Subaru Forester Problems

Are you having problems with your Subaru Forester? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Subaru Forester issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the Subaru Forester in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Subaru Australia recalls more than 121,000 vehicles: Forester, XV, Impreza, and WRX models impacted
By Andrew Chesterton · 04 Mar 2019
Subaru has launched a major 121,754-vehicle recall to fix a potential fault which can cause the brake lights to fail (though the brakes themselves will still work), with every Forester, WRX, Impreza and XV sold over a particular timeframe impacted.
Read the article
Subaru freezes 60 per cent of global output after faulty part discovered
By Andrew Chesterton · 24 Jan 2019
If you've got a Subaru on backorder, be prepared to wait a little longer. Because one of the Japanese brand's two global production facilities has been frozen after a suspected faulty in a power-steering part was discovered.
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The cargo cover will certainly help to restrain the luggage in the event of a crash, but it probably wouldn’t stop it altogether in a major altercation. A proper cargo barrier behind the rear seat would be more effective.

What SUV's are the most fuel efficient?
Answered by Graham Smith · 28 Jun 2019

Try a Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, or Subaru Forester. Any of them would be good choices.

Subaru Forester 2015: Diesel particulate light flashing
Answered by Graham Smith · 07 Jun 2019

To start you need to have the filter cleaned out by what it called a manual regeneration. It’s not a warranty issue. Take it to a Subaru dealer and get a quote from them. The reason the light has come on is that the car hasn’t been driven in a way that ensures the regeneration takes place automatically. It could be because of the way you drive it, or the way previous owners have driven it. When you talk to the Subaru dealer about regenerating the filter also ask about the way to drive it so the regeneration happens automatically.

Subaru Forester 2000: Slips while accelerating
Answered by Graham Smith · 26 Apr 2019

It’s possibly worn out and in need of replacing.

Subaru Forester 2013: Is it using too much oil?
Answered by Graham Smith · 11 Jan 2019

All engines use oil, some use more than others, and you are expected to top them up if the level drops to the low mark. There is no rule that says a car will get from one service to the next without adding some oil, and with the extended service intervals in play today it's more likely that you will have to add oil at some point before reaching the next service. Subaru tells you it's ok, I would accept their advice.

Subaru Forester: Should I get a turbo?
Answered by Graham Smith · 21 Dec 2018

There are three petrol engines in the current Forester range, beginning with the 2.0-litre non-turbo engine, which boasts 110 kW, will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 10.6 seconds and has a top speed of 190 km//h. Step up to the 2.5-litre engine, also a non-turbo, and it has 126 kW, will accelerate to 100 km/h in 9.9s, and has a top speed of 196 km/h. The top performer is the 2.0-litre turbo model with 177 kW, an acceleration time of 7.5s, and a top speed of 210 km/h. So, yes you are missing out on some serious performance if you choose not to buy the turbo. When buying a used Forester look for an engine that consumes more oil than normal, and check for signs of use off-road.

Subaru Forester 2010: Transmission problems
Answered by Graham Smith · 05 Apr 2019

Switching the transmission and ECU clearly hasn’t fixed the problem, so look at sensors in the system, the wiring harness, and connections. I would suggest you take it to a Subaru dealer or an auto transmission and have them check it for you.

Subaru Forester 2006: Why is the cruise light flashing?
Answered by Graham Smith · 23 Aug 2019

There sounds like an issue with the cruise control rather than the engine. It could be a computer or sensor malfunction. Have a mechanic check it.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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