Parts for your 2017 Subaru Impreza-Drive belt

2017 Subaru Impreza drive-belt: what it does and how to look after it

Yes, the 2017 Subaru Impreza is fitted with a drive belt. Technical sources confirm it uses a single V‑ribbed (serpentine) accessory drive belt on the FB20 engine. The Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2017 Impreza (Engine/Mechanical – Drive Belt) details the belt routing and automatic tensioner, the 2017 Owner’s Manual lists drive belt inspection in the maintenance schedule, Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) training for the FB engine family notes a timing chain for the cams and no timing belt, and reputable catalogues from OEM-equivalent suppliers list the correct serpentine belt for this model. The FB20’s camshafts—and the water pump—are chain-driven internally, so the external drive belt powers the alternator and the air-conditioning compressor (electric power steering means there’s no hydraulic PS pump).

On this model, the drive belt’s job is straightforward but critical: keep the alternator spinning so the battery stays charged and the electrical system is happy, and run the A/C compressor so the cabin stays comfy on hot Aussie and Kiwi days. If that belt slips or fails, a battery light, dim lights, or weak A/C performance won’t be far behind.

As part of regular servicing, it pays to inspect the belt every 12 months or around each 15,000 km service. EPDM belts wear differently to old neoprene belts—less obvious cracking—so look for rib wear, glazing (shiny ribs), fraying at the edges, or any chirps/squeals on cold start. An automatic tensioner keeps the belt tight, but the tensioner and idler pulleys themselves can wear, any wobble, gritty feel, or noise from those is a cue to replace them along with the belt.

Replacement timing varies with use and climate, but many owners choose to renew the belt somewhere between 100,000 and 150,000 km, or earlier if there are symptoms. A quality, OEM-spec V‑ribbed belt is inexpensive insurance. When fitting, follow the correct routing diagram under the bonnet or in the service manual, de-tension with the proper spanner on the tensioner, and ensure all ribs sit properly in the pulley grooves before starting the engine.

• Watch for symptoms: battery warning light, squeals on start-up, flickering lights, or reduced A/C cooling at idle.
• Inspect belt ribs and edges at each service, replace the belt, tensioner and any noisy idlers together if wear is evident.
• Avoid belt dressings, they mask problems and attract grime.

Does the 2017 Subaru Impreza have a timing belt?

No. The 2017 Impreza’s FB20 engine uses a timing chain. The external drive belt is just for accessories like the alternator and A/C, not for cam timing or the water pump.

How often should the drive belt be replaced?

There’s no fixed kilometre count in many schedules—inspect at every service and replace based on condition. As a guide, plenty of owners plan a fresh belt between 100,000 and 150,000 km, or sooner if there’s noise, glazing, fraying, or tensioner/idler issues.

What are common signs the drive belt or tensioner needs attention?

Cold-start chirps or squeals, a battery warning light, headlight flicker, or A/C that struggles at idle are the big giveaways. Visual checks may show shiny ribs, cracks at the edges, or belt tracking off-centre. Any rough or noisy idler/tensioner pulley also calls for replacement.