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Why is my Subaru making a ticking noise when I drive?

I have a 2019 Subaru that I haven’t had any problems with, but recently I’ve been hearing a ticking noise when driving, and I think it’s coming from the engine. Do you know what’s causing my Subaru to make a ticking noise?

avatar
Andrea Barrett · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great question—it’s always best to look into strange noises from your car! The most common reason for a Subaru making a ticking noise is from loose valves, worn injectors, or an exhaust leak.
Loose valves The valves in your engine sit almost sideways to line up with the rest of the internals. If there’s insufficient space between components, the valves’ performance and noise levels will be affected. So, if your valves are making a ticking noise, they need to be tightened to the appropriate specifications for your engine.
Worn injectors Fuel injectors run using extremely high-pressure ratings, and when placed at an angle for the boxer configuration, it requires them to work extra hard. This extra effort can cause more wear on the moving parts, which can develop into a ticking noise over time.
Exhaust leak Because the layout of the boxer engine is unique, the exhaust pipes coming off the manifold are exposed to extreme temperatures, which can lead to the wearing of the metal materials and a subsequent exhaust leak. The exhaust coming out of the holes typically makes a rhythmic ticking noise. Sometimes you can even notice a smell coming out of the exhaust area.
If you want to keep your Subaru in great shape, sticking to a regular
car maintenance schedule
is key to preventing issues before they arise or escalate. On top of keeping your Subaru maintained, it’s also important to protect it with a reliable
car insurance
policy.
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