How To Make Your Subaru Turbo Last
Whenever I see something that I can point out to try and prevent a major repair, I will try and provide that information to my local customers and my readers where ever you are.
We have been replacing Turbo’s pretty frequently lately, and for a while I had thought it was just isolated to the 2005 models, well that no longer seems to be the case. Below are just a couple of items that can help prolong the life of both your Turbo and your Subaru engine engine.
How to make your Subaru Turbo last and avoid costly engine repairs.
The below pertains to the 2005 and newer Subaru Legacy GT, Outback and Forester XT, while other models have some issues of their own, and some of the basics such as changing the oil still apply, the content of this article really pertains to the models listed above.
If you own a 2005 and newer Subaru with a Turbo there is a chance that you may be aware of some problems associated with the turbo becoming starved for oil and eventually failing. In the most extreme cases taking the entire engine with it.
Pictured below is the current oil filter being used by Subaru, I’d like to point out just how small it is, regardless of the any conceptions about extending the oil change interval because you use synthetic, you must understand on this model Subaru Engine, no matter what kind of oil you use the filter itself can only filter so much before it will become restricted with matter, and go into bypass mode.
For reference I put the filter we use on all pre 2006 Subaru Non Turbo Engines next to the filter offered by Subaru to point out the size.
As the oil filter becomes restricted and goes into bypass as discussed above, there is a good chance that the filter in the bolt will become restricted.
This is a picture of what Subaru calls a union screw, but basically it is a filter installed in the oil supply line to the turbo, and if this filter is restricted there will be an oil delivery issue to the turbo, causing it to become starved for oil and overheat.
We suggest checking and if needed, replacing the oil supply bolts every 60,000 miles or so, depending on how the vehicle is being used and at the time of writing this article the list price on the bolts was $15.40, plus labor to install. This is compared to a turbocharger replacement at $1600.00 to $1700.00, plus the possibility of engine damage occurring.
Subaru changed their policy on all Turbo models to state the oil needs to be changed every 3,750 miles, I still say if you want your engine to last, you need to maintain the vehicle based on how you use it, to get the most value out of it. If over 5 years you save a couple hundred in maintenance dollars only to do thousands in repairs, really what did you save?
So if you are lucky enough to own a Subaru with a Turbo, make sure you take care of it.
Thanks for reading
Justin
Thanks for the informative and succinct articles.
What oil filter do you advise using? Brand and part #?
Thanks…
Why not just completely remove the screen in the union screw? Many turbo cars operate with no filter in the union screw and their turbos last a long time.
Where is the union screw usually located. I have an O5 Baja and would like to see if mine needs to be changed
Hello Bob,
I cant really speak to the other cars other than to say the oil filter is tiny little on a Subaru as compared to a Volvo or Audi.
The idea is to protect the turbo if debris gets past the filter I think without the screen there woud be more issues. Less with clogging and oil starvation but more with debris entering the turbo oil inlet.
Audi turbos have a pretty high failure rate , I dont know if they have a screen in the oil feed line or not.
The problem is solely lack of maintenance , if you fool yourself into believing you dont have to change the oil lots and often, you will buy a Turbo and maybe an engine.
Take a newer Z car, most owners of these vehicles pamper their cars with frequent synthetic oil changes as do the owners of the STI, its the Outback XT, Forester XT, Legacy Gt where the car was bought by the “commuter customer” and tries to treat it like a non Turbo car and the results are expensive.
If Toyota or Honda came out with a Modern Turbo Version of the Camry and Accord we would have similar issues as the average driver doesn’t understand the difference and the average car maker doesn’t want to loose sales by being transparent.
Justin
Hello Thomas,
You have 2 one in the oil feed line going from the cylinder head to the Turbo and the second is located in the front of the drivers side cylinder head behind the timing components, you do have to remove the timing covers to remove the union screw on the drivers side. Its the one at the turbo that is the most concern, there are a few things you will have to remove to gain acces to the oil line at the turbo.
Justin
hi, do you have these union screws on a 98 legacy gt?
The 1998 Legacy is a Non Turbo or N/A as such there is no Turbo or Turbo charger feed line fittings also known as union Screws
Justin
no its a twin turbo im sure of that,its a import from japan,i think its the first of the third generation if that helps? think its bd5 or bh5! any ideas mate? thanks,craig
Hey Justin, I had a question in regards to my 2004 WRX. I know that the new Subaru Oil Filters are now being supplied by Honeywell and the design of them are terrible compared to the older “Black” version made by Tokyo Roki. Is there a special recommendation to accommodate the smaller and unreliable oil filter from Subaru? Also, I heard that the PCV valve in my WRX is non-serviceable? Is this true?
Thanks,
Calvin
Hi Calvin,
The Pcv comes with a few other parts attached so yes the valve itself is not serviceable. And is not easy to access, it is in fact replaceable but it is also a major job to do so.
We offer a Filter that is similar to the Tokyo Roki Filter. Larger filter area that is reinforced and has the correct spring and bypass.
Hope that helps
Justin
Big thanks for this – still debating on a gorgeous ’07 obxt. Now that I know problems are more user error and that I have an understanding of the ‘kid gloves’ needed to maintain this beautiful machine, I feel a bit better about my potential purchase.
For the potential buyer, if the oil is changed on the regular basis you suggests, what would be the life of the turbo? how often would it need a rebuild to keep it working properly?
I purchased a 05 Legacy GT Turbo 1/19 and on my way home with the car the turbo went out of it!! I drove the vehicle back to the dealership(approx 50 miles)with the turbo out. The dealership is offering to fix it 100% or refund my money. Could someone shed some light on if there could be more damage to the motor?? And what I could have them check for to ensure this doesnt happen again??
Hi Frustrated Buyer,
If you maintain the car properly you shouldn’t have any other issues after the Turbo is replaced, its also possible that engine damage done and should dealt with now as well, Subaru States in a TSB ( Technical Service Bulletin) to all dealers that the Oil pan must be removed and inspected for metal particles. Part of the forward going maintenance is oil changes every 3000 miles and replacing the oil feed line bolt at the Turbo.
If you follow good maintenance you shouldn’t ever have another issue.
On the Bright side you will have a new Turbo and maybe a new engine.
Justin
I can almost guarantee you that you’ll spin a rod bearing sometime in the next several thousand miles if you drove 50 miles with the turbo blown. Blowing the turbo usually puts a lot of shavings in the oil, PLUS you usually lose oil and running a car in either situation is very bad…
I printed out a maintenance schedule for my 05′ Legacy turbo form Subaru’s website in 2007 that recommends oil changes every 7,500 miles. I have been changing the oil every 3,500 to 5,000 and yesterday the turbo broke. When did Subaru change the policy to every 3,750 miles?
This is really annoying as not only is it expensive to fix, but I consider myself a well-informed owner. I read every Subaru mag, every email, stay current on all recommended services and have never heard of special recomendations for turbos. It was just in for it’s 60,000 mile service in Sept of 2010.
Hello Den Mother,
I am sorry you have had some trouble . Here is what I can share with you.
TSB 02-103-07 came out 10/19/2007 stating all turbo engines were to receive oil changes every 3750 miles this is the WORST case scenario. 3750 became the new “normal” interval. I also would like to point out that any car you own needs to be maintained based on how the car is used and not on theory, if you think you fall into normal use and you really don’t it can be costly. So if you do not use the car to commute in rush hour traffic, don’t take several short trips, do not live in a climate that is cold or hot, than yes you fall into “normal”.
I point out that only a small fraction fall into normal use, every car maker has 2 schedules, as soon as companies such as consumer reports, and JD Powers stop doing theoretical ownership cost studies, car makers will go back to having one real schedule.
TSB’s are typically published on the internet, it is a good idea to say informed about them as they come up, or have a relationship with a good shop that will do it for you.
Justin
Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate the info and the effort you extend to help out Subaru owners. Just for the record-I LOVE my Subaru!
Im looking at buying a 2006 subaru 2.5 GT. they dealership said they just replacede the turbo. is there anything that i can point out or take care myself to prevent another turbo from failing? Fyi its a subaru dealership, and I have owned a turbo before some aware of the special maintaince.
Hello Doesn’t want to give out their Name,
You want to make sure that the “union screw” or oil supply line bolt with the screen in layman’s terms was replaced along with the Turbo, as well as inquiring if the oil pan was removed and inspected for any signs of metal.
Other than that replace the oil every 3k, use synthetic or blend, change the oil supply line bolt every 30 or 60k and you should be fine.
Justin
where can i find the turbo oil supply bolt so i can change it during my oil change this weekend because i have never done so.
Any Subaru Dealer
Sorry my mistake…It is NOT a subaru dealership
Wow, an understatement to say that I wish I had read this about a week ago…$1700 dollars later and a new turbo on my ’05 Baja…ugh.
I just found your website Justin, and although I was a bit late with finding the info that could have saved me some cheese, I’m grateful to have found your site, thanks for sharing the information to all of us.
Btw, the dealer I HAD to go to having no choice breaking down 400 miles from home, stated the exact same thing about the filters inside the bolts, in fact he took one out to show me how small they are, and they are very restricting, finer than even a mesh screen…seems like they can get clogged fairly easily.
HEED the advice, or pay like I did!!!
Justin –
I appreciate your efforts to inform consumers. We are in this situation as second owners. I have to say, though, that placing blame on the owner for not maintaining a screen that is not identified or listed for service in any thing the owner has access to, is rather incorrect. Please take a look at this thread:
there’s 67 pages of posts, and this is just one of many sites. These cases are being reviewed to determine whether there is a class action case. Subaru has knowingly and willingly perpetuated a defective product on the consumer, and needs to make it right.
Hi Kara,
Let me start with saying I do understand that it can be frustrating when something like this happens.
I am not sure where I have placed any blame, only pointing out that if you own a turbo model Subaru and don’t change your oil every 3,000 miles you will most likely have a turbo failure and in some cases the turbo failure can also lead to engine damage. I personally own a 2005 Outback XT and it still has the original Turbo and at the time of writing this reply it has over 140k. We have lots of customer with similar stories (still haven’t had to replace their Turbo) and we also have 1 or 2 a month come in with a failed Turbo, I have yet to see a failed turbo as a result of to much maintenance, only to little. On almost a daily basis someone wants to start up an argument with me that oil doesn’t need to be changed every 3,000 miles and yet the Turbos fail due to oil starvation.
What I have always tried to do was point out how you can avoid a problem or if you have already had an issue give advice on how to avoid it the second time. I do not believe it will ever go class action, Subaru will participate where they decide they should and wont participate where they decide they shouldn’t. Typically speaking people have to die before there is any real legal pressure put on automotive manufactures. I am not stating I agree with that only stating what I have observed.
In terms of the screen, it only becomes restricted when there has been to many instances of contaminated oil circulating around the engine if this doesn’t happen the screen doesn’t clog, the turbo isn’t starved for oil and the turbo doesn’t fail. If someone reads my article and has no idea the history of their Vehicle and I can help them avoid a very expensive and unfortunate situation by replacing the oil supply line fitting I feel I have helped someone and that is the primary goal in writing these articles. There are cases of purely defective Turbos and in those cases Subaru should honor the Warranty, and we have seen them do just that, we have seen warranty denial in the cases where their wasn’t much in the way of record keeping and yes the number one situation we see is someone who buys a used car ends up footing the bill a short time after they purchase it.
There are many things that come up on cars that are not listed in the owners manual. All I try to do is point out things you can do as an owner to avoid some of them.
I hope I have helped a little
Justin
Justin,I appreciate your help but I have to call BS on this being a maintenance problem. The screen and the filter are not the only issues involved. There is a tiny hole for oil flow in the union bolt (.055″). The manufacturer is solely responsible for these three issues. I DO MY MAINTENANCE with full syn every 2500 to 3000 miles and still lost a turbo. I am a maintenance machinist of 45 years experience. The union bolt is VERY difficult and time consumming to change. For the dealership to change it every oil change would cost $400 so they don’t. The bulletin was an attempt by Subaru to shirk their responsibility. The fix that you are avoiding is use a larger filter and drill out the union bolt to .093 thru both sides. This would have been a BIG headache and expense for Subaru so they tried to pass it off on their customers.
Hi John,
Sounds like you are frustrated but,
Couple of things..
The size of the orifice at the feed line is larger than other places in the engine, the size of the orifice is what determines the oil pressure to a given component, increasing the size of said orifice would result in lower oil pressure to the given component resulting in inadequate lubrication and thus failure.
The oil filter size cant be increased do to the location on the engine.
The Average owner of any vehicle somehow believes that they use the car in a “fairy tale” way known as “normal” the purpose of the bulletin was to clarify to the owner of a Turbo model Subaru “you own a performance car” The oil needs to be changed on the severe schedule in your owners manual. Its a Turbo charged car! Performance and longevity do not go hand and hand. Subaru does not state every car can be maintained by using the normal schedule but if you use the car in a normal way you can follow this schedule. By coming out with the bulletin it didn’t shirk responsibility it only clarified what is black and white to someone in the repair industry but very grey to anyone else.
I don’t suggest the oil feed line bolt be changed at every oil change nor does it need to be. The cost of maintenance or the difficulty has nothing to do with the need. If you maintain expensive equipment, you know this. If Subaru added a interval for the oil feed line bolt to be inspected at 60k, it would affect the ownership cost studies. If Toyota added the life expectancy of the Battery on the Prius and stated it would add to the ownership cost studies. Every car on the road has an expected interval of maintenance items but its a short list everything else is not specified as it would up the cost of ownership, every car company does the same thing.
If you had a screen clog and you change the oil every 2500 miles you need to evaluate the oil you use, the time at which your driving habits are putting the oil filter into bypass mode and the amount of time you let the turbo cool down ahead of engine shut down.
We have many customers with well 100k and no problems, and we have lots of customers that come here with a car in pieces from the Dealer after being informed of no warranty and being upset( that’s often there first visit to us) I my self own a 2006 gt still no turbo and 120k, our 2005 Outback XT has 96k and no Turbo.
Every car maker is a little coy about the real costs of ownership, there is to much money made at the fixed operations of a Franchised Dealer service and parts department. If everyone truly understood what it really takes to get high miles out of a car with no mechanical failures and did just that exact thing, it would be the auto maintenance industry and not the auto repair industry.
Again I am sorry you have had problems, and I understand your upset but it is a maintenance issue.
Spend some times on the Audi Forums and look at how many owners get to replace 2 turbos by the time the car has 60k.
Justin
thanks for your reply, Justin. I think you’re right- that the turbo requires that extra maintenance. I also think that it’s another example of why Subaru is in the wrong (take a look at the OCI specified in the owner’s manual) and should be financially responsible for the previous posters’ and our situation. We’re on the second blown turbo (P/N VF40) and destroyed engine in this car – with only 14K. Not nearly enough time for improper maintenance (two known oil changes, one more likely in that time) to be the cause.
Classes move slowly, but after the VW/Audi sludge case, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Subaru act a bit more responsibly.
I do encourage all those with reasonable claims to continue to pursue Subaru for compensation – whether that’s through manufacturer warranty, or through EPA emissions.
wow i just came across is wonderful article. thanks justin. and thanks so much for replying to practically everyone here, its amazing to see your dedication.
i own a 09 outback XT. LOVE IT. its got about 14k miles. so i fall into the category of just driving it once or twice a week on errands. ive never take it into a subaru dealership for maintenance or checkups as i have been doing my own oil changes. i think i should take it in for a checkup this summer. i suppose just changing your own oil at 3k miles wont be enough to prevent problems no? i guess my gripe is in thinking dealership people are dishonest and wont really look over important parts with care like someone like you would.
what kind of oil filter do you recommend? what is one with a big filter? ive been using relative cheap bosch ones. and dino oil too. im going to move into synthetic oil on the next oil change.
turbo cars are fun to drive but im starting to realize the extra maintenance involved.
Hi Lynn,
If you change the oil every 3k and within 3 or four months I doubt you will have an issue. Most not all mind you, but most of the turbo’s we have seen fail have really been associated with 7k oil changes. I have read some rants on various forums claiming a turbo failed and they always change their oil every 4k but I really don’t know how factual those claims are. We have lots of customers with many miles on Turbo Subaru’s and no issues, and we have many first time customers that come in with a blown turbo and thats how we first meet. I can truly tell you every one of them were low on oil and way overdue with sketchy service records at best.
Hope that helps
Justin
oh yea no way do i change my oil at 7k! 4k at best but now im pushing it down to around 3k then ill change. some people on other forums suggest checking the banjo nut at every oil change and say that even changing oil isnt enough. gotta take out the nut and inspect it every oil change. i just need someone to show me in person hah.
$350-$400 for the local subaru service center to take a look at the screw…or what they call “the banjo fitting”!!!!
i guess i wont eat for the next couple days.
dude just told me the only way you can blow the turbo is to not do oil changes. so since ive been on the regular with changes i should be fine no? ok im just getting paranoid. love my suby too much.
Justin,
Thank-you for responding on this forum. I have a subaru (2005 outback xt) that has debris in the oil pan after a turbo failure. Although the engine doesn’t make unusual noise, and runs smoothly other than the turbo, I am told I need a new engine. I’m struggling with that. Is the debris in the oil pan an indicator that the engine is toast or is it an indicator that trouble could happen later? The dealer is talking 5-6000$! What should I do? Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.
Hi Tom,
Debris in the engine most likely means the engine was in fact damaged when the turbo failed.
I am at a disadvantage not having th car here in front of me however.
Justin
Hi Justin,
This is a great site and a helpful thread- thank you.
Two weeks ago my turbo died due to a clogged banjo filter. The exhaust side impeller broke off of the shaft and had damage to the vanes; I pulled little pieces of the vanes out of the downpipe until it was nice and clean. The compressor side impeller was still, amazingly, in perfect condition, with no chips or dings and surprisingly little shaft play. Is there any reason to suspect that metal bits would have gotten into my engine? I replaced the turbo myself with a new VF40 unit and replaced the banjo filter, but I did not drop the oil pan. I did inspect the dirty oil that came out as well as I could but didn’t find any debris in it. The new oil now has 200 miles on it and still looks clean. I plan on 3k synthetic oil changes. The banjo bolt is hard to get to (but not impossible) so I could inspect it if it’s the right thing to do.
Thanks for any advice you can offer!
Jack
PS- The car is running beautifully with the new turbo.
Hi Jack,
It would be wise to pull the oil pan off and have a look, plus clean out any debris found in the pan. If you do your oil changes often enough and use good oil you shouldn’t have another issue, It would be wise to just to plan on inspecting, cleaning or replacing the banjo bolt at the 60k interval 30k if you are really hard on it.
Justin
hi justin
just a quick question. it seems you know a lot about subaru cars. i am looking into purchasing a new car in the next few months. i have looked at the chevy equinox.gmc terrian,the forester and the outback. i drove a foreste xt and really liked it but my problem is that i drive no more than 6-7k miles a year. i have also driven the base 2.5 ooutback and forester and liked them both over the gm cars. since my driving habits are not in the normal range. mt longest drive may be about a round trip of 200 miles maybe less. is a turbo really practical for me? i live in pa. just outside phila. i now subarus are very reliable and that’s the way i’m leaning right now. at the present time i am driving a 2001 chevy cavilier that just turned 60k in april. so as you can see i don’t drive even average miles a year. thanks for your help.
Hi Justin,
I just bought a 2006 subaru baja turbo with 113,000 miles on it from a subaru dealership. I had no idea how much maintenance this would need. When I bought it the salesman said that they had basicall rebuilt the top half of the motor due to a burned out valve on #4 cylinder. They didn’t say anything about the turbo (good or bad) after reading this I am a little concerned. When they did the top half would they have checked the screen? Should I run synthetic at oil changes? How about lucas oil added to the oil? I have a buddy that is a backyard mechanic that swears by the stuff.. Thanks in advance for your input.. Jerry
Hi Justin,
I think your website and blog is fantasic for Subie owners thx in advance for all the info. I sold my 2005 Legacy GT Limited wagon 3.5 years ago and am in the process of buying it back (66k miles) the current owner ( age 60 + ) has kept the car serviced as required (3k oil changes) but has not done the 60K service. Do you feel because of the non compliance of the 60k service there is a greater possibility of the turbo having issues down the line and is the union screw something that all Subaru servicers would check and replace. I’m also wondering if not running synthetic oil is a problem or would you recommend changing to synthetic.
Thx for the site and the help.
I have a 2005 GT my self, it has well over 100k, still no turbo replacement and I use Synthetic oil but good Synthetic oil I should point out like Motul and Enos and change it every 3k on average.
Justin
[...] to the turbo that can get gunked up and lead to turbo failure. You can read up on the issue here: How To Make Your Subaru Turbo Last – Seattle Subaru Repair The same goes with the premium gas requirement. Did the previous owner adhere to it, or has the [...]
I am debating buying a 05 GT with 84k miles. The owner of it now says he has serviced it every 7500 with Mobile 1 but has no records. I am the type of person that does my own maintenance and I’m not sure if this would be a good vehicle for my daughter at college. The owner has never had any mechanical issues with this vehicle. If I were to purchase would it be wise to change the banjo bolt screen. Reading these types of articles of the turbo going has me second guessing.
I would not buy or suggest any Turbo model that has had the oil changes stretched out to 7500 miles even with records, its every 3700 max.
This is the classic you buy it, and 6 months from now are looking at a huge repair bill based on mistakes in ownership made by someone else.
Justin
Thank you Justin for this excellent website! I have changed the oil on my 2004 Forester XT (with 107,000 miles on it) on average of 6,500 miles with syntheitic oil, thinking I was doing the right thing per the owner manual. Now that I have discovered this information about the turbo banjo bolt screen potentially being blocked I cross my fingers for the turbo, especially as I have a 2K road trip coming up… and will check the banjo bolt screen right away – even if it is difficult to get to. If I lived in Seattle I would bring the car to your shop! How much time does your shop allocate for checking this banjo bolt? Thank you -
Thank you for an outstanding forum. I have an early 2005 Outback XT that I bought new in 7/2004. I’ve been religious about oil changes at no more than 4k with regular Pennzoil 5W-30. There are currently 90k miles on my car, which is a 5 speed. The car is almost always garaged at night and I’m careful to warm it up and cool it down & am not an overly aggressive driver. Still, I’ve been experiencing some turbo noise that I suspected may be the turbo bearing, along with some increased turbo lag. I went to the dealer today for an oil change and to have the noise diagnosed, which confirmed my diagnosis. I talked to the service tech (the actual wrench) at length and he told me everything you say here, about the banjo bolts, etc, and actually pointed out locations on my car. We also discussed failure modes, and after some consideration I decided to spring for a a new turbo at $1700+ to avoid potential catastrophic engine damage. I still love the car and want to get at least another 90k out of it. Still, it’s disappointing that Subaru does not alert owners to the service issue with the banjo bolt & we only find out when we have expensive problems!
Hi Gerry,
Subaru and every other company rely on you to either do your own research by searching for Subaru service bulletins on line or calling periodically to see if your vehicle has any pending recalls.
I completely agree its a load, but also have to point out its big business making repairs that are out of warranty for the Dealership service departments and you wont ever see the model change until the entire industry does.
Justin
[...] Originally Posted by guroove Interesting article. I think that with a turbocharged vehicle you're kind of screwed running too long of a change interval because of the oil's tendency to leave deposits in the hot turbo bearing if it is run for too long. I think running a synthetic oil to a more reasonable number of miles between 4000 and 8000 miles seems like a good compromise. Interesting article on oil change intervals for the turbo: How To Make Your Subaru Turbo Last – Seattle Subaru Repair [...]
Well, I was going to buy a subaru, but I will not be buying any subura with a turbo for sure. It is rather shameless and disgraceful that a company like subaru will not address the problem properly. Instead the coveted consumer is stuck with repair after repair, and pretty much blamed for not doing a ridiculous maintanence schedule of changing oil every 3750 miles. What I don’t understand is that if it failed and subaru won’t back it up or fix it properly, then why use a faulty subaru design? There are many aftermarket turbo companies that make superior turbos that can be retrofitted to almost any car. So buy one of those, I am sure they do NOT have the stupid banjo bolt filter, and their warranties for the most part are better than subaru. Class action law suits have been discussed regarding this issue, I would encourage those with problems to report them, eventually, you just might force subaru to fix their faulty design by seeing how much it’s going to cost them, and if they don’t, they will still have to pay the class action suit. It’s a really black eye for subaru, unfortunate, and disappointing.
Well Glenn,
I am real sorry that a potential repair on a car you do not yet own, has you this upset! I sincerely hope you research any other car you may consider such as a Toyota with the sudden acceleration problem, or the Honda with the Automatic Transmission problem, or the Volvo with the list to long to go over, or the Audi with the 2 turbos that fail as often as the Subaru, before you buy one of those cars that dont ever need repairs.
I own two, 2005 and newer Turbo cars with over 100k that still have the factory Turbo! If I can do it so can you! But than again, I might break out a coupon for a discount on a pizza to save a little money, but will never skimp out on machinery maintenance.
I wouldn’t buy a 2005 Turbo model with sketchy service records! If you didn’t buy it from new and know that it was maintained properly than you may have a huge expense coming your way. This is no reason to badmouth Subaru or any car maker for that matter. If the previous driver thought as you do, that oil changes every 3750 is ridiculous, only to off the vehicle at 60k and save the repairs needed as the ramifications the neglected service for the new owner, blame the first guy!
If you want a performance car that you can neglect I don’t suggest a Subaru Turbo model. If you want a performance car that will keep you safe in an accident, take you to the mountains to go Skiing, handle well in all road conditions, is practical and overall has a good track record for longevity I would tell you to buy a Subaru.
The Auto repair industry makes billions every year because Drivers neglect there cars. This includes the “Fantasy” that is changing your oil every 7k if you instead “USE IT I A FASHION THAT DICTATES OIL CHANGES MORE OFTEN”.
I have no problem with some drivers and some cars being ok with less frequent oil changes than every 3k, but have a huge problem with everyone thinking that’s the way its just not. I am not wrong about this, the driver that runs the car low on oil, or runs oil that has diminished lubricating values, or a filter in bypass mode and than ruins there engine is.
If the filer in the Banjo doesn’t become restricted with crud the turbo isn’t starved for lubrication and doesn’t fail but somehow that’s a defect? Anyone faced with repairs is unhappy and disappointed, we replace turbos and engines here at the shop quite often, I have YET to see one with stellar Service records need a Turbo or an engine.
For every, My ________ model car never gave me a lick of trouble in 300k, I can point you to a Forum on the Web with people that had the same car with a different experience.
The TSB Subaru issued in relationship to the 3750 oil changes was to clarify what was already in print in the Owners manual.
I hope your car search presents the right car for you and it all turns out well.
Justin
Hi Justin, thanks for providing this wealth of information to the worldwide sube community! I’m including myself among its members because as far as it’s possible to feel love for an inanimate contraption of metal and oil, I have since watching Colin McRae tear up the WRC in his candy blue GC impreza in the mid/late 90′s.
My question is: have you seen a lot of ringland failures in recent model STI EJ257′s come through your shop? I hear it’s most common in the MY2008, but still happens in the later ones. I’m asking because I’ve heard some horror stories on the forums, and I’m finally in a place where I’m ready to take the plunge back after my RS was totalled and I was exiled to a boring honda for 9 years due to a combination of being a broke high risk 20-something male driver with a ton of college debt and don’t want my dream car to turn out to be a nightmare of cascading expenses.
I’ve been looking at recent model WRX/STI’s (trying to stay far away from heavily modded franken-rexes driven by flat-bill wearing “bros” because of the whole aversion to cascading problems from previous owners) and am a little worried about the potential of having to buy a new engine within a year or two if it blows up while out of warranty. Now that I’m older I drive pretty conservatively (allowing for a few spirited canyon runs once i get it of course!) and plan to keep this car for a long time and many miles.
Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks again, and cheers from the dry side of the pass,
Jake
Richland, WA
PS. I totally agree that the RS with the 2.0L turbo is the car that Subaru should have brought here in the first place!
Hi Jake,
First of all you are correct in your statements about the modded Subaru’s and to stay away, I really dont advise any Modded Subaru for Purchase past stage 2 and even then its only if its adult owned and I don’t mean 18 years old.
Yes we do see a lot of Cylinder # 4 ringland issues on all Turbo 2.5l actually. Modified as well as stock. The stock ones typically belong to owners that stretched things out a bit in terms of maintenance but we did just do a Short block to one at 107k that we have been maintaining here since new. I will tell you that the cars with increased boost values are almost a guarantee for issues which is why its more prevalent in the STI than the Outback XT. We don’t advocate more than a stage 2 map unless upgrading to JE pistons. After that its pretty much bullet proof. Most likely a stock unmodified STI wont have the issue, if its modded there is no warranty anyways, if you own one and want to have fun I strongly suggest dropping in a new Short block with JE pistons before you start playing.
Hope this helps and thanks for the Feedback
Justin
Hello Justin,
I just purchased a 2011 Subaru impreza wrx and I am trying to find out as much as I can about maintaining it. The manual does say 7k oil changes but I am not going to go with that I will do them every 3k.
My questions are-
What kind of turbo comes in this car and at what psi and should I take care of it differently being that it’s newer technology.
How many miles should I break the engine in for?
Can the car handle being driven hard every once in a while and if I do should I make my oil changes sooner than 3k???
What oil and filters do you suggest using?
I generally suggest changing the break in oil at 1000 to 1500 miles.
Change it every 3000 to 4000 after that, use good synthetic oil such as Motul or Enos. Use the Subaru Filter until the Power-train warranty is up, then use the Full brand.
I wouldn’t baby it, but wouldn’t hit over 5,ooo rpms until its got 500 miles on it, then don’t hammer the pedal until its at 1000 miles after that Drive it they way you want to.
Justin
My 2005 subaru legacy gt turbo has been diagnosed as bad(bearing). My car is leaking oil around the turbo and burning it up possibly to some degree or so the dealer tech said. He actually took me out to the shop and showed me where everything was coming from. So,… the turbo works but sounds a little funny, im using extreme amounts of oil 2 quarts in a month and a half, barely any smoke… only at start up in the morning. So im getting turbo changed. What are the chances of my engine being damaged or is that only told by looking in oil pan. What are some really good aftermarket turbos that i should get installed,… what else do you think
HI lee,
The pan needs to be removed and inspected for debris to determine any type of engine damage possibilities.
There are a lot of options for Turbos, I like the AVO but your really going to spend a lot of money and you will need to upgrade more than just the Turbo. If you a re a stock car kind of a guy, just have it replaced with a Subaru replacement. If not AVO turbo, inner cooler, exhaust, and a Cobb access port and a “tune” will put a huge smile on your face.
Justin
Justin –
What’s your opinion on just removing the banjo/union bolt? I would reason that after a certain number of oil changes, there shouldn’t be any turbo-killing particulates in an engine that haven’t been flushed out by regular oil changes.
We in many cases just opt to remove the screen out of the banjo bolt. If you are on top of your oil changes its not a bad way to go, I will stress that we only do this for cars out of warranty.
Justin
Hey im looking at buying a 05 gt with 64k. The car just had a turbo take the engine out 4k ago. So has new turbo with screens block cam radiator all lines. It was warranty work so no refurb. I was thinking about removing the screens to start. good idea? What you think of the engines replaced under warranty? And should I run synthetic?
I would run Synthetic, I would suggest removing the screens if its out of any warranty and leaving them in if it is under warranty.
Thanks for posting this forum. Unfortunately it looks like it applies to me – I have become yet another to have to replace a turbo on a 04 Forester XT. I have kept good care of my XT, changed the oil frequently (more like averaging ~4500 miles between rather than 3500), and it has only 79k miles. I am definately disappointed. I have had several cars over the years that I sold with over 150,000 miles on them, with nothing more than a smog-pump, water pump, or timing belt replacement (i.e. spending no more than a few hundred dollars on repairs). Now I am facing a ~$2000 bill on a car with 79k miles. The mechanic said that the banjo bolt had a little blockage in it, and that is what likely caused the problem.
Currently the turbo still works, but he showed me that there is a little play on the exhaust-side of the shaft. Sounds like its safest to replace it. Question I have is should I explore using an aftermarket turbo – not a bigger turbo, just a cheaper replacement for what is there now? I’d like to be able to take ~$600 off the price tag. How much do you think I could save going that route? Would you recommend that, or would you say the for resale purposes I shld stick with OEM equipment?
I think I will be selling it in the next year. I just don’t want to be bothered with worrying about the banjo bolt clogging if I don’t stay religious with 3500 mile changes. They REALLY should have put this bolt in a much more accessible location. It is no easy task to change it out. Subaru charges $380 to do it.
Thanks.
HI Tom,
Just stick with the OE Turbo, you should increase the oil changes to every 3500 and maybe remove the screen form the banjo fitting as well.
Justin
justin, thanks for the informative article and the responses to so many questions. We bought a 2005 forester XT about a year and a half ago. It was making a noise recently; we took it to our trustworthy Subaru mechanic. Although the sound turned out to be from the power steering and was readily fixed, our guy said sell this car immediately b/c of the potential for a turbo issue. we had no idea….It has 138K, bought with 115K, no records. I know that we take it in for oil changes and my husband insists on synthetic, but i dont know the interval we have done. What do you recommend, keep or sell? Our guy is so adamant about us getting a non-turbo, but after reading your article and responses, I wonder if we would be ok if we just take your advice and do every 3000 and synthetic. Also, at first glance, we are not finding a lot of non-turbo Foresters from 2005 for sale in our area, and I’m concerned we would have to fork out more dough for a newer year model. Seems like we either pay now to get a newer non-turbo or possibly pay later if our turbo goes out. (And this may seem shallow, but with a hairy dog, those leather seats are so easy to clean– i don’t relish the idea of cloth seats the non-turbos have.)
Thanks a LOT for your input.