Parts for your 2019 Subaru Impreza-Head gasket

2019 Subaru Impreza head gasket: what it does and how to look after it

Yes, the 2019 Subaru Impreza uses a cylinder head gasket. This is documented in the Subaru Service Manual (2019MY Impreza, FB engine—Cylinder Head and Gasket procedures via Subaru Technical Information System), reflected in Subaru Genuine Parts catalogues listing a “Gasket – Cylinder Head” for the FB20 2.0‑litre boxer, and supported by engineering literature on the FB engine family (for example, the SAE technical paper on the new Subaru boxer engine architecture) describing multi‑layer steel head gaskets used between the aluminium block and heads.

On this model’s 2.0‑litre FB20 engine, the head gasket sits between each cylinder head and the engine block, sealing three critical paths at once: combustion pressure in the cylinders, coolant running through galleries, and engine oil moving to and from the valvetrain. Being a flat‑four (boxer) with aluminium castings, thermal cycling and clamping loads are significant, so the factory multi‑layer steel gasket and correct bolt torque are vital to keep everything leak‑free over hundreds of thousands of kilometres.

Good servicing helps the gasket live a long, quiet life. Sticking to the manufacturer’s schedule for coolant and oil changes, using the correct Subaru‑approved long‑life coolant and the specified oil grade, keeps corrosion, aeration, and hotspots at bay. Workshop checks that matter include cooling‑system pressure tests, looking for combustion gases in the coolant, and monitoring for unexplained coolant loss. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions—long highway runs, steep climbs, and hot summers—an eye on temperature and a healthy radiator, fans, and thermostat are worth their weight in gold.

Replacement is a proper workshop job. Expect cylinder head removal, inspection, and machining if required, new OEM‑spec MLS head gaskets, and fresh seals for anything disturbed. Head bolts are torque‑to‑yield on this engine and are typically replaced, the technician will follow the exact torque and angle sequence from the Subaru manual. It’s also smart to renew coolant, thermostat, and any tired hoses while access is open. Because the Impreza’s boxer layout is compact across the engine bay, many shops prefer partial or full engine removal to do the job right and keep sealing surfaces perfect.

Typical warning signs that owners report include:

• Overheating under load or on long climbs
• Bubbles in the overflow bottle or a persistent coolant smell
• Milky contamination under the oil filler cap or on the dipstick
• Rough cold starts with a sweet‑smelling steam from the exhaust

Catch those early, and a 2019 Impreza can be back to running sweetly for many more kilometres with the right parts and procedures.

Popular questions

What are the early signs of a failing head gasket on a 2019 Subaru Impreza?
Early clues include slow coolant loss with no obvious leak, occasional overheating on hills, heater performance dropping off, and bubbles appearing in the expansion tank after a spirited drive. A chemical test for combustion gases in the coolant or a cylinder leak‑down test can confirm what’s going on before damage snowballs.

Can regular servicing prevent head gasket issues on the FB20 engine?
While nothing can guarantee a gasket will never fail, sticking to the correct coolant and oil service intervals, keeping the cooling system clean and pressurised, and fixing minor leaks quickly dramatically reduces risk. Using OEM‑quality parts and following Subaru torque procedures whenever the heads are disturbed is equally important.

How big a job is a head gasket replacement on this model?
It’s a significant repair involving head removal, surface checks, and precise reassembly with new gaskets and bolts. Many workshops remove the engine to ensure perfect access and sealing. Downtime typically runs several days depending on machining needs and parts availability.