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FB20

2.0i 150 hp (FB20, 2011-2018) engine: faults and reliability

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

Buy

AUTO BILD recommends the XV I's petrol engines without reservation. Two British campaigns need checking: the valve springs on cars built in 2013-2014 and the ignition coils on those built from September 2016 to October 2019.[1][2]

Years
2011–2018
Power
150 hp
Faults that affect it
2
1 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
2
in our database

5 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Four-cylinder of 1,995 cc, 110 kW (150 hp) and 196-198 N·m with a timing chain, with a six-speed manual gearbox or CVT. It is fitted to the Forester IV (2.0X) and the XV I (2.0i).[3][4][5]

Engine codes of this version: FB20.

Faults of the FB20 engine

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

  1. 1Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalIgnitionShort-circuiting ignition coils on the Forester, XV and Impreza (2016-2019)Two British campaigns (2020 and 2021) affect 2,338 Forester, XV and Impreza cars built from September 2016 to October 2019: one reprograms the control unit because the coil stays powered after the engine is switched off, and the other replaces all the coils, which can short-circuit and leave the car unable to start.
  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.

Cars fitted with the FB20 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 FB20 engine reliable?

Our verdict is “Buy”. AUTO BILD recommends the XV I's petrol engines without reservation. Two British campaigns need checking: the valve springs on cars built in 2013-2014 and the ignition coils on those built from September 2016 to October 2019.[1][2]

What faults does the FB20 engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: short-circuiting ignition coils on the Forester, XV and Impreza (2016-2019) (medium severity) and valve spring breakage on models built in 2013 and 2014 (high severity).

Which cars use the FB20 engine?

Subaru Forester IV (2012–2018) and Subaru XV I (2011–2017).[1][4][5]

Are you buying a car with the FB20 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 XV I im Gebrauchtwagen-Test: «Vorsicht vor dem Boxer-Diesel!»AUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 17 December 2019 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  2. DVSA – base de llamadas a revisiónDVSA (Reino Unido) · Official body · consulted 9 October 2026
  3. Subaru FB engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  4. Subaru ForesterWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  5. Subaru XVWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German