Subaru

Forester SJ (4th gen) inspection checklist

2013-2018 · 12 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

All engines

mediumParasitic battery drain (flat battery when parked)

Look for: The SJ has a documented parasitic draw (typically 50-80mA) that can flatten the 12V battery within one to two weeks of standing. Keyless entry, EyeSight standby and various control modules contribute.

If you find it: Fit a battery maintainer if parked often; have the draw measured and faulty modules addressed; replace a tired battery.

Any · ~$50-400

mediumCVT fluid neglect

Look for: Many owners treat the Lineartronic as 'sealed for life' and never change the fluid, which materially shortens CVT life on the 2.5i, 2.0XT and 2015+ diesel-auto.

If you find it: Change CVT fluid around every 60,000km; demand evidence of fluid changes on any CVT car before buying.

From 60k+ km · ~$250-500 per service

mediumStop-light switch / brake light fault (recall)

Look for: A widespread recall covered a faulty brake-light switch (silicone contamination) that could disable the stop lights and affect push-start/cruise. Many but not all cars were rectified.

If you find it: Confirm the brake-light switch recall has been completed; replace the switch if symptoms appear.

Any · Recall (free) to $200

mediumWiring harness / electrical recalls

Look for: The SJ was subject to several recalls including a wiring-harness short-circuit risk and a secondary air-pump relay fire risk on turbo cars.

If you find it: Run the VIN through Subaru/Product Safety recall checks and confirm all outstanding recalls have been completed.

Any · Recall (free)

2.5L FB25 petrol (2.5i)

highLineartronic CVT judder / shudder and failure

Look for: The torque-converter CVT can shudder or judder at low speed as the lock-up engages, and some cars develop surging or hesitant take-up. Most low-speed judder is cured by a Subaru TSB software reflash. Outright CVT failure is uncommon but very expensive when it happens, especially on neglected cars.

If you find it: Apply the Subaru reflash for judder; insist on CVT fluid changes (every ~60,000km despite 'sealed' claims); budget for a unit if history is unknown.

Any (judder); 150k+ km (failure) · ~$300 reflash; $5000-8000 replacement

2.0L FA20 turbo petrol (2.0XT)

highHigh-torque CVT wear / failure

Look for: The XT uses a high-torque Lineartronic CVT; under the FA20's 350Nm it works harder than in the NA cars and is the main long-term cost risk, particularly if fluid was never changed or the car was tuned.

If you find it: Verify CVT fluid-change history (around every 60,000km), avoid modified/tuned examples, budget for the unit if records are missing.

From 120k+ km · ~$5000-9000

mediumDirect-injection intake-valve carbon build-up

Look for: Like most direct-injection engines, the FA20 can accumulate carbon on the intake valves over time, causing rough running, misfires and reduced response.

If you find it: Walnut-blast/intake clean as needed; quality oil and regular servicing slow it.

From 100k+ km · ~$400-1200

2.0L EE20 turbo-diesel (2.0D)

highDPF clogging and EGR / intake fouling

Look for: Urban/short-trip use stops the DPF completing regenerations, leading to blockages, forced regens and EGR/intake carbon. A blocked low-pressure EGR gauze can throw P049B and put the car into derate/limp. Often misdiagnosed - split intake pipes or a dirty MAP sensor can mimic DPF faults.

If you find it: Regular highway runs to allow regen; check intake pipes and clean the MAP sensor before condemning the DPF; clean EGR; budget for a DPF on neglected town cars.

Any (worse on short trips) · ~$300-2500+ (new DPF $2000+)

highRear-main crankshaft cracking / bearing failure

Look for: The EE20 has a documented history of crankshaft cracks near the rear main journal, sometimes failing without warning. It's a known structural weakness of the boxer diesel.

If you find it: Strict oil-change discipline with the correct spec; listen for bottom-end noise and check service history; this risk is the main reason to be cautious on diesels.

From 80k-130k km (can be without warning) · ~$8000-15000 (engine)

mediumHead gasket and oil leaks

Look for: The boxer diesel can develop head-gasket weeps and assorted oil leaks at higher km, like the petrol boxers but more costly to address.

If you find it: Inspect for coolant/oil leaks; reseal or repair by a diesel-experienced workshop.

From 100k+ km · ~$1500-3500

2 of 4 engines

mediumOil consumption and oil leaks (FB engine)

Look for: FB-series boxers can use oil and develop leaks from the timing cover, cam carriers and head gaskets, with oil sometimes burning onto the exhaust. Consumption eased on 2015-on builds but some still drink between services.

If you find it: Monitor oil between services; reseal covers/cam carriers as needed; check level and for smoke pre-purchase.

From 60k+ km · ~$300-2500

2.0L FB20 petrol (2.0i)

mediumClutch and dual-mass flywheel wear

Look for: Manual cars eventually need a clutch; the dual-mass flywheel can rattle or judder at higher km, especially on town-driven or hard-launched examples.

If you find it: Clutch and DMF replacement together when worn; test for shudder and idle rattle on inspection.

From 120k+ km · ~$1200-2500

4 minor things (low severity)

lowWindscreen cracking and EyeSight recalibration

Look for: SJ windscreens are reported to crack/chip easily, and a replacement on EyeSight-equipped cars requires recalibration of the stereo cameras, adding cost.

If you find it: Use a glass shop that can recalibrate EyeSight; factor recalibration into any windscreen replacement quote.

Any · ~$500-1500

lowSteering wheel and trim wear

Look for: The leather steering wheel can peel/wear prematurely and some interior trim shows age, particularly on high-use cars.

If you find it: Retrim or replace the wheel; cosmetic only.

From 80k+ km · ~$150-500

lowFront lower control arm bush wear

Look for: The front lower control arm bushes degrade and cause clunking over bumps and alignment drift - a common SJ niggle.

If you find it: Replace the bushes or the control arms; wheel alignment afterward.

From 80k+ km · ~$250-700

lowOil leaks / consumption (boxer covers)

Look for: The FA20 shares the boxer tendency to weep from cam/timing covers and can use some oil.

If you find it: Reseal leaking covers; monitor oil level between services.

From 80k+ km · ~$300-1500

From FlamingCars' Subaru Forester guide. It's a checklist of known problems, not a replacement for a professional pre-purchase inspection. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.