Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain? (1993 - 2023)

Researched By AutoPadre


Over the years the Subaru Impreza has had a mix of timing chain and timing belt based engines. From 2012 to 2023 all 2.0L engines have a timing chain while the 2.5L engine has a timing belt. From 1993 to 2011 all Impreza engines have a timing belt.

From 1999 to 2023 all Subaru Imprezas have interference engines. For 1998 the 2.2L is a non-interference engine while the 2.5L is an interference engine. From 1993 to 1997 all Impreza engines are non-interference.

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

Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
YearEngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-Interference
2012 - 20232.0Ltiming chaininterference
1998 - 20122.5Ltiming beltinterference
1999 - 20012.2Ltiming beltinterference
1995 - 19982.2Ltiming beltnon-interference
1993 - 19971.8Ltiming beltnon-interference
Subaru Impreza
Subaru Impreza

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.

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.

2023 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2023 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.0L 4 Cyl.timing chaininterferencelifetime
`

2022 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2022 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.0L 4 Cyl.timing chaininterferencelifetime

2021 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2021 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.0L 4 Cyl. 152 hp (DAVCS FB20D)timing chaininterferencelifetime

2020 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2020 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.0L 4 Cyl. 152 hp (DAVCS FB20D)timing chaininterferencelifetime
2019 Subaru Impreza
2019 Subaru Impreza

2019 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2019 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.0L 4 Cyl. 152 hp (DAVCS FB20D)timing chaininterferencelifetime

Side-By-Side Comparisons

Subaru Impreza Belt Or Chain By Year

2018 Subaru Impreza
2018 Subaru Impreza

2018 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2018 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.0L 4 Cyl. 152 hp (DAVCS FB20D)timing chaininterferencelifetime

2017 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2017 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.0L 4 Cyl. 152 hp (DAVCS FB20D)timing chaininterferencelifetime

Side-By-Side Comparisons

Popular Belt Or Chain Models

2016 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2016 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.0L 4 Cyl. 148 hp (FB20)timing chaininterferencelifetime

2015 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2015 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.0L 4 Cyl. 148 hp (FB20)timing chaininterferencelifetime
2014 Subaru Impreza
2014 Subaru Impreza

2014 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.0L 2014 Subaru Impreza models have a timing chain and an interference engine. The 2.5L 2014 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2014 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.5L 4 Cyl. Turbo 305 hp (EJ257)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. Turbo 265 hp (EJ257)timing beltinterference105k
2.0L 4 Cyl. 148 hp (FB20)timing chaininterferencelifetime

2013 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.0L 2013 Subaru Impreza models have a timing chain and an interference engine. The 2.5L 2013 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2013 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.5L 4 Cyl. Turbo 305 hp (EJ257)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. Turbo 265 hp (EJ257)timing beltinterference105k
2.0L 4 Cyl. 148 hp (FB20)timing chaininterferencelifetime

Learn from AutoPadre himself!

Want to maximize the value of your vehicle? All while making it more enjoyable to drive in the meantime?

Learn how from AutoPadre in our car care guide!

Includes 5 easy tips to potentially earn $1000's more when you sell or trade-in your vehicle!

Cartoon depiction of AutoPadre

2012 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.0L 2012 Subaru Impreza models have a timing chain and an interference engine. The 2.5L 2012 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2012 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.5L 4 Cyl. Turbo 305 hp (EJ257)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. Turbo 265 hp (EJ257)timing beltinterference105k
2.0L 4 Cyl. 148 hp (FB20)timing chaininterferencelifetime

2011 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.5L 2011 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2011 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.5L 4 Cyl. Turbo 305 hp (EJ257)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. Turbo 265 hp (EJ257)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k
`

2010 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.5L 2010 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2010 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.5L 4 Cyl. Turbo 305 hp (EJ257)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. Turbo 265 hp (EJ257)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. Turbo 224 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k

2009 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.5L 2009 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2009 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.5L 4 Cyl. Turbo 305 hp (EJ257)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. Turbo 265 hp (EJ257)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. Turbo 224 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k

2008 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.5L 2008 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2008 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.5L 4 Cyl. Turbo 305 hp (EJ257)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. Turbo 224 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. 170 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k

2007 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.5L 2007 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2007 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.5L Turbo 293 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 4 Cyl. Turbo 224 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 173 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k

2006 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.5L 2006 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2006 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.5L Turbo 300 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L Turbo 230 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 173 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k

2005 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2005 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2005 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.5L Turbo 300 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k
2.0L Turbo 227 hp (EJ20)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 173 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k

2004 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2004 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2004 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.5L Turbo 300 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k
2.0L Turbo 227 hp (EJ20)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 173 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k

2003 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2003 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2003 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.0L Turbo 227 hp (EJ20)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 173 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k

2002 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2002 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2002 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.0L Turbo 227 hp (EJ20)timing beltinterference105k
2.5L 173 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k

2001 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2001 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2001 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.5L 165 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k
2.2L 142 hp (EJ22)timing beltinterference105k

2000 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2000 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

2000 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.5L 165 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k
2.2L 142 hp (EJ22)timing beltinterference105k

1999 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1999 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and an interference engine.

1999 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.5L 165 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k
2.2L 142 hp (EJ22)timing beltinterference105k

1998 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1998 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt. The 2.2L is non-interference and the 2.5L is interference.

1998 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.5L 165 hp (EJ25)timing beltinterference105k
2.2L 137 hp (EJ22)timing beltnon-interference60K

1997 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1997 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and non-interference engines.

1997 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.2L 135 hp (EJ22)timing beltnon-interference60K
1.8L 115 hp (EJ18)timing beltnon-interference60K

1996 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1996 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and non-interference engines.

1996 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.2L 135 hp (EJ22)timing beltnon-interference60K
1.8L 115 hp (EJ18)timing beltnon-interference60K

1995 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1995 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and non-interference engines.

1995 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
2.2L 135 hp (EJ22)timing beltnon-interference60K
1.8L 110 hp (EJ18)timing beltnon-interference60K

1994 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1994 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and non-interference engines.

1994 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
1.8L 110 hp (EJ18)timing beltnon-interference60K

1993 Subaru Impreza - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1993 Subaru Impreza models have a timing belt and non-interference engines.

1993 Subaru Impreza Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval
1.8L 110 hp (EJ18)timing beltnon-interference60K