They cheaped out on the head gaskets themselves in the ej25 series engines (naturally aspirated). If the gaskets are replaced with the MLS (multi-level steel) ones that came stock in the turbo models, they’ll probably last longer than the rest of the car. At some point Subaru got wise and started putting MLS gaskets in all of their engines, so it’s not really a problem anymore.
As for head gaskets going on turbo subarus, I’d put that squarely on wrx’s and sti’s being some of the most abused vehicles out there.
Subaru boxer engines are very reliable, they are just a pain to work on. The main issues Subie’s have is computer issues in warm climates.
Pre 2005 this statement would get you brigaded with head gasket issues, but yeah haven’t heard of those being a regular issue in a while.
I wonder how many of the head gasket complaints were from yobbos who kept the boost super high
They cheaped out on the head gaskets themselves in the ej25 series engines (naturally aspirated). If the gaskets are replaced with the MLS (multi-level steel) ones that came stock in the turbo models, they’ll probably last longer than the rest of the car. At some point Subaru got wise and started putting MLS gaskets in all of their engines, so it’s not really a problem anymore. As for head gaskets going on turbo subarus, I’d put that squarely on wrx’s and sti’s being some of the most abused vehicles out there.
Happened to my old 98 forrester and that thing didn’t have a turbo at all, so no idea really.
Yeah, the head gasket issues were annoying in the early 2000s.
That issue finally got fixed. My Impreza has been crazy reliable compared to every other car I’ve owned.