10.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$5,930
Average Mileage:
85,250 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace engine (2 reports)
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problem #2

Mar 092020

Forester 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,443 miles

click to see larger images

engine failure engine failure

I hope to save people from heartache and financial loss with my story. Subaru engines appear to be highly questionable from head gaskets to excessive oil consumption and instead of a recall they just extend warranties a little bit.

In 2016 there was a class action lawsuit against Subaru for the very issue I had - excessive oil consumption & engine failure https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/closed-settlements/332670-subaru-oil-burning-class-action-settlement/

In January of 2020 I purchased a used 2011 Subaru Forester in Ohio with 56,600 miles. 42 days and 1,800 miles later, while on a trip back from Philly had issues in Maryland. Two different mechanics looked at the vehicle (one that specialized in Subaru's) and found the engine failed, there was no oil left, no evidence of an oil leak and therefore the engine was burning oil at a crazy rate. The vehicle had just gotten an oil change at the dealership before I purchased it.

Eventually I came across the class action lawsuit against Subaru and how Subaru extended the original warranty to 8 years / 100,000 miles. So obviously this is what happened to my vehicle. Since it was only a couple months past 8 years old, and well under 100,000 miles, I called Subaru of America to see if they could do anything to help me out. They refused to even consider helping me since "there was not an oil consumption test completed by an authorized Subaru dealership before the engine failed". Like a car burning through all of its oil in 1,800 miles and 42 days wasn’t enough of an oil consumption test!. When I asked to speak with a manager they said that was impossible.

If you want the adventure of being stranded in the middle of Maryland for 3 days at a best western hotel go with Subaru. If not, learn from my mistake and buy a Toyota, Honda, Ford or anything else.

- Jay V., Columbus, OH, US

problem #1

Oct 202018

Forester Limited 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,000 miles

Engine failed after 112,000 miles without giving any warning.

All the maintenance is done by the Subaru dealer. Subaru did not help.

This is a high maintenance car with very poor quality. Acceleration, Cabin noise and Vibrations are other issues you need to dealt with.

- sanjayapte, San Ramon, US