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EJ253

2.5i 167-173 hp (EJ253, 2009-2014) engine: faults and reliability

Subaru bóxer (gasolina EJ and FB and diésel EE20) version

With caution

We have not found any European source that rates this particular engine; Gebrauchtwagenberater and Wikipedia cite cylinder head gaskets on the EJ engines and SlashGear says Subaru moved to multi-layer steel gaskets around 2010. Ask for the service history and check the coolant.[1][2][3]

Years
2009–2014
Power
167–173 hp
Faults that affect it
3
2 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
2
in our database

7 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Naturally aspirated boxer of 2,457 cc with a single camshaft per cylinder head: 123 kW (167 hp) in the Legacy V and Outback IV before the facelift and 127 kW (173 hp) after it, with the Lineartronic gearbox (CVT) according to German Wikipedia from May 2013 in the Outback. English Wikipedia identifies it as the EJ253 and places the Legacy with this engine in 2009-2012.[2][4][5]

Engine codes of this version: EJ253.

Faults of the EJ253 engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1High severityFrequency: OccasionalCylinder head and blockDamaged cylinder head gasket on the EJ petrol enginesDamaged cylinder head gaskets are cited on the EJ petrols (2.0 and 2.5), especially on older cars; Wikipedia records frequent failures of the single-layer gasket on the EJ251, and SlashGear places Subaru's switch to multi-layer steel gaskets around 2010.
  2. 2High severityFrequency: RareCylinder head and blockValve spring breakage on models built in 2013 and 2014In 2019 the DVSA recorded a recall for possible valve spring breakage on the Forester, Impreza, XV, Outback, Legacy and BRZ built in 2013 and 2014 (812 cars in the UK); the fix is to replace all the springs.
  3. 3Medium severityFrequency: RareTransmissionLeaking CVT gearbox oil cooler hose on the Legacy and Outback (2010)In 2010 the DVSA recorded a recall of 404 British Legacy and Outback cars for a CVT gearbox oil cooler hose that could break, causing loss of drive and oil on the road; a modified hose is fitted.

Cars fitted with the EJ253 engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Subaru

Frequently asked questions

Is the EJ253 engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. We have not found any European source that rates this particular engine; Gebrauchtwagenberater and Wikipedia cite cylinder head gaskets on the EJ engines and SlashGear says Subaru moved to multi-layer steel gaskets around 2010. Ask for the service history and check the coolant.[1][2][3]

What faults does the EJ253 engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: damaged cylinder head gasket on the EJ petrol engines (high severity), valve spring breakage on models built in 2013 and 2014 (high severity) and leaking CVT gearbox oil cooler hose on the Legacy and Outback (2010) (medium severity).

Which cars use the EJ253 engine?

Subaru Outback IV (2009–2014) and Subaru Legacy V (2009–2014).[2][4][5][6][7]

Are you buying a car with the EJ253 engine?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Subaru Impreza III – Bekannte Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · published 6 September 2023 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  2. Subaru EJ engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  3. Why Subaru's Head Gaskets Became A Running Joke (And Whether It's Still Deserved)SlashGear · General press · published 13 September 2025 · consulted 9 October 2026
  4. Subaru OutbackWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  5. Subaru Legacy (fifth generation)Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  6. Subaru Outback 2009-2013, un olvidado 4x4 de segunda mano con un gran maleteroDiariomotor · Motoring press · published 10 March 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
  7. Con 526 l de maletero, es un olvidado 4×4 irrompible que está disponible desde 7.500 €Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 24 September 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish