Parts for your 2016 Subaru Exiga-Head gasket

2016 Subaru Exiga head gasket: purpose, care, and when to replace

Based on technical references including the Subaru Global Service Information (GSI) for the FB25 engine (Engine Mechanical – Cylinder Head section) and the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue for the 2016 Exiga/Crossover 7, this model absolutely uses head gaskets—two of them, one for each cylinder bank of the 2.5‑litre FB25 boxer four. The parts catalogue lists the cylinder head gasket as a serviceable component, and the workshop manual details torque procedures and surface checks, confirming it’s a fitted and relevant part on this vehicle.

On the 2016 Subaru Exiga, the head gasket sits between the aluminium cylinder head and the engine block, sealing three critical systems at once: combustion pressure in the cylinders, engine oil galleries, and coolant passages. With the Exiga’s horizontally opposed layout, there are two heads and therefore two head gaskets. Subaru’s FB-series moved to robust multi‑layer steel (MLS) gaskets, a step up from older EJ-era designs, reducing the likelihood of weeping and mixing fluids when everything’s serviced on time.

This gasket isn’t a routine “wear” item, but keeping it happy is all about good servicing. Stick to the logbook for coolant changes with the correct Subaru‑spec long‑life coolant, and make sure air pockets are bled out after any cooling system work. Overheating is the enemy—if the temp needle climbs, pull over before things snowball. During services, a quick look for dried coolant tracks around the head-to-block seam, unexplained coolant loss, pressurised hoses from cold, or a sweet exhaust odour can help catch issues early.

If a replacement is needed, it’s a proper workshop job. Best practice is to fit genuine or OE‑quality MLS gaskets, check head flatness and surface finish, follow the factory torque sequence, and assess head bolts for condition and length per the workshop manual. It’s smart to renew related seals and consumables while in there—rocker cover gaskets, intake/exhaust gaskets, fresh coolant and oil, thermostat, and any tired hoses. Many techs prefer engine‑out on the FB25 to get clean, precise access and avoid dramas refitting.

• Watch for gradual coolant loss, overheating, or milky residue under the oil cap.
• Use the correct Subaru coolant mix, don’t top up with random tap water.
• Fix small leaks early—running low on coolant can warp heads and stress gaskets.

Looked after with sensible servicing, the 2016 Exiga’s head gaskets generally live a long, quiet life.

Popular questions about 2016 Subaru Exiga head gaskets

Does the 2016 Exiga have two head gaskets?
Yes. The FB25 is a flat‑four, so there’s a cylinder head on each side and a head gasket for each bank. Both are MLS designs and are serviced using the factory torque and angle specs in the Subaru workshop manual.

What are early signs a head gasket’s on the way out?
Common clues include unexplained coolant drop, sweet‑smelling exhaust, overheating on climbs, bubbles in the expansion tank after an overnight cold start, or mayo-like residue under the oil cap. Any of these warrant a cooling system pressure test and a combustion leak (block) test.

How much does replacement usually cost in AU/NZ?
Ballpark figures vary with labour time, machining, and parts. Expect roughly AUD $2,500–$5,000 in Australia and NZD $3,000–$6,000 in New Zealand for both banks, using quality parts and proper machining as needed. A firm quote should follow inspection and a machine shop check.