We have two Subaru's, both with the NA 2.5 - an 06 OBS wagon and an 05 Forester X.

Probably some time next year we'll be looking at trading in my wife's Forester, and she definitely wants another Subie. She originally wanted another Forester, but recently she's been eyeing the Outback and she likes the additional power with the H6.

How reliable are the H6's compared to the NA 2.5? Also, how do the maintenance costs compare?

Any feedback would be appreciated. thanks!

What year/type of H6, the 3.0 or the 3.0R?


Dave

 

There were many headgasket problems on the EJ25 from 2000-2003. They improved and fixed the problem for the 2004+. I dont think the H6's have any known widespread problems.

As far as maintenance, the spark plugs for the H6 are a bit more difficult to get to, and therefore may take longer, and cost a bit more if you have it done at a dealership.

However, once you get to about 100k, the H4 needs to have its timing belt replaced. Most (if not all) Subaru mechanics will tell you to replace the water pump at the same time. The H6 uses a timing chain and does not require changing.

 

However, once you get to about 100k, the H4 needs to have its timing belt replaced. Most (if not all) Subaru mechanics will tell you to replace the water pump at the same time. The H6 uses a timing chain and does not require changing.

For Europe, Subaru recommend cambelt replacement at 60,000 miles.

 

H6 is a fantastic engine, I specifically went with it over the EJ25 when we got our OBW due to feedback on it's reliability. The "common" issues with it are rather benign and easy to fix.

The drive belt pulley bearings are common to go out, but it's like a 15 minute fix and very easy and not a big deal. There's an entire thread on here about it. I did mine as "preventative maintenance", they weren't bad but I replaced them because it was so easy and cheap. $4 bearing and 15 minutes.

The only bad one is the timing chain guides, they can crack but the car will still run and drive fine, just have a loud whine on acceleration. Not ideal, but not catastrophic at least.

 

Thanks everyone for the feedback. We were looking at the 2010 Outback today while getting the one way valve recall service performed on her 05 Forester. I believe that's the 3.6R engine. Good to know that it has the timing chain instead of the timing belt. Just got the timing belt done done on my 06 OBS (the previous owner and I both drive a lot) @ 105K miles.

Thanks again. Can't wait to drive one of those!

 

Re: Re: H6 reliability

What year/type of H6, the 3.0 or the 3.0R?


Dave

Is there really a difference?

 

Re: Re: Re: H6 reliability

Is there really a difference?

In reliability?
Probably not.

In power output?
I'm pretty sure there's a fair difference.

Dave

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: H6 reliability

In reliability?
Probably not.

In power output?
I'm pretty sure there's a fair difference.

Dave

EZ30D ('01-'04) 212 HP 210 TQ; Single port exhaust.

EZ30R ('05-'09) 250 HP 215 TQ; Multi port exhaust.

Also, both motors have very different ECU settings and built in immobilizers.

 

Just purchased an 2008 Tribeca with the 3.6L H6, And looking at the forum it may seem that I have a cracked timing Chain guide. It whines and sounds like it it over revving almost but the tach is only at 3k when going 80.. Is it somthing that is bolt on and can be done by a shade tree mechanic? Is a tensioner involved as well as the guide? Very new to this engine, but glad to hear that is is a cahin and not a belt on this engine.

 

Pull the accessory belt off and make sure it's not any of the 3 accessories(a/c, power steering, alternator).