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Subaru · Compact SUV · 2003–2008

Subaru Forester SG

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Subaru Forester SG is available with 2 engine variants — from 165 to 230 hp.

2.5L NA · Benziner· 171 PS
2003 2008
Be Careful 2 weaknesses
Forester XT · Benziner· 230 PS
2004 2008
Be Careful 5 weaknesses

The Subaru 2.5L NA (Benziner, 171 PS) has the EJ253 (2.5L NA) — rated: "Be Careful", 2 known weaknesses.

The Subaru Forester XT (Benziner, 230 PS) has the EJ255 (2.5L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Recall: Front Control Arm Corrosion

Recall (2003–2008 Forester): front lower control arms corrode at the hanger bracket from road salt and can break. Affects 21 US salt-belt states — free replacement at dealer.

Symptoms: Clunking from front suspension, visible rust on control arm bracket, vehicle pulls when braking
from 100,000 km
Ad front lower control arm Subaru Forester SGtransverse link Forester 2003 2008
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
713 complaints · 2003–2008
Fuel System
117 ⚠ 3
Fuel System
114 ⚠ 2
Gasoline
114 ⚠ 2
Suspension
102 ⚠ 8
Cruise Control
77 ⚠ 33

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Fuel System (117 complaints)
⚠ Fuel System (114 complaints)
⚠ Gasoline (114 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 11 weaknesses have been documented for the Subaru Forester SG (2003–2008) — 7 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Rust, Suspension, Brakes, Body.

Forester (EJ253, 2003–2008) — Be Careful: Head Gasket — External Oil/Coolant Leak, Slightly Elevated Oil Consumption. Power: 171 PS.

Forester (EJ255, 2004–2008) — Be Careful: Ringland Failure — Piston Breakage, Rod Bearing Failure, Oil Pickup Tube Crack. Power: 230 PS.

What to watch out for with the Subaru Forester? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Subaru Forester SG have? +
The Subaru Forester SG has 7 known engine weaknesses and 4 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Subaru Forester SG? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: EJ253 (2.5L NA), EJ255 (2.5L Turbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the EJ255 (2.5L Turbo).
Which Subaru Forester SG engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Subaru Forester SG — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} EJ255 turbo, five-speed manual, under 5 seconds to 60: unheard of for an SUV in 2005. Handling is SUV-soft, no WRX replacement in corners. But: turbo power plus ground clearance plus cargo in one car — nothing else offers this. Check the banjo bolt oil screen, turbo failures from contaminated oil possible. Manual examples extremely sought after and rare.
Is the Subaru Forester SG worth buying used? +
The Subaru Forester SG requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Subaru Forester SG? +
The Subaru Forester SG is available with engine variants from 165 to 230 hp. Petrol: EJ253 (2.5L NA), EJ255 (2.5L Turbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee