Subaru Outback Used Engines

Outback engines are the deepest Subaru stock we carry, and the reason is not a mystery: the EJ25 head gasket. Almost every Outback engine we sell is replacing one that lost a head gasket between the two banks, and a buyer who understands that is in a much better position to buy well. The first thing to establish is whether you need an EJ-series boxer or the later FB, because 2013 is the dividing line and nothing crosses it.

Subaru Outback Used Engines — engine options by generation

How to pick the right one

EJ or FB is the first question, and 2013 is the cut on the Outback. Inside the EJ range, the SOHC EJ251 and EJ253 are largely interchangeable with the right intake manifold, but the DOHC EJ25D of the 1996–1999 cars is a different head design and will not swap into a later car. If yours is an XT, the turbocharged EJ255 is its own part with different pistons and oiling and nothing about the naturally aspirated engine applies. On H6 cars, the EZ30 and EZ36 do not interchange — different displacement, different block, different transmission bellhousing.

What usually fails on these engines

Head gasket failure is the defining Subaru boxer problem and it behaves differently by generation. The 1996–1999 DOHC EJ25D blows internally and mixes coolant into the oil; the 2000-up SOHC engines usually seep externally at the bank before they fail inwardly, which is why you smell coolant before you lose the engine. Subaru moved to a multi-layer steel gasket late in the run and that is the one to buy. We pressure test the cooling system and do a combustion leak test on every EJ we list, and on turbocharged units we bore-scope for ringland damage.

What ships with every unit

• Compression and leak-down tested before it is listed, with the test sheet in the box.
• VIN matched fitment — send us your VIN and we confirm the engine code against your vehicle before the order ships.
• Written warranty on every engine, with labour coverage available.
• Free freight anywhere in the lower 48, shipped on a pallet to a commercial address or a terminal.

Related reading: Subaru 2.5L Boxer engine guide, all engine guides.

Subaru Outback used engines - frequently asked questions

Which engines did the Subaru Outback use?

Across 1995 to today the Subaru Outback was built with 2.2L H4 / 2.5L H4, 2.5L H4, 3.0L H6, 2.5L turbo H4, 3.6L H6 and 2.5L H4 / 2.4L turbo H4. The table above lists which one belongs to each generation, with the engine family and VIN character that identifies it.

How do I know which engine is in my Subaru Outback?

The eighth character of the VIN encodes the engine on almost every US vehicle, and that is the only reliable way to settle it - two cars of the same year and trim can carry different engines. Send us the VIN and we check the engine code against your vehicle before anything ships.

Will an engine from a different year fit my Subaru Outback?

EJ or FB is the first question, and 2013 is the cut on the Outback. Inside the EJ range, the SOHC EJ251 and EJ253 are largely interchangeable with the right intake manifold, but the DOHC EJ25D of the 1996–1999 cars is a different head design and will not swap into a later car.

What usually fails on these engines?

Head gasket failure is the defining Subaru boxer problem and it behaves differently by generation. The 1996–1999 DOHC EJ25D blows internally and mixes coolant into the oil; the 2000-up SOHC engines usually seep externally at the bank before they fail inwardly, which is why you smell coolant before you lose the engine.

What comes with a used Subaru Outback engine?

Every engine is compression and leak-down tested before it is listed and the test sheet ships in the box. Fitment is VIN matched before the order goes out, every engine carries a written warranty with labour coverage available, and freight is free anywhere in the lower 48.