The EJ series is one of Subaru's most iconic turbocharged engine platforms. Found in WRXs, STIs, Foresters, and Libertys, it delivers big smiles when it runs right—but it does have a few well-known weak spots. Here are the top 5 common problems we see:
-
Rod Bearing Failure – Often caused by poor maintenance or oil starvation, spun bearings are one of the most catastrophic failures.
-
Ringland Failure – A weak point in many EJ pistons. Heavy boost, poor tuning, or excessive heat can crack the ringlands.
-
Head Gasket Leaks – A classic Subaru issue. The turbo models are less prone than NA ones, but it still happens.
-
Oil Pickup & Baffle Issues – Early EJ oil pickups are known to crack and fail. This starves the engine of oil under load.
-
Boost Leaks & Vacuum Issues – With a spaghetti bowl of hoses, vacuum leaks can cause weird idle and performance issues.
Regular maintenance, quality parts, and tuning by someone who knows Subarus inside out is key to longevity.