Crankshaft failure (2008–2010)
usually 80,000–200,000 km · High risk
model years 2008–2010 only
Signs: Knocking, oil light
Fix: Engine replacement
€4,000–8,000
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
2.0 D boxer diesel (Subaru EE20)
Diesel · 1,998 cm³ · 108–110 kW
7
model generations
2
known faults
71,000
new cars in the EU (2010–2025)
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
Fuel: Diesel. Timing drive: chain.
In our database this engine is fitted to 7 model generations, among them: Subaru Forester IV (SJ), Subaru Legacy V, Subaru Forester III (SH), Subaru XV I (GP), Subaru Impreza (GE/GH), Subaru Outback V (BS) and 1 more.
The most expensive known risk is crankshaft failure (2008–2010): it usually appears at 80,000–200,000 km and costs €4,000–8,000 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Diesel |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cm³ |
| Power | 108–110 kW |
| Years | 2008–2019 |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 5W-30 · ACEA C3 · ~5.9 L · every 15,000 km |
| Engine codes | EE20, EE20Z |
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.
DPF blockage (Euro 5 / 6)
usually 60,000–160,000 km · High risk
model years 2013–2019 only
Signs: DPF light, limp mode — short trips
Fix: Forced regeneration, clean or replace
€300–2,000
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 |
|---|---|---|
| DPF health check (soot / ash load)Emissions | every 20,000 km | €0–60 |
| 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 |
| Fuel filterFuel | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €40–110 |
| Glow plugsEngine | every 100,000 km | €120–300 |
| 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 Forester III (SH) 2008–2012Subaru Forester IV (SJ) 2012–2019Subaru Impreza (GE/GH) 2007–2011Subaru Legacy V 2009–2014Subaru Outback IV (BR) 2009–2014Subaru Outback V (BS) 2014–2020Subaru XV I (GP) 2012–2017
Common questions
Does the 2.0 D boxer diesel (Subaru EE20) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What oil does the 2.0 D boxer diesel (Subaru EE20) engine take?
5W-30 · ACEA C3 · ~5.9 L · every 15,000 km.
What are the known problems with the 2.0 D boxer diesel (Subaru EE20) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: crankshaft failure (2008–2010) (80,000–200,000 km, €4,000–8,000); DPF blockage (Euro 5 / 6) (60,000–160,000 km, €300–2,000).
Which cars have the 2.0 D boxer diesel (Subaru EE20) engine?
Subaru Forester IV (SJ), Subaru Legacy V, Subaru Forester III (SH), Subaru XV I (GP), Subaru Impreza (GE/GH), Subaru Outback V (BS) and 1 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