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Subaru · Compact SUV · 2014–2018

Subaru Forester SJ

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

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

Generations

Engine Overview

The Subaru Forester SJ is available with 2 engine variants — from 167 to 268 hp.

2.5L NA · Benziner· 171 PS
2014 2018
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Forester XT · Benziner· 250 PS
2014 2018
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Subaru 2.5L NA (Benziner, 171 PS) has the FB25 (2.5L NA) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Subaru Forester XT (Benziner, 250 PS) has the FA20DIT (2.0L Turbo DI) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!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
Ad lower control arm Subaru Forester SJLCA Forester 2014
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
2,450 complaints · 2014–2018
Airbags
485 ⚠ 51
Electrical
387 ⚠ 11
Other
357 ⚠ 27
Engine
335 ⚠ 27
Wipers & Visibility
290

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (485 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (387 complaints)
⚠ Other (357 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 9 weaknesses have been documented for the Subaru Forester SJ (2014–2018) — 7 engine-related and 2 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Gearbox.

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? +
The Subaru Forester SJ has 7 known engine weaknesses and 2 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Subaru Forester SJ? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: FA20DIT (2.0L Turbo DI), FB25 (2.5L NA). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the FA20DIT (2.0L Turbo DI).
Which Subaru Forester SJ engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Subaru Forester SJ — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} FA20DIT with 250 hp, more power than any Forester before — but CVT only. Community frustration: "Why couple the enthusiast engine with the least enthusiast transmission?" Paddle shifters feel like programmed ratios, not real gears. Competent for pure daily use. As an enthusiast vehicle: the FXT died with the manual. Discontinued entirely from 2019.
Is the Subaru Forester SJ worth buying used? +
The Subaru Forester SJ requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Subaru Forester SJ? +
The Subaru Forester SJ is available with engine variants from 167 to 268 hp. Petrol: FA20DIT (2.0L Turbo DI), FB25 (2.5L NA).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee