2005 Subaru Forester Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2005 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2005 Subaru Forester has 1 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak) ($1,800-$3,500 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $1,800 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 1 Known Issues
On the 1998-2010 Subaru Forester EJ25, 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 Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
- Tip
- Tip
- UpgradeComplete timing belt kit with water pump for a comprehensive replacement (Gates Timing Belt Kit with Water Pump)
- UpgradeHigh-quality engine oil is critical after timing service (Castrol Edge Full Synthetic Motor Oil)