Parts for your 2016 Subaru Exiga-Thermostat

2016 Subaru Exiga Thermostat — What It Does and When to Replace It

Yes, the 2016 Subaru Exiga uses a conventional engine thermostat. Technical sources including Subaru Factory Service Manuals and the Subaru parts catalogue list a wax‑pellet thermostat fitted at the water inlet housing. For 2016 models sold as the Exiga Crossover 7 (FB25 2.5‑litre), the thermostat sits in the lower radiator hose housing on the front of the engine. Earlier Exiga variants with EJ20 engines also use a thermostat in the cooling circuit. These documents specify an opening temperature around 88°C, confirming the part is essential to engine warm‑up and temperature control.

On this Exiga, the thermostat’s job is to keep coolant flow restricted while the engine warms up, helping it reach operating temperature quickly for smooth running and better fuel economy. Once warm, it meters flow to the radiator so the engine stays steady under the bonnet, whether it’s a chilly Dunedin morning or a hot Perth arvo. A sticky thermostat can cause slow warm‑up, overcooling, overheating, weak cabin heat, or odd fan behaviour.

While Subaru doesn’t set a strict interval to replace thermostats, it’s smart maintenance to assess it whenever the cooling system is serviced. Many workshops in Australia and New Zealand will recommend replacement at higher kilometres, during a timing or water‑pump job (EJ), or when doing a major coolant service on an FB engine. Always use a genuine or high‑quality thermostat and new O‑ring/gasket, and refill with the correct Subaru‑spec long‑life coolant. The jiggle pin or air bleed should be oriented as per the service manual to make bleeding easier and avoid air pockets.

• Common signs it’s due: temp gauge creeping up or dropping on highways, heater going cold at speed, discoloured coolant, or codes related to coolant temperature.
• Good practice: pressure‑test the cap, check hoses and clamps, and replace the thermostat proactively if there’s any hint of sticking.
• After fitting: torque the housing bolts to the workshop‑manual spec and bleed the system thoroughly, recheck coolant level after a few heat cycles.

Technical references: Subaru Global Service Information System (FSM) cooling system specs for FB25/EJ engines (thermostat begins opening ~88°C), and Subaru OEM parts catalogues showing the thermostat assembly at the water inlet on 2016 Exiga/Exiga Crossover 7.

FAQs

Where is the thermostat on a 2016 Subaru Exiga?
It’s mounted in the water inlet housing on the front of the engine, where the lower radiator hose connects. On FB25 models (Crossover 7), that’s low and forward under the bonnet. On EJ‑series engines, it’s similarly located at the lower housing near the water pump outlet.

What temperature does the Exiga thermostat open?
Subaru’s service data lists an opening temperature of about 88°C, reaching full open roughly near the high‑90s to ~100°C. That range keeps warm‑up quick while holding a steady operating temp in everyday Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

Should the thermostat be replaced during a coolant change?
It’s not mandatory every time, but it’s a good idea if the vehicle has high kilometres, any history of overheating/overcooling, or if the water pump and hoses are being done. Using a genuine‑spec thermostat and the correct long‑life coolant reduces future headaches.