The Subaru FA20D 2.0-liter gasoline engine was first introduced back in 2009 as a joint development of two Japanese concerns, but it went into production in 2012. This motor is put on a sports model, which is known as the Subaru BRZ or Toyota GT86.
The 2.0-liter Subaru FA20F or FA20DIT turbo engine has been produced by the concern since 2012 and is installed on charged versions of the company’s well-known models, such as the Forester XT and Impreza WRX. There are many modifications of this power unit with a capacity of 250 to 300 hp.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2012 |
| Displacement, cc | 1998 |
| Fuel system | direct injection |
| Power output, hp | 200 (FA20D) 250 – 300 (FA20F) |
| Torque output, Nm | 205 (FA20D) 350 – 400 (FA20F) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum H4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 86 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 86 |
| Compression ratio | 12.5 (FA20D) 10.6 (FA20F) |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Turbocharging | no (FA20D) twin-scroll (FA20F) |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-20 (FA20D) 5W-30 (FA20F) |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 6.3 (FA20D) 5.1 (FA20F) |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Subaru BRZ 2015) — city — highway — combined |
10.4 6.4 7.8 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~230 000 |
| Weight, kg | 170 (FA20D) 185 (FA20F) |
| Features | DOHC (FA20D) DOHC, intercooler (FA20F) |
| Phase regulator | Dual AVCS |
The FA20D was installed on:
- Subaru BRZ 1 (ZC) in 2012 – 2021;
- Toyota GT86 1 (ZN6) in 2012 – 2021 (as 4U-GSE);
- Scion FR-S 1 (ZN6) in 2012 – 2016 (as 4U-GSE).
The FA20F/FA20DIT was installed on:
- Subaru Forester 4 (SJ) in 2013 – 2018;
- Subaru Legacy 5 (BM) in 2012 – 2014;
- Subaru Legacy 6 (BN) in 2014 – 2019;
- Subaru Levorg 1 (VM) in 2014 – 2020;
- Subaru WRX 1 (VA) in 2014 – 2021.
Disadvantages of the FA20 engine
- At first, these units were shaking at low speeds, but the firmware fixed everything;
- Then came complaints about defective parts: bearings, gears, and sensors;
- Also, this engine is extremely sensitive to the quality of fuel and lubricants;
- From non-original oil, Dual AVCS phase regulators quickly fail here;
- Monitor the level of lubrication in the system, the liners turn here very often.
Frequently asked questions about the Subaru FA20
How much power does the Subaru FA20 make?
Power output of the Subaru FA20, hp: 200 (FA20D); 250 - 300 (FA20F). Torque, Nm: 205 (FA20D); 350 - 400 (FA20F).
How much oil does the Subaru FA20 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 6.3 (FA20D); 5.1 (FA20F) liters. Recommended oil: 0W-20 (FA20D); 5W-30 (FA20F).
Does the Subaru FA20 have a timing belt or chain?
The Subaru FA20 uses a timing chain.
Is the Subaru FA20 turbocharged?
Yes, the Subaru FA20 is turbocharged (no (FA20D); twin-scroll (FA20F)).
Does the Subaru FA20 need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Subaru FA20 last?
The typical lifespan of the Subaru FA20 is ~230 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Subaru FA20?
Subaru BRZ 2015: city 10.4, highway 6.4, combined 7.8 L/100 km.
What cars was the Subaru FA20 installed on?
Subaru BRZ 1 (ZC) in 2012 - 2021; Toyota GT86 1 (ZN6) in 2012 - 2021 (as 4U-GSE); Scion FR-S 1 (ZN6) in 2012 - 2016 (as 4U-GSE).
What are the common problems of the Subaru FA20?
At first, these units were shaking at low speeds, but the firmware fixed everything. Then came complaints about defective parts: bearings, gears, and sensors. All known problems.
