2.5i fuel filter location

Tank.

Outside of tank under rear seat in older models. In tank and no need to replace on newer models

in tank but when dirty might give you starting problems. changing it regularly is good.

I've NEVER seen an in-tank Subaru fuel filter get sufficiently "dirty" to inhibit starting nor fuel flow. Do NOT change it! It's not like an air filter where volume of flow affects running. Sheesh.

TheSubaruGuruBoston, you're not exactly correct there. Just because you haven't seen it personally that does not eliminate it as a possible issue. Also, there is or should be zero difference between how dirty an in tank filter or downstream (out of tank) filter gets. The cleanliness of either is dependent on tank cleanliness (changes with age), fuel line cleanliness and fuel quality/age (if the vehicle has sat for a long time). Subaru went to an in tank and somewhat non serviceable fuel filter on the mid 2000 models. Where your incorrect is that the filter media can and does eventually plug up enough that it greatly effects the volume of flow. Reason being is that many of the ones that do plug up, cause the two piece filter canister/housing to overpressure and spit out the o-ring seal. This directly effects the fuel volume and pressure as it's mostly being pissed back into the tank instead of downstream to the engine. This is a well known issue, at least for any of the turbo models. I've had it happen on my 07 Forester XT while mid wide open throttle. Dropped the fuel pressure down to 14.5psi at the engine and I can tell you the filter media was quite plugged.

Indeed I stand corrected! But since I've NEVER bought nor serviced a turbo Subie I've bever witnessed, nor even heard of, this phenomenon. Another reason to avoid the turbo, eh?

My Subaru was very slow to start yesterday evening. Mind you it was -41c with wind chill if it had been a Chevy Silverado I would have suspected frozen moisture in the fuel line. Same thing happens to almost all makes of machinery. When I come to check this I find the filter is inside the tank on a Tribeca they say. Just what this has to do with the turbo a can’t quite figure. I’ve been operating Turbo machines for at least 40 years. I just can’t even imagine what a turbo has to do with a fuel filter. Bio Diesel Now there is a subject when connected with cold weather, Moisture in fuel is more of a problem where fuel is stored in above ground tanks,