Parts for your 2020 Subaru Outback-Head gasket

2020 Subaru Outback head gasket

Yes, the 2020 Subaru Outback does use a head gasket. Technical references that spell this out include the Subaru Service Manual for the 2020 Outback (Engine/Engine Mechanical sections for the FB25 2.5‑litre and FA24 2.4‑litre turbo), Subaru’s Technical Information System (STIS), and the Subaru Genuine Parts Catalogue, all of which list and detail removal/installation procedures for multi‑layer steel (MLS) cylinder head gaskets. Because both engines are aluminium, horizontally opposed (boxer) designs with separate cylinder heads and blocks, a head gasket is essential to seal combustion, oil, and coolant passages.

On the 2020 Outback, the head gasket’s job is to keep the combustion chambers tightly sealed while keeping coolant and engine oil in their own lanes. The MLS gasket is clamped between the alloy head and block, maintaining compression and stopping fluids from mixing, even as temperatures and loads swing on a long Kiwi roadie or Aussie summer commute. It’s a quiet achiever—if it’s doing its thing, the Outback runs smooth, cool, and efficient.

There’s no scheduled replacement interval for the head gasket on this model, it’s a fix‑on‑failure component. The best “maintenance” is looking after the cooling system and keeping an eye out for early signs. Stick with the correct long‑life Subaru coolant, confirm the radiator and fans are in good nick, and don’t ignore a creeping temperature gauge. During services, a quick check around the head/block seam under the bonnet for any weeping, plus confirming there’s no unexplained coolant loss, goes a long way.

• Sweet smell or steam from the exhaust once warm
• Overheating, or bubbles in the coolant overflow bottle
• Milky discolouration under the oil filler cap
• Rough cold starts or a misfire that clears
• External oil or coolant seep at the head/block join

If replacement is needed, it’s a specialist job. The heads must be removed, surfaces cleaned and measured for flatness, and the MLS gaskets fitted with the exact Subaru torque‑and‑angle sequence. Any single‑use fasteners should be replaced, and it pays to use genuine or OE‑quality gaskets. Many workshops remove the engine to make the work cleaner and more accurate—expect a decent chunk of labour. Done properly, the new gasket will deliver years and many kilometres of reliable touring across Australia and New Zealand.

Popular questions about the 2020 Subaru Outback head gasket

Do 2020 Outbacks still have head gasket issues like older Subarus?
The FB and FA engines in the 2020 Outback use improved MLS gaskets and updated block/head designs. Failures are far less common than the older EJ‑series engines. Keeping the cooling system healthy and addressing any overheating straight away are the big keys to long life.

When should the head gasket be replaced?
There’s no routine interval. It’s replaced only if there’s confirmed failure (mixing of fluids, compression loss, overheating with positive test results) or when the head is off for other major repairs. Proper diagnosis—compression, leak‑down, or chemical block tests—is essential before committing to the job.

Is it safe to keep driving with a minor head gasket leak?
Not recommended. Even a small leak can quickly escalate, leading to overheating, warped heads, or catalytic converter damage. If symptoms appear, reduce driving, monitor temps, and arrange assessment, towing is often the smarter move.