Get it sorted
Gloved hands tightening a wheel nut with a torque wrench

Subaru models

Subaru Impreza timing belt replacement: find a mechanic

Belt or chain, and what a good belt job includes.

Whether your Subaru Impreza needs a timing belt replacement depends on the engine. The older EJ engines use a rubber timing belt, while the FB engines used in the Impreza from 2012 have a chain that doesn't need changing on a schedule. On a belt car, don't let it run late: most EJ engines are built so that a broken belt lets the pistons hit the valves.

13524R

1st · 1 of 4 answered

What does your Impreza need?

What does your Impreza need?

On the road? Get everyone somewhere safe, away from traffic. Anyone hurt or in danger: call 000.

Only one local mechanic gets your number.

The older EJ engines use a rubber timing belt, while the FB engines used in the Impreza from 2012 have a chain that doesn't need changing on a schedule. On a belt car, don't let it run late: most EJ engines are built so that a broken belt lets the pistons hit the valves.

Reviews

What drivers say about mechanics in our network

4.8from 797 Google reviews of the workshops in our network, checked Nov 2026
Repair work, quoted before starting

Quick drop off. Told what needed doing and how much before the work commenced which was very appreciated. Car ready on time. Great service and car runs like a dream. Thanks guys.

Jayson M., May 2026

Google review of a workshop in the Mechanic Sorted network, 4.7 stars from 323 reviews.

Roadworthy and repairs, Landcruiser

Provided a RWC and repairs for my Landcruiser. Gave me several cost options and were excellent in communication. Unfortunately there was an issue which was outside their control, that I picked up later, however they went above and beyond to resolve it... just outstanding customer service. VERY honest business that you can trust.

Val D., Aug 2026

Google review of a workshop in the Mechanic Sorted network, 4.7 stars from 323 reviews.

Updated 3 November 2026 · Written by the Mechanic Sorted team · How we check our facts

Subaru Impreza: timing belt or chain?

Engine familyCam drive
Earlier Imprezas, including the third generation sold here from September 2007EJRubber timing belt
2012 to 2016FB20BTiming chain
2017 onwardFB20DTiming chain

Why the belt matters so much on an EJ

A timing belt (a toothed rubber belt) keeps the camshafts in step with the crankshaft. On the EJ, DOHC engines and SOHC engines from 1998 on are interference designs: if the belt fails, the valves will likely be damaged. A belt that would have been a planned job becomes an engine repair.

SOHC EJs up to 1995 were built so a broken belt wouldn't damage them. That's no reason to leave one late, because the car still stops wherever it happens.

When is it due?

The service book for your car sets the kilometres and years. If you can't find a receipt or a sticker for the last belt change on an EJ Impreza, treat it as due.

If your Impreza has an FB engine, there's no belt on the schedule. The FB's chain runs in engine oil, which is why it holds about a litre more oil than the old belt engines. Keep those oil changes on time.

What a good timing belt estimate covers

  • The belt itself, and the tensioner and idler pulleys it runs on.
  • Whether the water pump is being replaced while it's apart, and why.
  • Any oil seals that are leaking onto the belt area.
  • The drive belts for the accessories, if they're worn.
  • A sticker under the bonnet with the date and kilometres when it's done.

Impreza maintenance beyond the belt

Subaru's handbook puts Model Year 2021 onwards Imprezas on 12,500 km or 12 months. From Model Year 2024 it's 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first.

Every Impreza sold here from 2009 to 2016 was in a 2019 recall for brake light switches, because contamination could stop the brake lights working. If yours is from those years, a VIN check takes a minute.

Tell us it's an Impreza, the year and the engine if you know it. A local mechanic who specialises in your car.

Where we'd start with an Impreza

Find out which engine it has first: the mechanic can tell you in minutes from the engine code. If it's an EJ with no belt record, get a written estimate that names the belt, tensioner and pulleys, and get it done before a long trip. If it's an FB, spend that money on fresh oil instead.

Questions people ask

Does the Subaru Impreza have a timing belt?

Imprezas with the older EJ engines do. Those with the FB20 engine, from 2012 on, have a timing chain.

What happens if an Impreza timing belt breaks?

On most EJ engines the pistons can hit the valves, which means engine repairs. The car will also stop running, so it's a job to do on time.

What makes an Impreza timing belt job bigger or smaller?

Whether the water pump, tensioner, pulleys and seals are done at the same time, and what condition they're in. Ask for each to be listed on a written estimate.

Other Subaru models

Helpful next

Subaru service: find a Subaru mechanicSubaru service timing, boxer engines, all-wheel drive, tyres and the warranty.Cambelt and timing belt replacementWhen a cambelt is due, what happens if it fails, and what a good job replaces along with the belt.Timing belt vs timing chainA belt gets replaced on a schedule, a chain is meant to last. How to tell which you've got.Engine repairsDrive belts, engine mounts and rough running: what each one feels like and what a mechanic checks.Logbook serviceWhat a logbook service checks, how often it's due, and why the dealer isn't your only option.

Ready to get the car sorted?

The card at the top of the page has your answers so far. Pick up where you left off.

Get it sorted

Where this information comes from

Rules change, so check with your state's transport department or consumer agency if something matters to your car. How we write and check these pages.