Repair Costs/Subaru Head Gasket Replacement Cost

    Subaru Head Gasket Replacement Cost

    Replace both head gaskets on a 2.5L EJ-series boxer engine.

    $1,800–$3,200national average
    Parts
    $350–$650
    Labor
    1216 hrs
    DIY-friendly?
    Yes (4/5)

    Why this fails

    EJ25 SOHC head gaskets fail externally between cylinder and oil/coolant gallery; updated 6-layer P/N 11044AA770 resolves it.

    What the job involves

    1. Remove engine or pull heads in chassis
    2. Replace both head gaskets with updated P/N
    3. Resurface heads (machine shop)
    4. New head bolts (TTY, single-use)
    5. While in there: timing belt + water pump + thermostat
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    If you delay this repair

    Coolant leak progresses; eventual overheating warps heads — repair cost doubles.

    Save money

    • Bundle with timing belt service (saves 4 hours of duplicate labor)
    • Independent Subaru shops are typically $700-1000 cheaper than dealer
    • Have heads resurfaced even if they look fine

    OEM part numbers

    11044AA770

    FAQ

    How much does subaru head gasket replacement cost cost in 2026?

    Expect $1,800–$3,200 at most US shops, parts plus labor.

    How long does the job take?

    12–16 labor hours typically.

    Can I do this myself?

    Yes — DIY difficulty 4/5.

    What happens if I delay?

    Coolant leak progresses; eventual overheating warps heads — repair cost doubles.

    Ready to buy or refresh your current build?

    Pull the WRX Problems Guide to schedule your maintenance sprint, then jump to the forthcoming Legacy GT and Outback hubs for adjacent research.

    Next up: Legacy GT + Outback hubs, followed by WRX media upgrades — check back as new guides drop.