16.01.2017
Subaru Forester- one of the most popular models of the Japanese brand, produced since 1997. The third-generation Forester has outgrown its predecessors and moved into the category of full-fledged crossovers. Most fans of this model were skeptical about the changes that occurred as a result of the manufacturers' pursuit of fashion trends, but despite this, the car was in good demand and sold out in large numbers. But how things are with the reliability of a used Subaru Forester 3, and what to look for when buying this car in the secondary market, now let's talk about this.
A bit of history:
Subaru Forester (forester)- a car with a relatively small history. The debut of the first generation took place in 1995 at the Tokyo auto show. This car replaced the Impreza Gravel Express, better known in America and Europe as Subaru Outback Sport. The second generation debuted on the market in 2002 and is considered one of the most successful versions of this brand. Subaru Forester third generation was first introduced in 2007 in Japan. The international debut of the novelty took place at the Detroit Auto Show in 2008.
Starting with the third generation, the manufacturer abandoned the frameless side windows that have been used on Subaru since the early 70s. Compared to its predecessors, the wheelbase has been increased by 89 mm, while the overall length has increased by only 76 mm. Different versions of the car are produced for the European and American markets. In 2010, a restyling was carried out, this update practically did not affect the design, the only exception was the bumper and grille. The main changes have occurred with the technical equipment and equipment. Production of the fourth generation Forester was launched at the end of 2012, and in 2015 an updated version of the car was presented at the Tokyo auto show.
Advantages and disadvantages of Subaru Forester 3 with mileage
Body iron of the third generation Subaru Forester is not prone to corrosion, but only if the car has not been restored after a serious accident. But, the quality of the paintwork is not of the highest level, as a result, chips and scratches appear quite quickly ( In fairness, it should be noted that this problem is relevant for all modern cars.). Also, the windshield is not famous for its strength. Due to its not entirely successful location, the contact group of the headlight corrector may rot.
Engines
The third generation Subaru Forester was equipped with boxer engines: petrol H4 - 2.0 (150 hp), 2.5 (170 hp) and turbo engine 2.5 (230 hp); diesel H4 2.0 (147 hp). Boxer motors, compared to conventional ones, are considered more difficult to maintain and repair. So, for example, in order to replace spark plugs, you will have to spend more than one hour of time and a lot of nerves, therefore, it is recommended to service the car at branded service stations. The most reliable among gasoline power units, aspirated 2.0 and 2.5 liters have proven themselves. Both motors are equipped with a timing chain drive, the chain and tensioner have a fairly good resource - about 200,000 km, but, nevertheless, after 100,000 km, you need to constantly monitor their condition. Owners who love dynamic driving note that after 50,000 km of run, oil burns appear in engines. Of the main disadvantages of these motors, one can single out: insufficient power for this car, a small resource of ignition coils and oil leaks.
When buying a car equipped with LPG, you need to be ready to adjust the thermal gaps every 40-50 thousand km, the complexity of this procedure lies in the fact that for this you need to remove the engine ( at the service station for this work they will ask about 250 USD.). Buying second-hand Forester with a turbocharged engine is quite risky, especially if only a visual inspection is carried out. The fact is that, often, a car with such a power unit is bought for active driving, as a result, the turbocharger wears out quickly, and the pistons may also begin to collapse. One of the most common problems with this motor is that during dynamic driving, it breaks through the cylinder head gasket; in order to avoid this, it is necessary to replace the original mounting bolts with reinforced ones.
Diesel engines have not only good dynamics and efficiency, but also a number of serious drawbacks. So, in particular, on cars that were produced in the period from 2008 to 2010, the problem with the failure of the crankshaft (bursts) is quite common. Also, nozzles and a two-mass flywheel are not famous for their reliability. Often, owners blame the low quality of the particulate filter. 
Transmission
Three transmissions are available for the Subaru Forester 3– five- and six-speed mechanics, four-speed automatic. The time-tested four-speed automatic proved to be the most reliable, its biggest drawback is sluggishness and jolts when starting off and shifting gears. It does not cause much trouble and mechanics, only on cars with a diesel engine of the first years of production, after 50,000 km, clutch problems may occur. On other versions, the clutch serves 100-120 thousand km. It is worth noting that cars with automatic transmission do not have permanent all-wheel drive, since here, instead of a central differential, an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch is used.
Suspension reliability Subaru Forester 3 with mileage
Equipped with fully independent suspension: front - McPherson, behind - multi-link. The car uses a self-levelling suspension SLS which is quite expensive to repair. Owners who do not want to spend a lot of money on suspension repairs install conventional shock absorbers. The suspension of a car is not famous for its endurance, and, when using the car for its intended purpose, it can surprise you unpleasantly. Bushings and stabilizer struts, as well as silent blocks in the upper rear A-arms ( change assembly with lever) and ball bearings, their resource in rare cases exceeds 60,000 km. Shock absorbers, thrust and wheel bearings, with careful operation, can last up to 80,000 km. Not famous for their reliability and CV joint anthers and, if you do not monitor their condition, then the CV joint will not work out even half of its resource. Brake pads, on average, serve 40-50 thousand km, discs - up to 100,000 km.
Salon
The interior of the Subaru Forester is quite simple, and the finishing materials used are not of the best quality, because of this, over time, crickets appear in the cabin, but most of all, squeaks and knocks bother the owners in the cold season. The main sources of noise are: A-pillars, dashboard, door trim and plastic elements of the trunk. Forester is not famous, but most owners solve this problem on their own. There are also complaints about the reliability of electrical equipment. One of the main drawbacks is considered to be malfunctions in the operation of the air conditioner, which can work when the car is moving, and when it stops, it will turn off, for example, in a traffic jam. In most cases, the fan fuse needs to be replaced to fix the problem. Often, the cigarette lighter fails, it would seem that the problem is not a big one, but in order to fix it, you will have to disassemble almost the entire console. Also, it is possible to note failures in the operation of power windows, central locking and heating of the front seats. 
Outcome:
Refers to a number of cars that are called " sound”, but it has a number of disadvantages. Many car enthusiasts do not like its design, comfort level and handling, but if you choose a car for a specific task, then this car is worth a closer look.
Advantages:
- Roomy interior.
- Great ground clearance.
- Body corrosion resistance.
- Patency.
Flaws:
- High maintenance and repair costs.
- Weak paint finish.
- Small suspension resource.
In their eyes, he lost his charisma and the sports fuse characteristic of the cars of the first two generations, becoming a victim of the fashion for full-fledged crossovers. However, this model was sold in a much larger circulation.
Despite the Japanese origin and success in the market, the hijackers do not favor the Forester with attention. A fairly good standard immobilizer built into the engine control module and instrument panel will not protect against a targeted attack, but will become a stumbling block for a random kidnapper.
All Foresters come from Japan. The quality of the paintwork is good - there are no weaknesses in the body. Traces of corrosion will indicate an unprofessional restoration repair. But pay attention to the license plate mount on the back door. Many owners set the number without a frame, over time it peels off the paint - and rust appears.
EYE YES EYE
Prior to the restyling carried out in 2011, atmospheric engines 2.0 (150 hp) and 2.5 (172 hp) belonged to the EJ series. These age-old timing belt-driven boxer units are well known from most Subaru models.
The junior 2.0L EJ20 engine is the most reliable in the lineup. Servicemen estimate its average resource at 250,000-300,000 km. After the overhaul, he is able to serve the same amount more. The average resuscitation does without treatment of the cylinder block or heads. Basically, wear of only piston rings and liners goes beyond the tolerances. The main thing is to change the oil in the engine according to the regulations (at least every 15,000 km) and monitor its level more often - all Subaru engines have a good appetite for aggressive driving or long-term movement at high speeds.
The older atmospheric brother EJ25 (2.5 l) is the same 2.0 engine, but with bored cylinders. Accordingly, due to the thinner walls between the “pots”, it is prone to the so-called “overheating”, which occurs during prolonged high loads. Usually this is a long (about an hour!) ride at speeds close to the maximum. Even with a working cooling system and clean radiators, head gaskets can burn out. Sometimes it leads the contact planes of the cylinder block and heads. With severe "overheating" piston rings lie. Because of this, oil consumption increases, and sometimes even scuffs appear on the cylinder mirror.
When buying a car with an EJ25 engine from your hands, do a test at the service station for the content of exhaust gases in the cooling system. He will tell you about the condition of the cylinder head gaskets. The operation is inexpensive and requires simple equipment. Do not spare money (about 1,500 rubles) for the so-called leak test, which will show a leak in the cylinders. It is akin to a compression test, but much more accurate.
Motors with a capacity of 230 and 263 hp. - supercharged versions of the EJ25 engine. The increase in strength is the merit of other firmware "brains" of the engine. The average resource of supercharged brothers is estimated at 100,000–150,000 km. The faults are the same as those of atmospheric units, they only appear on earlier runs.
The original breakdown of turbo engines is the rotation of the liners. A common cause is oil starvation due to a low level of lubrication or loss of its properties. Therefore, even with light use, it is important to reduce the oil change interval to 7500 km, and if the car participates in competitions, the oil must be changed at least every 5000 km.
A great way to avoid dangerous conditions for the motor is to install additional sensors. Owners tend to limit themselves to oil temperature and pressure readings so they know when it's time to pull off the track and let the car cool down.
Turbo engines are often tuned during repairs: they put in a forged piston group, an increased-performance oil pump, strengthen the cylinder block, etc. - whoever is in what much.
Often, the owners squeeze all the juice out of the engines at the same time, installing, for example, a turbine with a higher pressure - such units do not last long, therefore, buying tuned cars should be treated with caution.
The stock turbocharger is reliable. If you follow a couple of simple rules, he will outlive the engine. A shorter engine oil change interval will help prevent coking of the turbine cooling tubes. Allow the compressor to cool while the engine is running before shutting it off after hard driving. It is more efficient to do this not at idle, but on the go, dropping gas a couple of kilometers to the house - this is how oil and antifreeze circulate better through the turbine.
A separate story is the timing drive on EJ engines. The belt takes care of the prescribed 105,000 km even on modified engines, but it’s better to play it safe and change it early, because in 99% of cases a break means the pistons meet the valves. At the same time, all rollers with tensioners are changed. For reinsurance, servicemen recommend updating the crankshaft and camshaft oil seals. They do not always live up to 200,000 km, and any intervention in the timing drive is very laborious and expensive. Leakage of oil seals is fraught with a belt jump with known consequences. The cooling pump is more reliable. It is changed together with the second belt replacement. It rarely survives up to 300,000 km. Its backlash is not as bad as a leak, which again can lead to a belt jump.
After restyling, atmospheric EJ engines were replaced by chain units of the FB series (with indices 20 and 25). They are built on the basis of their predecessors and have the same power characteristics.
Chain problems are rare. According to servicemen, its resource is at least 200,000 km. The main thing is to monitor the level and condition of the oil. The lubrication of the chain and the performance of the tensioner depend on it. The mileage on these motors is not as high as on the EJ, but there is no reason to fear for their longevity. The only and infrequent disease - oil leakage from under the chain cover with a run of 50,000-60,000 km - is cured with a sealant. The FB25 "overheating" that happens with the EJ25 has not yet been recorded, although the motors are structurally similar.
The resource of the drive belt on any motor depends only on the operating conditions of the machine. The lower bar is 50,000 km. The less dirt and water gets on the belt during off-road assault, the longer it lives.
The condition of the cooling radiator of any motor does not affect its well-being so much. But washing is carried out once or twice a year, depending on the mode of operation. The engine and air conditioning radiators are located very close to each other, and this “sandwich” is completely dismantled.
On runs over 100,000 km, the Check Engine lamp often lights up. Error 0420 is issued: "low neutralizer efficiency". This usually happens when the unit heats up, when the car drives along the highway for a long time at a constant high speed. The reason is bad fuel. Often the mistake is simply erased, the owner changes the gas station - and the problem goes away. But sometimes the fuel has time to kill the catalytic converter.
Treatment depends on the wishes of the owner. The neutralizer is either changed to a new one, or cut out and made a snag (for atmospheric engines) for the second (controlling) oxygen sensor. This is a spacer in the place where the second oxygen sensor is installed, which removes it from the exhaust gas stream. For supercharged engines, the sensor is bypassed by flashing the “brains”. If the faulty converter is not clogged and melted inside, they do not touch it and limit themselves to snag.
CONSTANT
At Subaru, the scheme of all-wheel drive transmission depends on the type of gearbox and engine. On the Forester, paired with a five-speed mechanics, a center differential works with a viscous coupling blocking it. Alas, the clutch does not like long driving in extreme conditions and is prone to overheating. With such operation, it usually dies after 100,000 km. The node is expensive, but the replacement procedure is simple.
The third Forester has a reduction range in the transmission. It is only available on two-liter machines with a manual transmission. None of the servicemen remember problems with such handouts.
There are no fundamental differences between mechanical boxes associated with motors of different capacities. The nodes are reliable. The main thing is to change the oil regularly (every 50,000 km). The average clutch life is 130,000–150,000 km. After 150,000–200,000 km, the gear selector stem seal begins to leak.
On machines with hydromechanical machines, there is an original center differential and a device for blocking it. Paired with supercharged engines, they are more intricate. But in both cases, there are no serious complaints about their reliability.
With engines up to 230 hp a four-speed automatic is combined, and with a 263-horsepower - a five-speed. Both boxes are from the same family and are quite overgrown, but reliable. Servicemen advise changing the oil every 30,000 km. At the first "pit stop" a regular (partial) replacement is carried out, at the second - a complete one, with the connection of a special installation. This is justified. After all, off-road and high-speed rides for Foresters are a common thing. But subject to the maintenance regulations, these machines digest the higher torque of reasonably modified motors.
Due to the untimely oil change in the machine, shocks and delays first occur when shifting gears. This is due to wear products in the aged fluid that clog the solenoids. If you ignore the warning signs, then soon an “error” will light up on the instrument panel, and then overheating of the clutches and torque converter.
In winter, due to intense acceleration, immediately after a cold start, gasket leaks occur between the differential housing and the gearbox input shaft seal. It's about the unawakened hardened seals.
The oil change interval in the gearboxes is also small - 50,000 km. Sometimes on a run of 100 thousand, the indication of oil overheating in the rear gearbox lights up. The reason is a dirty contact in the connector of its sensor, located outside. He often rots. The sensor does not need to be changed - just clean the contacts or repair the wiring.
The only frankly weak point in the transmission is the propeller shaft outboard bearing. It starts to hum strongly at speeds above 50 km / h after 30,000–40,000 km. Dealer services often change the cardan assembly (about 70,000 rubles), and unofficial ones - a separate bearing for 700 rubles.
Cardan crosses nursed for 150,000 km. Strong backlash in them causes tangible vibrations.
Oil seals and anthers in the transmission are durable. In the risk zone, only elements located close to the exhaust system. The fastest (after 100,000 km) heat destroys the internal anther of the front right drive.
On modifications with all EJ motors, a hydraulic power steering is installed. Reiki rarely flow, and not earlier than 100,000 km. Usually the upper oil seal is sweating at the exit of the steering shaft. The rail repair kit also includes other seals, so it is completely disassembled and updated
Hoses under the expansion tank and on the pump leak even less often. It is important to periodically monitor the oil level and change it according to the regulations - every 50,000 km. When changing the oil, do not allow the power steering pump to run “dry” for a long time - the assembly dies quickly, and costs about 20,000 rubles.
Electric power steering is assigned to versions with FB motors. Knocks in the rail occur after 30,000 km. Formally, this is not considered a malfunction, and under warranty, the rails are not changed for everyone, although the manufacturer tries to meet the needs of customers (ZR, 2014, No. 9, Subaru specialists answer). The unofficials have found a cure. Knock occurs at the junction of the steering gear and rack and pinion. The rail is disassembled and the factory support bushing of this pair is changed to a non-original, home-made one. The gap decreases and the knock goes away.
Consumables in the suspension - bushings and stabilizer struts. They are enough for 30,000–40,000 km. The weakest are the rear silent blocks of the front levers, which live at least 100 thousand. They can be bought separately, like many other rubber-to-metal joints. The exception is the silent blocks of the rear upper forged arm: the assembly costs 16,000 rubles.
Wheel bearings also stably survive the 100‑thousandth run. The price assembled with hubs is quite democratic - 5000–6000 rubles.
A feature of the Forester suspension is rear self-priming shock absorbers that provide constant ground clearance regardless of the vehicle load and less roll in corners. But they quickly die on the killed roads after several serious breakdowns on a loaded car. Fortunately, there is an alternative to the original parts, estimated at 25,000 rubles. The pumping system is built into the shock absorber rod and body. Therefore, for 17 thousand, a set of two conventional shock absorbers with their corresponding springs is installed. In everyday driving modes, the difference in the behavior of the car will not be striking.
Front shock absorbers run 100,000–150,000 km. Thrust bearings are updated at the second change of shock absorbers.
Many owners who switched to Forester from other Japanese crossovers of this class complain about insufficient brake sensitivity. Later they get used to it, but some still modify the braking system. They throw money away - you can't get rid of this feature.
The only weak point of lighting technology is the thin glass of the front foglights. Often they crack due to a sharp temperature drop - for example, when water gets on the headlights while driving through puddles or when storming high snowdrifts.
The interior electrics are simple and reliable. Only the bearing of the heater fan shaft causes complaints. If you immediately turn on the stove at maximum speed on a cold car in winter, the bearing will buzz to 150,000 km. And it can only be replaced with a fan assembly.
On a run of more than 100,000 km, the headlight corrector sensor sometimes fails, located on the rear suspension arm, by which the system determines the position of the body. The hinges in its movable joints turn sour. At the same time, a system error lights up and the corrector lowers the headlights to the lower position.
Outcome
With the reliability of the third-generation Forester, everything is in order. Subject to the maintenance regulations, even modifications with turbo engines do not cause trouble. There will be no difficulties with the maintenance and repair of the machine.
Word to the owner
Vladimir Lopatin,
Subaru Forester S‑Edition (2011, 2.5 L, 263 hp, 90,000 km)
Before purchasing the S‑Edition, I owned a previous generation Forester (SG) for six years. And I do not share the position of the subaristas who are complaining about the third "forik". Yes, in the usual version it is more rolled than its predecessor, but much more comfortable. And the charged version is completely better in all respects.
Initially, I did not plan to tune the car, then it dragged on. By 47,000 km, when the liners were turned in the engine, it produced about 340 hp, and now it is 400 hp and 600 Nm. My Forester is equipped with water methanol injection, forged pistons are installed, the standard turbine is replaced with a more efficient one. The machine was modified for high torque by increasing the pressure in its oil system. The kit for further tuning is waiting for the box to die. But so far it does not cause trouble, like the chassis nodes.
Some of the suspension elements (shock absorbers, springs and stabilizer) have been replaced with more sporty ones. I note that I have no complaints about the reliability of regular parts. I plan to continue the improvements, but the process is slowed down by the increased prices for imported parts.
Car maintenance is straightforward: changing the oil in the engine every 5,000 km, in the box and gearboxes - every 30,000 km.
Word to the seller
Alexander Bulatov,
used car sales manager at U Service+
Forester SH is liquid regardless of configuration. The most demanded 2.5‑liter cars. Moreover, one half of buyers chooses mechanics for bad roads, and the other - an automatic for the city.
Cars stand idle waiting for a buyer for an average of two to three weeks. Even specific turbo versions are quickly leaving, due to the limited supply on the market. In this segment, the Forester has no competitors that have similar driving characteristics and a competitive price.
An objective disadvantage compared to many classmates is the low quality of interior trim. But many more important excellent visibility and reliability of the car. Modifications with atmospheric engines, even on runs over 150,000 km, remain in good condition and do not require large investments.
Many appreciate the Forester for its proprietary all-wheel drive system, which provides good handling and good off-road performance. The original boxer motors are also attractive.
We thank the Pleiades technical centers (a branch of the Pleiades-Enthusiasts) and Oppozite Max for their help in preparing the material.
Subaru Forester is a small crossover that was released in the late 90s. It competed well with the Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail, WV Tiguan, Toyota Rav4 and Mazda CX-5.
Characteristics and features of motors
The Subaru Forester is the big brother of the Outback. It would not be logical to install small and low-power engines on a crossover of such a plan, so all vehicles are equipped with power units with a volume of 2.0 and 2.5 liters.
Subaru Forester Consider the main technical characteristics of each of the installed engines on the Subaru Forester:
| Name | Characteristics |
| Manufacturer | Gunma Oizumi Plant |
| Motor brand | EJ20 2.0 |
| Volume | 2.0 liters (1994 cc) |
| Power | 125-238 hp |
| Cylinder diameter | 92 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Number of valves | 16 |
| Compression ratio | 8.0 (EJ205WRX/EJ207/EJ20G/EJ20K) 8.5 (EJ205 Forester/EJ208) 9.0 (EJ205 WRX 2002+/EJ206/EJ208) 9.5 (EJ20X/EJ20Y) 9.7(EJ20J) 10.0 (EJ204 Impreza II) 10.1 (EJ201/EJ202/EJ20D) 10.2 (EJ204 Impreza III) |
| Fuel consumption | 12.1 liters for every 100 km in mixed mode |
| Engine oil | 0W-30 5W-30 5W-40 10W-30 10W-40 |
| Resource | 250+ thousand km |
| Applicability, except Forester | Subaru Impreza (WRX/STI) Subaru Legacy Isuzu Aska SAAB 9-2X |
The EJ20 engines are equipped with new cylinder heads with revised intake ports. Also, new lightweight pistons were installed. New 256/256 camshafts with 9.27/9.17mm lift (8.25/8.61mm in JDM version).
The piston group is located on the sides of the engine
Service
Maintenance of Forester motors is no different from standard power units of this class. Maintenance of engines is carried out at intervals of 15,000 km. Recommended maintenance should be carried out every 10,000 km. So, consider a detailed technical service card:
TO-1: Oil change, oil filter replacement. Carried out after the first 1000-1500 km of run. This stage is also called break-in, since the elements of the motor are lapped.
TO-2: The second maintenance is carried out after 10,000 km of run. So, the engine oil and filter are changed again, as well as the air filter element. At this stage, the pressure on the engine is also measured and the valves are adjusted.
TO-3: At this stage, which is performed after 20,000 km, a standard oil change procedure, fuel filter replacement, and diagnostics of all engine systems are carried out.
TO-4: The fourth maintenance is perhaps the easiest. After 30,000 km, only the oil and the oil filter element change.
TO-5: Fifth TO for the engine, like a second wind. A lot of things are changing this time. So, let's consider which elements will be replaced in the fifth maintenance:
- Change of oil.
- Oil filter replacement.
- Air filter replacement.
- Replacing the fuel filter element.
- If necessary, alternator belt.
- Water pump.
- Valve cover gasket.
- Other items that need to be replaced.
Subsequent maintenance is carried out according to the map of 2-5 maintenance for the corresponding mileage.
Typical malfunctions
All Subaru Forester power units have the same malfunctions. In principle, all motors are similar in design and characteristics. So, let's consider what common problems can be found on the Forester:
Subaru Forester engine in the engine compartment
- Floating revs and uneven idling. The reason lies in the firmware of the control unit. Installing the latest "Beta" version is not the best option, and therefore it is worth stopping at the penultimate firmware. It is more stable and will not bring problems.
- It's stalling. The cause is the camshaft gears, due to which oil pressure is lost in the engine.
- On motors of the FB series, there is often a problem with high oil consumption. This means that there is coking of the oil scraper rings.
- Problems with the catalyst. If the part quickly failed, then it is recommended that after replacing with a new element, also change the gas station. The fault was low-quality fuel.
- Knocking in the motors of the EJ20 series. This means that the 4th cylinder has overheated and there are malfunctions in the engine cooling system.
- Oil leak. Forester engines have short-lived camshaft seals. It is recommended to choose an analogue of the original part, only with the best quality.
Conclusion
Subaru Forester engines are quite reliable and of high quality. All of them have a high rating and respect of motorists, experts. Maintenance of the power unit can be carried out independently. As for repairs, it is recommended to contact a service station.
APPEARING on our market in the middle of spring, “Forester” immediately attracted the attention of motorists. Our crossovers are in high demand, and each new model is of interest to potential buyers. Nevertheless, even on Moscow roads, this car is still quite rare.
Why? One of the reasons, apparently, was the poor choice of motors. Or rather, alternative. If you prefer to move at a calm pace - take the basic modification with a two-liter “aspirated” that produces 150 forces. But you can forget about reckless driving - after all, 150 hp. not enough for a dynamic drive in an SUV weighing almost 1.5 tons ... If you like to inject adrenaline into your blood - please, there is another pole: the explosive nature of the 230-horsepower turbocharged engine allows you to drive fast, sometimes even too much. As soon as the tachometer needle crosses the 3,000 rpm mark, riders are literally pressed into the seats. But at low speeds, the return of the motor is small: in order not to stall at the start, you have to gas up and “play” with the clutch. Not the best option for driving in traffic jams.
Well, if the car owner does not want to choose according to the “either-or” principle? Previously, the Subaru Forester had no compromise option. Now it has appeared.
Although the 2.5-liter “aspirated” is only 22 hp. more powerful than a 2 liter engine, it is much more willing to overtake. On pressing the accelerator, this modification responds more adequately, without requiring unnecessary movements of the five-speed “mechanics” lever. There are no noticeable pickups, as in the turbo version. But the engine pulls smoothly throughout the entire rev range, which ensures decent behavior both in dynamic driving and in leisurely driving. You can safely roll in fifth gear along a suburban highway. If necessary, just add gas, and the crossover briskly rushes forward. True, on a car with a four-speed automatic transmission, acceleration is a little less dynamic - not the most modern “automatic” shifts gears with some delay.
With a 172-horsepower naturally aspirated engine, the Subaru Forester is suitable for both calm and reckless driving.
Off-road features
The 172-horsepower engine fit the “Subaru Forester”: with it, the car became more dynamic than the two-liter version, but at the same time more balanced than a car with a turbo engine.
A car with a manual transmission is equipped with a reduction range in the transmission. The lever of its inclusion is located between the front seats.
DIFFERENCES in engine performance are evident not only on the highway, but also on the “off-road”. To give journalists the opportunity to test the off-road qualities of the Forester, the organizers laid a special track in a sand pit.
And a car with a turbocharged engine did not feel well in the sand. Due to the lack of traction at low speeds, x had to switch to a lower stage - in this case, slip often occurred, and the crossover began to dig in. From acceleration, he confidently overcame areas with loose soil, but it is not always possible to accelerate ...
With atmospheric versions, such problems were not observed, especially since they have a downshift in their arsenal. It came in handy not only on the sand, but also on a steep climb - the crossover climbed the hill without any problems. Suppose a turbocharged car (without a step-down) would also have climbed, but ... slightly singing the clutch disc.
It is pointless to look for differences in the appearance or interior design of the new modification - they are not. The main and only change is the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, which gave the Forester a smooth character without sacrificing dynamics.
Over the past years, the Subaru Forester has been in the top ten most reliable cars, both in American and European ratings. With careful operation and regular maintenance, serious malfunctions in the operation of Subaru Forester engines do not occur on the first or even on the second hundred thousand kilometers. But the engines that are equipped with various models of this line have their weaknesses.
Features of Subaru Forester engines
The first Subaru Forester appeared on the market in 1997, 4 generations of these cars have changed in 20 years. Subaru Forester was equipped with gasoline and diesel horizontally opposed four-cylinder engines of 2 and 2.5 liters, with atmospheric and turbocharging. Over the years, engines with power from 122 to 263 hp were installed on the Subaru Forester. With.
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Auto modification |
Engine model |
Power, l. With. |
Peculiarities |
Release years |
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1 generation |
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atmospheric |
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atmospheric |
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turbocharged |
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turbocharged |
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EJ205 (Japan market) |
turbocharged |
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EJ251, EJ253, EJ25D, EJ25DZ (US market) |
atmospheric |
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2 generation |
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atmospheric |
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atmospheric |
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turbocharged |
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atmospheric |
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atmospheric |
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turbocharged |
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turbocharged |
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turbocharged |
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atmospheric |
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atmospheric |
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3rd generation |
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atmospheric |
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atmospheric |
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2.0 (Japan) SH5 |
atmospheric |
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2.0 Boxer Diesel SH |
diesel turbocharged |
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atmospheric |
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atmospheric |
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atmospheric |
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atmospheric |
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2.5 Turbo (Europe) SH9L |
turbocharged |
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turbocharged |
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2.5 Turbo S SH9LV |
turbocharged |
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4th generation |
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atmospheric |
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diesel turbocharged |
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turbocharged |
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atmospheric |
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Diesel engines use a variable geometry turbocharger, thanks to which it was possible to overcome the effect of turbo lag - a delayed reaction of the turbine to driver commands. They have a common rail injection system that reduces fuel consumption, reduces noise and toxic emissions in the exhaust.
Since 2011, engines of the FB and FA families have replaced the EJ generation engines. They are distinguished by a reduced cylinder diameter, an increased piston stroke. The contours of the cooling system of the cylinder block and its head were divided, the camber angle of the valves was changed. By improving the design of the oil pump and gas distribution mechanism (timing), the friction of parts has decreased. The engines have become not only more powerful, but also more economical than their predecessors, emissions have also been reduced by 10%¸.
Theoretically, the resource of boxer engines, due to their high strength, reaches a million kilometers. As practice shows, EJ engines require overhaul after several hundred thousand kilometers, and FB and FA engines are not used long enough to estimate their resource. But the manufacturers claim it is 30% more than the previous generation of boxer engines.
Common Subaru Forester Engine Problems
The first boxer engines were created by Volkswagen engineers in the 30s of the last century, and Subaru has been actively using this design since the 60s. The engines for it are manufactured by Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI). The cylinders of such an engine are located opposite each other in a horizontal plane, their camber angle is 180 °. Subaru uses boxer-type engines (Boxer) - the name is explained by the similarity of the movement of the pistons with the movements of boxers during a fight. Each piston with connecting rod is mounted on a separate connecting rod journal of the crankshaft, adjacent pistons always occupy the same position.
Clearly about the principle of operation of the boxer engine
Boxer engines are well balanced, provide stability and controllability of the car, are highly durable and rigid, their operation is accompanied by minimal vibration. The disadvantages of the design include high costs for production, maintenance and repair, the difficulty of access to the nodes, increased oil consumption. Subaru's FB and FA boxer engines are easier to access, making them easier to service and repair.
Despite the significant resource of boxer engines as a whole, their individual components and parts fail and need to be repaired or replaced. Common Subaru Forester engine problems include:
- in gasoline engines - leakage of valve cover gaskets and cylinder head, its damage;
- in diesel engines produced in 2008-2010 - a small resource of injectors, a particulate filter (it becomes clogged with a run of up to 150 thousand km), a crankshaft (may burst in the first hundred thousand km), as well as a clutch. In subsequent versions of diesel engines, these shortcomings were eliminated;
- in turbocharged ones - breakdowns of the turbocharger, in turbo engines with a volume of 2.5 liters - breakdown of the cylinder head gasket;
- in older models - the destruction of the front catalysts, the rear cans of the exhaust system, the breakdown of the rear lambda probe, in 2-liter gasoline engines, the cylinder head exhaust valves often burn;
- in new models - contamination of the recirculation system valve (EGR), damage to the sensor at the inlet of the variable valve timing system;
The cylinder head suffers mainly from overheating, which can be prevented by regularly cleaning the radiator and monitoring the coolant level. Turbocharged engines with a volume of 2.5 liters are even more sensitive to overheating compared to atmospheric ones. Already after 50 thousand kilometers, the cylinder block suffers in them, the partitions of the piston rings are destroyed, scoring appears on the cylinder walls, and the cylinder head is deformed. The weak points of the Subaru Forester engines include the timing chain tensioner. The timing chain drive, which is used in the latest generation engines, is considered more reliable.
Signs of engine failure may include:
- starting "cold" is difficult;
- at idle, the engine is unstable;
- under load there are tangible "failures" of power;
- dynamics is lost, traction weakens;
- engine operation is accompanied by smoke formation, the smoke may be white, black or gray;
- extraneous noise during operation - a dull or ringing knock, whistle, hiss.
Subaru Forester engine knock is a typical disease of EJ series engines that were produced before 1999. Most often, it is due to 2 reasons:
- clogged hydraulic compensator;
- the piston of the 4th cylinder knocks until the engine warms up (oil reaches the 4th cylinder last).
The hydraulic compensator can be replaced, sometimes an oil change is enough. Piston knock is not dangerous, it disappears after the engine warms up. But if the driver does not want to put up with this knock, you will have to change the piston and gasket set. Since such work requires assembly and disassembly of the engine, they are quite expensive. But the wear of the connecting rod or main bearing shells can also be the cause of the knock, this is already dangerous.
Some failures are associated with the imperfection of the engine design. The most reliable atmospheric gasoline engines, the most problematic - 2.5-liter turbocharged engines with a capacity of 230 liters. With. and diesel engines from 2008–2010. Subaru Forester ICEs are assembled on a sealant, so they often experience additional oil leaks through technological holes with plugs in the cylinder block and the front crankshaft oil seal. Leads to breakdowns and incorrect operation:
- in 2-liter engines, it is important to properly adjust the gas equipment, otherwise the cylinder head will suffer;
- turbocharged engines during the break-in period (the first 3 thousand kilometers) must be operated in a gentle mode, not overloaded;
- engines, especially cylinder heads, are sensitive to overheating, so you need to regularly clean the pipes of the cooling system, the radiator, and control the level of coolant and oil;
- it is extremely important to constantly monitor the level and timely change the oil in the Subaru Forester engine, and it matters which oil to fill in. It is recommended to change the oil and oil filters every 10,000 km, and even more often if the mileage is over 100,000 km. In hot weather, it is better to use oil with a higher viscosity, it will protect the engine from overheating;
- on Russian roads there is a high risk of mechanical damage to the engine crankcase, therefore, in addition to the regular boot, it is recommended to purchase and install crankcase protection.
Common types of repairs
Professional repair of the Subaru Forester 2.0 or 2.5 engine in Moscow is in demand. Due to the specific layout of the engine compartment, it is extremely difficult to maintain and repair boxer engines with your own hands. Even replacing spark plugs becomes a problem, replacing valve gaskets is even more difficult, and cylinder head gaskets cannot be changed at all without removing the engine. Most often, various gaskets (cylinder head, manifolds, covers, oil pan), crankshaft oil seal, toothed belt or timing chain, oil pump need to be replaced.
How much does a Subaru Forester engine repair and maintenance cost depends on what parts and assemblies need to be repaired or replaced. Replacing spark plugs will cost $36-40, about the same is the cost of an oxygen sensor (lambda probe). To replace the timing belt, which is recommended after 100 thousand kilometers, and then every 60-80 thousand km, you will need $ 120-230. Repair of the cylinder head will require more significant costs; work, taking into account the cost of spare parts, can cost $ 300-700.
The most time-consuming and costly work includes repair work:
- cylinder block;
- connecting rod and piston group;
- crankshaft.
Boring and honing of cylinders, replacement of piston rings and pistons, main and connecting rod bearings, grinding of cylinder heads and crankshaft are carried out. When repairing and overhauling 2.5-liter turbocharged engines, it is recommended to install reinforced pistons, cylinder head bolts, and thicker gaskets. Usually, individual spare parts are changed, it is possible to purchase an incomplete cylinder block, in which a crank mechanism and a piston group are already installed. And the valve mechanism, the camshaft use the old ones. The cylinder head is often subject to grinding, but can still be used. In more complex cases, the cylinder block and crankshaft are replaced as a whole, in a complete set.
If the engine is badly worn out, a complete cylinder block and a number of other components are required for a major overhaul. Replacing the engine may be more cost effective. Prices for the repair of boxer engines are quite high, the cost of spare parts is added to the cost of work. If the amount that was named in the service, having estimated the cost of a major overhaul, turns out to be too impressive, you should ask about the prices for Subaru contract engines.
Removing and replacing the entire engine is much easier and faster than sorting out the old one, changing, boring, grinding parts. Usually, when installing a contract engine, it is recommended to change the timing, clutch kit, gearbox input shaft oil seal, water pump. If a larger motor is installed, it is worth buying and replacing an intercooler.
The resource of Subaru Forester engines allows them to operate for a long time without repair, but the repair itself is complex and costly. Many car owners can replace the power unit with their own hands, unlike a major overhaul, which requires high qualifications. So buying a contract engine often saves time and money.
