Subaru EE20 engine: known problems

Used in 2 guides · 1998cc diesel · 6 known problems

Displacement

1998cc

Fuel

diesel

Known problems6

Everything our guides list for the variants with this engine: the engine itself plus the gearbox and ancillaries it's paired with. Each shows which cars it's listed for.

High

DPF clogging and EGR / intake fouling

Urban/short-trip use stops the DPF completing regenerations, leading to blockages, forced regens and EGR/intake carbon. A blocked low-pressure EGR gauze can throw P049B and put the car into derate/limp. Often misdiagnosed - split intake pipes or a dirty MAP sensor can mimic DPF faults.

Fix: Regular highway runs to allow regen; check intake pipes and clean the MAP sensor before condemning the DPF; clean EGR; budget for a DPF on neglected town cars.

Any (worse on short trips) · ~$300-2500+ (new DPF $2000+)

Listed for: Subaru Forester SJ

High

Rear-main crankshaft cracking / bearing failure

The EE20 has a documented history of crankshaft cracks near the rear main journal, sometimes failing without warning. It's a known structural weakness of the boxer diesel.

Fix: Strict oil-change discipline with the correct spec; listen for bottom-end noise and check service history; this risk is the main reason to be cautious on diesels.

From 80k-130k km (can be without warning) · ~$8000-15000 (engine)

Listed for: Subaru Forester SJ

Medium

Head gasket and oil leaks

The boxer diesel can develop head-gasket weeps and assorted oil leaks at higher km, like the petrol boxers but more costly to address.

Fix: Inspect for coolant/oil leaks; reseal or repair by a diesel-experienced workshop.

From 100k+ km · ~$1500-3500

Listed for: Subaru Forester SJ

Medium

DPF clogging (short-trip / urban use)

The diesel particulate filter clogs if the car only does short urban trips that never complete a regeneration, causing warning lights, limp mode and forced/failed regens. A split intercooler pipe causing excess soot is a known contributor on the boxer diesel.

Fix: Regular 20-30 min highway runs to allow regeneration; check the intercooler pipe; forced regen or DPF clean/replace if blocked.

Any (usage dependent) · ~$300-2500

Listed for: Subaru Outback BS

Medium

EGR / intake soot and turbo carbon

As with most modern diesels, EGR and intake-manifold soot build up, and the turbo can carbon up, causing rough running, lost power or limp mode.

Fix: EGR and intake clean; inspect/service the turbo; keep oil services strict.

From 120k+ km · ~$400-1800

Listed for: Subaru Outback BS

Medium

Injector / common-rail wear at higher km

Common-rail injectors can wear and fail at higher km, causing hard starting, smoke and rough idle.

Fix: Injector test and replacement by a diesel specialist; use quality fuel and filtration.

From 150k+ km · ~$1500-3500

Listed for: Subaru Outback BS

Cars with the EE202

Subaru Forester SJ (4th gen)

2013-2018 · 2.0L EE20 turbo-diesel (2.0D)

Value

Subaru Outback BS (5th gen)

2015-2020 · 2.0D EE20 turbo diesel

Value

From the FlamingCars guides for these cars. Specs are shown only where the guides agree and the value is verified.