EJ25 NA
Subaru · 2.5L NA Boxer I4
1996–2020
"Outback/Forester/Legacy. Head gasket failure is endemic — external oil leak type. Budget for gasket job at 150k km."
Mileage Risk Timeline
When problems typically appear — enter your mileage to see your risk zone
Known Issues 2
Head gasket failure — systematic design flaw
▸Coolant loss, overheating, milky oil, bubbles in coolant overflow
THE EJ25 problem. Graphite composite head gaskets fail systemically. 75k-150k km range. ALL pre-2011 EJ25 SOHC affected eventually.
Any EJ25 NA purchase in Greece: check coolant for contamination immediately. If not yet failed: budget €1,500-4,000 proactively. Or avoid entirely.
Cooling system stress from failed head gaskets
▸Overheating, warped head in severe cases
Failed head gasket leads to overheating which warps the aluminum head. Repair then becomes €4,000+.
Do not drive an overheating EJ25. Shut off immediately to prevent head warping.
Other Subaru Engines
Tuning Potential
N/A
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Subaru EJ25 NA reliable?
The Subaru EJ25 NA scores 55/100 with a verdict of CAUTION. It has 2 documented issues with total repair costs between €2,000 and €6,000.
What are the common problems with the EJ25 NA?
The most common issues are:
- Head gasket failure — systematic design flaw — critical, repair cost €1,500–€4,000, 75,000 km–150,000 km
- Cooling system stress from failed head gaskets — critical, repair cost €500–€2,000, 80,000 km–160,000 km
How much does it cost to repair the EJ25 NA?
Total potential repair costs for all 2 known issues range from €2,000 to €6,000. The most expensive issue is typically .
What years was the EJ25 NA produced?
The Subaru EJ25 NA was produced from 1996 to 2020. It is a 2457cc H4 petrol na engine.
Scores are calculated from documented issues, repair costs, and failure patterns across thousands of owner reports and technical sources. Learn about our methodology. Always inspect before you buy.