Parts for your 2012 Subaru Forester-Timing belt kit

2012 Subaru Forester timing-belt-kit — does the vehicle use one?

Short answer: it depends on which 2012 Forester it is. Referencing Subaru factory service information and major parts catalogues, most 2012 Forester petrol models in Australia and New Zealand with the FB25 2.5L non‑turbo engine use a timing chain, so a timing-belt-kit isn’t applicable. However, 2012 Forester XT/S‑Edition models with the EJ255 2.5L turbo petrol engine do use a timing belt and take a timing-belt-kit. The 2.0D diesel (EE20) also uses a timing belt.

• Subaru factory service manuals: FB-series petrol engines are chain‑driven, EJ-series petrol turbo and EE20 diesel are belt‑driven.
• Gates and Dayco catalogues: kits listed for EJ255 and EE20, “no timing belt” indicated for FB25 applications of this year.
• Subaru maintenance schedules: no scheduled timing chain replacement for FB25, timing belt replacement specified for EJ/EE engines at the prescribed interval.

If it’s the non‑turbo FB25, there’s no timing-belt-kit because the engine uses a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine with regular oil changes. Chains run in oil and rely on good lubrication, servicing focuses on quality oil and filter changes rather than periodic belt renewals.

If it’s the turbo EJ255 or the 2.0D EE20, a timing-belt-kit absolutely applies. Here’s what matters for those variants:

A timing-belt-kit keeps the camshafts and crankshaft in perfect sync, so valves and pistons don’t collide. On the 2012 Forester EJ255/EE20, a proper kit typically includes the belt, hydraulic/auto tensioner, idler pulleys and, commonly, a water pump and cam/crank seals. The lot is designed to be replaced together so every rotating bit has a fresh start and the new belt isn’t saddled with tired bearings.

Replacement timing: follow Subaru’s schedule for the specific engine. Many workshops across Australia and New Zealand service EJ/EE belts around the manufacturer’s stated interval (often in the ballpark of 168,000 km/105 months for many EJ petrol engines, with diesel intervals specified per local schedule). Given age now, plenty of 2012 cars are due on time alone even if the kilometres are low. If there’s any belt noise, visible cracking, oil contamination, or wobbling idlers/tensioner, bring the job forward.

Best practice during the job: fit a quality kit, replace the water pump and thermostat if they’re belt‑driven, refresh coolant, and inspect cam/crank seals. It’s smart to do accessory belts at the same time and confirm torque specs and timing marks exactly as per the service manual. A failed belt or seized idler on these interference engines can cause major internal damage, so cutting corners is false economy. Professional fitment is recommended if you’re not experienced, correct belt tracking and tension are critical.

Ongoing maintenance: keep the engine oil tight (belts hate oil), listen for bearing rumble or chirps at cold start, and log the date and kilometres of the kit install for the next interval. With the right parts and care, the timing system will run quietly and reliably until the next scheduled change.

• Does my 2012 Forester have a timing belt or a chain?
  Most non‑turbo 2.5L petrol (FB25) models run a timing chain, so no belt kit is required. Turbo petrol (EJ255, XT/S‑Edition) and the 2.0D diesel (EE20) use a timing belt and need a timing-belt-kit at service time. Check the build plate or engine code to be sure.
• When should the timing belt be replaced on a 2012 Forester XT?
  Follow Subaru’s interval for the EJ255 engine. Many schedules sit around 168,000 km/105 months, whichever comes first. Age matters as much as distance, if the belt is over a decade old, plan the job even if kilometres are low. Always verify the exact interval for your market and engine code.
• Should the water pump be changed with the timing belt?
  Yes—on EJ255 and EE20 it’s common practice to replace the water pump, tensioner, and idlers with the belt. It saves double labour and reduces the risk of a fresh belt running over a tired bearing or an old pump.