Subaru 2.4 Turbo Engine Problems
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The type of engine a vehicle has is an important point of contention for many car buyers. In the case of Subaru, many people were drawn to the integration of the newer 2.4-liter turbo engine. According to many experts and critics, including TorqueNews, the 2.4L engine is one of Subaru’s best powertrains yet.
Codenamed the “FA24,” this engine features direct fuel injection, an upgrade from the port injection in the older 3.6R. This innovation allows for a more precise air/fuel mixture, enhancing efficiency, horsepower and reducing pre-ignition risk. This engine is not only more potent, with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, but it’s also more fuel-efficient, with an EPA estimated 23⁄30 city/highway mpg and 26 combined mpg.
However, this engine is not without its issues. Today, we talk about the common Subaru 2.4 turbo engine problems and how much it will cost to repair them.
The Most Common Subaru 2.4 Turbo Engine Problems
- Oil Pan Leak: $400-$500 (cost to fix)
- Rod Bearing Failure: $2,000-$3,000 (cost to fix)
- Check Engine Light: The cost to fix varies
1. Oil Pan Leak
One of the most common Subaru 2.4 turbo engine problems is the dreaded oil pan leak. The oil pan is a vital component in your vehicle that acts as a holding tank for the engine’s oil. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the engine’s temperature and ensuring it is well-lubricated. The oil pan is located at the engine’s base, and a pump works tirelessly to circulate the oil throughout the engine’s intricate pathways. If the oil pan fails, it can result in oil leaks, which, if left unaddressed, can lead to significant engine damage.
As such, many Outback and Ascent owners have complained about oil pan leaks with their 2.4L turbocharged engine. In some cases, the issue occurred below 10k mileage, which is concerning. The procedure to address the leak can be extensive, requiring the removal of several components, such as skid plates and the exhaust manifold, to access the oil pan.
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Cost to Fix:
This issue became so widespread that Subaru had to release a service bulletin to address the oil pan leak problem. For many owners that experience this issue, The repair work, including the replacement of the oil pan gasket, was fully covered under the vehicle’s warranty, ensuring no additional cost to the owner. However, if you expect to pay for an oil pan gasket replacement, it will cost you between $400 and $500. As expected, the cost can fluctuate widely based on the model of your Subaru, as well as the mechanic you choose.
2. Rod Bearing Failure
While it’s not as prevalent as Subaru’s older engines, the 2.4 turbo unit is also prone to rod bearing failure. The primary culprit is oil contamination. Dirty oil, filled with particulates, scratches the bearings, disrupting the oil film crucial for smooth operation. This leads to metal-on-metal contact and, eventually, engine failure. In addition, Subaru rod bearings have a relatively small surface area, which is a significant drawback because they are more susceptible to wear and tear.
The most common symptom of rod bearing failure is a knocking noise from the engine. This sound indicates that the bearings are in contact with the crankshaft, leading to rapid wear or, worse, engine failure if not addressed.
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Cost to Fix:
Rod bearing replacement is a costly affair due to the complexity and labor-intensive nature of the process. The typical cost for this replacement ranges from $2,000 to $3,000, including parts and labor. It requires disassembling a significant portion of the engine, which is time-consuming and requires a professional mechanic to get the job done – unless you know what you’re doing.
The process involves flushing your 2.4 turbo engine and cooler lines, replacing gaskets, seals, and cylinder head bolts, and, of course, the connecting rod bearings themselves.
The cost can escalate if the engine has suffered severe damage from the rod bearing failure, potentially requiring new pistons, connecting rods, a new timing chain, camshaft bearings, and a new crankshaft. In such cases, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire engine assembly.
3. Check Engine Light
Another one of the most common Subaru 2.4 turbo engine problems is the constant check engine light. Several Ascent and Outback owners reported the frequent illumination of the check engine light, indicating engine-related issues that require diagnosis and repair. Below are some potential causes of the check engine light warning on your Subaru:
- Loose Gas Cap: A gas cap that is not sealed correctly can trigger the check engine light due to reduced fuel pressure and escaping fuel vapors, which also leads to decreased fuel economy and increased emissions.
- Failing Catalytic Converter: Over time, especially in high-mileage vehicles, the catalytic converter can become clogged, impairing its ability to remove toxic carbon monoxide and negatively affecting fuel economy and vehicle performance.
- Fouled Spark Plugs or Wires: Worn-out spark plugs or faulty spark plug wires can cause misfires, reducing fuel efficiency and performance, and may prevent the engine from running.
- Faulty Oxygen Sensor: An oxygen sensor damaged by long-term exposure to hot exhaust gases may fail, causing incorrect air-fuel mixture readings and leading to too much or too little fuel being supplied to the engine.
- Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor: The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor can fail when exposed to dirty or particle-rich air, leading to engine misfires, poor fuel economy, and additional engine damage.
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Cost to Fix:
Fixing the check engine light issue with your Subaru 2.4 turbo engine will depend on the type of problem you have. Cars.com provided an excellent cost breakdown with issues related to check engine lights:
- Catalytic Converter Replacement: $1,300 (average repair cost)
- Oxygen Sensor Replacement: $240 (average repair cost)
- Ignition Coils and Spark Plugs Replacement: $390 (average repair cost)
- Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement: $300 (average repair cost)
When a Subaru’s check engine light illuminates, it’s recommended to have it checked at a service center by expert technicians. They have the latest tools and expertise to decode Subaru OBD-II Trouble Codes and resolve issues swiftly.
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