07 Legacy 2.5L HG

[ksp7498]

The EJ25 is notorious for failing headgaskets, and my '99 Forester was no exception, though it did go 143k until they went. Subaru made improvements over the years that cut down the failure rate but were never able to totally fix it. It's an intrinsic flaw in the engine that's a result of too large a bore for the block combined with an open deck. The 2.2L closed-deck version of the same engine is bulletproof. Pre-2003 are the worst (and especially pre-1999, where failure is practically guaranteed)

The only real fix for this issue is the new FB engine with its smaller bore and redesigned heads.

 

[sxg6]

A lot of people have come to associate head gasket problems with 2.5L subaru engines. It was a problem for years 2004 and earlier, but 2005-2009 non-turbo legacys really don't have head gasket problems. I'm not gonna go and say people don't have head gasket issues anymore because of course some owners may have head gasket problems, but it isn't one of those major things that you need to worry about like it use to be.

I have a 2009 legacy with well over 100k, and it has been an incredible car, I love my subaru and would buy another one without question. The only "problems" that I've had with the car is that it has always consumed oil, ever since it was brand new. I did have a problem with the spark plug tube seals on my legacy, all 4 tubes leaked some oil down the spark plug tubes. I fixed this a few months ago by replacing both valve cover gaskets, and all 4 spark plug tube seals. Subaru must have known the original spark plug tube seal design was no good, because my replacement oem seals were different than the ones I replaced. The dealer wanted $545 to replace the valve cover gaskets and tube seals, which sounded like highway robbery so I did it myself. What a huge mistake that was, I got it done, but it was an absolute nightmare. It might be easier to do on a 2007, but I think it'd probably be very similar to my 2009.

 

[zzyzzx]

I also recommend avoiding Subaru's. The whole interference engine alone is enough. Plus the 4ED drags down gas mileage and increases other maintenance costs. That plus the parts are more expensive for Subaru's than other cars. That plus Subaru's are not particularly reliable, at least when compared to a Honda, Ford, or Toyota.

 

[Thermo1223]

Seriously? ^^^

Get you facts straight before posting.

Almost all engines are interference design even those with chains.

The 4EAT is no more of a maitenance chore than any automatic, sure it is not a 6 speed but it gets the job done.

Subaru parts are just as expensive as any other Japanese brand. Some parts are way cheaper than you think and just as reliable if not more so than some of their offerings. Especially Ford...

Complaining a HG failed at 147k? I think it did it's job.

IMO doing anything with regard's to the heads on a flat 4 in a Subaru is no worse than transverse mounted V6 engines in minivans & cars.

The misinformation is mind numbing....

 

[Errtt]

Friend currently having her 07 serviced to include HG replacement. Was leaking a little oil. She has 70k+ on the odo.

add - and I was thinking of considering a Subie to for my next commuter... but backing off after reading about HG issues

 

[Thermo1223]

HG is only an issue for those who it happens too and they could be 10% of all car's sold.

If you base your buying decision on one thing then don't buy Honda's because their automatics are junk.

 

[KenO]

Originally Posted By: Thermo1223
HG is only an issue for those who it happens too and they could be 10% of all car's sold.

If you base your buying decision on one thing then don't buy Honda's because their automatics are junk.



And instead of wearing bearings, they wear crankshafts.


HG's are a surprisingly easy job on these Subaru's. Don't fear. A good 'upgrade' is to use the stock STi MLS head gasket.

 

[cptbarkey]

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
I also recommend avoiding Subaru's. The whole interference engine alone is enough. Plus the 4ED drags down gas mileage and increases other maintenance costs. That plus the parts are more expensive for Subaru's than other cars. That plus Subaru's are not particularly reliable, at least when compared to a Honda, Ford, or Toyota.


aside from this obvious troll post, they are more maintenance prone. however show me how much more reliable that AWD ford has been for you and let me know the results.

 

[SubLGT]

Originally Posted By: buster
.................Also, they said the control arm bushings were bad. The car has 60k miles. Is it common for them to go?............


Yes, it is very common for the rear rubber bushing on the front control arm of 2005-2009 Legacys to have large cracks in it. But Subaru considers a certain amount of cracking/splitting to be acceptable and normal.

 

[buster]

I'm still in the hunt for one. I found a nice one for $8k. 5spd MT.

 

[rjundi]

Never understood why this engine was so troublsome.

The EJ22 2.2L, EJ255(turbo Legacy, WRX, Forester motor), EJ257(STI) never had any significant head gasket issues. I have/love the EJ255 in our turbo Legacy.

What is so different about the EJ25 motor I have no idea.

My local indy gets a lot of them. Its $1000 he said average to fix at his $60/hr shop rate. It takes him a good day to do.

 

[rjundi]

Originally Posted By: Thermo1223
Seriously? ^^^



The misinformation is mind numbing....

Yip.

My family's(extended) experience has been positive with Subaru. 1 head gasket failure at 240k miles out of 12 of them in with EJ25. Never had the engine I think its under powered for my tastes.

I do agree maintenance requirements are more than typical 2000's car. Seem like Subaru stuck with 1990's 30k intervals.

My wife disregarded the 30k major maintenance interval and uses 50k miles(every 2.5 years for us). Our recent one(150k/8years) was $300 + another $300 for spark plugs(first time done and we have difficult ones on turbo model) + another $100 for failed spark plug coil. Timing belt was done at 100k for $400 including pulley's, tensioner, but water pump still OEM.

She gets oil changed every 3k miles and she does DIY for air filter(really).


In 8yrs/150,000 miles problems:

0-100k miles nothing.

105k throw out bearing failed ($400 we skipped clutch--common issue on turbo Legacy/Outback only)

last 12 months a lot:
alternator, starter, leaky valve cover gasket, stuck caliper, broken power steering belt, engine skip(failing spark plug coil)

 

[SubLGT]

Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
..............I've always said for a 4 cyl the motor is a COMPLEX motor over any I4 NA.


The same can be said for a V6 versus a I6, or a V8 versus a I8. Nothing especially complex about the Subaru flat four engine.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: SubLGT
Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
..............I've always said for a 4 cyl the motor is a COMPLEX motor over any I4 NA.


The same can be said for a V6 versus a I6, or a V8 versus a I8. Nothing especially complex about the Subaru flat four engine.


NOTICE that I said above (and you quoted)

"for a 4 cyl the motor is a COMPLEX motor over any I4 NA."

You have TWO heads. You have TWO head gaskets (which I've had to replace) You have Two of everything which you do not have in a I4.

Please don't bring in things that are off topic. The statement was over a I4. It IS more complex.

Period. Sorry to tick off the fans, but I've never in many vehicles with many more miles than 70k had to do anything with head gaskets (nor have to put stop leak REQUIRED from the factory) in any I4 engine I've ever owned.. And I've owned quite a few.

Loved the motor. The Subaru drivetrain is second to none for some apps. But if people are honest it is more complex than anything with a I4 NA FWD/RWD drivetrain.

Bill

 

[SteveSRT8]

Complex. Heavy. Slow. There's more...

Sure footed. Safe. Distinctive.

Subies are a lot of things. But the ones in my world have always had reliability issues. if I was up north in the frozen wilderness maybe, just maybe. But here in Florida I'll pick another brand.

Just my opinion. YMMV...

 

[rjundi]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Complex.


Any mechanic worth their salt can work on one. That is what I don't understand about "complex". This car can be diagnosed with a real basic tools. Complex to me is BMW, Audi, MB, Lexus and other brands that require special computers/machines to diagnose them.

Subie technology dates back to 1989 in the bulk of them.

I would never dream of owning a BMW or Audi with turbo motor like our 2005 Legacy 5mt wagon with 150k miles. It is never that expensive to fix and offers a decent driving experience for what it is. The few electronics just work and it lacks complexities like traction control/stability control etc even AWD electronics.

That being said I would never own a non-turbo Subaru as they are dog slow except maybe as a "winter beater".

 

[GreatWhite]

Well I own a 2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5i. As an owner of a Subaru I really don't find it outside of the norm for repairs. Its has a 2.5L , and yes, it used oil. I use synthetic.
I had has tried Amsoil and Castrol Syntec. Amsoil being the highest oil use with Castrol right behind it. Towing a trailer I don't want to have to check the oil all the time and risk loosing an engine. I swapped out oil until I found a synthetic that ran best with no oil use at all was Liqui Moly 5w40 in the Purple jug. I have used it for a year and 0% use. Very happy with the results.
My sister who has a 1999 Jetta 2.0L had her mechanic cycle through oils until for her car, Motul worked. Her car still used oil with Liqui Moly. So experiment.
So take some time, swap out oils until you find the right one for your engine.
Maintenance for the Subaru has been good. One wheel bearing, normal timing belt kit is all I have done in 180,000KM. So its a very good car.
Subaru has taken to resolve the head gasket issue The the 2011 model year all engine blocks are the FB series. The new FB motor that is in the 2013 OB/Legacy’s doesn't even route the coolant through the head the same anymore so you have nothing to worry about.

 

[sxg6]

Greatwhite, how much consumption did you have with amsoil and castrol?

 

[GreatWhite]

Per oil change about a litre depending on how hard the engine worked.
For example, I ran 2800KM from Edmonton to Minneapolis and then back up to Winnipeg (Grand Forks, ND to Winnipeg, MB pulling a u-haul trailer and a loaded car) and it used 2.5 Litres on Amsoil.I was alarmed to say the least. Switched back to Castrol Syntec.
A german fellow at the office has 2 Subaru's and he told me about the Liqui Moly and swears buy it. I tried it and was amazed. Now no consumption at all. I check regularly. I ran last fall to this spring on the LM and it was no use at all. I was surpised.
Castrol was about 50% less than the Amsoil. I am not trying to put any brand down. Just express my results.
Hope that helps.