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

Researched By The AutoPadre Research Team

Last Updated 2023-06-05

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

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.

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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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl. 152 hp (DAVCS FB20D)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl. 152 hp (DAVCS FB20D)Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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

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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
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 (miles)
1.8L 110 hp (EJ18)Timing BeltNon-Interference60K
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.

Timing Belt Questions?

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Subaru Impreza Belt Or Chain Comparisons By Year

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2002 vs. 1993

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