According to Au7o's analysis of 7,080+ owner reports, the 1998-2025 Subaru Forester has 46 documented known issues, with 19 rated critical. The most serious are FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption ($0-$4,500 repair), CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure ($0-$8,000 repair), EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak) ($1,800-$3,500 repair), Rear Coil Spring Corrosion Fracture (Recall WUT-05) — Spring Snaps in Salt-Belt States ($0-$700 repair), EyeSight False / Phantom Automatic Emergency Braking, Starlink DCM Parasitic Battery Drain After 3G Network Shutdown, Front Driveshaft Outer Race Crack and Breakage (Recall WRP-23), PCV Valve Separation Causing Loss of Power and Engine Damage (Recall WUW-08), Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Failure — Overheat / Fire Risk (Turbo XT, Recall WTM-73 / NHTSA 16V-738). at .
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles equipped with 18" aluminum alloy wheels. The wheels may have been manufactured with an incorrectly specified lug seat surface, which can result in the wheel being improperly attached and cause a loss of vehicle stability.
Campaign #25V03300023/01/2025
CHILD SEAT
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles. The child seat anchor bolts may have been improperly tightened, allowing the bolts to come loose.
Campaign #25V41900019/06/2025
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
Campaign #26V43600007/07/2026
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What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 7,080+ owner reports, the 1998-2025 Subaru Forester has 46 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption, CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure, EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak). Of these, 19 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Subaru Forester reliable?
The 1998-2025 Subaru Forester has 46 known issues documented across 7,080+ owner reports. 19 issues are rated critical: FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption and CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure and EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak) and Rear Coil Spring Corrosion Fracture (Recall WUT-05) — Spring Snaps in Salt-Belt States and EyeSight False / Phantom Automatic Emergency Braking and Starlink DCM Parasitic Battery Drain After 3G Network Shutdown and Front Driveshaft Outer Race Crack and Breakage (Recall WRP-23) and PCV Valve Separation Causing Loss of Power and Engine Damage (Recall WUW-08) and Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Failure — Overheat / Fire Risk (Turbo XT, Recall WTM-73 / NHTSA 16V-738) and Turbocharger Air Intake Duct Cracking From Wrong Material — Rough Idle, Power Loss and Stall (Recall WTA-62 / NHTSA 16V162) and Brake Light Switch Silicone Contamination — No-Start / Stuck in Park (Recall WUE-90 / NHTSA 19V-149) and Electric Power Steering Control-Unit Connector Short — Sudden Loss of Steering Assist (Recall WUC-88 / NHTSA 19V065) and Front Passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) Sensor Mat Harness Failure — Airbag Warning Light and Deactivated Passenger Airbag and Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk (PSAN) — Safety Recall and CVT Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Solenoid Failure — P2764, Flashing AT OIL TEMP Light and EJ25D DOHC Head Gasket Internal Failure — Coolant/Oil Mixing and Sudden Overheating (1998-1999 Forester) and EJ255 Turbo Piston Ringland Cracking and Engine Failure (Forester XT) and Denso Low-Pressure In-Tank Fuel Pump Failure Causing Sudden Stalling and Turbo Failure From Clogged Oil-Supply Banjo Bolt Filter (Forester XT, EJ255). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Forester problems?
Repair costs for known Subaru Forester issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption, typically costs $0-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
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The 2.5L FB25 engine in 2011-2018 Foresters is widely reported for excessive oil consumption, often burning 1 quart every 1,000-1,500 miles. The root cause is defective piston rings that fail to maintain proper oil control. Subaru acknowledged the issue with TSB 02-157-14R and extended the powertrain warranty to 8 years/100,000 miles for affected vehicles. A class-action settlement (Oakes v. Subaru) covered ring replacement for qualifying owners. The oil consumption test (OCT) required by Subaru involves monitoring oil usage over 3,000 miles at the dealership.
Common Symptoms
Oil level drops significantly between changes
Low oil pressure warning light
Blue or grey smoke from exhaust on startup
Need to add 1+ quart of oil every 1,000-1,500 miles
Burning oil smell from engine bay
How to Fix
Request an oil consumption test (OCT) at a Subaru dealer. If consumption exceeds 1 qt per 3,000 miles, piston ring replacement is warranted. The fix involves replacing all piston rings and sometimes pistons (Subaru part 12006-AB270 short block assembly for severe cases). Check warranty extension and class-action settlement eligibility. Use Subaru 0W-20 synthetic oil and change at 3,000-mile intervals while monitoring.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
maintaining the safe level and performing a controlled consumption test, not repairing worn rings Fitment/availability: Top-off or controlled-test fluid only where the exact Forester owner's manual and test procedure call for 0W-20; conf…
High Confidence3,200 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
The EJ25 2.5L horizontally-opposed engine in 1998-2010 Foresters is notorious for external head gasket failure. Unlike typical blown head gaskets that cause overheating, the Subaru EJ25 gaskets fail externally, leaking coolant and oil down the sides of the engine. The failure is caused by the gasket material (composite) breaking down over time, combined with the horizontal orientation placing uneven stress on the gaskets. This is widely considered the most common and well-documented Subaru defect.
Common Symptoms
Sweet coolant smell from engine bay
Oil weeping down sides of engine block
Coolant level dropping with no visible external puddle
White residue or staining on lower engine block
Overheating in severe cases where internal gasket failure occurs
How to Fix
Replace both head gaskets with the updated MLS (multi-layer steel) gaskets. Resurface both cylinder heads to ensure flatness within spec (0.002" max). Replace thermostat, water pump, timing belt, and all idler/tensioner pulleys while the engine is apart — these are all accessible during the job. Use genuine Subaru coolant (SOA868V9210). Budget 10-14 hours labor for a boxer engine head gasket job.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Subaru 11044AA633 MLS Cylinder Head Gasket
head-gasket component after teardown and machine-shop inspection confirms this exact branch Fitment/availability: 1999-2010 Forester 2.5L SOHC naturally aspirated branch only; quantity two, confirm VIN and engine Fitment/availability: sh…
cooling-system service component when replacement is indicated during the verified repair Fitment/availability: Retailer-cataloged 1998-2010 Forester EJ25 applications in this issue; confirm VIN and order the correct seal separately Fitm…
On 2019 Foresters with the FB25 boxer engine, the aluminum PCV valve can separate during heating/cooling cycles, allowing valve fragments to enter the engine and cause a sudden loss of power while driving. Subaru recalled roughly 51,613 2019 Crosstrek/Forester/Ascent vehicles under NHTSA 19V-856 / Subaru WUW-08, with 33,383 of those being Foresters.
Common Symptoms
Sudden loss of engine power while driving
Rough running or misfire
Rattling or debris noise from the engine
Check engine light
Engine stalling
How to Fix
Covered under safety recall WUW-08 / NHTSA 19V-856 (recall began Jan 31, 2020). Dealers inspect and replace the PCV valve free of charge; if the valve has separated and the fragments cannot be located, Subaru replaces the short block engine at no cost. Verify your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or call 1-844-373-6614.
Subaru recalled 2015-2016 Forester 2.0XT (and WRX) vehicles built in a defined window in 2015 because the turbocharger air intake duct was molded from incorrect material that is susceptible to cracking. A cracked duct admits unmetered air downstream of the mass airflow sensor on the FA20DIT turbo engine, producing a rough idle, reduced power and — the reason it became a safety recall rather than a service campaign — a possible engine stall while driving. This is specific to the turbocharged FA20DIT SJ-generation XT and does not apply to the naturally aspirated FB25 cars sold in the same body. Subaru issued a stop-sale on affected inventory. Affected duct lot numbers were identified so dealers could inspect rather than blanket-replace.
Common Symptoms
Rough or unstable idle
Reduced engine power
Engine stall while driving
Visible crack or split in the turbo intake duct
Check engine light with lean-condition codes
How to Fix
Free recall remedy: dealers inspect the turbocharger air intake duct's lot number and replace it if it falls in the affected range, at no charge. The recall began April 2016. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a Subaru dealer — remedy is still available on any unrepaired vehicle regardless of age or mileage. Outside the recall population, a cracked or split intake duct on any FA20DIT should be replaced rather than taped; a boost/vacuum leak between the MAF and the turbo inlet will keep setting fuel-trim faults until the duct is sound.
The first-generation 2.5L DOHC boxer (EJ25D/EJ25DZ) fitted to the 1998-1999 SF Forester used a composite head gasket that fails INTERNALLY — between the coolant and oil galleries, or coolant into the combustion chamber — rather than the slow external seep that the later SOHC EJ251/EJ253 engines are known for. This is a genuinely different failure from the well-known SOHC external head-gasket leak: the DOHC version gives little warning, and once it lets go the engine overheats and is undriveable almost immediately. Subaru dropped the DOHC 2.5 in the Forester after 1999 partly because of it. Owners see milky oil, coolant loss with no visible drip, exhaust steam and pressurized overflow tank. Because the EJ25D is an interference design, a resulting overheat can warp heads and cook bearings.
Common Symptoms
Milky/creamy oil on dipstick or filler cap
Coolant loss with no visible external leak
Overheating within minutes of the failure
White steam from exhaust
Overflow tank bubbling or pressurizing
Sudden loss of coolant level after a hot run
How to Fix
Confirm with a combustion-gas (block) test of the coolant and a cooling-system pressure test before teardown — internal failures show gases in coolant with no external stain. Repair is a full head-gasket job with both heads pressure-tested and resurfaced by a machine shop, and replacement with the later multi-layer-steel (MLS) gasket set rather than the original composite gasket. Because access requires the timing belt to come off, replace the belt, water pump, tensioner and idler pulleys at the same time. Subaru's coolant-conditioner service campaign of the era addressed only the external SOHC leak and does not remedy this failure. No free recall remedy exists. On a high-mileage car, a good used or remanufactured long block is often cheaper than a proper head job.
The turbocharged EJ255 has thin, cast-piston ringlands that crack under detonation. The large bore, high cylinder temperatures and a flat oil pan that lets oil slosh away from the pickup under cornering make the engine vulnerable: a single knock event (low-octane fuel, poor tune, hard driving, or oil starvation) can fracture the second ringland. Once cracked, combustion gases blow into the crankcase and oil consumption spikes to roughly a quart every 300-500 miles, with misfires and eventual catastrophic engine failure.
Common Symptoms
Heavy oil consumption (quart per 300-500 miles)
Cylinder misfire and rough running
Blue exhaust smoke
Loss of power / failed leakdown on one cylinder
Engine knock under load
How to Fix
Run only the required premium fuel, change oil on short synthetic intervals, address any knock/detonation immediately, and avoid extended high-boost driving on a stock bottom end. A cracked ringland is confirmed by a leakdown/compression test on the affected cylinder; the repair is a rebuild or replacement of the short block with upgraded forged pistons. Adding an oil-pickup baffle/extended sump helps prevent recurrence.
The turbocharger oil-feed line on the EJ255 uses a banjo (union) bolt containing a fine mesh screen meant to keep debris out of the turbo. As the engine ages or oil-change intervals stretch, sludge and carbon clog the screen and starve the turbo of oil. The turbo bearing then overheats and fails — the shaft can break and the compressor wheel disintegrate, sending metal debris into the oil pan, oil cooler and engine bearings, often destroying the engine. Subaru later deleted the screen on the union bolt because of these clogging-induced failures.
Common Symptoms
Loud whine, whistle or grinding from the turbo
Blue smoke from the exhaust
Sudden loss of boost/power
Knocking or low oil pressure
Metallic debris found in the oil pan or screen
How to Fix
On EJ255 turbo Foresters, proactively remove and clean (or delete, per later Subaru practice) the banjo-bolt oil-supply screen at the turbo oil-feed line and keep to short synthetic-oil intervals. At the first sign of turbo whine, blue smoke, or low oil pressure, inspect the screen and oil-feed line before further driving. A failed turbo requires turbo replacement plus a thorough oil-system flush; if debris reached the bearings, engine teardown may be needed.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Subaru 14445AA090 Turbo Oil-Supply Union Bolt with Screen
correct screened union bolt when inspection finds an obstructed or damaged screen Fitment/availability: 2009-2013 Forester XT EJ255 turbo branch explicitly listed; confirm VIN and feed location Fitment/availability: in stock with Add to …
Genuine Subaru 803910050 Small Turbo Oil-Feed Copper Washer Pair
new sealing washers required when the screened union bolt is serviced Fitment/availability: 2009-2013 Forester XT explicitly listed; two washers supplied, confirm the serviced banjo connection Fitment/availability: in stock with Add to C…
replacement feed pipe only when restricted, damaged or not cleanable Fitment/availability: 2009-2013 Forester 2.5-liter turbo XT catalog branch; confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart live when revi…
replacement only after turbo failure and its lubrication cause are confirmed Fitment/availability: 2009-2013 Forester XT turbo branch; confirm VIN and current supersession Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart…
engine oil filter used with the correct oil service after contamination inspection Fitment/availability: Retailer specifies all turbocharged EJ engines, including the 2009-2013 Forester XT EJ255 branch Fitment/availability: in stock with…
Coil-on-plug ignition coils on the Forester are a common failure point. As the coil's internal epoxy/resin cracks with heat and age, the coil produces erratic or insufficient spark, causing single-cylinder misfires, rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, reduced fuel economy and a flashing/steady check-engine light. A frequently reported pattern is hard starting or stumbling when cold (below roughly 10°F) that improves once the engine warms. Note that a leaking spark plug tube seal (oil in the plug well) can prematurely kill a coil, so the two issues often appear together.
Common Symptoms
Rough idle and vibration at idle
Engine hesitation or stumble on acceleration
Flashing or steady check engine light
Hard starting or misfire when cold
Reduced fuel economy
How to Fix
Pull codes — P0301-P0304 indicate the misfiring cylinder; P0351-P0354 indicate coil circuit faults. Confirm by swapping the suspect coil to an adjacent cylinder; if the misfire follows the coil, replace it (coils cannot be repaired). Inspect the plug well for oil and replace the spark plug tube seal if oil is present so the new coil isn't ruined. Replace the spark plugs at the same time. Forester ignition coil part numbers vary by year/engine (for example 22433AA691 on 2013-2018 2.5L and 22433AA590 on non-turbo 2009-2010); confirm the exact PN by VIN.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Subaru 22433AA590 Ignition Coil
single-cylinder replacement after the coil is proven failed Fitment/availability: 2009-2010 Forester 2.5L naturally aspirated X/X Limited/XS branch only; not XT, confirm VIN Fitment/availability: Add to Cart live when reviewed
single-cylinder replacement after the coil is proven failed Fitment/availability: 2011-2013 Forester 2.5L naturally aspirated X/X Limited/X Premium branch; not XT, confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-2 business days with Add to …
single-cylinder replacement after the coil is proven failed Fitment/availability: 2014-2016 Forester 2.5i naturally aspirated branch; current replacement for 22433AA681/AA680, confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-2 business days …
single-cylinder replacement after the coil is proven failed Fitment/availability: 2017-2018 Forester 2.5i naturally aspirated branch in this issue; retailer also catalogs XT, confirm VIN Fitment/availability: Add to Cart live when reviewed
single-cylinder replacement after the coil is proven failed Fitment/availability: 2019-2021 Forester Base/Premium/Sport/Limited/Touring branch; confirm VIN and production split Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to…
For 2019 the SK Forester switched the FB25 from port injection to direct injection. With no fuel washing over the back of the intake valves, oil vapor from the PCV system bakes onto the valves and ports as hard carbon. Deposits restrict airflow and disturb valve sealing, and once buildup gets severe owners report a rough idle, stumbling, and misfire codes — often only on cold start at first. This is not the FB25 excessive-oil-consumption story from the port-injected 2011-2018 engines; it is a deposit problem specific to the direct-injected FB25 in the 2019+ car, and it appears alongside the higher oil-dilution readings typical of DI boxers driven on short trips. It is a known trait of all GDI engines, not a Subaru-unique defect, but it does have a real service interval attached to it.
Common Symptoms
Rough or unstable idle
Cold-start stumble
Misfire codes
Hesitation under light throttle
Gradual loss of power and fuel economy
How to Fix
There is no recall or warranty program. Preventive: run an induction/intake cleaning service (BG or equivalent) periodically — shops commonly recommend around every 30,000 miles at roughly $130-$160 — and avoid a diet of short cold trips, which maximizes both deposits and oil dilution. Corrective: when misfires and rough idle appear, the fix is mechanical cleaning of the intake valves — walnut blasting with the intake manifold removed — typically recommended around 100,000-120,000 miles. Chemical top-engine cleaners help only mild deposits. Replace fouled plugs and inspect the PCV valve at the same time.
The 2009-2010 SH Forester still used the belt-driven SOHC EJ253, one model generation before the chain-driven FB25 arrived for 2011. Owners of these EJ253 cars report climbing oil consumption at higher mileage, but the mechanism is different from the FB25 story: on the EJ253 it is hardened valve stem seals (and in some engines an improperly machined valve guide bore) letting oil down the guides, plus generalized external seepage from cam and crank seals — not the low-tension piston-ring design that drove the 2011-2015 FB-engine class-action settlement. Getting this distinction right matters because a 2010 Forester is NOT covered by that settlement or its extended warranty, and dealers correctly reject those claims. Symptoms are blue smoke on startup and after long decel, and topping up between changes.
Common Symptoms
Oil level drops between changes
Blue smoke at cold start
Blue puff on acceleration after a long coast
Oil-fouled spark plugs
Low oil warning light between services
How to Fix
First quantify the consumption with a measured oil-consumption test, and rule out external leaks — cam carrier and valve-cover seepage on a dirty EJ253 is often mistaken for burning. Blue smoke concentrated at cold start and on throttle tip-in after coasting points at valve stem seals; seals can be replaced with the heads on the car using an air-hold tool, though most shops quote the job with heads off. Confirmed guide wear means the heads come off for machine work. Switching to the correct viscosity and shortening the oil-change interval slows but does not fix it. No recall and no class-action coverage applies to the EJ253 — that settlement covered FB-series engines from 2011 onward.
The EJ-series front-mounted oil pump has a rotor cover (backing plate) held on by five small screws installed without thread locker at the factory. On high-mileage engines these screws routinely work loose. Pressurized oil then escapes past the rotor cover into the pump body behind the front crankshaft seal, which pushes the seal partly out of its bore and produces what looks like a classic 'front main seal leak' — often re-leaking within months of a seal-only repair. The same internal leak bleeds pump volume and can show up as low oil pressure, a flickering oil light at hot idle, or lifter/HLA tick. Technicians who have opened many EJ pumps report finding loose screws on nearly every one.
Common Symptoms
Persistent oil leak at the front of the engine behind the crank pulley
Front crank seal pushed partly out of its bore
Repeat leak soon after a seal-only replacement
Low oil pressure or oil light flicker at hot idle
Valvetrain tick on startup
How to Fix
When the timing belt is off, pull the oil pump, remove the backing-plate screws one at a time, clean the threads, apply thread locker and re-torque them lightly to the specified low value (over-tightening distorts the plate). Replace the oil pump body O-ring and the front crankshaft seal at the same time and reseal the pump to the block. If the pump rotor clearances are out of spec or scored, replace the pump. Because the job lives behind the timing belt, always pair it with a full belt/idler/tensioner/water-pump service rather than doing it alone. No recall or warranty coverage.
The FB25's hydraulic timing-chain tensioners can bleed down overnight, so on a cold start the chain is momentarily slack and slaps the chain cover/guides, producing a metallic rattle for the first few seconds until oil pressure builds. A brief rattle is common; a rattle that persists 3-4 seconds or grows over time indicates worn tensioners and guides and risks chain skip if ignored. Owners report dealers replacing both tensioners, both chains and all guides on higher-mileage cars.
Common Symptoms
Metallic rattle/clatter for a few seconds at cold start
Rattle that lengthens or worsens over time
Rattle returns after the car sits overnight
Occasional rough running if chain has stretched
Noise reduced after an oil change
How to Fix
Use the correct-grade oil (0W-20) and keep oil fresh; many owners find a brief startup rattle is normal. If the rattle lasts more than ~3 seconds or worsens, have the timing chain tensioners, chains and guides inspected and replaced as a set before a guide breaks or the chain jumps time. Confirm oil pressure and check for sludge that can starve the tensioners.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Subaru 13142AA103 Timing Chain Tensioner
one component of the diagnosed timing repair, not a universal kit or proof of failure Fitment/availability: One tensioner position for retailer-cataloged 2011-2016 Forester 2.5L FB25 applications; confirm VIN, production date, diagram po…
cam-drive chain component only when inspection establishes chain/guide/tensioner replacement Fitment/availability: Retailer-cataloged 2014-2018 Forester FB25 branch in this issue; page states quantity two, but confirm VIN, production dat…
The boxer engine's two valve covers face outward and sit low on each side, exposing the cork/rubber valve cover gaskets and the spark plug tube seals to heat cycling and the path of any leaking oil. As these seals harden and shrink, oil seeps out and visibly drips onto the exhaust (burning-oil smell from under the hood) and — more importantly — pools down inside the spark plug tubes. Oil in the plug tubes saturates the plugs, boots and ignition coils, leading to engine misfires, rough idle and a check-engine light. Owners report this on both early FB25s and surprisingly low-mileage newer cars (cases as early as ~17k-50k miles documented on the owners' forum). The valve cover's external location makes the leak a frequent dealer/independent repair.
Common Symptoms
Burning oil smell from engine bay
Oil dripping/residue along the lower side of the engine
Rough idle and engine misfire
Check engine light with cylinder misfire codes
Oil pooled in spark plug wells when coils are removed
How to Fix
Remove the affected valve cover and replace BOTH the valve cover gasket AND the spark plug tube seals at the same time (replacing only the cover gasket and leaving old tube seals lets oil keep reaching the plugs). Inspect and replace any oil-soaked spark plugs and ignition coils. The FB25 valve cover gasket is OEM 13294AA050 (supersedes/cross to 13294AA053); the gasket set that includes the spark plug tube/washer seal is 13293AA051. Clean oil residue off the block and re-torque the cover to spec.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Subaru 13272AA170 Left Valve-Cover Gasket
left cover perimeter gasket when that side is confirmed leaking Fitment/availability: 2011-2018 Forester FB25 left/driver-side branch; confirm VIN and engine Fitment/availability: Add to Cart live when reviewed
Genuine Subaru 13270AA240 Right Valve-Cover Gasket
right cover perimeter gasket when that side is confirmed leaking Fitment/availability: 2011-2018 Forester 2.5-liter naturally aspirated FB25 right/passenger-side branch; confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with A…
left cover perimeter gasket when that side is confirmed leaking Fitment/availability: Retailer explicitly lists 2019-2025 Forester; use here for the 2019-2024 FB25D left-side branch and confirm VIN Fitment/availability: two left with Add…
Genuine Subaru 13270AA300 Right Valve-Cover Gasket
right cover perimeter gasket when that side is confirmed leaking Fitment/availability: Retailer explicitly lists 2019-2025 Forester; use here for the 2019-2024 FB25D right-side branch and confirm VIN Fitment/availability: two left with A…
The single knock sensor bolted to the top of the EJ block on SF- and early SG-generation Foresters has a brittle plastic/resin housing that cracks after years of heat cycling directly on the block. Once cracked, the piezo element's circuit reads out of range and the ECU sets P0325. The car keeps running, but the ECU falls back to a conservative safe ignition map: owners report noticeably reduced power, sluggish throttle response and a measurable drop in fuel economy. The failure is common enough that many independent shops replace the sensor on any high-mileage EJ Forester showing that code without further diagnosis. A secondary cause is the sensor wiring harness chafing or the connector corroding, so the harness should be inspected before condemning the sensor.
Common Symptoms
Check engine light with P0325
Reduced power and sluggish acceleration
Worse fuel economy
Engine feels flat under load
Code returns shortly after a replacement sensor is overtightened
How to Fix
Replace the knock sensor — it sits on top of the block under the intake manifold and is reachable with a 12mm socket and extensions, typically about 30-60 minutes of work. Torque matters: overtightening cracks the new sensor's housing and brings the code straight back, so use the specified low torque value and do not impact it on. Inspect the harness pigtail and connector for green corrosion or chafe damage at the same time, and clear the code and confirm the ECU returns to normal timing. Parts are inexpensive. No recall or warranty extension applies.
The Data Communications Module (DCM) that powers Starlink keeps trying to reach the defunct cellular 3G network and fails to sleep, drawing excess current with the car off and killing the battery, causing repeated dead-battery no-starts even after a new battery is installed. A class action covering 2015-2020 Foresters (among other models) settled over this premature battery drain.
Common Symptoms
Repeated dead battery / no-start even after replacing the battery
Battery drains within a few days of sitting
Elevated parasitic draw measured with the car off
Starlink connectivity errors
Battery warning on dash
How to Fix
Covered by the Subaru battery-drain class settlement (2015-2020 Forester): extended battery warranty plus cash reimbursement of 55%-165% of prior out-of-pocket battery/repair costs depending on number of repairs, age, and mileage (claim deadline has passed). Dealers can reflash or service the DCM/charging logic; pulling the DCM fuse is a temporary fix that disables Starlink features.
On turbocharged Forester XT models, the relay controlling the secondary air injection (SAI) pump can fail in the closed position, leaving the air pump running continuously. Sustained operation overheats the pump, which can melt surrounding components and create a fire risk even with the vehicle parked. Subaru recalled about 100,000 turbo vehicles (Forester XT, Impreza WRX/STI, Legacy/Outback turbo) for the defect.
Common Symptoms
Burning / melting smell from engine bay
Air pump audibly running after engine warmed up or off
Check engine light with SAI codes
Blown SAI-circuit fuse
How to Fix
Free recall repair under Subaru campaign WTM-73 (NHTSA 16V-738): the dealer replaces the secondary air injection pump relay. If the pump itself was already damaged by prolonged overheating it is replaced as well. Owners of turbo XT models should confirm the recall has been completed by VIN, as completion rates on older vehicles are often incomplete.
Silicone gas outgassed from in-cabin consumer products (cleaners, air fresheners, protectants) can seep into the brake lamp switch housing, where it forms an insulating silicon-dioxide deposit on the contact terminals. Because the brake switch on these Foresters feeds the transmission shift-interlock and the push-button ignition interlock in addition to the brake lights, a failed switch can leave the brake lights dark, prevent shifting out of Park, and on keyless models prevent the engine from starting. Subaru recalled roughly 1.3 million U.S. vehicles for this defect.
Common Symptoms
Brake lights do not illuminate when pedal is pressed
Push-button start cranks nothing / engine will not start
Shift lever stuck in Park, won't release
Intermittent cruise control or hill-hold dropout
No diagnostic trouble code stored
How to Fix
Free recall repair under Subaru campaign WUE-90 (NHTSA 19V-149): the dealer replaces the brake lamp switch with a revised unit using fluorine grease that resists silicone contamination. Out of warranty/recall, the switch itself is an inexpensive part (~$30-50) but diagnosis of a no-start or no-shift complaint is often misattributed to the battery, starter, or ignition before the switch is found.
The Harman-built Starlink head unit on 5th-gen Foresters freezes on startup, reboots in a loop every few seconds, or goes to a black/blank screen, often after a software update. Subaru issued TSB 15-228-18R covering 2019-2020 Forester (among other models) for display freeze-up or black-screen concerns; owners also report the backup camera failing to display in reverse when the unit is locked up.
Common Symptoms
Touchscreen frozen on startup, buttons unresponsive
Infotainment reboots in a loop every few seconds
Black or blank screen
Backup camera does not display in reverse
CarPlay / Android Auto connection drops
How to Fix
A hard reset clears most lockups: press and hold the audio power knob about 10 seconds (2019-2023 models). Disconnecting the battery for 10-15 minutes forces a full reboot. Persistent cases need the latest firmware patch or head-unit replacement at a dealer per TSB 15-228-18R.
The wiring that feeds the tailgate runs through a flexible rubber boot between the body and the gate on the passenger side. Every open and close flexes those conductors, and over years the copper work-hardens and fractures inside the insulation, so the wire looks intact from outside. Owners lose several functions at once or intermittently: rear defogger dead, rear wiper not parking or not working, rear gate not locking with central locking, cargo lamp out, backup lights out, and on later cars the backup camera. A chafed conductor shorting to the gate can also blow the brake-light or accessory fuse repeatedly. It is easy to misdiagnose as a failed motor, switch or camera because the affected component tests fine when powered directly.
Common Symptoms
Rear defogger stopped working
Rear wiper dead or will not park
Rear gate will not lock or unlock with central locking
Backup lights or cargo lamp inoperative
Repeatedly blown brake-light fuse
Backup camera intermittently drops out
How to Fix
Pull the rubber grommet/boot at the passenger-side hinge area and flex the loom while probing continuity — broken wires show up right at the bend point. The durable owner-level repair is to cut back each broken conductor, splice with lap solder joints, and cover every joint with heat-shrink, then re-route with a little slack so the flex point moves; that repair is typically about an hour's work. Alternatively replace the rear gate harness (Subaru part 81812AG03C on the applicable years) — the part itself is inexpensive, the labor is the cost. No recall or warranty program covers this wear failure.
Forester owners report the EyeSight pre-collision braking system applying hard braking with no obstacle present, including on open highways and curves, plus erratic lane-keep-assist interventions, all attributed to the windshield-mounted stereo-camera assembly. A class action over the EyeSight system received final court approval in November 2025 covering certain 2014-2021 Foresters.
Common Symptoms
Automatic emergency braking activates with no obstacle present
Sudden hard braking on highways or curves
System falsely senses hillsides or overpasses as hazards
Erratic lane-keep steering corrections
EyeSight unavailable / shuts off warning
How to Fix
The EyeSight class settlement (2014-2021 Forester) extends the warranty to reimburse 75% of qualifying repair costs to the EyeSight camera assembly / rear sonar for up to 4 years or 48,000 miles from in-service date. Dealers can recalibrate or replace the cameras and apply software updates; document each event and file an NHTSA complaint at nhtsa.gov.
The Occupant Detection System sensor mat wiring harness in the front passenger seat cushion develops an unstable electrical connection (decreased contact pressure between terminals). This causes the SRS airbag warning light to illuminate and the passenger frontal airbag to deactivate even when the seat is occupied — a genuine safety defect because the airbag may not deploy in a crash. Subaru issued NHTSA safety recall 19V701 (Subaru campaign WUM-98) covering roughly 366,000 Foresters built January 20, 2015 through August 1, 2017, to inspect/replace the ODS sensor mat harness. Owners widely report the fault recurring after the recall repair, and dealers frequently attribute recurrences to seat 'water damage' and deny goodwill, leaving owners to pay out of pocket.
Common Symptoms
SRS/airbag warning light illuminated
Passenger airbag OFF indicator stays lit with an adult passenger seated
Airbag ON/OFF indicators cycle or behave erratically
Intermittent fault that comes and goes with bumps or seat load
How to Fix
Under safety recall 19V701, dealers inspect and replace the ODS sensor mat harness free of charge — verify eligibility by VIN first. Out of recall, the fix is replacing the occupant detection sensor mat / harness in the seat bottom (Subaru part e.g. 64084SJ100); recurrent or severe cases require replacing the seat cushion assembly.
Certain 2009-2013 Foresters are equipped with a Takata-sourced front passenger frontal airbag inflator using non-desiccated phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN). Over years of exposure to heat and humidity, moisture intrusion can degrade the propellant so the inflator over-pressurizes and ruptures its metal housing during deployment, spraying shrapnel into the cabin. This is the industry-wide Takata defect that has caused deaths and injuries. Subaru's Forester remedy has been tracked under recall campaigns TKA/TKB/TKC (NHTSA 19V-009 and related), with an interim 'like-for-like' replacement followed by a final non-Takata/desiccated inflator. Only the passenger-side front inflator is affected; the driver front airbag on these Foresters did not use a Takata inflator.
Common Symptoms
No driveability symptom — latent safety defect
Recall notice received by mail / open recall shown on VIN lookup
Risk of inflator rupture and metal shrapnel if passenger airbag deploys in a crash
How to Fix
Free recall repair: the dealer replaces the front passenger airbag module/inflator with a non-Takata (or desiccated) inflator, roughly a 2-hour job. Owners should check their VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls or Subaru and complete the remedy, including any subsequent final-remedy recall if an interim inflator was installed.
The Lineartronic CVT (TR690) in 2014-2021 Foresters can develop shuddering, hesitation, and in severe cases, complete failure. Symptoms typically begin around 60,000-100,000 miles. The CVT chain can stretch, causing slippage and shudder during light acceleration. The torque converter can also develop issues. Subaru extended CVT warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles under Customer Satisfaction Program WTY-72. Multiple software updates have been released to address shifting behavior.
Common Symptoms
Shuddering during light acceleration at 15-40 mph
Hesitation or delay when accelerating from a stop
CVT whining or droning noise
Rough engagement into Drive or Reverse
Transmission warning light on dashboard
How to Fix
Have the dealer check for and apply the latest CVT software updates (TSB 16-103-17R). Perform CVT fluid change with Subaru CVT Fluid Lineartronic II (SOA427V1700). If shuddering persists, torque converter replacement or complete CVT replacement may be needed. Verify coverage under Subaru's 10-year/100,000-mile CVT warranty extension.
High Confidence1,800 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Separate from the well-known belt/chain judder, the TR580 CVT in the SJ-generation Forester suffers electrical failures in the torque converter lock-up circuit. The lock-up clutch solenoid (and its harness) degrades, so the converter clutch cannot be commanded cleanly. The signature is not a smooth shudder but a hard bucking or stumble on light throttle at lock-up speeds, a check engine light with P2764 (or related P0741/P2762 codes), and a flashing AT OIL TEMP warning that puts the transmission into a limp mode. Subaru acknowledged lock-up torque converter behavior in a design change (bulletin 16-90-13R) and rolled CVT coverage into the extended-warranty bulletin 16-107-17, which extends CVT coverage to 10 years/100,000 miles for covered concerns on 2014-2018 Foresters.
Common Symptoms
Bucking or jerking under light acceleration
Check engine light with P2764
Flashing AT OIL TEMP warning light
Transmission enters limp/failsafe mode
Shudder that feels like riding a clutch at a stop
How to Fix
Scan first — P2764 with a flashing AT OIL TEMP light points at the lock-up solenoid circuit, not the CVT chain, and the two get conflated. Have the CVT fluid checked and, where the bulletin applies, a valve-body/solenoid replacement performed rather than a whole-unit swap; the solenoid pack is inside the valve body. Reprogramming of the TCM is part of the documented remedy on some VINs. Critically, ask the dealer to run the VIN against the CVT warranty extension (bulletin 16-107-17, 10 years / 100,000 miles from in-service date) before authorizing any paid repair — many owners have had this covered at no cost. Use only Subaru CVTF; the wrong fluid will bring the fault back.
If you drive a 2022 Forester, it may be covered by Subaru recall WRQ-23. An insufficient weld in the automatic transmission's inhibitor switch (the park/neutral start interlock switch) can allow water to work its way into the switch, and a water-contaminated switch can stop working. Because the Forester uses that switch to detect that reverse has been selected, the failure shows up as the reverse lamps not illuminating and the rearview camera image not coming up on the infotainment screen. Backing up without the camera view and without reverse lights to warn people behind you raises the chance of a collision, which is why NHTSA treats this as a safety defect. The recall's 95,830 units are the campaign-wide total for all Subaru models involved.
Common Symptoms
No rearview camera display when shifting into reverse
Reverse lights inoperative
How to Fix
Take the Forester to a Subaru dealer, which will install a replacement inhibitor switch free of charge under the recall. Owner letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Confirm your specific vehicle is included by running the VIN through nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 about recall WRQ-23.
Certain 2023-2024 Foresters left the factory with a front drive shaft assembly whose outer race was improperly cooled during manufacturing and can crack, then break over time, causing loss of motive power or a rollaway if parked without the parking brake. Recall WRP-23 (NHTSA 23V-754) covers about 328 Foresters, plus the 2024 Crosstrek/Impreza and 2023 WRX (3,732 vehicles total).
Common Symptoms
Clicking or knocking from the front axle
Loss of drive power while accelerating
Vibration through the floor or steering
Vehicle rollaway in park without parking brake
Grinding from front driveshaft
How to Fix
Covered under safety recall WRP-23 / NHTSA 23V-754. Dealers inspect and replace the left and/or right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge (owner letters mailed January 8, 2024). Verify your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or call 1-844-373-6614.
Forester wheel bearings (both front and rear hub assemblies) fail prematurely, often well before 100,000 miles. The most consistent symptom is a low-pitched grinding, humming or 'airplane' droning noise from the affected corner that grows louder with speed; rear bearing wear is often felt as a vibration under the seats. The noise typically changes pitch or volume during a left/right lane-change maneuver (which distinguishes it from differential whine). Subaru acknowledged a contributing root cause: unevenness/distortion of the bearing backing plate surface affects hub/bearing concentricity after the axle nut is torqued, allowing a 'howling' bearing to develop over time. Water/dirt contamination from failed seals and improper axle-nut torque accelerate the wear. Subaru issued a service bulletin acknowledging the rear bearing/backing-plate concern.
Common Symptoms
Grinding or humming/droning noise from a wheel that gets louder with speed
Noise changes during left/right lane-change maneuvers
Vibration felt under the seats (rear bearing)
Knocking or clunking when cornering
Uneven/inner-edge tire wear
Play when rocking the wheel by hand
How to Fix
Diagnose by lifting the wheel and checking for play/roughness, and by listening for a noise that changes during gentle S-turns at 30-65 mph. The fix is replacement of the complete wheel hub/bearing assembly (sold as a unit). On 2014-2018 Foresters the front complete hub unit is OEM 28473FL040 (supersedes 28473FJ000/28473FJ020); reuse a new self-locking axle nut and torque to spec. Have an alignment checked, as poor alignment and unbalanced tires accelerate bearing failure. Replacing in pairs is common practice.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Subaru 28373FG000 Front Hub and Bearing Assembly
front hub only after the front bearing is localized and confirmed failed Fitment/availability: 2009-2013 Forester front, plus the early-2014 production branch through the catalog split; confirm VIN and side Fitment/availability: Add to C…
Genuine Subaru 28473FG000 Rear Hub Unit, Superseded by 28473FL021
rear hub only after the rear bearing is localized and confirmed failed Fitment/availability: 2009-2013 Forester rear branch; confirm VIN and current 28473FL021 supersession Fitment/availability: ships in 1-2 business days with Add to Car…
Genuine Subaru 28373SC000 Front Hub Unit, Superseded by 28373FL011
front hub only after the front bearing is localized and confirmed failed Fitment/availability: 2014-2018 Forester front branch after the early-2014 production split; confirm VIN and current 28373FL011 Fitment/availability: Add to Cart li…
Genuine Subaru 28473FL040 Rear Hub Unit, Superseded by 28473FL041
rear hub used with the applicable updated backing plate under TSB 05-70-19R Fitment/availability: 2014-2018 Forester rear position only; confirm VIN and current 28473FL041 supersession Fitment/availability: Add to Cart live with current …
left-side companion required by TSB 05-70-19R when repairing that defined rear howling condition Fitment/availability: 2014-2018 Forester left/driver rear, updated backing-plate branch; confirm VIN Fitment/availability: Add to Cart live …
The front CV (constant-velocity) axle boots on Foresters crack and tear with age and from suspension flex and road debris. Once the boot splits, grease slings out and dirt/water get in, so the now-dry CV joint wears and produces a clicking or popping that is loudest during tight, low-speed turns. Left unrepaired the joint fails completely, risking loss of drive to that wheel. Owners frequently spot a ring of slung grease on the inner fender or underbody before any noise.
Common Symptoms
Clicking or popping during tight low-speed turns
Grease flung onto the inner fender/underbody
Torn or cracked rubber CV boot
Rhythmic grinding under acceleration when turning
Vibration that worsens with speed (failing joint)
How to Fix
Inspect the inner and outer CV boots at every service for cracks or grease slinging. A freshly torn boot caught early can be re-booted and repacked, but a joint that already clicks needs the CV joint or, more commonly, a complete remanufactured/new front axle assembly (sold per side). Use quality OEM-grade axles; cheap aftermarket axles are a known repeat-failure complaint.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Subaru 28321SC033 Front Drive Shaft Assembly
complete axle after a naturally aspirated-branch joint is confirmed worn or clicking Fitment/availability: 2009-2013 Forester X/X Premium/X Limited/XS naturally aspirated branch, per side; confirm VIN and production supersession Fitment/…
Genuine Subaru 28321SC003 Front Drive Shaft Assembly
complete axle after a turbo-branch joint is confirmed worn or clicking Fitment/availability: 2009-2013 Forester XT turbo branch, per side; confirm VIN and production supersession Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add …
complete axle after a matching CVT-branch joint is confirmed worn or clicking Fitment/availability: 2014-2018 Forester CVT/automatic branch, left or right; verify VIN, transmission and early-2014 production split Fitment/availability: sh…
early repair only for the matching clean, unworn joint before clicking or contamination damage Fitment/availability: Retailer-cataloged 2014-2018 Forester branch; confirm VIN, transmission, joint position and kit contents Fitment/availab…
On automatic-transmission Foresters with the 4EAT gearbox, all-wheel drive is managed by an electronically controlled multi-plate transfer (MPT) clutch on the tail of the transmission, modulated by the 'Duty C' solenoid. When the solenoid sticks or the clutch pack glazes, the clutch stays fully applied on dry pavement and the car binds, shudders and hops through slow tight turns — parking lots, U-turns, driveways. Mismatched tire circumference (one new tire, or uneven wear) accelerates it by forcing the clutch to slip constantly. The diagnostic that confirms it is inserting the FWD fuse in the underhood holder: if the binding disappears with the transfer clutch de-energized, the fault is in the AWD path, not the front axles or brakes.
Common Symptoms
Shuddering, hopping or binding in slow tight turns
Feels like the brakes are dragging when parking
Grabbing sensation from the driveline at low speed
Symptom disappears when the FWD fuse is installed
Worse when warm
How to Fix
First rule out mismatched tires — all four must be within roughly 1/4 inch of circumference; replacing a single worn tire on an AWD Subaru is a common root cause. Then confirm with the FWD fuse test. If binding vanishes on FWD, replace the Duty C solenoid (a relatively inexpensive part accessible on the transmission) and change the ATF; forum consensus is roughly a 90% fix rate when the symptom is recent. If the clutch pack itself is already glazed or burnt, the transfer clutch assembly and rear extension housing must come apart, which is a transmission-out job. No recall or warranty extension covers this.
The rear differential on SF and SG Foresters hangs on rubber bushings — a large front mount bushing plus rear outrigger bushings tying the diff nose and carrier to the body. The rubber dry-rots and cracks with age, letting the differential rotate and move vertically before it transmits torque. Owners describe the classic 'Subaru diff clunk': a hard thump when shifting from reverse to drive, a bang on hard throttle application or fast shifts in the manual cars, and a general clunk from the rear over bumps. In advanced cases the diff bottoms the subframe against the body. It is frequently misdiagnosed as a failing rear wheel bearing, a bad CV joint, or a transmission mount, and the tell is that the noise tracks torque reversal rather than road speed.
Common Symptoms
Hard thump when shifting from reverse to drive
Clunk from the rear on throttle on/off
Bang from under the cargo floor on fast shifts
Cracked or dry-rotted rubber at the rear diff mounts
Rear-end clunk over bumps
How to Fix
Inspect the bushings visually with the car on a lift and pry the diff to check for excess movement. Replacement means cutting the old rubber out of the carrier; several proven options exist — OEM replacement bushings, a two-piece polyurethane kit that installs from either side of the mounting bracket (SuperPro SPF2664K, Whiteline, Kartboy KB003DIFF), or the common owner fix of filling the collapsed bushing voids with 3M Window-Weld urethane. Poly or filled bushings transmit more driveline noise into the cabin but eliminate the clunk. Do this whenever the rear differential is out for other service. No recall or warranty coverage.
On Foresters operated in road-salt regions, stone and debris impact chips the protective coating on the rear coil springs. Bare spring steel then pits and corrodes, and a section of the lower coil can fracture and break away. A broken spring end can contact and puncture the rear tire and degrades handling and ride height. Subaru issued recall/campaign WUT-05 covering roughly 499,000 vehicles to replace the rear springs with corrosion-resistant units.
Common Symptoms
One rear corner sitting noticeably lower
Pieces of spring metal found on the ground near the car
Clunk or harsh impact over bumps
Tire damage from a broken spring end
Sagging ride height at the rear
How to Fix
Check the VIN for open recall WUT-05 and have the rear coil springs replaced free with the redesigned, better-coated springs. Inspect for telltale signs: a corner sitting low, metal fragments on the ground where parked, or a clunk/sag over bumps. Out of warranty, replace springs in axle pairs and treat/undercoat the new springs in salt climates.
Subaru recalled 2019 Forester (with 2018-2019 Crosstrek and 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid) — over 400,000 US vehicles — because initial variation in rear stabilizer bracket dimensions allowed the rear stabilizer bar bracket bolts to loosen in service and detach. With bolts missing the bracket can shift, changing rear roll stiffness and handling unpredictably, which is why NHTSA classified it as a crash risk rather than a noise complaint. Owners typically notice it first as a rear-end rattle or clunk over bumps, or find loose/absent bolts during an unrelated service. It affects the SK-generation Forester's launch model year only.
Common Symptoms
Rattle or clunk from the rear over bumps
Loose or missing rear stabilizer bracket bolts
Vague or inconsistent rear-end handling
Metallic knock on uneven pavement
How to Fix
Free recall remedy: dealers re-torque the rear stabilizer bracket bolts to the corrected specification and replace any bolts that are loose or missing, at no charge. Recall notification began in 2021. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; if the vehicle was never brought in, the remedy remains available. Any 2019 Forester with an unexplained rear clunk should have those bracket bolts checked before chasing bushings, links or shocks.
Foresters routinely wear the inner edges of the rear tires bald at low mileage (often 20,000-30,000 miles). The rear suspension allows toe adjustment but not camber, and the factory frequently leaves the rear toe set too aggressively, scrubbing the inner shoulders. Because owners can't see the inner edge, the wear is often discovered only when tires are flipped or replaced, leading to premature, uneven tire replacement.
Common Symptoms
Rear tires worn bald on the inner edge
Uneven rear tire wear at low mileage
Tire noise/feathering on the inside shoulder
Shortened tire life despite rotations
Cupping on rear inner tread
How to Fix
Get a four-wheel alignment with the rear toe set to the low end of spec (near zero) rather than the factory default, ideally early in ownership. Inspect inner rear tire edges at every rotation. Where toe is out of range and not adjustable enough, aftermarket rear toe/camber adjustment hardware can bring it into spec. Maintain correct tire pressures, since under-inflation accelerates the wear.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
SPC 67660 Rear Adjustable Lower Control Arm
camber and extended toe-range correction only after measured alignment cannot be brought into specification with factory adjustment Fitment/availability: SPC lists 2009-2025 Subaru Forester; one per wheel, confirm exact correction need a…
toe-only correction alternative when the factory adjuster cannot achieve specification Fitment/availability: Retailer-verified 2014-2018 Forester branch in this issue; not approved here for 2019-2022 Fitment/availability: 25 in stock wit…
Foresters from 2009-2018 develop a persistent clunking or knocking noise from the rear suspension when going over bumps, rough roads, or speed bumps. The cause is worn rear lateral link bushings and rear stabilizer bar end links. The rubber bushings dry out and crack, allowing metal-on-metal contact. The noise is often misdiagnosed as strut or shock failure.
Common Symptoms
Clunking from rear over bumps and rough roads
Hollow knocking sound at low speeds over uneven surfaces
Rear end feels loose or vague in corners
Visible cracking or deterioration of rear suspension bushings
How to Fix
Replace rear lateral link bushings (both inner and outer on each side). Replace rear stabilizer bar end links. Whiteline polyurethane bushings are a popular upgrade that lasts significantly longer than OEM rubber. If noise persists, check rear subframe mounting bushings. Torque all bolts to spec with the suspension loaded (wheels on ground or suspension compressed to ride height).
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Subaru 20250FG021 Rear-Suspension Front Lateral Link
front-position rear lateral link after that link or its installed bushings are confirmed faulty Fitment/availability: 2009-2018 Forester rear suspension, front lateral-link position; same part left/right, quantity two only if both fail, …
rear-position lateral link after failure is confirmed Fitment/availability: 2010-2013 Forester rear-position lateral link branch; source's 2009-2012 note was corrected, confirm VIN/current 20250AJ040 and quantity Fitment/availability: sh…
rear-position lateral link after failure is confirmed Fitment/availability: 2013-2016 Forester rear-position lateral-link branch; confirm VIN/build overlap and quantity Fitment/availability: ships in 1 business day with Add to Cart live …
rear-position lateral link after failure is confirmed Fitment/availability: 2017-2018 Forester rear-position lateral-link branch; same part left/right, confirm VIN and quantity Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to…
OE rear end link after play or boot/joint failure is confirmed Fitment/availability: 2009-2018 Forester rear stabilizer link; same part left/right, confirm VIN and replace only failed side or pair as condition warrants Fitment/availabili…
alternative end-link pair after the original links are diagnosed faulty or an adjustable-bar setup requires them Fitment/availability: Retailer lists 2009-2018 Forester trims in this issue; adjustable performance alternative with possibl…
Subaru recalled 10,417 US 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles because a connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit was molded with small gaps in the plastic, leaving inadequate isolation between adjacent terminals. Those terminals can short, which shuts down electric steering assist. The driver keeps mechanical steering but effort jumps dramatically and without warning — a serious hazard at parking speeds and in an emergency maneuver. This is a manufacturing defect in the EPS gearbox assembly on the launch-year SK Forester and is a completely separate problem from the salt-belt EPS gearbox corrosion/cracking issue Subaru addressed by TSB and warranty extension on other model years.
Common Symptoms
Sudden loss of power steering assist
Steering becomes very heavy while driving
EPS / power steering warning light on the dash
Intermittent assist that comes and goes
How to Fix
Free recall remedy: dealers inspect the power steering gearbox and replace it as necessary at no charge. The recall began 7 February 2019. Verify your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer — the remedy remains available on any unrepaired vehicle. Any 2019 Forester that has thrown an EPS warning or reported momentary heavy steering should be checked against this campaign before paying for diagnosis.
The forward (front) bushing in the front lower control arms wears out prematurely on 4th-gen (SJ) Foresters, often by 40,000-70,000 miles on normally-driven, paved-road vehicles. As the bushing degrades it allows the control arm to shift, producing a rattle/clunk, a vibration or shudder felt through the steering wheel (especially on highway turns or undulations), uneven outer-edge tire wear, and a vague, unstable steering feel. Subaru acknowledged the design issue in TSB 05-63-18 and revised the production bushing. This is distinct from the rear suspension bushing clunk and is frequently misdiagnosed as a worn steering rack.
Common Symptoms
Clunk / rattle from front suspension over bumps
Vibration or shudder in steering wheel at highway speed
Wandering, unstable, or vague steering
Uneven outer-edge front tire wear
Knocking felt when turning
How to Fix
Per TSB 05-63-18, replace the front lower control arm forward bushings (or the complete control arms) with the updated parts, then perform a four-wheel alignment. Independent shops typically replace both control arms as assemblies; budget roughly $400-700 per side in parts and labor, or about $900-1,400 for the pair plus alignment.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
TSB-directed component when the arms and other joints remain serviceable Fitment/availability: 2014-2018 Forester forward lower-control-arm bushing; quantity two for a paired repair, confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 busines…
Genuine Subaru 20202SG002 Right Front Lower Control Arm
complete right arm only when condition or shop economics justify more than the pressed bushing Fitment/availability: 2014-2018 Forester right/passenger-side front lower arm; confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days wi…
Genuine Subaru 20202SG012 Left Front Lower Control Arm
complete left arm only when condition or shop economics justify more than the pressed bushing Fitment/availability: 2014-2018 Forester left/driver-side front lower arm; confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Ad…
In regions with heavy road-salt exposure, the steering rack/pinion (EPS) gearbox housing on 4th-gen Foresters can corrode to the point a crack forms in the gearbox body. This produces uneven or notchy steering effort and, in advanced cases, a knock or play in the rack. Subaru documented the concern in TSB 04-21-18 (July 2018) and issued an Electronic Power Steering gearbox warranty extension for 2012-2018 vehicles. Occurrences are concentrated in the rust belt and are described as limited, but the repair is expensive when out of coverage.
Common Symptoms
Uneven or notchy steering effort
Clunk or play in the steering rack
Visible corrosion on the steering gearbox housing
Steering feels heavier in one direction
How to Fix
Subaru extended the warranty on the EPS gearbox assembly for affected 2012-2018 vehicles — owners in salt regions should check VIN-specific coverage and have a dealer inspect for housing corrosion/cracks. The remedy is replacement of the steering gearbox (rack) assembly. Out of coverage, a complete electric rack replacement plus alignment typically runs $1,200-2,200.
Foresters equipped with a Denso low-pressure fuel pump (part-number prefix 42022-) built before mid-2019 use a low-density plastic impeller that absorbs fuel, swells and deforms inside the pump housing. The deformed impeller binds against the housing and abruptly cuts fuel delivery, causing the engine to hesitate, run rough, fail to start, or stall without warning while driving — a crash risk. The defect is covered by NHTSA recall 21V-587 (one of several Subaru/Denso fuel-pump campaigns) and a class-action settlement that extended the pump warranty to 15 years/150,000 miles on replaced units.
Common Symptoms
Sudden engine stalling while driving
Long crank / no-start, especially when warm
Hesitation and surging under acceleration
Rough running and rough idle
Whining or no priming sound from the tank
How to Fix
Have the VIN checked for the open fuel-pump recall and get the complete in-tank fuel pump assembly (Denso, 42022- prefix) replaced free under the recall — the new assembly uses a higher-density impeller that resists swelling. Out of warranty, replace the entire module (pump, sender, filter sock) rather than just the impeller; budget for intermittent stalling diagnosis since the failure can be load/temperature dependent and may not store a code.
5th generation Foresters (2019+) have widespread reports of windshield cracks initiating near the EyeSight camera housing area or from the edges with no impact. The windshield design incorporates an acoustic interlayer and EyeSight camera calibration zone that creates stress concentrations. Temperature changes commonly trigger cracks. Replacement windshields must be EyeSight-compatible and require camera recalibration. Subaru has not issued a recall but dealerships have handled some replacements under goodwill.
Common Symptoms
Crack appearing near EyeSight camera housing without impact
Crack starting from windshield edge and spreading
EyeSight system disabled due to cracked windshield
Crack appearing after temperature changes
Multiple cracks developing in short period
How to Fix
Document the crack with photos immediately. Contact Subaru customer service (1-800-782-2783) to request goodwill coverage. Replacement requires Subaru-approved EyeSight-compatible windshield and dealer calibration of EyeSight cameras ($200-400 for calibration alone). Aftermarket windshields from Pilkington or Mopar are available but must be EyeSight-rated. Some owners have had success with Subaru covering costs under goodwill after persistent complaints.
High Confidence1,400 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Forester moonroofs drain rainwater through small tubes routed down the A/B pillars to discharge under the car. The corner drains clog with pollen, dirt and tree debris, or a tube pops off its nipple at the sunroof gutter. Water then backs up and overflows into the headliner and cabin, soaking the carpet, fogging windows, and — because water pools near floor electronics — sometimes causing electrical gremlins. The leak is often misdiagnosed as a seal failure when it is really a blocked drain.
Common Symptoms
Water dripping from the headliner or A-pillar in rain
Wet front or rear floor carpet
Musty smell / interior fogging
Water heard sloshing in the roof or pillars
Intermittent electrical faults from wet floor connectors
How to Fix
Periodically clear the four sunroof drain tubes (low-pressure compressed air or a soft trimmer line) and confirm flow exits under the vehicle. Re-seat any tube that has detached from the gutter nipple. Dry out wet carpet/padding promptly to prevent mold and corrosion of under-seat electrical connectors. Replace the perimeter seal only if drains are confirmed clear and water still enters.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Subaru 65475SG000 Front Sunroof Drain Tube
replacement only for a damaged front tube that cannot be reseated or cleared Fitment/availability: 2014-2018 Forester with sunroof, front position, quantity two; confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Ca…
replacement only for a damaged matching rear tube Fitment/availability: 2014-2016 Forester with sunroof rear-position production branch; quantity two, verify VIN/build date Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Car…
replacement only for a damaged matching rear tube Fitment/availability: 2017-2018 Forester with sunroof rear position, plus a late-2016 build branch; quantity two, confirm VIN/build date Fitment/availability: catalog Add to Cart live whe…
Genuine Subaru 65475SJ000 Front Sunroof Drain Tube
replacement only for a damaged front tube that cannot be reseated or cleared Fitment/availability: 2019-2022 Forester with sunroof front position; quantity two, confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with product pu…
replacement only for a damaged rear tube that cannot be reseated or cleared Fitment/availability: 2019-2022 Forester with sunroof rear position; quantity two, confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart …
On power-liftgate Foresters the gas-charged lift struts lose pressure prematurely. The gate opens under power but then sags or falls shut under its own weight once fully open, and the problem worsens in cold weather as strut gas pressure drops. A weak or failing strut can also confuse the obstruction-detection system, causing the powered gate to reverse or beep. Subaru issued a warranty extension on the liftgate struts for affected vehicles.
Common Symptoms
Liftgate slowly sags or falls shut when fully open
Worse in cold weather
Power gate beeps and reverses partway
Gate feels heavy / hard to hold up manually
Gate won't latch in the open position
How to Fix
Check for the liftgate-strut warranty extension and have weak struts replaced. The gas struts/lift supports are replaced in pairs; the gate must be securely propped or held during the job because it is heavy. If the gate also beeps or stops mid-travel after the struts are good, suspect the power drive unit or obstruction sensor rather than the struts.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Subaru 63269SG032 Left Rear Gate Stay
left half of the matched pair after warranty eligibility and stay failure are confirmed Fitment/availability: 2014-2018 Forester left/driver-side rear gate stay; confirm VIN and gate equipment Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business …
right half of the matched pair after warranty eligibility and stay failure are confirmed Fitment/availability: 2014-2018 Forester right/passenger-side rear gate stay; confirm VIN and gate equipment Fitment/availability: Add to Cart live …
Foresters commonly throw a P0420 'Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)' code and an illuminated check-engine light. While the converter itself is the part that degrades, the underlying root cause on FB25 Foresters is frequently the well-documented excessive-oil-consumption defect: burnt oil and unburned fuel coat and contaminate the catalyst, reducing its efficiency until it can no longer pass the downstream O2 sensor's efficiency check. Coolant intrusion and exhaust leaks can produce the same result. Subaru issued a service program (WVI-19/WVI-19R) extending the catalytic converter coverage to 10 years/100,000 miles on certain affected vehicles, and the related Yaeger oil-consumption settlement (2011-2014 models) extended engine warranty to 8 years/100,000 miles.
Common Symptoms
Check engine light with P0420 stored
Failed emissions/smog test
Rotten-egg/sulfur smell from exhaust
Reduced fuel economy
Often paired with excessive oil consumption
How to Fix
Before condemning the converter, rule out cheaper causes: a lazy/failed rear O2 sensor and exhaust leaks can both mimic P0420. Verify the engine is not consuming oil at an excessive rate (a contaminated cat will quickly re-fail if oil consumption is unaddressed). Check VIN eligibility against Subaru service program WVI-19 (10yr/100k extended cat warranty) and the Yaeger oil-consumption settlement before paying out of pocket. If the catalyst is genuinely degraded, replace with a CARB-compliant OEM or direct-fit converter and a new rear O2 sensor.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Subaru 22690AA960 Rear Oxygen Sensor
replacement only after testing confirms the downstream sensor failed or the exact catalyst procedure requires it Fitment/availability: Rear/downstream sensor for retailer-cataloged 2011-2018 Forester 2.5L applications only; confirm VIN a…
replacement only after testing confirms the sensor failed or the exact catalyst procedure requires it Fitment/availability: Rear/downstream sensor for retailer- and Subaru-bulletin-cataloged 2019-2021 Forester 2.5L branch; confirm VIN an…
Foresters commonly throw front oxygen/air-fuel-ratio sensor heater-circuit codes (P0031 low, P0037 downstream) as the sensors age. The sensors live on the hot exhaust, so the wiring harness near them turns brittle and chafes, and the internal heater element degrades. The result is an illuminated check-engine light, slightly richer/leaner running while the heater is cold, and a guaranteed emissions-test failure. Many owners replace the sensor only to find the real fault is damaged harness wiring at the connector.
Common Symptoms
Check-engine light with P0031 or P0037
Failed emissions/smog test
Slightly reduced fuel economy
Occasional rough cold running
No drivability change in some cases (code only)
How to Fix
Scan and confirm the exact code, then inspect the sensor connector and pigtail for melted, chafed or broken wires before condemning the sensor — repair the harness if damaged. If the heater element itself is open, replace the front air/fuel ratio sensor with the OEM-spec part (Subaru sources Denso/NTK); aftermarket universal sensors often re-trigger the code. Clear codes and verify heater operation.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Subaru 22641AA360 Front Air-Fuel Ratio Sensor
replacement only after P0031/upstream heater or sensor testing confirms failure Fitment/availability: 2009-2010 Forester 2.5L naturally aspirated upstream/front position only; confirm VIN and connector Fitment/availability: Add to Cart l…
Genuine Subaru 22641AA670 Front Air-Fuel Ratio Sensor
replacement only after upstream heater or sensor testing confirms failure Fitment/availability: 2014-2016 Forester 2.5L naturally aspirated upstream/front position only; confirm VIN and connector Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 busine…
Foresters with the 2.5L FB25 engine experience premature A/C compressor failures, often with a noisy clutch or complete seizure. The compressor clutch bearing fails first, creating a grinding or squealing noise when the A/C is engaged. If not addressed, the compressor can seize and send metal debris through the entire A/C system, requiring replacement of the condenser, receiver/drier, and expansion valve in addition to the compressor. The issue is common between 60,000-120,000 miles.
Common Symptoms
Grinding or squealing noise when A/C is turned on
A/C blowing warm air intermittently
A/C clutch clicking on and off rapidly
Complete loss of cold air from vents
Burning rubber smell from engine bay when A/C is on
How to Fix
Replace A/C compressor assembly (Denso 471-6050 or Subaru OEM 73111SG010). If compressor seized and sent debris, flush the entire system and replace condenser, receiver/drier (Subaru 73520FJ001), and expansion valve. Use PAG 46 oil and charge with R-134a to factory spec (15.5 oz). A/C clutch relay and pressure switch should be tested before assuming compressor failure.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Subaru 73111FJ042 A/C Compressor Assembly
complete compressor assembly after electrical, clutch, pressure and leak diagnosis confirms replacement Fitment/availability: 2014-2018 Forester 2.5L naturally aspirated branch in this issue; retailer also catalogs other applications, so…
condenser/integrated-drier branch only when a seized compressor contaminated the system or the condenser itself is diagnosed failed Fitment/availability: 2014-2016 Forester 2.5L or 2.0XT only; confirm VIN and current A/C system configura…
High Confidence680 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Certain 2017-2018 Forester A/C condensers corrode internally within the tube walls (distinct from the more common external road-debris puncture). The corrosion perforates the condenser, refrigerant and oil leak out, and the A/C blows warm. Subaru opened service program WRB-21 to inspect and replace affected condensers. Because the condenser sits at the front of the vehicle, it is also a frequent victim of stone/debris impact, but the WRB-21 cases are corrosion-driven from the inside out.
Common Symptoms
A/C blows warm or only intermittently cold
Greasy/oily residue on the condenser fins
Refrigerant drips under the front of the car
Loss of refrigerant charge over a season
A/C cools at highway speed but not at idle
How to Fix
Check the VIN for service program WRB-21 coverage and have the condenser inspected/replaced under the program if eligible. Diagnose a no-cool complaint with a UV dye/leak test — a greasy film or drips on the condenser fins confirm the leak. Replacement requires a new condenser, receiver/drier, system evacuation and recharge.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Subaru 73210SG011 Updated A/C Condenser
out-of-program fallback only after the installed condenser is confirmed leaking; includes the integrated receiver-drier function Fitment/availability: 2017-2018 Forester updated condenser branch; VIN must be checked for free WRB-21 eligi…
Foresters are prone to early front brake rotor distortion (thickness variation) that produces a pronounced pulsation/judder felt through the steering wheel and brake pedal when braking, often appearing at relatively low mileage. Owners across multiple generations report warped/judder-prone front rotors, and machining or same-part replacement frequently doesn't last. Subaru has acknowledged brake judder across its lineup with a revised front brake pad material via TSB (e.g. 06-91-24R on related Legacy/Outback/Ascent platforms). A caliper piston or seized slide pin not fully retracting (dragging pad) accelerates the heat cycling that distorts the rotor.
Common Symptoms
Steering wheel and pedal vibration/shudder when braking, especially above 40 mph
Pulsation that returns a few thousand miles after rotors are resurfaced or replaced
Uneven rotor thickness / visible scoring at inspection
Brake judder reappearing prematurely under normal driving
How to Fix
Replace front rotors and pads — ideally with updated-material brake hardware rather than resurfacing the original rotors. Inspect and service the front calipers and slide pins so a dragging piston/pin isn't re-warping the new rotors; use proper torque and an even bed-in procedure.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Subaru 26300SA001 16-inch Front Brake Rotor
front rotor pair after measurements show replacement is required Fitment/availability: 2009-2013 Forester and 2014-2018 2.5i 16-inch front-brake branches; quantity two, confirm VIN and rotor diameter Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 bu…
Genuine Subaru 26300AG001 17-inch Front Brake Rotor
turbo-branch front rotor pair after measurements show replacement is required Fitment/availability: 2014-2018 Forester 2.0XT 17-inch front-brake branch; quantity two, confirm VIN and diameter Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business d…
front rotor pair after measurements show replacement is required Fitment/availability: Retailer-cataloged 2019-2021 Forester front branch; quantity two, confirm VIN, wheel/brake option and whether 26300SJ000 applies instead Fitment/avail…
matched front pad set when this exact early brake branch is confirmed Fitment/availability: Current supersession for retailer-cataloged 2010-2015 Forester branches including 26296SC010; confirm VIN and brake option Fitment/availability: …
matched front pad set for the exact naturally aspirated branch Fitment/availability: 2015-2017 Forester 2.5i naturally aspirated front brakes; confirm VIN and production date Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to C…
matched front pad set for the 2018 naturally aspirated branch Fitment/availability: 2018 Forester 2.5i naturally aspirated front brakes only; confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-2 business days with Add to Cart live when reviewed
matched front pad set for the early SJ turbo branch Fitment/availability: 2014-2015 Forester 2.0XT front-brake branch; confirm VIN and production date Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart live when reviewed
matched front pad set for the later SJ turbo branch Fitment/availability: 2015-2018 Forester 2.0XT front-brake branch; confirm VIN and 2015 production split Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart live when revi…
matched front pad set for the confirmed SK brake branch Fitment/availability: 2019-2021 Forester standard 11-inch front-brake branch; confirm VIN, brake package, shims and hardware Fitment/availability: direct product page and VIN-gated …
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.
Campaign #23V72300026/10/2023
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
Reliability varies across model years of the Subaru Forester. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 1998-2025 Subaru Forester with 46 documented issues documented across 7,080+ owner reports.
What is the 2011-2018 Subaru Forester FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption?
The 2.5L FB25 engine in 2011-2018 Foresters is widely reported for excessive oil consumption, often burning 1 quart every 1,000-1,500 miles. The root cause is defective piston rings that fail to maintain proper oil control. Subaru acknowledged the issue with TSB 02-157-14R and ex… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2021 Subaru Forester CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure?
The Lineartronic CVT (TR690) in 2014-2021 Foresters can develop shuddering, hesitation, and in severe cases, complete failure. Symptoms typically begin around 60,000-100,000 miles. The CVT chain can stretch, causing slippage and shudder during light acceleration. The torque conve… Repairs typically run $0-$8,000. Severity: high.
What is the 1998-2010 Subaru Forester EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak)?
The EJ25 2.5L horizontally-opposed engine in 1998-2010 Foresters is notorious for external head gasket failure. Unlike typical blown head gaskets that cause overheating, the Subaru EJ25 gaskets fail externally, leaking coolant and oil down the sides of the engine. The failure is… Repairs typically run $1,800-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester Rear Coil Spring Corrosion Fracture (Recall WUT-05) — Spring Snaps in Salt-Belt States?
On Foresters operated in road-salt regions, stone and debris impact chips the protective coating on the rear coil springs. Bare spring steel then pits and corrodes, and a section of the lower coil can fracture and break away. A broken spring end can contact and puncture the rear… Repairs typically run $0-$700. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2021 Subaru Forester EyeSight False / Phantom Automatic Emergency Braking?
Forester owners report the EyeSight pre-collision braking system applying hard braking with no obstacle present, including on open highways and curves, plus erratic lane-keep-assist interventions, all attributed to the windshield-mounted stereo-camera assembly. A class action ove… Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2020 Subaru Forester Starlink DCM Parasitic Battery Drain After 3G Network Shutdown?
The Data Communications Module (DCM) that powers Starlink keeps trying to reach the defunct cellular 3G network and fails to sleep, drawing excess current with the car off and killing the battery, causing repeated dead-battery no-starts even after a new battery is installed. A cl… Severity: high.
What is the 2023-2024 Subaru Forester Front Driveshaft Outer Race Crack and Breakage (Recall WRP-23)?
Certain 2023-2024 Foresters left the factory with a front drive shaft assembly whose outer race was improperly cooled during manufacturing and can crack, then break over time, causing loss of motive power or a rollaway if parked without the parking brake. Recall WRP-23 (NHTSA 23V… Severity: high.
What is the 2019 Subaru Forester PCV Valve Separation Causing Loss of Power and Engine Damage (Recall WUW-08)?
On 2019 Foresters with the FB25 boxer engine, the aluminum PCV valve can separate during heating/cooling cycles, allowing valve fragments to enter the engine and cause a sudden loss of power while driving. Subaru recalled roughly 51,613 2019 Crosstrek/Forester/Ascent vehicles und… Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2013 Subaru Forester Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Failure — Overheat / Fire Risk (Turbo XT, Recall WTM-73 / NHTSA 16V-738)?
On turbocharged Forester XT models, the relay controlling the secondary air injection (SAI) pump can fail in the closed position, leaving the air pump running continuously. Sustained operation overheats the pump, which can melt surrounding components and create a fire risk even w… Repairs typically run $0-$120. Severity: high.
What is the 2015-2016 Subaru Forester Turbocharger Air Intake Duct Cracking From Wrong Material — Rough Idle, Power Loss and Stall (Recall WTA-62 / NHTSA 16V162)?
Subaru recalled 2015-2016 Forester 2.0XT (and WRX) vehicles built in a defined window in 2015 because the turbocharger air intake duct was molded from incorrect material that is susceptible to cracking. A cracked duct admits unmetered air downstream of the mass airflow sensor on… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2016 Subaru Forester Brake Light Switch Silicone Contamination — No-Start / Stuck in Park (Recall WUE-90 / NHTSA 19V-149)?
Silicone gas outgassed from in-cabin consumer products (cleaners, air fresheners, protectants) can seep into the brake lamp switch housing, where it forms an insulating silicon-dioxide deposit on the contact terminals. Because the brake switch on these Foresters feeds the transmi… Repairs typically run $0-$90. Severity: high.
What is the 2019 Subaru Forester Electric Power Steering Control-Unit Connector Short — Sudden Loss of Steering Assist (Recall WUC-88 / NHTSA 19V065)?
Subaru recalled 10,417 US 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles because a connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit was molded with small gaps in the plastic, leaving inadequate isolation between adjacent terminals. Those terminals can short, which shuts down elect… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2015-2018 Subaru Forester Front Passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) Sensor Mat Harness Failure — Airbag Warning Light and Deactivated Passenger Airbag?
The Occupant Detection System sensor mat wiring harness in the front passenger seat cushion develops an unstable electrical connection (decreased contact pressure between terminals). This causes the SRS airbag warning light to illuminate and the passenger frontal airbag to deacti… Repairs typically run $0-$1,700. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2013 Subaru Forester Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk (PSAN) — Safety Recall?
Certain 2009-2013 Foresters are equipped with a Takata-sourced front passenger frontal airbag inflator using non-desiccated phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN). Over years of exposure to heat and humidity, moisture intrusion can degrade the propellant so the inflator over-pr… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester CVT Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Solenoid Failure — P2764, Flashing AT OIL TEMP Light?
Separate from the well-known belt/chain judder, the TR580 CVT in the SJ-generation Forester suffers electrical failures in the torque converter lock-up circuit. The lock-up clutch solenoid (and its harness) degrades, so the converter clutch cannot be commanded cleanly. The signat… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1998-1999 Subaru Forester EJ25D DOHC Head Gasket Internal Failure — Coolant/Oil Mixing and Sudden Overheating (1998-1999 Forester)?
The first-generation 2.5L DOHC boxer (EJ25D/EJ25DZ) fitted to the 1998-1999 SF Forester used a composite head gasket that fails INTERNALLY — between the coolant and oil galleries, or coolant into the combustion chamber — rather than the slow external seep that the later SOHC EJ25… Repairs typically run $1,600-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2004-2013 Subaru Forester EJ255 Turbo Piston Ringland Cracking and Engine Failure (Forester XT)?
The turbocharged EJ255 has thin, cast-piston ringlands that crack under detonation. The large bore, high cylinder temperatures and a flat oil pan that lets oil slosh away from the pickup under cornering make the engine vulnerable: a single knock event (low-octane fuel, poor tune,… Repairs typically run $4,000-$8,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2020 Subaru Forester Denso Low-Pressure In-Tank Fuel Pump Failure Causing Sudden Stalling?
Foresters equipped with a Denso low-pressure fuel pump (part-number prefix 42022-) built before mid-2019 use a low-density plastic impeller that absorbs fuel, swells and deforms inside the pump housing. The deformed impeller binds against the housing and abruptly cuts fuel delive… Repairs typically run $0-$1,300. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2013 Subaru Forester Turbo Failure From Clogged Oil-Supply Banjo Bolt Filter (Forester XT, EJ255)?
The turbocharger oil-feed line on the EJ255 uses a banjo (union) bolt containing a fine mesh screen meant to keep debris out of the turbo. As the engine ages or oil-change intervals stretch, sludge and carbon clog the screen and starve the turbo of oil. The turbo bearing then ove… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2025 Subaru Forester Windshield Spontaneous Cracking Near EyeSight Camera?
5th generation Foresters (2019+) have widespread reports of windshield cracks initiating near the EyeSight camera housing area or from the edges with no impact. The windshield design incorporates an acoustic interlayer and EyeSight camera calibration zone that creates stress conc… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: medium.
