Oil consumption (2011–2014)
usually 40,000–150,000 km · High risk
model years 2011–2015 only
Signs: Topping up 1 L per 2,000 km
Fix: Dealer consumption test; short block
€0–5,000
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
1.6 / 2.0 / 2.5 boxer (Subaru FB)
Petrol · 1,600 / 1,995 / 2,498 cm³ · 84–136 kW
8
model generations
1
known faults
168,000
new cars in the EU (2010–2025)
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
Fuel: Petrol. Timing drive: chain.
In our database this engine is fitted to 8 model generations, among them: Subaru XV II (GT), Subaru Outback VI (BT), Subaru Forester V (SK), Subaru Forester IV (SJ), Subaru XV I (GP), Subaru Outback V (BS) and 2 more.
The most expensive known risk is oil consumption (2011–2014): it usually appears at 40,000–150,000 km and costs €0–5,000 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,600 / 1,995 / 2,498 cm³ |
| Power | 84–136 kW |
| Years | 2011–2027 |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 0W-20 · API SN · ~4.8 L · every 15,000 km |
| Engine codes | FB16, FB20, FB25 |
Known engine faults
Faults that belong to the engine itself. They apply to every model with this engine, and each model has its own extra faults on its model page.
Engine-related service
Intervals and typical prices, using the Subaru Forester IV (SJ) as an example. The app gives the exact plan for your car.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
Models with this engine
Model generations this engine is fitted to.
Subaru Crosstrek 2023–Subaru Forester IV (SJ) 2012–2019Subaru Forester V (SK) 2018–Subaru Legacy VI 2014–2019Subaru Outback V (BS) 2014–2020Subaru Outback VI (BT) 2021–Subaru XV I (GP) 2012–2017Subaru XV II (GT) 2017–2023
Common questions
Does the 1.6 / 2.0 / 2.5 boxer (Subaru FB) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What oil does the 1.6 / 2.0 / 2.5 boxer (Subaru FB) engine take?
0W-20 · API SN · ~4.8 L · every 15,000 km.
What are the known problems with the 1.6 / 2.0 / 2.5 boxer (Subaru FB) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: oil consumption (2011–2014) (40,000–150,000 km, €0–5,000).
Which cars have the 1.6 / 2.0 / 2.5 boxer (Subaru FB) engine?
Subaru XV II (GT), Subaru Outback VI (BT), Subaru Forester V (SK), Subaru Forester IV (SJ), Subaru XV I (GP), Subaru Outback V (BS) and 2 more.
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026