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MotorFiable

EE20

2.0 D 147-150 hp Euro 4 (EE20, 2008-2010) engine: faults and reliability

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

Avoid

AUTO BILD records bearing and crankshaft failures in Legacy and Outback models built between autumn 2007 and February 2009 (109 free replacements out of 12,000 engines in Sweden) and Gebrauchtwagenberater speaks of numerous engine failures in 2007-2009 Impreza models; Subaru treated each claim as a goodwill gesture and no source describes a reliable check beforehand.[1][2]

Years
2008–2010
Power
147–150 hp
Faults that affect it
3
1 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
4
in our database

11 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Boxer turbodiesel of 1,998 cc (86 x 86 mm, 16.3:1), variable-geometry turbo and Denso common-rail injection at 1,800 bar: 150 hp and 350 N·m in the Legacy, Outback and Impreza, and 147 hp in the Forester. It was only offered with a six-speed manual gearbox and a particulate filter; the first Legacy and Outback had an open filter.[2][3][4]

Engine codes of this version: EE20.

Faults of the EE20 engine

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

  1. 1Critical severityFrequency: CommonLubricationBearing wear and crankshaft failure on the EE20 dieselOn the first EE20 boxer diesels (Legacy and Outback built from autumn 2007 to February 2009; Impreza 2007-2009) the crankshaft bearings could fail and break the crankshaft, destroying the engine. AUTO BILD cites two causes: silicone in the sump and bearings with incorrect clearance.Appears at around 65,000 km
  2. 2Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged particulate filter on the EE20 dieselThe particulate filter on the EE20 boxer diesel tends to clog, especially on those built up to the end of 2010 according to Gebrauchtwagenberater; AUTO BILD cites it on the XV I together with a rising oil level, among the diesel's problems.
  3. 3Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionImprecise injectors and sooty EGR valve on the EE20 dieselThe EE20's Denso injectors can work imprecisely and produce a knocking noise, and soot in the injectors and EGR valve can lead to expensive repairs; AUTO BILD cites 500-800 euros per injector in Germany.

Cars fitted with the EE20 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 EE20 engine reliable?

Our verdict is “Avoid”. AUTO BILD records bearing and crankshaft failures in Legacy and Outback models built between autumn 2007 and February 2009 (109 free replacements out of 12,000 engines in Sweden) and Gebrauchtwagenberater speaks of numerous engine failures in 2007-2009 Impreza models; Subaru treated each claim as a goodwill gesture and no source describes a reliable check beforehand.[1][2]

What faults does the EE20 engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: bearing wear and crankshaft failure on the EE20 diesel (critical severity), clogged particulate filter on the EE20 diesel (medium severity) and imprecise injectors and sooty EGR valve on the EE20 diesel (medium severity).

Which cars use the EE20 engine?

Subaru Forester III (2008–2013), Subaru Outback IV (2009–2014), Subaru Impreza III (2007–2011) and Subaru Legacy V (2009–2014).[2][3][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]

Are you buying a car with the EE20 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: Motorprobleme («Probleme mit dem Dieselboxer»)AUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 30 November 2012 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  2. Subaru Impreza III – Bekannte Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · published 6 September 2023 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  3. Subaru EE engine (diesel), en «List of Subaru engines»Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  4. Jak to działa: silnik Boxer Diesel w samochodach SubaruAutoblog (Spider's Web) · Motoring press · published 29 August 2018 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in another language
  5. Subaru ForesterWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  6. Subaru ForesterWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  7. Subaru OutbackWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  8. Subaru Outback 2009-2013, un olvidado 4x4 de segunda mano con un gran maleteroDiariomotor · Motoring press · published 10 March 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Con 526 l de maletero, es un olvidado 4×4 irrompible que está disponible desde 7.500 €Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 24 September 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Subaru Legacy (fifth generation)Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  11. Subaru EJ engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026