Subaru Forester SJ
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Generations
Engine Overview
The Subaru Forester SJ is available with 2 engine variants — from 167 to 268 hp.
Subaru's volume boxer: 2.5L NA in Legacy, Outback, Forester. Oil consumption class action for 2011-2014 models — piston rings didn't seat properly. Cam carrier seal leaks from ~60k miles (labor-intensive). Thermo control valve on 2019-2022 models: plastic housing fails under heat — Subaru extended warranty to 15 years. Improved from 2023.
- !! Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (2011-2014) from 40,000 km
Class action for 2011-2014 Forester, Legacy, Outback. Piston rings didn't seat due to variable bore roughness. Worst cases: 1 quart per 800 miles.
Symptoms: Extreme oil consumption, frequent top-ups needed, blue smoke possible - !! Cam Carrier Seal Leak from 100,000 km
Known FB engine problem: seal between cam carrier and cylinder head fails. Labor-intensive due to poor access. Service bulletins published.
Symptoms: Oil stain under engine, oil smell while driving, visible oil seepage at cylinder head - !! Thermo Control Valve Failure (2019-2022) from 60,000 km
Electronic TCV plastic housing fails above 200°F. All warning lights simultaneously (EyeSight, front collision). Warranty extended to 15 years/150k miles. Mechanical thermostat replaces TCV from 2023.
Symptoms: All warning lights at once, no heater, fault codes P2682/P26A3/P26A5
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Direct-injected turbo boxer, successor to the EJ series in the WRX. Equal-length headers mean: no more boxer rumble. EJ fans hate this, FA owners live with it. No ringland issues, but oil consumption on early models (2015-2016, TSB for piston rings) and intake valve carbon buildup from direct injection. Catch can and walnut blasting every 40-50k miles are community consensus. Broad torque band without the EJ's turbo hit — more consistent, less dramatic. Stage 1 brings ~300 whp, Stage 2 ~340 whp.
- !! Recall: Turbo Intake Duct Cracks
Recall WTA-62: intake duct made from wrong material cracks, engine stall possible. 18,200 affected US vehicles (2015-2016 WRX + Forester XT).
- !! Oil Consumption Early Models (2015-2016) from 60,000 km
TSB 02-157: Subaru replaced piston rings under warranty. Up to 1 quart per 1,500 miles in severe cases. Particularly 2015-2016 models affected, improved later.
Symptoms: Oil level warnings between service intervals, slight blue smoke on cold start - ! Intake Valve Carbon Buildup (Direct Injection) from 80,000 km
Direct injection means no fuel washes the valves. Carbon deposits from ~50k miles. Walnut blasting every 40-50k miles recommended.
Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss, misfires at low RPM
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Control Arm Rust (Salt Belt) In regions with road salt, the lower control arm corrodes — replacement is not if, but when. Safety-relevant when advanced. Symptoms: Creaking over bumps, visible rust on control arm, play in suspension from 80,000 km | Medium | |
| Rear wheel bearing water ingress Design weakness on 2014-2016 rear hubs: seal lets water into bearing. TSB 05-70-19 addresses updated backing plates. Typically starts around 65-75k miles. Symptoms: Humming above 40 mph, louder when cornering, later at low speeds too. from 110,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Subaru Forester SJ (2014–2018) — 7 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Gearbox, Body, HVAC.
Forester (FA20DIT, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Recall: Turbo Intake Duct Cracks, Oil Consumption Early Models (2015-2016), Intake Valve Carbon Buildup (Direct Injection). Power: 250 PS.
Forester (FB25, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (2011-2014), Cam Carrier Seal Leak, Thermo Control Valve Failure (2019-2022). Power: 171 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 SJ have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Subaru Forester SJ? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Subaru Forester SJ engine is the most fun? +
Is the Subaru Forester SJ worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Subaru Forester SJ? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee