Parts for your 2016 Subaru Xv-Head gasket

2016 Subaru XV head gasket — what it does and when to sort it

Yes, the 2016 Subaru XV uses head gaskets. The model runs Subaru’s 2.0‑litre FB20 boxer four, which has one multilayer steel (MLS) head gasket per cylinder bank. This is confirmed by Subaru’s Factory Service Manual for the 2016 XV (FB20 engine section, cylinder head and gasket procedures) and the Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue (FAST), both of which list and detail the cylinder head gasket and torque sequence. Independent data sources such as Autodata/Haynes also publish the FB20 head torque pattern, further validating fitment.

On this XV, the head gasket seals the combustion chambers and keeps engine oil and coolant in their own circuits between the alloy heads and the block. It’s the quiet achiever that holds pressure, prevents cross‑contamination and helps the engine maintain proper temperature and compression. Being a flat (boxer) layout, the XV has two heads — so two gaskets doing the heavy lifting every drive, hot or cold, city or open road.

There’s no scheduled replacement interval, a healthy FB20 can run hundreds of thousands of kilometres without head gasket drama. Preventative care is mostly about keeping heat and chemistry under control:

• Stick to coolant changes on time using the correct long‑life Subaru coolant and proper bleed/refill procedure.
• Fix overheating immediately — fans, thermostat, radiator and caps all matter.
• Use the right oil grade and keep service intervals tight to protect bearings and help the gasket cope with thermal cycling.

Warning signs worth a look under the bonnet include persistent coolant loss with no visible leak, white exhaust steam once warm, bubbles in the expansion tank, oily residue in coolant, milky oil, rough cold starts or unexplained overheating. A workshop can confirm with a cooling‑system pressure test, chemical block test, and compression/leak‑down checks.

If replacement is needed, expect significant labour — many technicians prefer to remove the engine for access on boxer models. The best practice is genuine or high‑quality MLS gaskets, precise surface prep and flatness checks, adherence to the Subaru torque sequence, and replacing related seals, timing components and fluids. Head bolts should be measured and replaced where the service information specifies. A thorough first repair, following the Subaru service manual procedures, is the difference between years of trouble‑free motoring and a repeat visit.

Popular questions

Does the 2016 Subaru XV have the same head gasket issues as older Subarus?
Not to the same extent. The FB‑series engines (like the XV’s FB20) moved to robust MLS gaskets and revised cooling and block/head designs. Failures are far less common than on some earlier EJ engines. Proper coolant maintenance and avoiding overheating are still crucial to longevity.

What are the typical symptoms of a failing head gasket on a 2016 XV?
Tell‑tales include recurring coolant loss with no obvious external leak, white exhaust steam once hot, overheating under load, bubbles in the expansion tank, hydrocarbon traces in coolant, and misfires on cold start. A pressure or block test will usually confirm.

Is it safe to drive with a suspected head gasket leak?
It’s risky. Even a small leak can escalate to overheating, warped heads or coolant in the cylinders, which can damage bearings. Short, gentle trips may limp it home, but arranging a tow to a workshop is the safer bet for the engine — and the wallet.