Review: Subaru BL.I/BP.I Liberty (2003-06)

Overview

Released in September 2003, the Subaru BL and BP Liberty was available all-wheel drive sedans and wagons, respectively. Manufactured in Ota, Japan, the BL.I and BP.I Liberty range initially consisted of the 2.0i, 2.5i and 2.0 GT variants (see table below). In August 2004, however, the range was updated and expanded with the introduction of the 3.0R and 3.0R-B variants, along with a manual 2.0 GT. For 2006, the 2.5i variant was effectively replaced by the 2.0R.

EJ202, EJ204, EJ252, EJ20X, EJ20Y and EZ30R engines

Of the engines,

• For the Liberty 2.0i and 2.5i, the 2.0-litre EJ202 and 2.5-litre EJ252 engines both had an open-deck aluminium alloy cylinder block with cast iron liners, an aluminium alloy cylinder head with cross-flow cooling, a single overhead camshaft per cylinder bank (belt-driven), four valves per cylinder, multi-point sequential fuel injection and a compression ratio of 10.1:1;
• For the Liberty 2.0R, the EJ204 engine had an open-deck aluminium alloy cylinder block, an aluminium alloy cylinder head with cross-flow cooling, double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank (belt-driven), four valves per cylinder actuated by roller rocker arms, Subaru’s ‘Active Valve Control System’ (AVCS) which provided variable intake valve timing, and a compression ratio of 10.0:1;
• For the Liberty GT, the 2.0-litre EJ20X and EJ20Y engines had an open deck aluminium alloy block, a forged crankshaft and connecting rods, an aluminium alloy cylinder head with cross flow cooling, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing (Subaru’s ‘Dual AVCS’) and a compression ratio of 9.5:1. While the EJ20X (automatic transmisson) engine had a twin-scroll IHI VF38 turbocahrger, the EJ20Y engine (manual transmission) had a larger twin-scroll Mitsubishi TD04 HLA 19T turbocharger; and,
• For the Liberty 3.0R, the 3.0-litre EZ30R engine had an open deck aluminium alloy block with cast iron liners, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing (Subaru’s ‘Active Valve Control System’ or AVCS), variable intake valve lift (Subaru’s ‘Variable Valve Lift’ or VVL) and a compression ratio of 10.7:1.

Dimensions and development

Compared to the Subaru BE Liberty , the BL Liberty sedan was 60 mm longer (at 4665 mm), 35 mm wider (1730 mm), 10 mm taller (1425 mm) and had a 20 mm longer wheelbase (2670 mm). Relative to its BL sedan counterpart, the BP Liberty wagon was 55 mm longer and had a 45 mm higher roofline.  Furthermore, the BL/BP Liberty range was 60 kilograms lighter (on average), achieved a 10 per cent increase in body rigidity, introduced ‘drive by wire’ throttle control, more powerful engines, improved braking performance and greater aerodynamic efficiency (drag coefficient of 0.28 Cd for the sedan and 0.30 Cd for the wagon).

Suspension

The BL/BP Liberty range had MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension (both with coil springs, gas-filled dampers and anti-roll bars).

AWD systems

The Subaru BL/BP Liberty was available with three different all-wheel drive (AWD) systems:

• Liberty models with manual transmissions were fitted with Subaru’s ‘Continuous’ AWD system which utilised a viscous-coupling locking centre differential. In normal conditions, the system provided a 50:50 front/rear torque distribution. If traction was lost, however, up to 80 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the opposing axle. The manual 2.0i, 2.5i, 2.0R wagons were also equipped with dual range transmissions.
• For Liberty 2.0i, 2.0R and 2.5i variants with automatic transmissions, an ‘Active Torque Split’ system was fitted, consisting of an electronically-controlled, hydraulic multi-plate transfer clutch (instead of the centre differential). In normal conditions, the system provided an 80:20 front/rear torque split but sensors – measuring wheel slippage, throttle position and braking – could anticipate a loss of front-wheel traction and transfer torque to the rear axle.
• For the Liberty 3.0R, 3.0R-B, 2.0 GT and 2.5 GT variants with automatic transmissions, a ‘Variable Torque Split’ system was fitted; this system utilised an electronically-controlled, hydraulic multi-plate clutch which operated in conjunction with the centre planetary-type differential. In normal conditions, the system provided a 45:55 front/rear torque split, though sensors – monitoring wheel slippage, throttle position and braking – could determine the amount of clutch lock to apply.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Subaru BL/BP Liberty included dual front airbags (with two-stage inflation), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; the 2.0 GT added front side airbags (with head protection). Compared to the standard safety equipment, the 2.0R, 3.0R and 3.0R-B were further equipped with front side airbags and curtain airbags, with the automatic 3.0R also fitted with electronic stability control and traction control.

For the Liberty 2.5i, the Safety Pack added front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags, while the 2.5i Premium Pack also included electronic stability control. Similarly, the Liberty GT Premium Pack added front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags, but omitted electronic stability control. From August 2004, all Liberty 2.5i and GT variants were fitted with front side airbags and the driver’s seatbelt was fitted with a double pretensioners across the range.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , Subaru Liberty models that were fitted with the standard safety equipment received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 32.57 out of 37. However, Liberty models that were further equipped with front side airbags and curtain airbags received a score of 35.52. Both these ratings pre-dated ANCAP’s requirement that vehicles must be fitted with electronic stability control in order to achieve a five star rating.

Features: Liberty 2.0i, 2.5i and 2.0R

Standard features for the Liberty 2.0i included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker Kenwood sound system with CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, map lights, vanity mirror, a tilt adjustable steering column, height adjustable driver’s seat and an immobiliser. Furthermore, sedans had a ‘centre-through’ rear seat, while wagons had a 60/40 split and folding rear seat, cargo blind and rear spoiler.

Compared to the 2.0i, the Liberty 2.5i and 2.0R added 17-inch alloys, climate control air conditioning, front fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshift and park brake handle; the 2.5i Safety Pack and 2.5i Premium Pack were further equipped with a sunroof. The 2.5i Luxury Pack omitted the sunroof but added a six-stack CD player, leather seats and an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat; the 2.5i Premium Pack restored the sunroof.

Features: Liberty 2.0 GT, 3.0R and 3.0R-B

Compared to the 2.5i and 2.0R, the Liberty 2.0 GT was further equipped with a six-stack CD player, cassette player and a Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel with ‘Sportshift’ gearshift controls; the 2.0 GT Premium Pack added a 13-speaker McIntosh sound system, leather seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat and sunroof.

Relative to the 2.0 GT, the Liberty 3.0R was differentiated by its 17-inch alloy wheels, 13 speaker McIntosh sound system with six-stack CD player, ivory leather trim, cruise control, eight way power adjustable front seats, power sunroof and leather-wrapped gearshift and park brake. The 3.0R-B (subsequently referred to as the 3.0R spec.B) was distinguished by its 18-inch alloy wheels, Bilstein suspension, black leather seats and alloy pedals.

August 2004: Liberty update

In August 2004, the BL/BP.I Liberty range underwent a minor update, with a shift-lock mechanism introduced for all automatic transmissions such that the ignition had to be switched to ‘on’ and the brake pedal depressed before the gear shifter could be moved from ‘Park’. Other changes included speed-sensitive intermittent windscreen wiper control and the trip computers were modified to show fuel consumption in litres per 100 kilometres.

2006 Liberty 2.0R Limited Edition

In January 2006, a 2.0R Limited edition was released. The 2.0R Limited was only available as a sedan and featured 17-inch alloy wheels, combination leather/alcantara seats, tinted glass, rear boot spoiler and either a yellow or white paint finish.

2006 Liberty 3.0R-B Blitzen

In June 2006, a 3.0R-B Blitzen edition was released. Compared to the standard 3.0R-B, the 3.0R-B Blitzen was differentiated by its 18-inch alloy wheels, bright red or obsidian black paint finishes and its unique aerodynamic package which included a larger, honeycomb grille, wider bumpers, flared side sills and, for wagon models, a roof spoiler.

Review: Subaru BL.II/BP.II Liberty (2006-09)

Overview

Released in September 2006, the BL/BP Series II (BL.II/BP.II) Liberty introduced a new EJ255 engine for the Liberty GT, improved equipment levels and a subtle facelift. Visually, the BL/BP Series II Liberty could be identified by its re-shaped nose, headlights, bumpers, front guards and grille. Under the skin, the suspension and braking were enhanced for greater refinement and improved stopping distances.

Liberty GT: EJ255 engine

For the Liberty GT, the turbocharged 2.5-litre EJ255 engine had a semi-closed die-cast aluminium block with cast iron liners, an aluminium cylinder head with cross-flow cooling, double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank (belt-driven), four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing (Subaru’s ‘Active Valve Control System’ or AVCS), Tumble Generator Valves (TGVs) and a compression ratio of 8.4:1. For the Liberty GT, the EJ255 engine was fitted with an IHI VF46 (RHF5H) turbocharger which provided maximum boost pressure of 95 kPa (13.8 psi).

August 2007: range update and EJ253 engine

In August 2007, the BL.II/BP.II Liberty range was updated: the Liberty 2.0R was discontinued and the 2.5i variants were powered by Subaru’s EJ253 engine . Compared to the EJ252 , changes for the EJ253 engine included:

• Reinforced casting around the engine’s main bearing journal;
• Alterations to cylinder liner shape;
• The introduction of Tumble Generator Valves (TGVs) to reduce start-up emissions; and,
• Subaru’s ‘Intelligent Active Valve Lift’ (i-AVLS) which provided increased valve lift for one intake valve per cylinder.

Safety equipment

Compared to their BL.I/BP.I predecessors, standard safety equipment for the BL.II/BP.II Liberty was improved with all models fitted with dual front, front side and curtain airbags; the 2.0R and 2.5i were also equipped with brake assist. The automatic 3.0R was also fitted with electronic stability control and traction control, but the 2.5 GT and 3.0R Spec.B were initially offered with a choice of either electronic stability control and traction control (Subaru’s ‘Vehicle Dynamics Control’) or satellite navigation.

From August 2007, electronic stability control and traction control were standard on all automatic 2.5-litre models (i.e. the 2.5i and 2.5 GT variants); in October 2008, electronic stability control and traction control were made standard across the range.

Features: Liberty 2.0R, 2.5i, GT and 3.0R Spec.B

Compared to its BL.I/BP.I predecessor, standard features for the entry-level 2.0R variant were extended to include 17-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with six-stack CD player with MP3/WMA compatibility, climate control air conditioning, steering wheel cruise controls and telescopic steering wheel adjustment.

The 2.5i was further equipped with a power sunroof, while the 2.5i Premium and Heritage were fitted with leather seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings and rear privacy glass; from August 2007, the 2.5i Premium was also equipped with a fourteen speaker McIntosh sound system and bi-xenon headlights.

The 2.5 GT featured a fourteen speaker McIntosh sound system, dual zone climate control air conditioning and bi-xenon headlights, while the GT Spec.B and 3.0R Spec.B were distinguished by their 18-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, Bilstein suspension, strengthened front and rear differentials and limited slip Torsen rear differential.

Subaru Intelligent Drive

Subaru Intelligent Drive(SI-D) was fitted to all turbocharged and 3.0-litre Libertys; this enabled the driver to select from Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp modes for economy or performance settings.

October 2008: Liberty update

From October 2008, the BL.II/BP.II Liberty was fitted with leather seats and an auxiliary sound system input as standard. Satellite navigation was also fitted to the 2.5i Premium, 2.5 GT, 2.5 GT Spec.B, 3.0R Premium, 3.0R and Spec.B.

2.5 GT Tuned by STi

In April 2007, the 2.5 GT Tuned by STi was released; compared to the standard 2.5 GT, the Tuned by STi editions had more powerful engines, 18-inch Enkei alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tyres, Bilstein sports-tuned dampers with lowered springs, pillow-ball bush suspension components, upgraded Brembo brakes, sports mufflers, front lip spoiler and – for sedans – a rear boot spoiler. Furthermore, automatic models had a revised transmission control unit for faster gear shifts, while manuals had a short-shift STi gear lever.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Subaru BL/BP Liberty/Legacy

Recalls: Subaru BL/BP Liberty

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Subaru BL/BP Liberty

2004 Subaru Liberty: potential brake fluid leak

In February 2005, a recall was issued for certain 2004 model year Subaru BL/BP Liberty vehicles. In these vehicles, the rear sway bar link may contact the union bolt of the brake caliper. As a result, the union bolt may then be damaged and cause a brake fluid leak (PRA 2005/7552). The recalled vehicles were as follows – 

• 2.0i wagon variants (2004 model year);
• 2.5i wagon variants (2004 model year); and,
• 2.0 GT sedan and wagon variants (2004 model year).

2003-04 Subaru Liberty: rear doors may become unlatched

In August 2005, a recall was issued for Subaru Liberty models manufactured from September 2003 to December 2004. In these vehicles, the rear passenger doors may become unlatched due to an incorrectly stalked lever pivot in the external door handle assembly not returning the door latch to its fully latched position (PRA 2005/7951).

Subaru Liberty 3.0R, 3.0R-B, 2.0 GT and 2.5 GT: transmission oil cooler hoses may leak

In November 2006, a recall was issued for Subaru Liberty 3.0R, 3.0R-B, 2.0 GT and 2.5 GT variants fitted with automatic transmissions and an approved tow-bar accessory kit. For these vehicles, the rubber transmission oil cooler hoses may split under certain operating conditions, causing an oil leak (PRA 2006/8857).

2004-09 ‘model year’ Subaru Liberty: passenger airbag inflator

In July 2016, a recall was issued for 2004 to 2009 ‘model year’ Subaru Liberty vehicles. In these vehicles, the front passenger side airbag inflator contained propellant wafers that could absorb moisture over time – this could cause overly aggressive combustion when the airbag deployed such that the airbag inflator housing could rupture and metal fragments may be scattered throughout the cabin, posing a hazard to occupants (PRA 2016/15507).

2007-09 ‘model year’ Subaru Liberty GT: faulty secondary air pump relay

In October 2016, a recall was issued for 2007 to 2009 ‘model year’ Subaru Liberty GT vehicles because the secondary air pump relay may be faulty. If the relay was faulty, the secondary air pump could be powered continuously and overheat, posing a fire risk (PRA 2016/15674).

2004-09 model year Subaru BL/BP Liberty: fuel pump failure

In June 2018, a recall (campaign SI0428) was issued for 2004-09 model year Subaru BL/BP Liberty vehicles. In these vehicles, the fuel pump harness connector could deteriorate over time – this could cause:

• The fuel pump to stop working;
• Extended engine cranking on start-up;
• The engine not to start; and,
• At worst, the engine to stall.

A stalled engine and/or inability to start or restart the engine could pose a safety risk to vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16850.

Subaru BL/BP Liberty: defective replacement ignition switch

In June 2019, recall campaign SRT 272 was issued for Subaru BL/BP Liberty vehicles because a replacement ignition switch may have had imperfections in its ball springs. Over time, these imperfections could cause the ignition switch to fail and the key may inadvertently move from the ‘ON’ position to the ‘ACC’ position while the vehicle was moving. If this occurred, the engine would stop running (causing the vehicle to unexpectedly slow down and stop) and the power supply to the SRS airbag would be cut (so that the airbag would not deploy in the event of a collision). As such, the vehicle would pose a hazard to occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17514.

Search online for recalls by VIN

To see if a Subaru vehicle has been recalled, you can conduct a search on the Subaru Australia website using its VIN.

Problems and faults: Subaru BL/BP Liberty

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Subaru Liberty: EJ25 head gasket failure

The Subaru BL/BP Liberty’s 2.5-litre EJ25 F4 engines were susceptible to head gasket failure due to:

• An external coolant leak (typically from the left side head gasket);
• In rare cases, internal failure of the gasket which allowed coolant into the combustion chamber; and,
• For post-2005 engines, external oil leaks and warped cylinder heads. For the post-2005 engine, the combustion chamber area of the cylinder head was enlarged for better fuel economy though the reduction in surface material made the cylinder head more susceptible to warping. Furthermore, the primary catalytic converter was moved closer to the engine, increasing operating temperatures for the cylinder head.

Symptoms

Early signs of head gasket failure include an oily residue in the coolant overflow bottle, or an exhaust/fuel/sulfur smell in the coolant overflow bottle. Beyond this, the coolant temperature gauge may intermittently show higher-than-normal readings, followed by intermittent overheating (particularly during long highway drives). In the case of external leaks, these can be spotted by a visual inspection of the bottom side of the engine with the splash pan removed.

Prevention

To minimise the risk of head gasket failure, 1) oil and coolant should be changed regularly and in accordance with how the car is used. As such, the scheduled time/kilometre intervals may be inadequate in some cases; and, 2) any corrosion around battery cables should be removed. Corroded battery cables increased ground circuit resistance, thereby increasing the voltage in the cooling system and causing electrolysis; the coolant could also damage the metal head gasket and seals. From 2003, the number of ground straps was increased to reduce corrosion.

2005-09 Subaru Liberty: sticky/melting dashboard

For 2005-09 Subaru Liberty vehicles, the dashboard material may degrade due to heat and humidity such that:

• Its surface becomes sticky to the touch;
• A bump or scrape to the surface can cause it to break away from the underling material; and,
• Softened areas of the dashboard may become shiny and reflect more light, leading to increased glare and impaired visibility.

Asa result of legal action (see video below), Subaru of America implemented a ‘Dashboard Warranty Extension’ program for 2005-09 Subaru Outback and Legacy (Liberty) vehicles. As per the letter to owners, this warranty extension was made ‘in anticipation that a small number of vehicles may require repairs for sticky and/or melted dashboards as a result of heat or humidity’. As part of the warranty extension, Subaru of America undertook to reimburse vehicles owners who had previously paid for replacement of a sticky and/or melted dashboard that was caused by heat or humidity.

Problems and faults: Subaru BL/BP Liberty

• The ‘check engine’ light may illuminate because of 1) stretch in the gearshift cable to the transmission, or 2) a misadjusted neutral switch.
• The cooling fan may run continuously due to a faulty relay that damages the powertrain control module.
• A tapping or pinging noise from the rear of the vehicle may be due to broken spot welds that allow baffles in the muffler to rattle.
• Rattling noises from the front doors may be caused by failed spot welds in the door beam bracket.
• The petrol cap may not close because the tether gets caught on door clip.
• The remote central locking transmitter buttons may be activated inadvertently; an improved case was subsequently released to overcome this problem.
• The seatbelt warning chime may sound without anybody in passenger seat due to a problem with the reclining seat back spring that requires replacement.

Released in September 2003, the Subaru BL and BP Liberty was available all-wheel drive sedans and wagons, respectively. Manufactured in Ota, Japan, the BL.I and BP.I Liberty range initially consisted of the 2.0i, 2.5i and 2.0 GT variants. In August 2004, however, the range was updated and expanded with the introduction of the 3.0R and 3.0R-B variants, along with a manual 2.0 GT. For 2006, the 2.5i variant was effectively replaced by the 2.0R… Read full Subaru BL/BP Liberty review

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Images: Subaru BL.II/BP.II Liberty (2006-09)

Released in September 2006, the Subaru BL/BP Series II (BL.II/BP.II) Liberty introduced new 2.5 GT variants, improved equipment levels and a subtle facelift. The Subaru BL/BP Series II Liberty could be identified by its re-shaped nose, headlights, bumpers, front guards and grille. Under the skin, the suspension and braking were enhanced for greater refinement and improved stopping distances. The Subaru BL.II/BP.II Liberty range initially consisted of the 2.0R, 2.5i, 2.5GT and 3.0R variants.

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Fifth Gear: Volvo V50 T5 vs Subaru Liberty (Legacy) 3.0R-B

Note

Please note that these videos are applicable to vehicles as they are supplied to their respective markets. As such, the features, prices and performance of the vehicles in these videos may differ from those which are supplied in Australia. In international markets, for example, the Liberty is marketed as the Legacy.