P0302 on Subaru: How to Diagnose & Fix
Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
7 Subaru models · 9 documented issues · 8 critical · $1,200-$12,000 repair
P0302 on Subaru by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The 2.5L non-turbo engine is known for head gasket leaks. Oil can seep externally past the gasket, and a failed gasket can also let oil contaminate the coolant. Subaru extended warranties and improved gasket design in later years.
Common Symptoms
- Oil leaking externally from engine
- Coolant mixing with oil (milky appearance)
- Overheating
- Sweet smell from engine bay
- Bubbles in coolant reservoir
How to Fix
Replace head gaskets with updated MLS (multi-layer steel) gaskets. Ensure the machine shop resurfaces cylinder heads to proper flatness. Replace timing belt, water pump, and thermostat while engine is apart. Use Subaru coolant conditioner to help prevent future failures. Budget $1,500-2,500 for a quality repair.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Subaru 11044AA610 EJ25D Cylinder-Head Gasket
head gasket for each bank on the 1999 2.5-liter branch after failure is confirmed Fitment/availability: 1999 Outback 2.5-liter EJ25D DOHC branch; quantity two, confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart…
- Genuine Subaru 11044AA633 SOHC Cylinder-Head Gasket
head gasket for each bank on the 2000-2009 naturally aspirated branch Fitment/availability: 2000-2009 Outback naturally aspirated 2.5-liter branch; quantity two, confirm VIN and exclude turbo Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business d…
- Genuine Subaru 11044AA770 Cylinder-Head Gasket
head gasket for each bank on the 2010 branch Fitment/availability: 2010 Outback naturally aspirated 2.5-liter EJ253 branch via supersession from 11044AA670; quantity two, confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with …
- Genuine Subaru 13028AA072 EJ25D Timing Belt
timing belt when removed, due or of unknown history on the 1999 branch Fitment/availability: 1999 Outback 2.5-liter EJ25D DOHC branch; confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-2 business days with Add to Cart live when reviewed
- Genuine Subaru 13028AA21B SOHC Timing Belt
timing belt when removed, due or of unknown history on the 2000-2009 branch Fitment/availability: 2000-2009 Outback naturally aspirated 2.5-liter branch; confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart live …
- Genuine Subaru 13028AA231 Timing Belt
timing belt when removed, due or of unknown history on the 2010 branch Fitment/availability: 2010 Outback naturally aspirated 2.5-liter EJ253 branch; confirm VIN and production date Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with A…
- Genuine Subaru 13033AA042 Hydraulic Timing-Belt Tensioner
tensioner renewed with a due or unknown-history complete timing service Fitment/availability: 1999-2010 Outback 2.5-liter timing-belt branches in this card; confirm VIN and configuration Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days w…
- Genuine Subaru 21111AA110 Water Pump
early water pump only when failed, leaking, rough, due or selected for unknown-history service Fitment/availability: 1999-2005 Outback 2.5-liter branch within this card; confirm VIN and required seal Fitment/availability: ships in 1-2 bu…
- Genuine Subaru 21111AA280 Water Pump
middle-year water pump when condition or service history warrants replacement Fitment/availability: 2006-2009 Outback naturally aspirated 2.5-liter branch; confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart liv…
- Genuine Subaru 21111AA320 Water Pump
2010 water pump when condition or service history warrants replacement Fitment/availability: 2010 Outback naturally aspirated 2.5-liter branch; confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart live when reviewed
- Genuine Subaru 21210AA030 Thermostat and Gasket Assembly
thermostat only when diagnosis or condition warrants replacement on the 2000-2009 branch Fitment/availability: 2000-2009 Outback 2.5-liter branch; the 1999 branch requires VIN-specific selection Fitment/availability: Add to Cart live whe…
- Genuine Subaru 21210AA080 Thermostat and Gasket Assembly
2010 thermostat only when diagnosis or condition warrants replacement Fitment/availability: 2010 Outback naturally aspirated 2.5-liter branch; confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart live when reviewed
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipDIY repairs can save significantly - dealer charges $1,500-2,500 but DIY costs are typically 50-70% less
- TipUse Subaru coolant conditioner to help prevent future failures.
- WarningThis is a high-severity issue - ignoring it can lead to costly repairs or safety concerns. Address it promptly.
- TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
Sources for this issue (3)
The FB25 has better head gasket reliability than the older EJ engines, but some vehicles still have head gasket failures. External oil and coolant leaks can develop, particularly at higher mileage. On a Legacy owners' forum, one owner said the head gasket on his 2015 Legacy, which has the same FB25 engine, was replaced at about 35,000 miles. Other members of that forum said head gasket failures are uncommon on FB engines, and some said that no coolant passages cross the head-to-block joint on this design. An oil-wet seam near the head gasket may actually come from a neighbouring joint. On FA and FB engines, the timing chain cover, cam carriers, cam caps, upper oil pan and oil pan are sealed with liquid gasket (FIPG/ThreeBond), not formed gaskets. Subaru says field research led it to improve how this sealant is applied on the production line. Its service bulletin 02-192-24R, which covers all FA and FB engines, tells technicians to find the exact leaking joint first, to avoid unnecessary repairs.
Common Symptoms
- Oil leak near head gasket
- External coolant leak
- Overheating
- Sweet coolant smell
- Oil mixing with coolant (rare)
How to Fix
Find the exact source of the leak before approving any repair. Subaru bulletin 02-192-24R (Engine Oil Leak Diagnostic Procedures, all FA and FB engines, revised April 2025) has the technician compare the VIN with a table of production fixes. Vehicles older than the listed VIN breaks get every area inspected. A white spray coating (Spotcheck SKD-S2) can help show where fresh oil is coming from. The areas to inspect are: - where the timing chain cover meets the cylinder head, block, cam carrier and cam caps - the cam cap and cam carrier seams at the rear of the heads - the joint between the oil pan and the upper oil pan - the joint between the upper oil pan and the block, near the transmission - the oil level switch area. If oil is found on the oil level sensor, the sensor must be replaced. A leaking joint is cleaned and resealed with new liquid gasket. Subaru says to use its special tools J-51972 and J53038 when removing and refitting the timing chain cover, so the cover is not damaged and seals properly. The bulletin also shows where liquid gasket goes at the ends of the head gasket. The related bulletin 02-131-12R says that if no oil droplets are found, the technician should clean the area and check again at the next service. Replace the head gaskets only once the leak is confirmed to come from the head-to-block seam itself. Ask the shop to show you where the leak is. Use proper Subaru coolant. This problem is less common than on the older EJ engines, but it still occurs. Coverage: neither bulletin is a recall or a warranty extension. Bulletin 02-192-24R sends warranty claims to Subaru's Labor Time Guide. Bulletin 02-131-12R covers 2012-2019 Forester and Impreza and 2015-2019 WRX. It allows the oil-seepage repair to be claimed only while the vehicle is within the Basic New Car Limited or Powertrain warranty period.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
- TipSearch Subaru Outback forums and owner groups for real-world experiences and DIY guides
- TipGet multiple quotes from independent mechanics - dealer prices can be 2-3x higher for the same repair
Sources for this issue (4)
- Subaru-Forums.com thread discussing FB25 head gasket failuresforum
- Subaru Service Information Bulletin 02-192-24R: Engine Oil Leak Diagnostic Procedures (All FA and FB Engines, revised 04/22/25)tsb
- Subaru Service Bulletin 02-131-12R: Oil Seepage Diagnosis and Repair Procedures (revised 09/20/19)tsb
- LegacyGT forum: Are head gaskets still an issue?forum
The 2.5L SOHC naturally-aspirated engine (EJ251, later EJ253) in 2000-2011 Imprezas is notorious for external head gasket failure. The composite head gaskets degrade over time, allowing coolant and oil to seep externally at the gasket mating surfaces. Unlike a typical blown head gasket that causes coolant-oil mixing, Subaru EJ25 head gaskets typically leak externally first. The boxer engine design means gaskets are at the bottom of the heads, making leaks drip downward and often go unnoticed. If left unaddressed, external leaks can progress to internal coolant-oil mixing and overheating.
Common Symptoms
- Oil seepage visible on bottom of engine near head gasket area
- Coolant level slowly dropping without visible external puddles
- Sweet coolant smell from engine bay
- Oil spots on garage floor near front of vehicle
- Overheating in severe cases (internal gasket breach)
- Bubbles in coolant overflow reservoir
How to Fix
Replace both head gaskets with updated MLS (multi-layer steel) gaskets (Subaru OEM 11044AA770 or Six Star MLS set). Resurface both cylinder heads to within 0.002 inch flatness spec. Replace timing belt, water pump (21111AA370), thermostat, and all seals while the engine is apart. Add Subaru Cooling System Conditioner (SOA635071) after repair. Budget 8-12 hours labor for the complete job.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Subaru 11044AA633 Naturally Aspirated Head Gasket
current OE MLS head gasket after the affected engine and failure are confirmed Fitment/availability: 1999-2011 naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Impreza EJ251/EJ253 applications; quantity two, confirm VIN and engine Fitment/availability: Add…
- Genuine Subaru 21111AA007 Water Pump
water pump only when failed, contaminated or due during accessible timing service Fitment/availability: 1999-2005 naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Impreza branch within this issue; confirm VIN and engine Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 b…
- Genuine Subaru 21111AA280 Water Pump
later-branch water pump only when failed, contaminated or due during accessible timing service Fitment/availability: 2006-2011 naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Impreza branch within this issue; confirm VIN and engine Fitment/availability: A…
- Genuine Subaru 21200AA072 Thermostat Assembly
thermostat when testing, age or contamination warrants replacement Fitment/availability: Use here for the confirmed 1999-2005 naturally aspirated Impreza branch; verify VIN and catalog split Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business da…
- Genuine Subaru 21200AA170 Thermostat Assembly
later-branch thermostat when testing, age or contamination warrants replacement Fitment/availability: 2006-2011 naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Impreza branch within this issue; confirm VIN and engine Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 bus…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (4)
The 2.5L EJ25 engine in 2000-2009 Legacys suffers from the same head gasket failure that plagues all EJ25-equipped Subarus. The composite gaskets degrade, causing external oil and coolant leaks at the head-to-block mating surfaces. The Legacy's higher-mileage highway use means many owners encounter this between 80,000-150,000 miles. All naturally aspirated 2000-2009 Legacy 2.5L engines (EJ251/EJ253) are single overhead cam; the DOHC EJ25D known for internal gasket failures was used in 1996-1999.
Common Symptoms
- External oil seepage at bottom of cylinder heads
- Coolant level gradually decreasing
- Oil and coolant mixing (milky residue on oil cap)
- Overheating at highway speeds
- Sweet smell from engine compartment
- White exhaust smoke in severe cases
How to Fix
Replace both head gaskets with updated MLS (multi-layer steel) gaskets. Use Six Star MLS gasket kit or Subaru OEM MLS (11044AA633 for SOHC, 11044AA770 for DOHC). Machine heads to 0.002-inch flatness. Replace timing belt, tensioner, idlers, water pump, thermostat, and valve cover gaskets while apart. Use Subaru Cooling System Conditioner (SOA635071). Total job is 10-14 hours labor.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Subaru 11044AA633 SOHC Cylinder-Head Gasket
OE head gasket for each bank after failure is confirmed on the naturally aspirated branch Fitment/availability: 2000-2009 Legacy naturally aspirated 2.5-liter SOHC branch; quantity two, confirm VIN and exclude turbo GT Fitment/availabili…
- Genuine Subaru 11044AA642 Turbo Cylinder-Head Gasket
OE head gasket for each bank on the early Legacy GT turbo branch Fitment/availability: 2005-2006 Legacy GT and GT Limited 2.5-liter turbo branch; quantity two, not for the naturally aspirated engine Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 bus…
- Genuine Subaru 11044AA770 Turbo Cylinder-Head Gasket
OE head gasket for each bank on the later Legacy GT turbo branch Fitment/availability: 2007-2009 Legacy GT and GT Limited 2.5-liter turbo branch; quantity two, confirm VIN and production date Fitment/availability: direct Add to Cart prod…
- Genuine Subaru 13028AA21B Naturally Aspirated Timing Belt
timing belt when removed, due or of unknown history during the naturally aspirated repair Fitment/availability: 2000-2009 Legacy naturally aspirated 2.5-liter SOHC branch; confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with…
- Genuine Subaru 13028AA240 Turbo Timing Belt
timing belt when removed, due or of unknown history during the turbo repair Fitment/availability: 2005-2009 Legacy GT 2.5-liter turbo branch within this card; retailer catalogs the broader 2004-2012 turbo range, so confirm VIN Fitment/av…
- Genuine Subaru 21111AA110 Naturally Aspirated Water Pump
water pump when failed, leaking, rough, due or selected for an unknown-history full timing service Fitment/availability: 2000-2005 Legacy naturally aspirated 2.5-liter branch; confirm VIN and required gasket/seal Fitment/availability: sh…
- Genuine Subaru 21111AA280 Naturally Aspirated Water Pump
later naturally aspirated water pump when condition or service history warrants replacement Fitment/availability: 2006-2009 Legacy naturally aspirated 2.5-liter branch; confirm VIN and production split Fitment/availability: direct Add to…
- Genuine Subaru 21111AA240 Turbo Water Pump
turbo water pump when failed, leaking, rough, due or selected for a full timing service Fitment/availability: 2005-2009 Legacy GT 2.5-liter turbo branch within this card; confirm VIN and required gasket/seal Fitment/availability: ships i…
- Genuine Subaru 13033AA042 Hydraulic Timing-Belt Tensioner
hydraulic tensioner renewed with a complete due or unknown-history timing service Fitment/availability: 2000-2009 Legacy 2.5-liter timing-belt branches in this card; confirm VIN, engine and production configuration Fitment/availability: …
- Genuine Subaru 13073AA142 Timing-Belt Idler
smooth timing idler in the exact engine-specific position and quantity Fitment/availability: 2000-2009 Legacy 2.5-liter timing applications; position and quantity vary, so confirm VIN and engine diagram Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3…
- Genuine Subaru 13085AA080 Timing-Belt No. 2 Idler
2 timing idler for the exact engine-specific timing layout Fitment/availability: 2000-2009 Legacy 2.5-liter timing applications; confirm VIN, engine, position and quantity Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (5)
- All Wheel Drive Auto: Subaru Head Gasket Problems Explainedmedia
- Jalopnik: These Subaru Model Years Were The Worst Affected By Head Gasket Problemsmedia
- Fel-Pro: Solving Subaru 2.5L Head Gasket Problemsmanufacturer
- HiRide: Subaru Outback Head Gasket Leak Symptoms Causes & DIY Diagnosismedia
- Subimods: How to Spot a Blown Head Gasket in Your Subarumedia
The Subaru Baja's 2.5L EJ25 naturally-aspirated engine suffers from the same chronic head gasket failure that affects all EJ25-equipped Subarus. The composite gaskets degrade over time, typically between 80,000-150,000 miles, causing external oil and coolant leaks. Slow external seepage can be hard to spot until it becomes severe. The issue affects all 2003-2006 NA Bajas. Turbo models use a different gasket design and are less susceptible.
Common Symptoms
- Oil seepage at the base of the cylinder heads
- External coolant leak
- Coolant level slowly dropping
How to Fix
Replace both head gaskets with MLS (multi-layer steel) gaskets (Six Star or Subaru OEM MLS 11044AA633). Machine both cylinder heads. Replace timing belt, water pump (21111AA110), thermostat, cam seals, and valve cover gaskets while the engine is apart. Use Subaru Cooling System Conditioner.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Subaru 11044AA633 cylinder head gasket
2003-2006 naturally aspirated Subaru Baja 2.5L only after VIN/engine confirmation; quantity two required. Do not expose this path for an EJ255 turbo repair merely because a broad retailer fitment table includes multiple Baja trims.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (3)
The EJ257 2.5L turbo engine in the WRX STI is known for connecting-rod (and sometimes main) bearing failures, especially on cars that are tracked, modified or driven hard. Specialists list several possible causes rather than one: low oil level from leaks or oil consumption, low oil pressure from a damaged pickup, pump or seal, oil starvation in hard cornering, braking or sustained high load, contaminated oil or debris left from an earlier failure, heat from repeated track use, and detonation from poor fuel or a tune that doesn't match the hardware. A cracked factory oil pickup, which can let oil pressure fall, is another listed cause. Once a bearing is damaged it can spin, which can damage the crankshaft as well. Subaru bulletin 02-181-19 (March 2019) cites "an identified condition that can lead to isolated crankshaft bearing (main and / or connecting rod bearing) failures" on turbocharged 2.5L EJ short blocks and extends the powertrain warranty for them. A class-action settlement over the same bearing failures covered 2012-2017 WRX/WRX STI.
Common Symptoms
- Deep, rhythmic knock from the bottom of the engine that changes with RPM, often louder when warm or under load
- Low or fluctuating oil pressure / oil pressure warning
- Metal in the oil or oil filter
- Sudden oil consumption or smoke
- Rough running or misfires along with a new engine noise
- Engine seizure in severe cases
How to Fix
If a deep, rhythmic knock from the bottom of the engine appears, especially one that changes with RPM, stop driving and have the car towed. If the oil-pressure light comes on, shut the engine off as soon as it is safe. Don't add thicker oil to quiet the knock, and don't clear warning lights. Check these first: (1) the oil level on level ground, noting any leaks or recent top-ups (adding oil does not undo bearing damage); (2) stored and pending codes, scanned before anyone disconnects the battery; (3) a mechanical oil-pressure test at the specified temperature and conditions; (4) the oil, and the filter cut open, for metal. A knock alone is not a diagnosis. Ringland failure, piston slap, valvetrain noise or turbo noise can sound similar, so confirm the cause before buying parts. Repair: replacing only the bearings is possible in some cases, but only after the engine is inspected. If a bearing has spun or the crank is damaged, the fix may be crank machining or a replacement crank, a short block, or a complete engine. Ask the shop to measure clearances and to fix the root cause (for example a cracked oil pickup, low oil pressure, a bad tune or contaminated oil) before reassembly. Otherwise the new bearings can fail the same way. Warranty: Subaru bulletin 02-181-19 extended the powertrain warranty on the turbo 2.5L EJ short block from 5 years/60,000 miles to 8 years/100,000 miles (whichever comes first) for main and connecting-rod bearing failures. The settlement it relates to covered 2012-2017 WRX/WRX STI built between Oct. 11, 2011 and Nov. 16, 2016. That includes 2015-2016 and early 2017 STIs, but not 2018-2021. Cars with modified ECU software or piggyback devices were excluded. Most covered cars are now past 8 years, so check eligibility by VIN with a Subaru dealer. Under the settlement, repairs at an independent shop were reimbursed only if the car went to a Subaru dealer first, and short-block repairs were capped at $3,500 to $6,500 depending on what else was replaced. Prevention: check the oil level often, especially before hard driving, and look into any leaks or oil consumption. Use the specified oil and change interval, and use oil analysis to catch bearing wear early. Keep the tune matched to the fuel and hardware. Watch oil pressure and temperature on the track, and install an oil baffle or a baffled oil pan if the car is tracked.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningThis is a high-severity issue - ignoring it can lead to costly repairs or safety concerns. Address it promptly.
- TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
Sources for this issue (4)
P0302 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0302 mean on a Subaru?
P0302 stands for "Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected." This code means the engine computer has detected a misfire specifically in cylinder 2, meaning that cylinder isn't completing combustion properly on some firing events. The computer watches tiny variations in crankshaft speed to spot when a cylinder fails to fire, and a misfire means the air-fuel mixture isn't igniting correctly — usually from a spark, fuel, or compression problem in that cylinder. You may feel a stumble, rough idle, shaking, loss of power, or a flashing check-engine light, and persistent misfires can damage the catalytic converter. Because it names a single cylinder, the fault is often a component serving just cylinder 2, like its coil, plug, or injector. On Subaru it is documented across 7 models: Outback, Impreza, Legacy, Baja, WRX STI, Tribeca, Forester.
What are the most common causes of P0302?
The most common causes of P0302 are: Worn or fouled spark plug (cylinder 2), Failed ignition coil or coil-on-plug (cylinder 2), Clogged or faulty fuel injector (cylinder 2), Vacuum or intake air leak affecting that cylinder, Low compression (worn rings, burnt/bent valve, head gasket), Damaged spark plug wire or boot (if equipped), Carbon-tracked or cracked coil/plug causing spark loss, Faulty PCM/ECM driver (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0302 on a Subaru?
Published repair estimates on Subaru range from $1,200 to $12,000 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.