Does the Subaru Legacy Burn Engine Oil?
2 Answers
Due to its inherent design and manufacturing process issues, the Subaru Legacy does tend to burn engine oil. Engine Design, Manufacturing Process, and Component Aging: Due to engine design, manufacturing process, and component aging, oil can seep into the combustion chamber and burn along with the air-fuel mixture. This is what is commonly referred to as burning engine oil. Excessive oil consumption not only increases the cost of oil but can also lead to hazards such as carbon buildup, unstable idling, and increased fuel consumption. Inherent Structural Characteristics of the Subaru Legacy Engine: The horizontally opposed layout of Subaru's engine means that, due to gravity, the upper part of the cylinders often has insufficient oil, leading to uneven wear. Additionally, the low-viscosity oil suitable for horizontally opposed engines is more prone to entering the combustion chamber, resulting in the burning of engine oil.
I've been driving a Subaru Legacy for several years and noticed that this model does tend to burn oil, especially the EJ series engine versions around 2010. The main reason is Subaru's horizontally opposed engine design, where piston rings and seals are prone to wear, leading to increased oil consumption at high mileage. I always check the dipstick during each maintenance service – if the oil level drops quickly or there's blue smoke from the exhaust pipe, it indicates a serious problem. This issue is widely discussed in forums and is more noticeable for long-distance drivers like me, but the newer models post-2015 have seen significant improvements. Regular use of high-viscosity synthetic oil can help reduce wear, and addressing minor engine issues promptly is crucial. Don't worry too much – with timely oil changes and inspections, most Legacies can last a long time without frequent problems.
