I bought the used Forester in June 2020, and a month later I needed to replace the engine as it was overheating due to a blown head gasket. Replaced with a JDM under 90,000km engine and within 3 weeks, it started leaking oil. Yet another blown head gasket.
I do not trust the boxer engines that Subaru uses, I might have been unlucky need to replace/fix 2 engines in 6 months but it has soured my opinion a lot. And it also cost more money than a 25 year old living through a pandemic could handle. Fixed the engine and decided to sell in Feb. 2021.
Oil seepage to the outside of the heads at the head gasket on either side. This is a BIG problem specific to this engine type, which is not exclusive to the Forester model. The issue is remedied ONLY by replacing the head gasket with an aftermarket gasket and head gasket kit - NOT the OEM gasket as it is the same poor design. Don't let your Subaru dealer coax you into a Subaru gasket as you will always have this problem. You need to do this replacement when there is ANY noticeable drop in oil reservoir (seems like you are replacing oil all the time over a period of a few oil changes) OR any visible seepage of oil around the head gaskets. Have it checked when you get your oil changed or inspect it yourself. If you have it appear only on one side then you must replace both gaskets! The aftermarket gasket kits are really good and once completed this engine will run just fine and as expected. This engine is fine except for the head gaskets. VERY disappointed that Subaru does NOT acknowledge this evident defect!
Hi Prospective Subaru owners. This is my second Forrester and the first one had a leak from the head gasket into the oil and a thing called piston slap. Traded vehicle in with 140000 km and thought they must have fixed the problem by 2010. Evidently not as was informed of oil leak which would require a new head gasket with mileage 120000. Great car up to then or as they say good for a good time not a long time.
I bought this car because of the low mileage,,37,000 at time of purchase.Took for an oil change and brake pads at 41,000 miles,,Was informed that it would soon be needing new head gaskets,,At only 41,000 miles how can this possibly be?Very discouraging,as I had always wanted a Subaru,and now I'm stuck with it.Not Happy!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I bought the used Forester in June 2020, and a month later I needed to replace the engine as it was overheating due to a blown head gasket. Replaced with a JDM under 90,000km engine and within 3 weeks, it started leaking oil. Yet another blown head gasket.
I do not trust the boxer engines that Subaru uses, I might have been unlucky need to replace/fix 2 engines in 6 months but it has soured my opinion a lot. And it also cost more money than a 25 year old living through a pandemic could handle. Fixed the engine and decided to sell in Feb. 2021.
- Steph B., Barrie, ON, Canada