Parts for your 2022 Subaru Outback-Manifold gasket

2022 Subaru Outback manifold gasket: what it does, when to replace, and how to look after it

Based on the Subaru Service Manual for the 2022 Outback (FB25 2.5L and FA24 2.4L turbo engine sections: Intake and Exhaust) and the official Subaru parts catalogue used by dealers, the 2022 Subaru Outback is fitted with manifold gaskets. There are intake manifold gaskets sealing the intake runners to the cylinder heads, and exhaust manifold gaskets sealing the exhaust headers to the heads. These are standard sealing components on both the naturally aspirated and turbo Outback variants.

On this model, the manifold gasket’s job is simple but crucial: keep air, fuel, and exhaust where they’re meant to be. Intake manifold gaskets stop unmetered air sneaking into the engine, which protects idle quality, fuel trims, and overall efficiency. Exhaust manifold gaskets prevent hot gases from leaking at the head flange, which preserves torque, keeps under-bonnet heat and noise in check, and helps the O2 sensors read accurately for proper fueling.

While manifold gaskets aren’t a routine “every X kilometres” service item, they do wear from heat cycles and can compress over time—especially the multi-layer steel exhaust gaskets. The Subaru workshop literature treats them as replace-once-disturbed parts: if the intake or exhaust manifold is removed for any job (plugs on some engines, head work, turbo service on FA24), fit new gaskets. That’s cheap insurance against leaks that can cause a rough idle, a ticking noise on cold start (exhaust), fuel odours, or even CELs from skewed fuel trims.

DIY-minded owners can visually check for issues between services. Under the bonnet, listen for a sharp tick from the exhaust side on cold start, sniff for exhaust odour around the headers, and look for soot marks at the flange. For the intake side, watch for a high or wandering idle, a faint hiss, or long-term fuel trims sitting unusually positive after warm-up. Any of these signs point to leak testing and likely gasket replacement.

When replacing, use quality gaskets matched to the engine code (FB25 or FA24), clean the mating faces thoroughly, and follow the Subaru torque specs and tightening sequence from the service manual. Re-torque is not normally required if the sequence is followed. Pairing fresh fasteners where specified and checking bracket supports prevents flange warping and early gasket failure. Done right, new manifold gaskets should deliver quiet, leak-free running for years of Aussie and Kiwi kilometres.

• Replace gaskets any time manifolds are removed.
• Use OEM-equivalent parts and correct torque sequence.
• Investigate ticking, hissing, or fuel odours promptly.

Popular questions about 2022 Subaru Outback manifold gaskets

Do both the 2.5 and 2.4T Outback engines use manifold gaskets?
Yes. The FB25 2.5L and FA24 2.4L turbo both use intake and exhaust manifold gaskets. This is confirmed in Subaru’s 2022 Outback service manual engine sections and dealer parts catalogues. Designs differ slightly between engines, so order by VIN or engine code.

What are the signs a manifold gasket is failing on a 2022 Outback?
Common clues include a ticking noise on cold start (exhaust leak), soot around the exhaust flange, a hissing noise, rough or high idle, elevated positive fuel trims, or an exhaust/fuel smell under the bonnet. Any of these warrant inspection and likely replacement.

Should manifold gaskets be replaced proactively during other work?
If a manifold is removed for any reason—spark plugs on certain setups, turbo or head work—Subaru workshop guidance is to install new gaskets on reassembly. They’re inexpensive, and fresh gaskets reduce the risk of post-service leaks and comebacks.