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EJ204

2.0i 150 hp (EJ204, 2007-2014) engine: faults and reliability

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

With caution

Gebrauchtwagenberater cites damaged cylinder head gaskets, especially on older cars, and high oil consumption on the petrol Impreza III; check the coolant and oil levels and ask for the service history.[1]

Years
2007–2014
Power
150 hp
Faults that affect it
2
1 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
3
in our database

6 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Naturally aspirated boxer of 1,994 cc (92 x 75 mm), twin overhead camshafts and AVCS variable valve timing; English Wikipedia describes the EJ engines as having a timing belt. It produces 150 hp in the Impreza III (2.0R), the Forester III (2.0X, with 196 N·m) and the 2009-2014 Legacy V; the EJ204 code is inferred from English Wikipedia, because the German press does not give it.[1][2][3][4]

Engine codes of this version: EJ204.

Faults of the EJ204 engine

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

  1. 1High severityFrequency: OccasionalCylinder head and blockDamaged cylinder head gasket on the EJ petrol enginesDamaged cylinder head gaskets are cited on the EJ petrols (2.0 and 2.5), especially on older cars; Wikipedia records frequent failures of the single-layer gasket on the EJ251, and SlashGear places Subaru's switch to multi-layer steel gaskets around 2010.
  2. 2Medium severityFrequency: RareTransmissionLeaking CVT gearbox oil cooler hose on the Legacy and Outback (2010)In 2010 the DVSA recorded a recall of 404 British Legacy and Outback cars for a CVT gearbox oil cooler hose that could break, causing loss of drive and oil on the road; a modified hose is fitted.

Cars fitted with the EJ204 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 EJ204 engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. Gebrauchtwagenberater cites damaged cylinder head gaskets, especially on older cars, and high oil consumption on the petrol Impreza III; check the coolant and oil levels and ask for the service history.[1]

What faults does the EJ204 engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: damaged cylinder head gasket on the EJ petrol engines (high severity) and leaking CVT gearbox oil cooler hose on the Legacy and Outback (2010) (medium severity).

Which cars use the EJ204 engine?

Subaru Forester III (2008–2013), Subaru Impreza III (2007–2011) and Subaru Legacy V (2009–2014).[1][2][3][4][5][6]

Are you buying a car with the EJ204 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 Impreza III – Bekannte Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · published 6 September 2023 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  2. Subaru EJ engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  3. Subaru ForesterWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  4. Subaru Legacy (fifth generation)Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  5. Subaru ForesterWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  6. Subaru EE engine (diesel), en «List of Subaru engines»Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026