2.5i (EJ25, 2009–2011)
2009–2011 · petrol · 2457cc · 167hp
Engine codes: EJ25, EJ253
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Subaru Legacy / Outback 2.5i (EJ25, 2009–2011). Check this before you buy used.
The early BM/BR cars used the long-serving EJ25 boxer — torquey and characterful, but carrying the EJ's well-known head-gasket weakness: failures typically start around 160,000 km as a slow external oil or coolant weep, alongside some oil consumption. Not catastrophic if caught early, but a head-gasket job on a boxer is labour-heavy. Condition and history are everything — inspect for weeping gaskets and coolant/oil mixing before buying.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (EJ25) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
Known Issues
EJ25 head gaskets fail ~160k km, usually as a slow external oil/coolant leak; boxer layout makes the job labour-heavy.
Fix / Workaround: Replace both head gaskets (do timing belt + pump same time); pressure-test cooling.
Repair cost: €700–€1800
Typically appears after: 150,000 km
Some EJ25s use oil with age.
Fix / Workaround: Monitor level; investigate if heavy.
Repair cost: €0–€200
Mileage Thresholds
After 160,000 km: Head-gasket window.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Inspect head gaskets for weeping oil/coolant
- ☐Check coolant for oil / oil for coolant
- ☐Timing-belt history (interference)
Frequently asked questions
Is the Subaru Legacy / Outback 2.5i (EJ25, 2009–2011) reliable?
History-Dependent — The early BM/BR cars used the long-serving EJ25 boxer — torquey and characterful, but carrying the EJ's well-known head-gasket weakness: failures typically start around 160,000 km as a slow external oil or coolant weep, alongside some oil consumption. Not catastrophic if caught early, but a head-gasket job on a boxer is labour-heavy. Condition and history are everything — inspect for weeping gaskets and coolant/oil mixing before buying.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Subaru Legacy / Outback 2.5i (EJ25, 2009–2011)?
The most commonly reported problems: Head gasket failure, Oil consumption.
Is a used Subaru Legacy / Outback 2.5i (EJ25, 2009–2011) worth buying?
The engine itself is OK; condition is everything. Unknown or patchy history = walk away.