Parts for your 2022 Subaru Impreza-Timing belt kit

2022 Subaru Impreza timing-belt-kit — do you actually need one?

Short answer: no, a timing-belt-kit isn’t used on the 2022 Subaru Impreza. This model runs Subaru’s FB20 2.0‑litre boxer engine, which uses a chain to drive the camshafts, not a rubber belt. That means there’s no timing-belt-kit to buy or replace as part of regular servicing.

Technical references that support this:

• Subaru FB Engine Service Manual (STIS): specifies “camshaft drive: timing chain” for FB20.
• MY22 Impreza Owner’s Manual and Maintenance/Warranty booklet (AU/NZ): no timing belt replacement item listed.
• Subaru technical and press materials describing the FB series as using a maintenance-free timing chain system.
• Gates Timing Belt Catalogue (ANZ): lists “No timing belt” for Impreza 2.0L FB20 (2017–2023).
• Dayco Timing Component listings (ANZ) and Autodata/industry databases: Impreza FB20 shown with a timing chain.

Why Subaru doesn’t use a timing-belt-kit here comes down to design and longevity. The FB20’s duplex chain, guides and hydraulic tensioner are engineered to last the life of the engine under normal use. Unlike a belt, the chain isn’t a scheduled replacement item, which helps reduce whole‑of‑life servicing costs and suits the compact packaging of the boxer layout.

What owners should focus on instead is oil quality. Timing chains rely on clean, correct‑spec oil for lubrication and hydraulic tensioner operation. Sticking to Subaru’s service schedule for Australia and New Zealand (typically every 12 months or around 12,500 km, whichever comes first) and using Subaru‑approved 0W‑20 oil helps keep the chain, guides and tensioner healthy. If there’s a brief rattle on cold start, persistent metallic noise from the front of the engine, or cam/crank correlation fault codes, a technician should inspect the chain system, but routine replacement isn’t part of normal maintenance.

One more thing: there is still an auxiliary drive belt (serpentine belt) under the bonnet that runs the alternator and A/C. That’s separate from timing and is inspected and replaced on condition or at the intervals in the service schedule. If a parts site lists a “timing-belt-kit” for a 2022 Impreza, it’s likely a catalogue error or referencing older EJ‑series engines used in earlier models that did have belts.

• Does a 2022 Subaru Impreza have a timing belt or a chain?
  It has a timing chain. The FB20 engine in the 2022 Impreza uses a chain-driven setup, so there’s no timing-belt-kit to replace as part of normal servicing.
• When should the timing chain be replaced on a 2022 Impreza?
  There’s no scheduled interval. With correct oil and regular servicing, the chain is designed to last the life of the engine. Replacement is only considered if there are symptoms like persistent chain noise, guide/tensioner wear, or related fault codes.
• Why do some websites show a timing-belt-kit for my 2022 Impreza?
  That’s usually a catalogue mix‑up. Older Subaru EJ engines used in previous‑generation Imprezas had timing belts, but the 2022 model’s FB20 is chain‑driven. Always match parts to the VIN/engine code to be safe.