Subaru DEX FWD Engines
from £895 to £1,650
Rebuilt units from £1,650 · Common codes: K3-VE, DBA-M401F, CBA-M401F
Get quotes today from trusted UK Subaru DEX engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines - supply & fit available.
Subaru DEX FWD Engines
from £895 to £1,650
Rebuilt units from £1,650 · Common codes: K3-VE, DBA-M401F, CBA-M401F
Subaru DEX AWD Engines
from £1,100 to £2,100
Rebuilt units from £1,850 · Common codes: K3-VE, DBA-M411F, CBA-M411F
Subaru DEX Japan Import Engines
from £895 to £1,450
Rebuilt units from £1,650 · Common codes: K3-VE 1297cc DOHC VVT

Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.


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Not sure which variant your Subaru DEX is- Enter your registration number above - we'll identify the exact sub-model, engine code and compatible replacement options instantly.

Every engine code fitted to the Subaru DEX across all generations, with technical specs, compatible variants and trims, known failure points, and average rebuilt prices from UK specialists. Select any engine code to compare quotes.
Extracted from detailed petrol and performance engine families across Subaru DEX variants.

K3-VE - 1.3L Petrol
Main replacement demand comes from timing-chain, cooling-system and performance thermal-management faults.
Compatible variants
Avg. rebuilt price
£1,650 - £2,100
Supply only
Technical specifications
Common failures
Not sure which engine code?
Can't find your engine code- Enter your registration number above - we'll instantly identify the exact unit, its technical specifications, and live replacement prices from UK Subaru DEX engine specialists. Every rebuilt engine comes with a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty.

The Subaru DEX relies solely on the K3-VE 1.3L petrol engine across all UK grey import variants. While generally reliable, timing belt failure, VVT solenoid wear and water pump leaks dominate replacement enquiries. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EngineMarket includes upgraded internal components designed to address the original failure point - plus a...
Timing Belt Failure
Most affected vehicles
Subaru DEX 1.3i S, 1.3i L, 1.3i AWD (2008-2012, K3-VE)
Failure mileage range
60,000-90,000 miles if belt not replaced per schedule
Typical failure window
Root cause
The K3-VE is an interference engine; a snapped timing belt causes pistons to strike valves, resulting in catastrophic internal damage requiring full replacement.
Repair options & estimated costs (UK ranges)
| Repair tier | Dealer price | Specialist price | What it involves | Longevity / suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minor - Preventative Belt Replacement | £450 - £750 | £320 - £550 | Replace timing belt, tensioner, water pump before failure occurs | Prevents catastrophic damage; recommended every 60k miles |
| Full Replacement - Rebuilt K3-VE Engine | £2,800 - £4,200 | £1,650 - £2,100 | Supply & fit rebuilt engine with upgraded components, bench tested, 12-month warranty | Restores vehicle to reliable condition; only option after belt failure |
Our recommendation
On a Subaru DEX worth £3,000-£6,000, preventative belt replacement at £320-£550 offers exceptional value. If the belt has already failed, a rebuilt K3-VE unit at £1,650-£2,100 is the only viable solution - attempting valve repair rarely makes economic sense.
Compare rebuilt K3-VE engine prices for your Subaru DEX
Every Subaru DEX engine type is available through our UK network with typical price ranges based on the K3-VE code, grey import status and your budget.
Compare Subaru DEX engine prices with vetted UK suppliers
All engine types include a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty when sourced through EngineMarket. Prices are typical UK market ranges based on historical quote data from our network and depend on exact engine code, variant, mileage and supplier. Use our free comparison tool above - enter your registration to get tailored quotes for your specific Subaru DEX within hours.

Every displacement fitted to the Subaru DEX is listed below, with compatible engine codes, production years and common failure notes for UK grey import owners.
The 1.3L K3-VE petrol engine powered every Subaru DEX variant sold as a grey import to the UK from 2008-2012. This compact DOHC unit with VVT and multi-point injection was shared with the Daihatsu Materia and Toyota bB, expanding parts availability for UK owners.
Engine Code(s)
K3-VE
Compatible Models (UK)
1.3i S (DBA-M401F), 1.3i L (DBA-M401F), 1.3i AWD (DBA-M411F), CBA-M401F (2008-2009), CBA-M411F
Power output
Verified by registration
Common Failure Points
Timing belt failure on interference design, VVT solenoid wear, water pump leakage on pre-2010 units
Production Years: 2008-2009
Compare Subaru DEX 1.3L petrol engine prices
Choose your Subaru DEX engine by fuel type to compare realistic replacement prices, known issues, and compatible UK supply options - from the 1.3i S to the 1.3i AWD.
The Subaru DEX was offered exclusively with the K3-VE 1.3L petrol engine across all UK grey import variants from 2008-2012.
Common Subaru DEX Petrol Engine Families
Found In
Known For
Typical Petrol Models
The Subaru DEX was offered exclusively with the K3-VE 1.3L petrol engine across all UK grey import variants from 2008-2012.
Common Subaru DEX Petrol Engine Families
Found In
Known For
Typical Petrol Models
Not sure which fuel type your Subaru DEX has- Enter your registration number above to instantly identify your engine code, fuel system and compatible replacement options - all backed by a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty from UK Subaru DEX specialists.

This section covers all major engine changes across the Subaru DEX production timeline, organised so grey import owners can quickly identify their K3-VE variant and compare rebuilt engine prices from UK specialists.
⚙Key Changes
▣Main Engines
K3-VE- 1.3L petrol (1.3i S, 1.3i L, 1.3i AWD)
▰Popular Models
🔧Known For
Engine Codes Covered:
K3-VECBA-M401FCBA-M411F