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Subaru Forester: Timing Belt Or Timing Chain? (1998 - 2024)

Researched By The AutoPadre Research Team

Last Updated 2024-02-09

From model years 2014 to 2024 all Subaru Foresters have timing chains. From model years 2011 to 2013 the naturally aspirated Foresters have timing chains while the turbo Foresters have timing belts. Prior to 2013 all Foresters have timing belts.

All Forester engines are interference.

Scroll down to see detailed timing belt data for your particular model year of the Subaru Forester.

Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
YearEngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-Interference
2014 – 2024AllTiming ChainInterference
2011 - 2013naturally aspiratedTiming ChainInterference
2011 - 2013turbo-chargedTiming BeltInterference
1998 - 2011AllTiming BeltInterference

Note: Replacement intervals are broad recommendations and can be affected by age, weather conditions, running conditions etc. Check with the owner's manual/ manufacturer/ dealership.

Check out the Belt Or Chain specifications for other makes and models.

Jump To Model Year

2020's

2010's

2000's

1990's

2024 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2024 Subaru Forester models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2024 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2023 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2023 Subaru Forester models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2023 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2022 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2022 Subaru Forester models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2022 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2021 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2021 Subaru Forester models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2021 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 182 hp (FB25 DI H4)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2020 Subaru Forester
2020 Subaru Forester

2020 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2020 Subaru Forester models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2020 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 182 hp (FB25 DI H4)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2019 Subaru Forester
2019 Subaru Forester

2019 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2019 Subaru Forester models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2019 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 182 hp (FB25 DI H4)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2018 Subaru Forester
2018 Subaru Forester

2018 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2018 Subaru Forester models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2018 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl. 250 hp (FA20F H4)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (FB25 H4)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2017 Subaru Forester
2017 Subaru Forester

2017 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2017 Subaru Forester models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2017 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl. 250 hp (FA20F H4)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (FB25 H4)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2016 Subaru Forester 2.0 XT
2016 Subaru Forester 2.0 XT

2016 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2016 Subaru Forester models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2016 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl. 250 hp (FA20F H4)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (FB25 H4)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2015 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2015 Subaru Forester models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2015 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl. 250 hp (FA20F H4)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (FB25 H4)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2014 Subaru Forester
2014 Subaru Forester

2014 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2014 Subaru Forester models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2014 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl. 250 hp (FA20F H4)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (FB25 H4)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2013 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

The naturally aspirated 2013 Subaru Forester models have a timing chain while the turbocharged have a timing belt. They both have an interference engine.

2013 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (FB25 H4)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2012 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

The naturally aspirated 2012 Subaru Forester models have a timing chain while the turbocharged have a timing belt. They both have an interference engine.

2012 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (FB25 H4)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2011 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

The naturally aspirated 2011 Subaru Forester models have a timing chain while the turbocharged have a timing belt. They both have an interference engine.

2011 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (FB25 H4)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2010 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2010 Subaru Forester models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2010 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k

2009 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2009 Subaru Forester models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2009 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k

2008 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2008 Subaru Forester models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2008 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k

2007 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2007 Subaru Forester models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2007 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k

2006 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2006 Subaru Forester models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2006 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k

2005 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2005 Subaru Forester models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2005 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k

2004 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2004 Subaru Forester models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2004 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k

2003 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2003 Subaru Forester models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2003 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 224 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25 H4)Timing BeltInterference105k

2002 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2002 Subaru Forester models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2002 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 165 hp (EJ25D H4)Timing BeltInterference105k

2001 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2001 Subaru Forester models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2001 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 165 hp (EJ25D H4)Timing BeltInterference105k

2000 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2000 Subaru Forester models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2000 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 165 hp (EJ25D H4)Timing BeltInterference105k

1999 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 1999 Subaru Forester models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

1999 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 165 hp (EJ25D H4)Timing BeltInterference105k

1998 Subaru Forester - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 1998 Subaru Forester models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

1998 Subaru Forester Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 4 Cyl. 165 hp (EJ25D H4)Timing BeltInterference105k
Subaru Forester e Boxer outdoors on a dirt road.
Subaru Forester e Boxer outdoors on a dirt road.

Timing Belt Basics

The primary purpose of the timing belt or timing chain is to maintain the timing (syncronization) between the crankshaft and the camshaft(s).

A timing belt is made of a rubber compound while a timing chain is made of chain similiar to a bicycle chain.

A timing belt wears out over time and must be replaced at the manufacturer's specified interval. Timing belt failure can result in serious engine damage.

Although a timing chain will wear over time it is usually good for the lifetime of the engine but it should be routinely inspected.

Timing Belt Questions?

Belt Or Chain Model Comparisons

Subaru Forester vs:

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Subaru Forester Belt Or Chain Comparisons By Year

2011 vs. 1999

1998 vs. 2024

2020 vs. 2021

2013 vs. 2009

2010 vs. 2019

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Other Subaru Forester Specs

Maintenance Data

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Battery Size

Oil Capacity

Wiper Size

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Length x Width x Height

Weight

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