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Subaru Legacy: Timing Belt Or Timing Chain? (1990 - 2024)

Researched By The AutoPadre Research Team


Over the years the Subaru Legacy has had engines with both timing chains and timing belts as well as being both interference or non-interference.

From 2015 to 2024 all Subaru Legacy's have a timing chain and are interference.

From 1998 to 2014 the 2.5L engine had a timing belt and was interference.

From 1990 to 1999 the 2.2L engine had a timing belt and was a non-interference engine.

From 1996 to 1997 the 2.5L engine had a timing belt and was a non-interference engine.

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

Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
YearEngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-Interference
2015 to 20242.4L, 2.5L, 3.6LTiming ChainInterference
1998 to 20142.5LTiming BeltInterference
1990 to 19992.2LTiming BeltNon-Interference
1996 to 19972.5LTiming 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.

2024 Subaru Legacy
2024 Subaru Legacy

2024 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2024 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2024 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.4L Boxer 4 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2023 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2023 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2023 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.4L Boxer 4 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2022 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2022 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2022 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.4L Boxer 4 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2021 Subaru Legacy
2021 Subaru Legacy

2021 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2021 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2021 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.4L Boxer 4 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime
2020 Subaru Legacy
2020 Subaru Legacy

2020 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2020 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2020 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.4L Boxer 4 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime

2019 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2019 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2019 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.6L Boxer 6 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime
2018 Subaru Legacy
2018 Subaru Legacy

2018 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2018 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2018 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.6L Boxer 6 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime

2017 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2017 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2017 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.6L Boxer 6 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime

2016 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2016 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2016 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.6L Boxer 6 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime

2015 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2015 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2015 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
3.6L Boxer 6 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime

2014 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2014 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are interference.

2014 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltInterference105k

2013 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2013 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are interference.

2013 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming BeltInterference105k
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltInterference105k

2012 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2012 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are interference.

2012 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming BeltInterference105k
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltInterference105k

2011 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2011 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are interference.

2011 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming BeltInterference105k
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltInterference105k

2010 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2010 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are interference.

2010 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming BeltInterference105k
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltInterference105k

2009 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2009 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are interference.

2009 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming BeltInterference105k
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltInterference105k

2008 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2008 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are interference.

2008 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming BeltInterference105k
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltInterference105k

2007 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2007 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are interference.

2007 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming BeltInterference105k
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltInterference105k

2006 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2006 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are interference.

2006 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming BeltInterference105k
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltInterference105k

2005 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2005 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are interference.

2005 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming BeltInterference105k
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltInterference105k

2004 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2004 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are interference.

2004 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltInterference105k

2003 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2003 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are interference.

2003 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltInterference105k

2002 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2002 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are interference.

2002 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltInterference105k

2001 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2001 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are interference.

2001 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltInterference105k

2000 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2000 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt. The 2.2L is non-interference while the 2.5L is interference.

2000 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltInterference105k

1999 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 1999 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt. The 2.2L is non-interference while the 2.5L is interference.

1999 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltInterference105k
2.2L Boxer 4 CylTiming BeltNon-Interference60k

1998 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 1998 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt. The 2.2L is non-interference while the 2.5L is interference.

1998 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltInterference105k
2.2L Boxer 4 CylTiming BeltNon-Interference60k

1997 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 1997 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are non-interference.

1997 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltNon-Interference60k
2.2L Boxer 4 CylTiming BeltNon-Interference60k

1996 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 1996 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are non-interference.

1996 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L Boxer 4 Cyl.Timing BeltNon-Interference60k
2.2L Boxer 4 CylTiming BeltNon-Interference60k

1995 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 1995 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are non-interference.

1995 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.2L Boxer 4 CylTiming BeltNon-Interference60k

1994 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 1994 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are non-interference.

1994 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.2L Boxer 4 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming BeltNon-Interference60k
2.2L Boxer 4 CylTiming BeltNon-Interference60k

1993 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 1993 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are non-interference.

1993 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.2L Boxer 4 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming BeltNon-Interference60k
2.2L Boxer 4 CylTiming BeltNon-Interference60k

1992 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 1992 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are non-interference.

1992 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.2L Boxer 4 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming BeltNon-Interference60k
2.2L Boxer 4 CylTiming BeltNon-Interference60k

1991 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 1991 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are non-interference.

1991 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.2L Boxer 4 Cyl. TurbochargedTiming BeltNon-Interference60k
2.2L Boxer 4 CylTiming BeltNon-Interference60k

1990 Subaru Legacy - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 1990 Subaru Legacy engines have a timing belt and are non-interference.

1990 Subaru Legacy Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.2L Boxer 4 CylTiming BeltNon-Interference60k
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Legacy

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.