Subaru common problems & weak spots
The most widely documented Subaru weak spots in Canada: what breaks, what it costs to fix, and what to inspect before buying used.
Known issues
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Watch out
Head gaskets on EJ engines (pre-2012)
The famous failure: EJ25 head gaskets leak coolant and oil externally. Budget for the job on any used EJ \u2014 or buy a 2012+ FB engine car.
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Common
FB engine oil consumption (2012\u20132014)
Early FB25 engines drink oil \u2014 Subaru extended warranties, so check VIN coverage. Check the dipstick every 1,000 km regardless.
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Common
CVT valve body failures
Harsh shifts, flaring and solenoid codes usually mean the valve body. It\u2019s a common repair \u2014 test drive until fully warm.
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Common
Wheel bearing wear
Subarus eat wheel bearings. A humming that changes when you weave the steering is the tell \u2014 check all four corners.
Subaru Forester
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Watch out
Head gaskets (EJ, pre-2012)
The Forester is the classic EJ head-gasket car. Look for coolant residue at the head seams and ask when the gaskets were done.
Subaru Impreza
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Common
FB oil use and CVT (2012+)
Post-2012 Imprezas trade head gaskets for oil consumption and CVT valve-body risk. Check oil weekly and drive the CVT fully warm.
Subaru Outback
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Common
Same EJ/FB pattern as Forester
Pre-2012: head gaskets. 2012\u20132014: oil consumption. All CVT years: valve body. Check the era you\u2019re buying into.
Pick another make
Get it inspected before you buy
A pre-purchase inspection on a lift reveals rust, leaks and hidden problems before you pay for the car.