Subaru WRX: Timing Belt Or Timing Chain? (2016 - 2023)

From 2021 to 2023 the Subaru WRX with the 2.4L engine has a timing chain and is interference. From 2016 to 2020 the Subaru WRX with the 2.0L has a timing chain and the 2.5L has a timing belt. Both are interference.

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

Subaru WRX Timing Belt Or Chain

Year	Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference
2021 - 2023	2.4L	Timing Chain	Interference
2016 - 2020	2.0L	Timing Chain	Interference
2016 - 2020	2.5L	Timing Belt	Interference

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

2023 Subaru WRX - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2023 Subaru WRX engines have timing chains and are interference.

2023 Subaru WRX Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.4L Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2022 Subaru WRX - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2022 Subaru WRX engines have timing chains and are interference.

2022 Subaru WRX Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.4L Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2021 Subaru WRX - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2021 Subaru WRX 2.0L engines have timing chains while the 2.5L engines have timing belts. All are interference.

2021 Subaru WRX Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Turbo STI	Timing Belt	Interference	60k
2.4L Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2020 Subaru WRX - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2020 Subaru WRX 2.0L engines have timing chains while the 2.5L engines have timing belts. All are interference.

2020 Subaru WRX Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Turbo STI	Timing Belt	Interference	60k
2.0L Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2019 Subaru WRX - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2019 Subaru WRX 2.0L engines have timing chains while the 2.5L engines have timing belts. All are interference.

2019 Subaru WRX Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Turbo STI	Timing Belt	Interference	60k
2.0L Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2018 Subaru WRX - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2018 Subaru WRX 2.0L engines have timing chains while the 2.5L engines have timing belts. All are interference.

2018 Subaru WRX Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Turbo STI	Timing Belt	Interference	60k
2.0L Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2017 Subaru WRX - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2017 Subaru WRX 2.0L engines have timing chains while the 2.5L engines have timing belts. All are interference.

2017 Subaru WRX Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Turbo STI	Timing Belt	Interference	60k
2.0L Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2016 Subaru WRX - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2016 Subaru WRX 2.0L engines have timing chains while the 2.5L engines have timing belts. All are interference.

2016 Subaru WRX Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Turbo	Timing Belt	Interference	60k
2.0L Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.5L Turbo STI	Timing Belt	Interference	60k
2.0L Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

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.