Subaru Outback models produced between 1994-1999 are equipped with timing belts whereas all the engines of the models between 2021-2023 are equipped with timing chains. Furthermore, the Outback models manufactured between 2000 to 2020 have both timing belt and timing chain driven engine variants.
Do you have a Subaru Outback and you’re not sure if your engine has a timing belt or a timing chain? It depends on your Subaru model year.
So let’s discuss Subaru outback timing belt or chain.
Now, let’s talk about the Subaru Outback timing belts in detail.
Subaru Outback Timing Belt Or Chain? Quick Overview
The Subaru Outback models between 1998 and 2009 are equipped with timing belts due to their 4-cylinder engines. On the other hand, the models that came between 2001-2009 are equipped with timing chains due to their 6-cylinder V6 engine.
Here is a quick overview of the models, engine options, and engine belts.
| Model Years | Engine Options | Timing Belt or Timing Chain? |
| Subaru Outback (1994-1999) | 2.2L EJ22 2.5L EJ25 | Timing Belt |
| Subaru Outback (2000-2004) | 2.5 L SOHC H4 3.0 L DOHC H6 | Timing Belt Timing Chain |
| Subaru Outback (2005-2009) | 2.5L SOHC H4 2.5L DOHC H4 turbo 3.0L DOHC H6 2.0L turbodiesel | Timing Belt Timing Belt Timing Chain Timing Chain |
| Subaru Outback (2015-2020) | 2.0 L EJ253, 224 hp 2.5 L Fb25B, 170 hp 2.0 L EE20, 148 hp 3.6 L EZ36, 256 hp | Timing Belt Timing Belt Timing Chain Timing Chain |
| Subaru Outback (2021-2023) | 2.5 L FB25 H4 2.4 L, FA24F H4-T 1.8 L CB18 H4 | Timing Chain Timing Chain Timing Chain |
Subaru Outback Timing Belt Or Chain? Detailed Overview
Now let’s talk about all the Subaru Outback timing systems in detail as follows.
Subaru Outback 1994 to 1999: Legacy/1st Generation
| Model Years | Timing Belt or Timing Chain? | Engine Specification | Replacement Interval | Estimated Part Cost |
| 1994 | Timing Belt | 2.2L EJ22 SOHC, 135 hp / 2.5L EJ25 DOHC, 165 hp | 105k Miles | $29 – $37 |
| 1995 | Timing Belt | 2.2L EJ22 SOHC, 135 hp / 2.5L EJ25 DOHC, 165 hp | 105k Miles | $29 – $37 |
| 1996 | Timing Belt | 2.2L EJ22 SOHC, 135 hp / 2.5L EJ25 DOHC, 165 hp | 105k Miles | $29 – $37 |
| 1997 | Timing Belt | 2.2L EJ22 SOHC, 135 hp / 2.5L EJ25 DOHC, 165 hp | 105k Miles | $29 – $37 |
| 1998 | Timing Belt | 2.2L EJ22 SOHC, 135 hp / 2.5L EJ25 DOHC, 165 hp | 105k Miles | $29 – $37 |
| 1999 | Timing Belt | 2.2L EJ22 SOHC, 135 hp / 2.5L EJ25 DOHC, 165 hp | 105k Miles | $29 – $37 |
Subaru Outback 2000 to 2004: 2nd Generation
| Model Years | Timing Belt or Timing Chain? | Engine Specification | Replacement Interval | Estimated Part Cost |
| 2000 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.5 L SOHC H4 165 hp (Timing Belt)3.0 L DOHC H6 212 hp (Timing Chain) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chains | $13 – $63 (Timing Belt) 64$-98$ (Timing Chain) |
| 2001 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.5 L SOHC H4 165 hp (Timing Belt)3.0 L DOHC H6 212 hp (Timing Chain) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chains | $13 – $63 (Timing Belt) 64$-98$ (Timing Chain) |
| 2002 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.5 L SOHC H4 165 hp (Timing Belt)3.0 L DOHC H6 212 hp (Timing Chain) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chains | $13 – $63 (Timing Belt) 64$-98$ (Timing Chain) |
| 2003 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.5 L SOHC H4 165 hp (Timing Belt)3.0 L DOHC H6 212 hp (Timing Chain) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chains | $13 – $63 (Timing Belt) 64$-98$ (Timing Chain) |
| 2004 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.5 L SOHC H4 165 hp (Timing Belt)3.0 L DOHC H6 212 hp (Timing Chain) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chains | $13 – $63 (Timing Belt) 64$-98$ (Timing Chain) |
Subaru Outback 2005 to 2009: 3rd Generation
| Model Years | Timing Belt or Timing Chain? | Engine Specification | Replacement Interval | Estimated Part Cost |
| 2005 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.5L SOHC 175 hp H4/H4 turbo (Timing Belt)3.0L DOHC H6, 2.0L turbo diesel (Timing Chain) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chains | $13 – $63 (Timing Belt) 64$-98$ (Timing Chain) |
| 2006 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.5L SOHC 175 hp H4/H4 turbo (Timing Belt)3.0L DOHC H6, 2.0L turbo diesel (Timing Chain) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chains | $13 – $63 (Timing Belt) 64$-98$ (Timing Chain) |
| 2007 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.5L SOHC 175 hp H4/H4 turbo (Timing Belt)3.0L DOHC H6, 2.0L turbo diesel (Timing Chain) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chains | $13 – $63 (Timing Belt) 64$-98$ (Timing Chain) |
| 2008 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.5L SOHC 175 hp H4/H4 turbo (Timing Belt)3.0L DOHC H6, 2.0L turbo diesel (Timing Chain) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chains | $13 – $63 (Timing Belt) 64$-98$ (Timing Chain) |
| 2009 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.5L SOHC 175 hp H4/H4 turbo (Timing Belt)3.0L DOHC H6, 2.0L turbo diesel (Timing Chain) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chains | $13 – $63 (Timing Belt) 64$-98$ (Timing Chain) |
| 2010 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.5L SOHC 175 hp H4/H4 turbo (Timing Belt)3.0L DOHC H6, 2.0L turbo diesel (Timing Chain) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chains | $13 – $63 (Timing Belt) 64$-98$ (Timing Chain) |
Subaru Outback 2010 to 2014: 4th Generation
| Model Years | Timing Belt or Timing Chain? | Engine Specification | Replacement Interval | Estimated Part Cost |
| 2010 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.0 L EJ253, 2.5 L Fb25B, (Timing Belt)3.6 L EZ36, 256 hp (Timing Chain) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chains | $68-$120 (Timing Belt), $44-$135 (Timing Chain) |
| 2011 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.0 L EJ253, 2.5 L Fb25B, (Timing Belt)3.6 L EZ36, 256 hp (Timing Chain) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chains | $68-$120 (Timing Belt), $44-$135 (Timing Chain) |
| 2012 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.0 L EJ253, 2.5 L Fb25B, (Timing Belt)3.6 L EZ36, 256 hp (Timing Chain) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chains | $68-$120 (Timing Belt), $44-$135 (Timing Chain) |
| 2013 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.0 L EJ253, 2.5 L Fb25B, (Timing Belt)3.6 L EZ36, 256 hp (Timing Chain) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chains | $68-$120 (Timing Belt), $44-$135 (Timing Chain) |
| 2014 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.0 L EJ253, 2.5 L Fb25B, (Timing Belt)3.6 L EZ36, 256 hp (Timing Chain) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chains | $68-$120 (Timing Belt), $44-$135 (Timing Chain) |
Subaru Outback 2015 to 2020: 5th Generation
| Model Years | Timing Belt or Timing Chain? | Engine Specification | Replacement Interval | Estimated Part Cost |
| 2015 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.0 L EE20, 3.6 L EZ36, (Timing Chain)2.0L, 2.5L EJ253/Fb25B (Timing Belt) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chain | $85-$100 (Timing Chain) $70-$130 (Timing Belt) |
| 2016 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.0 L EE20, 3.6 L EZ36, (Timing Chain)2.0L, 2.5L EJ253/Fb25B (Timing Belt) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chain | $85-$100 (Timing Chain) $70-$130 (Timing Belt) |
| 2017 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.0 L EE20, 3.6 L EZ36, (Timing Chain)2.0L, 2.5L EJ253/Fb25B (Timing Belt) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chain | $85-$100 (Timing Chain) $70-$130 (Timing Belt) |
| 2018 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.0 L EE20, 3.6 L EZ36, (Timing Chain)2.0L, 2.5L EJ253/Fb25B (Timing Belt) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chain | $85-$100 (Timing Chain) $70-$130 (Timing Belt) |
| 2019 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.0 L EE20, 3.6 L EZ36, (Timing Chain)2.0L, 2.5L EJ253/Fb25B (Timing Belt) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chain | $85-$100 (Timing Chain) $70-$130 (Timing Belt) |
| 2020 | Both Belt & Chain | 2.0 L EE20, 3.6 L EZ36, (Timing Chain)2.0L, 2.5L EJ253/Fb25B (Timing Belt) | 105k Miles for Timing belts and Engine’s Lifetime for Timing chain | $85-$100 (Timing Chain) $70-$130 (Timing Belt) |
Subaru Outback 2021 to 2023: 6th Generation
| Model Years | Timing Belt or Timing Chain? | Engine Specification | Replacement Interval | Estimated Part Cost |
| 2021 | Timing Chain | 2.5 L FB25 H4 182 hp / 2.4 L, FA24F H4-T, 260 hp / 1.8 L CB18 H4, 174 hp | Engine’s Lifetime | $70-$105 |
| 2022 | Timing Chain | 2.5 L FB25 H4 182 hp / 2.4 L, FA24F H4-T, 260 hp / 1.8 L CB18 H4, 174 hp | Engine’s Lifetime | $70-$105 |
| 2023 | Timing Chain | 2.5 L FB25 H4 182 hp / 2.4 L, FA24F H4-T, 260 hp / 1.8 L CB18 H4, 174 hp | Engine’s Lifetime | $70-$105 |
And, we covered Subaru Outback’s all models of different generations. If you wonder whether Ford Escape does have a timing belt or a chain, check this to find out.
What Happens If Subaru Timing Belt Or Chain Breaks?
If a timing belt or chain breaks on a Subaru engine, it will cause the engine to stop running. This can lead to significant damage to the engine, including bent valves and damaged pistons. To prevent this, it is important to have the timing belt or chain inspected and replaced at the recommended intervals.
Do Subaru Timing Chains Need To Be Replaced?
Many Subaru models that use timing chains instead of timing belts, are designed to last the lifetime of the engine and do not need to be replaced. Nevertheless, you should always consult the owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic.
This will help you to confirm the specific maintenance requirements for your vehicle’s make and model. In some cases, the timing chain tensioner may need to be replaced, but this would not be considered a routine replacement.
FAQs
How Much Does It Cost To Replace The Timing Belt On Subaru Outback?
Timing belt replacement for a Subaru Outback costs, on average, $647, which includes $343 in parts and $304 in labor. Remember that prices will vary depending on where you live, parts availability, taxes, service center, and shipping charges.
When Should The Timing Belt Be Replaced On a Subaru Outback?
You should replace timing belts and belts according to your model. In general, timing belts on Subaru cars need to be replaced after every 105,000 miles. If your model has a timing chain, there is no need to worry about it since it lasts Engine’s Lifetime.
What Years Of Outback Are Most Reliable?
According to the users, Subaru Outbacks produced between the years 2005 to 2009 are considered the most reliable. Subaru put a lot of effort into improving the car’s power during this time, bringing the turbocharged 2.5L, 4-cylinder engine with two variants, 170 horsepower, and 224 horsepower.
Conclusion
That was everything there was to say on the Subaru Outback timing belt or chain. I hope you’ve identified whether your Subaru Outback model is equipped with a timing belt or a timing chain. I look forward to seeing you at the next one, goodbye for now.
