Subaru engine problems: EJ25 head gasket failure, FB25 oil consumption, FA20 turbo rod bearings, CVT issues. Diagnosis and repair in Chico CA. From $2,500.
The EJ25 head gasket failure is the most documented Subaru engine problem — $2,500-$4,500 to repair. The FB25 has oil consumption issues. The FA20 turbo has rod bearing concerns. The Lineartronic CVT has its own failure patterns.
Know your engine. The EJ25 is in Outbacks, Foresters, Legacies, and Imprezas through the mid-2010s. Proper coolant spec and oil change intervals are the main preventive tools.
External coolant and oil leaks at the head gasket sealing surfaces. Visible oil staining on the engine exterior near the cylinder heads. Coolant loss without internal contamination.
Repair: head gasket replacement. $2,500-$3,500 typically. Catches early, before internal damage.
Internal failure — coolant leaks into the combustion chamber or oil passages. Symptoms: white exhaust smoke (sweet smell), coolant loss with no external leak, milky oil (rare), overheating.
Repair: $2,800-$4,500. Head removal, machining if warped, new MLS head gaskets, timing belt + water pump done simultaneously.
Our head gasket diagnosis uses a hydrocarbon combustion leak test — draws air from the coolant reservoir through a chemical indicator. Positive test (color change) confirms combustion gases in coolant = internal head gasket failure. Cost $199.99, applied toward repair.
EJ25-powered: Outback 2.5i (1996-2012), Forester 2.5 (1998-2010), Impreza 2.5 (1995-2011), Legacy 2.5 (1996-2012), Baja 2.5. The turbocharged EJ25 (STI) has different head gaskets and is less susceptible.
The FB25 2.5L (replaced EJ25, used 2012+) does not have the head gasket vulnerability but developed documented oil consumption — burning oil without visible leaks or smoke at moderate consumption levels.
Subaru acknowledged the issue and extended warranty coverage for affected model years. Consumption of 1 quart per 1,000 miles or more became grounds for warranty consideration.
Outback 2.5i (2013-2016), Forester 2.5i (2014-2016), Legacy 2.5i (2013-2016), Crosstrek (2013-2016). Check oil level between oil changes on these model years.
Oil change every 5,000 miles with Subaru-spec full synthetic. Check oil level every 1,000-2,000 miles on affected model years. If consumption is progressive, diagnosis to assess ring condition and determine whether extended warranty coverage applies.
The FA20DIT (WRX) and EJ257 (STI) have documented rod bearing wear on engines with extended high-RPM use, oil changes past 5,000 miles, or track use without appropriate oil spec upgrades.
Symptom: knocking from the bottom end of the engine under load. Advanced: catastrophic bearing failure requiring engine replacement ($6,000+).
Preventive rod bearing replacement on WRX/STI engines at 60,000-100,000 miles costs $1,200-$2,000. The procedure accesses bearings without full engine removal. Far less expensive than engine replacement after failure.
| Service | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HC combustion test (head gasket diagnosis) | $199.99 | Confirms internal head gasket failure |
| EJ25 head gasket repair | $2,500–$4,500 | Both head gaskets, timing belt, water pump, thermostat, coolant |
| FB25 oil consumption diagnosis | $199.99/hr | Assess ring condition; warranty claim documentation |
| FA20 rod bearing replacement | From $1,200 | Preventive; far less than engine replacement |
| Lineartronic CVT replacement | From $3,500 | Remanufactured CVT with new fluid |
Prices as of May 2026. Final cost based on vehicle condition. Written estimate before work begins.
HC combustion test · Written estimate · NAPA Gold 3-year warranty · Open 7 days
Buddy Rausch founded Tedious Auto Repair in Chico, CA in 2007. ASE Master Certified. 18+ years serving Butte County. About Buddy Rausch