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Subaru EZ36D engine: known problems

Used in 2 guides · 3630cc petrol · 6 known problems

Displacement
3630cc
Fuel
petrol
Timing
Chain-driven (timing chain)

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.

Medium
Lineartronic CVT (high-torque) shudder / engagement issues
The 3.6R uses the high-torque version of the TR690 CVT and shares the family's shudder, low-speed bump and reverse-to-drive delay complaints. The six's torque means CVT replacement, if required, is at the dearer end.
Fix: TCM reflash and CVT fluid service; verify extended CVT warranty status. Test-drive for shudder and delay; insist on CVT service history.
Any (often 60k+ km) · ~$300-800 (fluid + reflash) up to $6000-9000 (CVT replacement)
Listed for: Subaru Liberty 6th gen
Medium
CVT fluid neglect
The high-torque CVT behind the six relies on clean fluid; neglected fluid leads to harshness and eventual failure.
Fix: Periodic CVT fluid change by a specialist; avoid sustained heavy towing.
From 150k+ km · ~$300-600 (fluid), $4000-8000 (replacement)
Listed for: Subaru Outback BS
Low
High fuel consumption
Not a fault - the flat-six AWD drinks low-to-mid teens L/100km in town and prefers premium unleaded.
Fix: Accept the fuel bill; gentle driving and correct tyre pressures help.
Any · Running cost
Listed for: Subaru Liberty 6th gen
Low
Front-end wear (heavier six)
The extra weight of the six over the nose accelerates front tyre, brake and control-arm bush wear.
Fix: Quality tyres and pads; replace worn front bushes; rotate tyres regularly to protect the AWD driveline.
From 80k+ km · ~$300-900
Listed for: Subaru Liberty 6th gen
Low
Fuel thirst
Real-world 11-13 L/100km, more in town - not a fault, but the running cost is the main reason the 3.6R is cheaper used than the 2.5.
Fix: Accept the fuel bill; the engine itself is the more durable of the petrols.
Any · Running cost
Listed for: Subaru Outback BS
Low
Boxer oil leaks (cam carrier / valve cover)
The EZ36 develops the usual Subaru boxer external oil weeps from gaskets over time.
Fix: Reseal cam carriers and valve covers as needed.
From 150k+ km · ~$400-1500
Listed for: Subaru Outback BS

Cars with the EZ36D2

Subaru Liberty 6th gen (BN)
2014-2020 · 3.6R (EZ36D)
Value
Subaru Outback BS (5th gen)
2015-2020 · 3.6R EZ36 petrol
Value

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