Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Timing Chain (1998 - 2021)

From 1998 to 2021 the Subaru Forester either has an engine with a timing belt or with a timing chain depending on the model and trim level. However, all of its engines are interference from 1998 to 2021.

A combustion engine relies on either a timing belt or timing chain to maintain the proper timing and distance between its pistons and the intake valves and exhaust valves in the combustion chamber.

An old or damaged timing belt is prone to failure, which could lead to catastrophic engine damage and an expensive repair bill. A timing chain is less prone to failure but should still be inspected by a licensed mechanic once the engine has 60,000 or more miles.

It is generally recommended to change the timing belt starting at 60,000 miles, whereas a timing chain is usually good for the life of the vehicle.

Scroll down for the timing belt data for your particular Subaru Forester.

Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain (2016 - 2021)
Year Engine Belt Or Chain Interference Service Interval
2021 2.5L 4 Cyl. 182 hp (FB25 DI H4) timing chain interference lifetime miles
2020 2.5L 4 Cyl. 182 hp (FB25 DI H4) timing chain interference lifetime miles
2019 2.5L 4 Cyl. 182 hp (FB25 DI H4) timing chain interference lifetime miles
2018 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (FB25 H4) timing chain interference lifetime miles
2018 2.0L 4 Cyl. 250 hp (FA20F H4) timing chain interference lifetime miles
2017 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (FB25 H4) timing chain interference lifetime miles
2017 2.0L 4 Cyl. 250 hp (FA20F H4) timing chain interference lifetime miles
2016 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (FB25 H4) timing chain interference lifetime miles
2016 2.0L 4 Cyl. 250 hp (FA20F H4) timing chain interference lifetime miles
Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain (2009 - 2015)
Year Engine Belt Or Chain Interference Service Interval
2015 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (FB25 H4) timing chain interference lifetime miles
2015 2.0L 4 Cyl. 250 hp (FA20F H4) timing chain interference lifetime miles
2014 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (FB25 H4) timing chain interference lifetime miles
2014 2.0L 4 Cyl. 250 hp (FA20F H4) timing chain interference lifetime miles
2013 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (FB25 H4) timing chain interference lifetime miles
2013 2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2012 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (FB25 H4) timing chain interference lifetime miles
2012 2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2011 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (FB25 H4) timing chain interference lifetime miles
2011 2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2010 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2010 2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2009 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2009 2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain (2001 - 2008)
Year Engine Belt Or Chain Interference Service Interval
2008 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2008 2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2007 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2007 2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2006 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2006 2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2005 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2005 2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2004 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2004 2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2003 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2003 2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2002 2.5L 4 Cyl. 165 hp (EJ25D H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
2001 2.5L 4 Cyl. 165 hp (EJ25D H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain (1998 - 2000)
Year Engine Belt Or Chain Interference Service Interval
2000 2.5L 4 Cyl. 165 hp (EJ25D H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
1999 2.5L 4 Cyl. 165 hp (EJ25D H4) timing belt interference 105k miles
1998 2.5L 4 Cyl. 165 hp (EJ25D H4) timing belt interference 105k miles

MyBestVehicle.com is a website designed to quickly find data and specs on your particular vehicle.

Consult with the vehicle's owner's manual or a licensed mechanic to confirm the engine type in your car.

Timing belt replacements can be expensive, but if a timing belt fails it will leave you stranded on the road and could damage your engine beyond repair.

When replacing a timing belt, it is normal to replace the water pump and belt tensioner while they are easily accessible.