2.0 Boxer petrol (EJ20 / FB20)

2008–2013 · petrol · 1994cc · 150hp

Engine codes: EJ20, FB20

Reliable

Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Subaru Impreza / Forester 2.0 Boxer petrol (EJ20 / FB20). Check this before you buy used.

The 2.0 flat-four is the safer boxer choice — it does NOT share the EJ25's notorious head-gasket failures. Robust with regular oil changes and timing-belt/chain maintenance. Thirsty (AWD) and a bit gruff, but dependable.

Same engine, other cars

This is the same physical engine (FB20) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:

Known Issues

Timing belt/chain + oil disciplinerecurring

EJ20 is belt-driven (change on schedule); FB20 (newer) is chain. Regular oil changes are key to boxer longevity.

Fix / Workaround: Belt + water pump on schedule (EJ20); frequent oil changes.

Repair cost: €300–€600

Typically appears after: 100,000 km

AWD fuel consumptionminor

Thirsty due to permanent AWD — not a fault.

Fix / Workaround: Budget for fuel.

FB20 oil consumption (2011–2014) / EJ20 head gasket weep at agerecurring

Two different generations, two known traits: early FB20s (2011–2014) are documented for ring-related oil consumption (Subaru extended warranties over it); high-mileage EJ20s weep externally at the head gaskets. Neither is usually sudden.

Fix / Workaround: FB20: oil consumption test before buying. EJ20: look for external weeps at the head-block joints — budget gaskets if damp.

Repair cost: €200–€1500

Typically appears after: 130,000 km

Year Cutoffs

2015: Before — FB20 2011–2014 — documented ring/oil-consumption years. After — Revised rings — oil consumption issue resolved.

Mileage Thresholds

After 250,000 km: Dependable with oil/belt discipline.

After 150,000 km: EJ20: check for gasket weeps. FB20: verify the oil-consumption fix/test history. Otherwise these boxers just run.

Fault Codes to Scan

P0301Cylinder misfire — plugs are awkward to reach on a boxer; aged plugs/coils are the usual cause.minor

P0420Catalyst efficiency — accelerated by oil consumption on affected FB20s.minor

Pre-Purchase Checklist

☐Belt history (EJ20)
☐Frequent oil changes
☐The safer boxer vs the 2.5

Frequently asked questions

Is the Subaru Impreza / Forester 2.0 Boxer petrol (EJ20 / FB20) reliable?

Reliable — The 2.0 flat-four is the safer boxer choice — it does NOT share the EJ25's notorious head-gasket failures. Robust with regular oil changes and timing-belt/chain maintenance. Thirsty (AWD) and a bit gruff, but dependable.

What are the common problems and reviews for the Subaru Impreza / Forester 2.0 Boxer petrol (EJ20 / FB20)?

The most commonly reported problems: Timing belt/chain + oil discipline, AWD fuel consumption, FB20 oil consumption (2011–2014) / EJ20 head gasket weep at age.

Is a used Subaru Impreza / Forester 2.0 Boxer petrol (EJ20 / FB20) worth buying?

Minor issues only, easy to maintain, no design flaws. A safe used buy.