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Known Faults Database

Subaru Forester problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used Subaru Forester, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 5 known faults for this model, 3 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

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Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

The Subaru Forester has 5 known faults in our database across 5 generations, 3 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (two owners reported crankshaft trouble on the 2.0 Boxer diesel) and engine (notorious head gasket failure leading to external oil/coolant leaks or internal). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which Subaru Forester years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

1997 to 20021 high severity
1 known fault, the serious ones in the engine
2002 to 20081 high severity
1 known fault, the serious ones in the engine
2008 to 20131 high severity
1 known fault, the serious ones in the engine
2013 to 2019
2 known faults, none rated high severity
2019 on
No faults on record yet

Years and engines with a serious known fault

  • 2009 to 2013, 2.0 Boxer diesel (EE20): two owners reported crankshaft trouble on the 2.0 Boxer diesel
  • 1998 to 2010, 2.5 Litre Boxer (EJ25): notorious head gasket failure leading to external oil/coolant leaks or internal
  • 2000 to 2002, 2.0 petrol (EJ20): the EJ20 2.0 petrol earned a poor name for big end bearings giving out early

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

Generation 1 of 51 known fault · 2 good notes

Subaru Forester (1997 to 2002) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

The EJ20 2.0 petrol earned a poor name for big end bearings giving out early. Subaru blamed neglected servicing, but a note says careful, thorough owners were caught out too. It was said to be worst on twin-turbo engines, whose short-skirt pistons also wear. Both faults tend to show at about 100,000 miles.

Typical symptoms

  • a clear knock from the engine just after a cold start
  • a rattle from the engine while it is cold

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.0 petrol (EJ20)
Typical mileage:
100000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

What owners like

2 notes
  • This four-wheel-drive estate offers good ground clearance, self-levelling rear suspension, and a very capable 175 bhp Turbo engine.
  • The Forester offers practical space, making it suitable for transporting four children comfortably.
End of the 1997 to 2002 section.Pick another year ↑Check a Subaru Forester advert →
Generation 2 of 51 known fault · 4 owner reports · 2 good notes

Subaru Forester (2002 to 2008) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

Notorious head gasket failure leading to external oil/coolant leaks or internal overheating

Rough guide
£1000-2000

Typical symptoms

  • oil leaking from the bottom of the cylinder heads
  • overheating gauge
  • white smoke from exhaust
  • coolant mixed with oil (milky oil)

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.5 Litre Boxer (EJ25)
Typical mileage:
80000-120000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

What owners report

4 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Cooling · March 2019A 2007 Forester 2.5 XTE suffered engine damage from overheating due to coolant loss at 66,000 miles, leading to a £10,000 engine replacement.
  • Exhaust · February 2019A 2006 Forester XT Turbo developed a P2432 error code after an ECU re-flash, indicating an auxiliary air pump and valve issue costing around £1,200 to fix.
  • Exhaust · October 2011A secondary air pump and air valve fault on one car caused dashboard lights to illuminate, costing £1,145 for replacement parts.
  • Engine · August 2011An LPG converted Forester engine experienced exhaust valve seat wear after only 40,000 miles, which was subsequently repaired under warranty.

What owners like

2 notes
  • The Forester was rated as a top compact towcar by The Caravan Club in 2004.
  • This model achieved the highest placement in the German 2006 TUV reliability report.
End of the 2002 to 2008 section.Pick another year ↑Check a Subaru Forester advert →
Generation 3 of 51 known fault · 8 owner reports · 1 good note

Subaru Forester (2008 to 2013) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2013 to 2017

Two owners reported crankshaft trouble on the 2.0 Boxer diesel. A 2010 Legacy's crankshaft broke at 44,000 miles, and a 2009 Forester at 120,000 miles was diagnosed with imminent crankshaft failure after oil appeared between engine and clutch. The importer quoted £11,000 for a new engine and was said to sometimes fund one up to 120,000 miles where every Subaru service was on time. The engine was reportedly modified later in production.

Rough guide
£11000

Typical symptoms

  • a sudden unusual noise from the engine
  • an odd feel through the clutch pedal
  • oil leaking between the engine and gearbox

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.0 Boxer diesel (EE20)
Typical mileage:
44000-120000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

What owners report

8 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Gearbox and clutch · December 2018The reverse gear failed twice on a February 2011 Forester boxer diesel, first in July 2013 and again in June 2016.
  • Electrics · September 2016A 2011 Forester required an air sensor, a prop shaft bearing and oil seal, and two other valves over 50,638 miles.
  • Gearbox and clutch · April 2015A 2011 Forester's clutch failed at 60,000 miles while towing, and a replacement clutch and DMF failed again after 12,500 miles.
  • Suspension and steering · December 2014Front suspension wishbone bushes on a Forester from 2008 are prone to wear, needing replacement after six years.
  • Gearbox and clutch · April 2014The transmission failed on a 41,000-mile 2009 Forester, with a repair quote of £8,500.
  • Gearbox and clutch · February 2014The automatic transmission benefits from an oil and filter change before the scheduled 48,000-mile service to prevent issues.
  • Bodywork · July 2013Subaru rejected a warranty claim for corrosion on a 2008 Forester, which was thought to be a paint or substrate problem.
  • Engine · February 2013An injector failure on a diesel engine requires the entire engine to be removed for replacement, costing £647 plus parts.

What owners like

1 note
  • The Forester achieved a Five Star Euro NCAP rating in 2012 tests, with high scores for adult and child protection.
End of the 2008 to 2013 section.Pick another year ↑Check a Subaru Forester advert →
Generation 4 of 52 known faults · 8 owner reports

Subaru Forester (2013 to 2019) problems

Transmission/ClutchMedium severity💬 3 owner reports, 2012 to 2019

Three sources describe clutch trouble on the manual Boxer diesel. A general statement says some cars registered up to 2009 (59 plate) needed a new clutch and dual mass flywheel under warranty, because the engine software let too much torque through in first and second; revised software was written to cure it. Two owners of later Foresters also reported clutch failures: one car was on its second replacement, needing one every 25,000 miles, and a 2013 car needed a clutch, flywheel and gearshift cable by 2016.

Typical symptoms

  • clutch slipping or biting high
  • judder or rattle from the flywheel when pulling away or at idle

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.0 Boxer diesel (EE20), manual gearbox
Typical mileage:
25000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsMedium severity💬 3 owner reports, 2016 to 2018

Three owners reported particulate filter trouble on the 2.0 Boxer diesel. A 2015 Forester was not clearing its filter in normal use (the handbook asks for around 20 minutes at 2,300rpm), an eight-month-old Forester flashed its filter warning and was told to have an oil change, and an Outback's oil level rose and turned black at 11,000 miles, thought to be from filter regeneration.

Typical symptoms

  • particulate filter (DPF) warning light on or flashing
  • engine oil level rising above the mark and turning black

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.0 Boxer diesel (EE20)
Typical mileage:
unknown miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

What owners report

8 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Engine · June 2022A 2014 Forester experienced engine failure with a misfire in cylinder two and half compression at about 50,000 miles.
  • Suspension and steering · November 2019The power steering on a 2015 Forester Diesel XC Premium manual became vague, heavy when turning right, and very light when turning left.
  • Electrics · August 2019The Starlink unit on a 2017 Forester XT failed, showing a warning screen or reversing camera image, requiring a £1,500 replacement.
  • Electrics · May 2019The car alarm on a 2019 Forester repeatedly activated, which was resolved by removing a 2p coin from the central console cup holder.
  • Engine · November 2017A 2014 Forester XT petrol needed a new engine at 40,000 miles due to valve carbonisation, paid for under warranty.
  • Electrics · September 2017The battery of a 2014 Forester will not hold its charge for 7 to 10 days when parked, preventing the car from starting.
  • Engine · September 2016A 2013 Forester's conrod failed, wrecking the engine; it was rebuilt under warranty but developed an unfixable misfire.
  • Electrics · April 2016A Subaru Forester failed to start in Spain due to an immobiliser system fitted by the UK importer, which the Spanish dealer could not help with.
End of the 2013 to 2019 section.Pick another year ↑Check a Subaru Forester advert →
Generation 5 of 50 known faults · 2 owner reports · 5 good notes

Subaru Forester (2019 on): owner reports

What owners report

2 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Electrics · June 2020A new 2020 hybrid Forester experienced repeated low voltage alarms, with two replacement batteries failing to resolve the issue.
  • Electrics · March 2020A November 2019 Forester hybrid's 12-volt starter battery failed to recharge sufficiently due to frequent short trips.

What owners like

5 notes
  • This Forester model features a permanent four-wheel-drive system, providing consistent traction and enhanced capability on various surfaces.
  • The Forester demonstrates excellent capability when driven off-road, handling challenging terrain with confidence and stability.
  • The Forester is considered a dependable choice for owners, offering a strong likelihood of consistent reliability over time.
  • The Forester achieved a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating, with high scores for adult, child, and vulnerable road user protection.
  • The Forester hybrid offers a towing capacity of 1,870kg, which is higher than other hybrid SUVs.
End of the 2019 on section.Pick another year ↑Check a Subaru Forester advert →

Sellers rarely admit these faults outright

We track 11 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Subaru Forester advert and we check it in seconds.

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Subaru Forester recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 12 DVSA recalls for the Forester, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ September 2022Cars built November 2020 to June 2021

The impeller deformation may cause the fuel pump to become inoperative

The fuel pump impeller may cause the pump failure resulting in stalling of the vehicle.

Put right by: Replace the fuel pump assembly.

DVSA R/2022/26699 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2021Cars built April 2017 to May 2019

The bolts of the rear stabiliser bracket might become loose

The bolts on the rear stabilizer bracket might become loose.

Put right by: Inspect the bolts and tighten them to thespecifiedtorque.If the bolt(s) are missing new bolts will beattached.

DVSA R/2021/3521,949 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2021Cars built September 2016 to October 2019

Potential failure of the ignition coil module causing engine stall and a none start condition

Ignition coils may short circuit and fail.

Put right by: Replace all ignition coils. If a misfire DTC is stored replace the front exhaust pipe.

DVSA R/2021/3532,338 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2020Cars built September 2016 to October 2019

Due to improper ecm programming under certain circumstances the ignition coil may be energized longer than designed after the engine is off

Possible engine stall and restart failure.

Put right by: Re-programme the engine control module and replace if required the ignition coil.

DVSA R/2020/3162,338 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2019Cars built June 2010 to September 2016

Silicone gas may seep into stop light switch housing and lead to a conduction failure

The vehicles brake lights may not operate properly.

Put right by: The brake light switch will be replaced on affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2019/1066,975 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2019Cars built January 2013 to December 2014

The load may exceed the valve spring's fatigue strength and the spring may fracture

Engine valve springs may fracture.

Put right by: Replace all engine valve springs.

DVSA R/2019/025812 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2019Cars built January 2013 to December 2014

Clutch pipe may contact bulkhead wiring and potentially cause the engine to cut out

Clutch pipe may contact and damage the bulkhead wiring.

Put right by: Check and replace clutch pipe and wiring replace as necessary.

DVSA R/2018/3331,146 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2018

Front passenger airbag inflator may rupture in a deployment event

Potential injury if Airbag deployed

Put right by: On Affected vehicles replace Airbag inflator unit

DVSA R/2018/1417,589 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2016

Engine may stall

The crack on air intake ducts could cause the engine rough idle lower the power and the engine stall. Engine may stall whilst driving. Possible safety hazard whilst driving in traffic

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check date on air intake duct. Depending on finds the air intake ducts may have to be replaced.

DVSA R/2016/147255 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2014Cars built January 2009 to December 2012

Brake fluid may leak

It is possible that corrosion can form on unprotected hidden brake pipes. This could result in the failure of the pipes and loss of brake fluid which can affect the brake system and ultimately cause reduced braking efficiency.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles to inspect and if required replace the subject brake pipes.

DVSA R/2014/12721,343 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2014

Engine may cut out

It is possible that the main engine wiring harness may have been incorrectly routed within the engine bay. This can allow the harness to chaff on the engine inlet manifold. This can result in damage to the harness which will either cause rough running of the engine illumination of the engine management light or in the extreme cases cause the engine to cut out.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles to check the routing of the harness and if necessary reroute and repair the harness.

DVSA R/2013/11780 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2012Cars built January 2003 to December 2008

Lower control arms may fail

The front Transverse links (lower Control Arms) may corrode leading to possible breakage if left without treatment.

Put right by: Either additional rust proofing or replacement of the Transverse links will be performed according to the degree of corrosion.

DVSA R/2011/14622,928 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

Subaru Forester cambelt, and service intervals

An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used Forester. These are the figures UK specialists work to.

Timing belt (cambelt)Belt
2.5 LITRE, EJ25, 2.0 LITRE, EJ20
60,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first

Subaru EJ-series boxer engines use a timing belt. The interval in the UK is strictly 60,000 miles or 5 years. It is an interference engine. The tensioner, idlers, and water pump must be replaced at the same time.

Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.

Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: November 2026

Subaru Forester buying questions

What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?

Three stand out. Engine: two owners reported crankshaft trouble on the 2.0 Boxer diesel (typically 44000 to 120000 miles). Engine: notorious head gasket failure leading to external oil/coolant leaks or internal overheating (typically 80000 to 120000 miles). Engine: the EJ20 2.0 petrol earned a poor name for big end bearings giving out early (typically 100000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.

Which Subaru Forester years should I avoid?

No Subaru Forester year is a write-off, but the Subaru Forester (2008 to 2013) carries the most serious faults: engine. The Subaru Forester (2002 to 2008) and Subaru Forester (1997 to 2002) have high-severity faults on record too. The Subaru Forester (2013 to 2019) and Subaru Forester (2019 on) have none rated high severity. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.

What should I check when viewing a used Subaru Forester?

Ask the seller about the engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for a sudden unusual noise from the engine, oil leaking from the bottom of the cylinder heads and a clear knock from the engine just after a cold start. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 5 known faults before you travel. Check a Subaru Forester advert →

Are there any recalls on the Subaru Forester?

The DVSA lists 12 safety recalls for the Subaru Forester issued between 2012 and 2022. The most recent, from September 2022, is "The impeller deformation may cause the fuel pump to become inoperative". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

What is the real MPG of a Subaru Forester?

Owners report 37.7 mpg on average across the Subaru Forester engines with data, about 93% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 417 owner submissions. Subaru Forester Real MPG by engine →

Looking at a Subaru Forester right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this Subaru Forester fault data comes from

If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Subaru Forester owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

Knowing what a Subaru Forester goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.

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