Parts for your 2016 Subaru Outback-Head gasket

2016 Subaru Outback head gasket: what it does and when to service it

Yes, the 2016 Subaru Outback uses a conventional cylinder head gasket. Technical sources such as the Subaru Factory Service Manual (via Subaru Technical Information System, STIS) and the official Subaru parts catalogue list a multi-layer steel (MLS) head gasket for both engines offered in 2016— the 2.5‑litre FB25 flat‑four and the 3.6‑litre EZ36 flat‑six. It’s a standard, serviceable component that seals the cylinder head to the engine block.

On this model, the head gasket has three big jobs: it keeps combustion pressure inside the cylinders, keeps engine oil flowing through its galleries without escaping, and keeps coolant in its own passages so it can whisk heat away. The MLS design Subaru uses is robust and far more durable than older composite gaskets, which is why these later Outbacks see far fewer head‑gasket dramas than 1990s–2000s EJ motors. Still, good cooling‑system care is the key to long life.

• Early warning signs owners or techs watch for:
  • Unexplained coolant loss or overflow bottle bubbling
  • Sweet exhaust smell from the engine bay after a drive
  • Milky contamination under the oil filler cap (oil–coolant mixing)
  • Ticking misfire on cold start that clears as it warms
  • External coolant seepage at the block‑to‑head seam

Preventative care is simple: stick to the service schedule, use the correct Subaru Super Coolant (blue) at the right mix, and never ignore an overheating event. A fresh radiator cap and thermostat of OEM quality, clean condenser/radiator fins, and a properly bled system all help. Regularly check coolant level and condition, and fix small leaks promptly so the engine isn’t run low on coolant. Avoiding overheats dramatically reduces head‑gasket risk.

If a head gasket does need replacing on a 2016 Outback, it’s a significant job. Workshops commonly remove the engine for access. Both the FB25 and EZ36 are timing‑chain engines, so cam timing needs to be locked and reset correctly. Best practice includes using genuine MLS gaskets, replacing head bolts (many are torque‑to‑yield, follow Subaru specs), checking and machining head faces if out of flatness, and renewing related seals and gaskets—rocker cover, intake/exhaust, and coolant hoses. Expect new oil and filter, fresh coolant, and often spark plugs while the engine’s out. Labour can run well into double‑digit hours, so choosing an experienced Subaru specialist is worth it for correct torque sequences and trouble‑free sealing.

Popular questions about 2016 Subaru Outback head gaskets

Do 2016 Subaru Outbacks suffer the same head‑gasket issues as older Subarus?
The 2016 Outback’s FB25 and EZ36 engines use robust multi‑layer steel gaskets and improved cooling/oiling, so failures are far less common than the older EJ series. With correct coolant, proper bleeding, and avoiding overheating, most owners never see a head‑gasket problem.

What are the early signs of a failing head gasket on a 2016 Outback?
Look for slow coolant loss, bubbling in the overflow after a hot run, a sweet smell, milky residue under the oil cap, or a brief cold‑start misfire. Any overheating or unexplained coolant use warrants a pressure test and, if needed, a chemical test for combustion gases in the coolant.

How much does a head‑gasket replacement cost in AU/NZ?
Costs vary by engine, region, and what’s replaced while the engine’s out. As a ballpark, many shops quote roughly AU$3,000–$5,500 or NZ$3,500–$6,000 for a thorough job, including machining if required, fluids, and ancillary gaskets. Time wise, allow around 12–20 hours of labour with engine removal.