2.0D Boxer diesel (EE20)
2009–2014 · diesel · 1998cc · 150hp
Engine codes: EE20
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Subaru Legacy / Outback 2.0D Boxer diesel (EE20). Check this before you buy used.
Subaru's EE20 boxer diesel is the one to be very wary of: the early/pre-Euro-6 blocks (roughly 2008–2013) have well-documented premature crankshaft failure and block cracking — the crank bridges use steel inserts in an aluminium casting that can let go, sometimes between 80,000–130,000 km — on top of DPF clogging and head-gasket issues. A failure here is effectively an engine-out rebuild worth more than the car. Later Euro-6 versions reportedly cured the crank breakages, but verifying which you're looking at is hard. Unless you can confirm a late Euro-6 unit with full history, walk away.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (EE20) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
Known Issues
Early EE20 suffered crankshaft failures — catastrophic and expensive. Improved on later builds.
Fix / Workaround: Prefer later (post-2011) builds with full history; listen for bottom-end noise.
Repair cost: €2000–€5000
Typically appears after: 100,000 km
Dual-mass flywheel and clutch wear with age.
Fix / Workaround: Replace DMF + clutch together.
Repair cost: €700–€1400
DPF blocks on short trips.
Fix / Workaround: Motorway runs; clean/replace.
Repair cost: €300–€1200
Pre-Euro-6 EE20 crank bridges (steel inserts in alloy block) can crack/fail at 80,000–130,000 km — catastrophic, engine-out.
Fix / Workaround: Avoid pre-Euro-6 examples; if buying late Euro-6, demand full history + inspection.
Repair cost: €3000–€6000
Typically appears after: 80,000 km
Boxer diesel head-gasket leaks reported.
Fix / Workaround: Specialist diagnosis; labour-heavy repair.
Repair cost: €800–€2000
Year Cutoffs
Mileage Thresholds
After 100,000 km: Crankshaft failure window on early cars.
After 130,000 km: Crank-failure risk window (pre-Euro-6).
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Prefer post-2011 builds
- ☐Listen for bottom-end noise (crankshaft)
- ☐Idle DMF rattle check
- ☐DPF history; prefer motorway use
- ☐Confirm Euro-6 vs earlier — avoid pre-Euro-6
- ☐Full service history mandatory
- ☐A failure costs more than the car — when in doubt, walk
Frequently asked questions
Is the Subaru Legacy / Outback 2.0D Boxer diesel (EE20) reliable?
Avoid — Subaru's EE20 boxer diesel is the one to be very wary of: the early/pre-Euro-6 blocks (roughly 2008–2013) have well-documented premature crankshaft failure and block cracking — the crank bridges use steel inserts in an aluminium casting that can let go, sometimes between 80,000–130,000 km — on top of DPF clogging and head-gasket issues. A failure here is effectively an engine-out rebuild worth more than the car. Later Euro-6 versions reportedly cured the crank breakages, but verifying which you're looking at is hard. Unless you can confirm a late Euro-6 unit with full history, walk away.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Subaru Legacy / Outback 2.0D Boxer diesel (EE20)?
The most commonly reported problems: Crankshaft failure (early 2008–2011), DMF / clutch wear, DPF clogging, Crankshaft / block cracking, Head gasket.
Is a used Subaru Legacy / Outback 2.0D Boxer diesel (EE20) worth buying?
A design flaw with no reliable fix, or a catastrophic-failure risk. Not worth the gamble at any price.