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Subaru Levorg: FA20DIT direct injection carbon buildup on intake valves

FA20DIT direct injection carbon buildup on intake valves is a common engine fault on the Subaru Levorg on the 2014–2020 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $800 to $1,600 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 13 documented faults on the Subaru Levorg.

Vehicle
Subaru Levorg
Engine
2.0L
Years
2014–2020
Fuel
petrol
Gearbox
cvt
System
Engine

This page covers the Subaru Levorg as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Subaru Levorg faults13 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the PCV / oil separator or Turbocharger yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

The FA20DIT 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo fitted to the Levorg 2.0GT does not wash intake valves with fuel as port-injection engines do. Oil vapour from the crankcase ventilation system bakes onto intake valve stems and ports over time, restricting airflow and causing rough idle, hesitation and power loss. Walnut-blasting or manual cleaning of the intake ports is the only effective remediation and is not covered by routine servicing. Typically presents from 80,000 km onward.

What you would notice

  • Rough or lumpy idle particularly when cold
  • Hesitation or stumble on light throttle from low speeds
  • Reduced power output compared to when the engine was new
  • Occasional misfires under moderate load
  • Poor fuel economy relative to manufacturer specification

How to check it

Where to look. Intake valve stems and ports, FA20DIT engine intake system

  1. Ask for any records of intake cleaning.

  2. Check for a rough cold idle and stumble under light throttle.

  3. Scan for misfire codes in the P030x range.

  4. If a workshop inspection is possible: Use a borescope to inspect the intake ports and backs of the intake valves through the intake manifold where accessible.

  5. A compression test confirms no further engine damage but will not reveal carbon deposits directly.

Parts involved: PCV / oil separator, Turbocharger.

What it costs to put right

$800 to $1,600 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the intake system ever been cleaned or walnut-blasted?”
  • “Has the engine ever misfired or run roughly at idle?”
  • “What oil has been used and has it been changed on schedule?”

Now check the Subaru Levorg you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Subaru Levorg buyer questions

Is fa20dit direct injection carbon buildup on intake valves serious on a Subaru Levorg?

We rate it major and common on the Subaru Levorg. The FA20DIT 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo fitted to the Levorg 2.0GT does not wash intake valves with fuel as port-injection engines do. Oil vapour from the crankcase ventilation system bakes onto intake valve stems and ports over time, restricting airflow and causing rough idle, hesitation and power loss. Walnut-blasting or manual cleaning of the intake ports is the only effective remediation and is not covered by routine servicing. Typically presents from 80,000 km onward.

How much does it cost to fix on a Subaru Levorg?

$800 to $1,600 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Subaru Levorg years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2014–2020 Subaru Levorg. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

Ask for any records of intake cleaning. Check for a rough cold idle and stumble under light throttle. Scan for misfire codes in the P030x range. If a workshop inspection is possible: Use a borescope to inspect the intake ports and backs of the intake valves through the intake manifold where accessible. A compression test confirms no further engine damage but will not reveal carbon deposits directly. Look here: Intake valve stems and ports, FA20DIT engine intake system