the 2.5 normally aspirated head gasket failure issue. Engine out...very expensive. That, and a faulty engine computer, made my Volvo XC70 look downright bullet proof.

[@MikeHudson-px2gc]

So the factory fix could be have been installing the Turbo head gasket on all 2.5L engines. The cost differential is negligible but Subaru said No, lets keep using the gasket that fails.

[@TheRetarp]

The vast majority last through the warranty period and that's all any carmaker cares about.

[@zzoinks]

I don't think anybody is going to be buying a Subaru a second time after that happens. Or maybe they will

[@maubunky1]

Can I just say that I'm tired of owning two Subies, and I can't wait to get rid of them? None of my Toyotas or Hondas ever had any issues at all, and I don't even watch Scotty Kilmer to have it drummed into my brain.

[@consciousawakening4799]

I’m thinking of a late model forester for my mom. You don’t recommend?

[@cormaro13]

​@@consciousawakening4799 nope cause it's a piece of junk on wheels, waiting to take your money , go get a mazda

[@maubunky1]

@@consciousawakening4799 The new CVT transmission doesn't shift as smoothly as the old, and I don't like having to fiddle with all the performance buttons every time I start up the car to get maximum performance. There are lots of highly annoying safety beeping and "car AI robot slams on your car's braking for no valid reason" issues. The AWD snow handling is the same good AWD as the old, but I honestly think I could get comparable snow handling performance out of any 4WD Toyota and not have nearly as many maintenance headaches as I've had with both my 2006 Turbo and 2018 Turbo Forester. Even the 2018 was a lemon straight out of the factory due to poor QC and had to have 5 visits to the dealer to fix it with only 5 miles on the odometer with no apology from Subaru. Can't wait to get rid of these things, I just don't have the energy to keep either doing the maintenance myself or taking to the independent shop. All the Toyotas and Hondas I've had were not so melodramatic to own, just a tune up at 100K and no other major issues or a barrage of little pesky issues like I've seen in Subaru. Subarus need much more TLC to keep them on the road and frankly I'm exhausted dealing with it.

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

Subaru no bueno no go

[@TheSleepyMechanic0524]

FB engines are an example of an engine that benefited from internal study of common failures learned with the EJ. the FB (and FA) are not necessarily problem free, but a definite step in the right direction.

[@smokedsalad8958]

I work at a small Subaru dealership we do many of these. Looking back in the history back to November 2022 we have done the following vehicles: 18 OB W/33k miles, 11 FOR W/130k, 19 IMPRZ W/97k, 18 IMPRZ 40K, 15 FOR 88K, 17 FOR 79k, 16 FOR 89K, 19 FOR 51K, 17 LEG 68K, 13 IMPRZ 76k, 17 LEG 90K. The 19 Impreza with 97k is an employee, bought new, and has done oil changes here every 6k and PCV every 30k.

[@d.knudsen4135]

Pretty darn sad yet you see a gazillion of them on the road and all of the owners seem to be gaga over them. I guess I'm a little bitter as I just bought a 2013 Outback for my granddaughter and found the radiator to be full of oil. 😞

[@nowiecoche]

A great informative video for Subaru owners. Even more reason to keep up with oil changes to keep our Subarus running for a long time.

[@texasblaze1016]

How can Subaru procaim to be reliable in the face of Honda and other great manufacturers? I guess those advertising dollars were well spent since a large portion of the public is brain washed to believe this...

[@DominicSovereign]

From personal experience owning mostly 09 and previous Subarus everything but the N.A. 2.5’s are reliable. The new ones, especially with the cvt, are dookie and shouldn’t be advertised as reliable.

[@JackFalltrades]

I don't know what model engine is in my 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, but you're making me wish I had bought another brand! 😀

[@amdstrollo3074]

You have the FA24DIT, it's not related to the older EJ problem having engines at all. Headgaskets don't even belong in the same sentence with the FA/FB series engines. I would just do your oil changes every 5000 miles MAX, you have a turbo and like any car with a turbo, do not extend your oil change intervals or you'll be sorry.

[@outragousbob4367]

Bought my wife a Outback limited in 2010? It was her second Subaru. First head gasket went at 60k and second at 100k. Her first was a early 90’s model that left us stranded twice due to snapped timing belts. I don’t ever see us looking at much less buying a Subaru again. Bought her an Audi a few years ago and it has been flawless.

[@denniss1211]

Glad there was no difference in cost.

[@frizzlefry1921]

Did you have a dealer do the head gasket?

[@Pablo-cp9nc]

All the EJ's had external oil leaks from the head gaskets, even the turbo version.

[@Larrydudeman]

The turbo versions didn’t. The ej20 HG probs are rare

[@MrFlamingstick]

Wonder if longevity could have been improved if they decided to go with an anaerobic sealant rather than standard rtv. Done enough VAG engines to say it probably wouldn't but could be interesting to test.

[@Jack-qn4vt]

I was think the same thing On the volvo cam covers that hold down the cams, they use anaerobic sealant and ai never see them leak so it's an interesting idea

[@johnl5974]

As a prior suby owner, over time I became convinced they use a water cooled flat 4 to be different, not better, not as good. While the AWD was very good, others are "good enough" on road.

[@theskyizblue2day431]

Must have had a cvt because the manuals are awesome attached to the boxer engine

[@jamesgeorge4874]

Turbo models just blow up any number of ways before the headgasket fails, but if it they _don't_ shoot rods out of it before 130K, the head gaskets _will_ blow.

[@conchshell116]

I've had this exact issue happen on my 2022 Ob 2.5, discovered at 8k miles, located on the top side driver's side. It's a very small weep. I reluctantly took it to dealership, they denied being able to even find problem. I may go back a second time here soon. I hate dealerships but I know technically it should be covered under the warranty as I'm only at 18,500 miles now, but knowing the complexity of the repair and the need to break so many other seals gives me pause. Luckily I have the guidance of my single trusted mechanic for my last 5 vehicles and his advice because the weep is very slow and the complexity of the repair is to simply monitor. On original 0w20 it seemed to lose about 1 quart every 5k miles, now that I've stepped up to 5w30 seems slightly less. Other advice is if the weep doesn't increase then just wait until a second or larger repair that requires engine teardown.

[@remogaggi82]

I'd take it to dealer maybe another one if you don't like the first under warranty.

[@conchshell116]

@@remogaggi82 where I am is a unique situation most won't deal with, I live in Hawaii on an island and there's the one dealership. And they know it. That's why they are notorious for bad service. Also many wouldnt know this but SOA absolutely does not offer extended warranties here. Our state is ineligible.

[@conchshell116]

@@remogaggi82pretty much planning to sell the car in 24 months as soon as paid off, then try something else. Lived the Subaru experience, it's a fun car to drive otherwise but not too attached to it either

[@remogaggi82]

@@conchshell116 extended warranty? It should be within normal warranty. Maybe you are saying about holding car long term. I'd get corporate involved tell them dealer won't fix oil leak and it's unacceptable

[@joehoisington7761]

I just had to have my water pump replaced on my '19 base trim Crosstrek at 55k. It was in the shop for a warranty resealing of the upper oil pan when they found the water pump had cracked and was leaking coolant. Glad they caught it, as my warranty is soon to expire, but I've read Subaru water pumps rarely fail. Hoping I don't run into this again in another 55k.

[@cormaro13]

Think again lol that's a lot of maintenance for such low mileage , kinda sad

[@entropy3301]

Same exact issue with my ‘23 Forester Wilderness at 20,000 miles.

[@andrewwhipple7162]

Have had 5 Subarus... No issues at all. Old ones needed new timing belt at 70k.

[@supermotos]

Unfortunately for the turbo versions, they dodged the head gasket issue and got the broken ring lands instead.

[@damiansmith5322]

Yup mine happened out if nowhere at 101k....looking at a ej20x swap

[@fraxonthefurry21]

That's just part of the corrosion protection package.

[@arthurfernandes2402]

😂

[@3v1Bunny]

the opening looks like a mint engine!

[@heavenlysheephugshuggingfo1505]

It's Scotty kilmer approved

[@paultice610]

I would say that would be cool but I don’t have newer Subaru money right now so I’ll be sticking with my 200,000 mile naturally aspirated 09 Forester the head gaskets are seeping a little engine oil. Typically I have to add a quart between oil changes, so I do not think that is too bad yet.

[@mushieslushie]

It's weird I have some seepage too and also added about a quart between changes but as of late I don't have to add nearly as much.

[@SmallHoleInTheForest]

I think Subaru considers up to like 1.5 qts between oil changes “normal”.

[@chris3407]

@@SmallHoleInTheForestyes, change your oil, cause if you don’t at reasonable intervals there won’t be much left. The engine will end up like this demo engine with a spin bearing.

[@adamdistortion8810]

Seepage wouldnt cause a qt between oil changes unless you actually saw drips on your concrete. If anything its burning some oil, so id replace the pcv valve, it should stop alot of the burning, if not, the piston rings or valve seals are causing oil to get into the cylinders, not really a big deal if you keep oil in your engine at the right level

[@paultice610]

I also the cam covers and spark plug tubes seals are leaking also it’s all good I think as long as it’s got oil in it and it’s is clean then it should be fine I also found that my Subaru likes Castrol oil full synthetic the best I do 5,000 miles oil change because I am using full synthetic and I do more highway driving than city one quart of oil in 2,500 miles is not too bad is all I am saying for a Subaru ej that has never been taken apart before it’s all original and you have to remember it has 200,000 miles on it so it’s a little bit tired but it’s still go down the road

[@NCGNTO202]

I somehow love my EZ30D even more now. I know how labor intensive a timing chain is so I can only imagine these new engines.

[@Kacpa2]

Its the same really. FB/FA is heavily derived from EZ30.

[@NCGNTO202]

I hope I never have to get to the "open the timing chain cover" repair.

[@Kacpa2]

@@NCGNTO202 Many engines nowadays have timimg chains and all of them have similar covers. It should be serviced tho not like timing belt. If timing belt needs replacememt every 80-90k miles then timing chain would be 3-4 times that milage if kept well(frequent oil changes ie annually and not on this longlife bs intervals, pcv changes each 2 years) so it woul bw at 250-320k miles, if you keep it really well and are mostly gentle with it, then it might be perfectly fine even at thst milage, also timing chains dont just snap(like belt might), but it might stretch and start rattling as a warning signs. It's worthwhile to do valve adjustment and partial rebuild if its at very high milage, you will have done all bigger things at once and have pretty mmuch a brand "new" engine and have another 400-500k miles or more out of that motor at healthy condition.

[@Braapcity]

Pffft. These timing chains are easy. Try a Chevy Traverse and get back to me, or an audi 4.2

[@pequenioedgarito3067]

Why not use a gasket versus silicone rtv sealant? The gasket would prevent these issues

[@s0nnyburnett]

probably sound round portions that make it hard to seal

[@ranran2218]

How is the fb25d engine? My wife has a 21 forester sport. She plans to keep it longterm and just wanted to know about the longevity of the engine and the cvt transmission in it

[@Datsun260ZFan]

RTV sealing of major engine components is one of my pet peeves for modern auto manufacturing!!! My daughter-in-law's VW turbo Beetle seems to be 50% RTV, with the resultant mess and points of failure! PCV system, head to block, head to cam carrier, and cam carrier to valve cover -- ALL RTV sealed. 3 water pumps in 95K miles since oil seeps out and down and kills the plastic bodied water pumps. Spent $80 more on the last pump to get an aftermarket metal bodied water pump. "Cheaping out" to save a few manufacturer's dollars, while adding service work for your dealers... Subies may not be perfect (our family has had 7), but the passionate fanbase makes them far easier to self-service compared to other brands!

[@DacAL_8]

As of 6/26/2024 my sister 2019 Crosstrek 2.0 L just had a head gasket leak (oil and coolant mixing) @ 97k miles. Maintenance was properly done in the dealership, and she had a recent oil change a month after this gasket started to leak. Subaru dealership wanted $6500 to replace the gasket, but we decided to go to a known Subaru performance shop and got us a used 30k mile JDM engine. Coolant hoses and radiator were also replaced and it will only cost us $5500 for everything. It sad the this gasket issue still happens on the 2.0L engine used for the Crosstrek.

[@donstein475]

2011 Forester. 112,000 miles. No problems ever. Best car i've ever owned.

[@determineddad7935]

Same car. It's great. What oil and filter do you use?

[@John-uj9zy]

Industrial sealants don't even last 10 years. I'm a machine tool tech. I can promise the machines that made those engine parts have oil mats all over the places to control leaks. Its up to the operator to verify fluid levels. I wonder how many oil issues would be prevented just checking the oil once a month...

[@proe34]

Would an Air/Oil separator also help prevent this issue since it relies on a good PCV system or would it not make much of a difference?

[@larryghiazza4442]

I have a 2018 Outback that was regularly serviced at the dealer. Mine started leaking at less than 60k. It was resealed at the dealer under warranty.

[@entropy3301]

What mileage is it at currently?

[@Skelterz-]

I remember reading that the head gasket issue was fixed for the 09 model year lol, well after new gaskets from head to valve covers my ej253 is leak free at 209K miles.

[@ZachFox]

Wait what’s the connection between cleaning corrosion on the battery terminals and head gasket failure?

[@Mike_44]

Mr. Subaru, how do you feel about adding an Air/Oil separator to better maintain Subaru's PCV system?

[@DannysCustoms]

oil/air separator won't maintain the PCV system, they're for reducing intake build up and carbon deposits from burning the oil mist. PCV remains in place and instead of going directly to the intake, the gasses go through a separator/oil catch can first before going back to the intake. A poorly maintained or built one can cause extra issues by creating a blockage. That's why for diesel engines with lots of blow by and crank case pressure only genuine Provent oil/air separators should be used because of their pressure release design.

[@Mike_44]

@@DannysCustoms I see, thank you.

[@rodr5237]

Can you do a video of the TCV? A lot of new forester owners have had to get them replaced. Subaru does not want to issue a recall but seems every tcv fails after 20k miles

[@joek81981]

This really stinks to hear. I love my 2020 Crosstrek, don't get me wrong, its been a sweetheart. But damn, this it tastes sooo bad. Doing the regular things you do to a car is - in my view - not an acceptable method to stave off an all-but-eventual failure. I mean, I do all that stuff anyways, and I'm still f**ked? Just f**k me and my thirty thousand dollars? That's like saying "Hey doc, I'm riddled with cancer," and he goes, "well, are you getting enough sleep?" Like, yes, but really? Lets tighten some nuts or something! Hit me with some radiation, Jesus Christ! I'm sorry about that. I had a moment there.

[@MrSubaru1387]

This is true of any vehicle, not just Subaru.

[@mykofreder1682]

The difference is this one is just a sloppy car and does not affect performance or blow up the engine if water and oil start mixing.

[@arngreencare8955]

My 2012 has had head gasket issues. It started surfacing just short of 100,000 miles. Started seeing the gasket coating in the coolant and finally replaced them at about 120,000...

[@valdius85]

My Japanese Subaru dealership recommeds me to change the oild max 5000km 3106miles. I always do. It is affordable to do and I am at the dealership twice a year anyways.

[@valdius85]

@@JP-hr3xq I agree with you. Saying that, I am at dealerships twice a year for check and I just ask them to replace the oil during that time. I am already there, so it is relatively cheap and doesn't take extra time. Summer in Japan is very hot, so I prefer to have fresh oil.

[@georger.5789]

Was considering a Subaru but these failures changed my mind . Seems like a nice vehicle but with GM reliability. They seem to know the problems but do same thing even tho it causes failures.

[@jackd1582]

Dammit . It's ... Like they're conspiring to have us in EV's

[@gdaytrees4728]

Good video, dude. I will avoid horizontally opposed engines. No matter who makes them. Vertical sealing edges are pressured by gravity to leak in addition to the pressure from the engine operation. Too much complexity and cost for their perceived benefits.

[@MrSubaru1387]

😂😂😂😂😂 the gravity blows Subaru seals BS! Never gets old. 🥱😒

[@samvocella]

I was looking forward to purchasing a 2024 Impreza but with another oil leak issue, I'll pass and look elsewhere. 😢

[@cormaro13]

Mazda

[@WHATboutWILLIS]

116k miles on my FB25 and just noticed this on mine 😢. Do my own Regular oil and coolant changes. will have to check my PCV system

[@marlenemyers5065]

I’m at 150,000 miles on my Subaru Impreza sport. I’ve been adding extra oil for years. First it was a quart between 5,000 synthetic oil changes, now I’m at 1/2 quart every 10 days, if I drive my usual 420 mile work week. After driving, when I get out of car I can smell the burning oil smell. Never is there a puddle on the ground. Can my engine just catch fire in this case? My mechanic doesn’t recommend changing the head gasket, says too much expense. I just don’t want to catch fire at some point.

[@BIllMcCambridge]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and adventures!!!

[@michaelskinner896]

Great informative video! The real life "props" were excellent for demoing.

[@seandvideo]

These videos make me hate Subaru. I regret buying one.

[@xanderlander8989]

I think you forgot about oil burning... New cars shouldn't burn a quart of oil between oil changes. But they do. And Subaru finds this "acceptable"

[@lsu205]

2018 Outback 60,000 oil changed as required had that leak.

[@lp2565]

WoW!!

[@lsu205]

@@lp2565 and first they said valve cover. Took a week to repair but finally fixed and had it for another 40k. Now have s Santa Fe hybrid

[@gspechko]

My wife's 2013 Impreza has this problem at 72K km (45k miles). The dealership wants $3500 to fix it. The leak seems pretty insignificant, and an occasional extra quart of oil is a lot cheaper than the repair. Is there any reason to not put this repair off?

[@stevepilant7894]

My head gasket blew on my 2016 outback fb25. Is in the shop at the moment $3695 quote for complete reseal!!!!

[@cormaro13]

I bet you like that don't you 😂 you're telling me when you bought that piece of shit, you didn't research it problems ?? Wow