Subaru common problems
Great AWD for Alberta winters, with a couple of boxer-engine issues to know.
Subaru's symmetrical AWD and ground clearance make it a favourite in Alberta, and the cars are generally dependable. But the horizontally-opposed 'boxer' engine has a couple of well-documented weak points that every Subaru owner should know about.
Here's what we see and what to watch.
Reliability: good, with well-known head-gasket and oil-consumption items.
Common Subaru problems
The faults we actually see on Subaru vehicles in the shop — what causes them, and why they matter.
Head gasket leaks (older EJ engines)
The older EJ-series engines (notably the 2.5L, especially pre-2012) are known for external head-gasket leaks. Caught early it's a planned repair; ignored, a coolant or oil leak can lead to overheating. Watch for coolant loss and oil seepage.
Oil consumption (some FB engines)
Certain newer FB engines were known to consume oil. Check the level regularly and diagnose the cause rather than just topping up.
CVT and driveline
Later models use a CVT; keep the fluid serviced. The AWD system also needs matched tires with even tread — mismatched tires stress the driveline.
Wheel bearings and suspension
Wheel bearings are a known wear item, and suspension takes a beating on Alberta roads.
When to get your Subaru looked at
Catch these early and most are routine. Leave them, and they turn into the expensive repairs — so if you notice any of these, book a look.
Buying or owning a Subaru
- On an older EJ-engine Subaru, watch for head-gasket seepage and budget for it as a known repair.
- Check oil consumption on affected FB engines.
- Keep AWD tires matched and evenly worn to protect the driveline.
- The AWD and clearance are worth it for Alberta — just go in informed.
On repair costs
Day-to-day Subaru costs are reasonable, but two items can add up: a head-gasket repair on an older EJ engine, and wheel bearings. Both are well understood and far cheaper to plan for than to hit by surprise - a pre-purchase inspection flags them.
What our winters and roads do to a Subaru
Subaru's AWD and ground clearance genuinely earn their keep in Alberta winters, which is why they're everywhere here. The trade-off is the boxer engine's known head-gasket and oil items, plus wheel bearings that salt and rough roads wear faster. Keeping the AWD tires matched and the cooling system healthy is key.
We're an independent shop in Calgary SE that services every make — with factory-level diagnostics, honest written estimates, and advice on what's urgent versus what can wait.
Book a serviceDiagnosed right, fixed once
Proper diagnostics
We find the real cause rather than guessing — so you fix the problem once, not the symptom.
Pre-purchase inspection
Buying a used Subaru? We check it over and flag the known weak points before you commit.
Free VIN check
Decode the vehicle and get its recall and safety record before you buy.
In the deep south, easy to reach
We're at Unit 615, 12445 Lake Fraser Dr SE, Calgary, at Avenida Village on Macleod Trail — minutes from the SE communities we look after.
Subaru problems — FAQ
Do all Subarus have head gasket problems?
No — it's mainly the older EJ-series engines, especially the 2.5L before about 2012. Newer engines are improved. On an older Subaru, it's a known item to inspect for and budget around.
Why do I need to match tires on a Subaru?
Subaru's symmetrical AWD is sensitive to differences in tire circumference. Mismatched or unevenly worn tires make the system work harder and can cause driveline wear, so replace in sets and keep rotation current.
Is a Subaru a good choice for Alberta winters?
Yes — the AWD and ground clearance are genuinely useful here. Just go in aware of the boxer-engine items, and get a used one inspected first.