Subaru Forester
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.
Boxer AWD in a compact SUV — solid, not exciting
The Forester does its job: reliable AWD for snow and dirt roads, enough space for the family, boxer-typical lower center of gravity than the competition. Driving fun is not on the menu — comfort and safety are the arguments.
Engine Weaknesses 4
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
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
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
Direct-injected FB25D variant (from 2020) has the same carbon buildup issue as all DI engines. Budget for walnut blasting.
Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss
Vehicle Weaknesses 2
Same issue as Impreza GK: class action over windshields cracking too easily. EyeSight recalibration after replacement is expensive.
Identical issue across all 2013-2021 Subaru models with EyeSight.
Reports & Tests
1795 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2019–2024). Most reported: Wipers & Visibility (734), Other (326), Electrical (272).