8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
93,550 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. engine replacement or rebuild (3 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
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problem #4

Jun 142017

Forester Limited 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

We've had our 2009 Forrester 2.5 Limited since March of 2015. We bought it with 60,000 miles on it and we have 128,000 on it now. The first time I started noticing the excessive oil consumption was at about 95,000 miles when I did the timing belt. I changed the oil while I was at it and noticed it wasn't even hitting the dipstick. Ever since then, I've been extremely vigilant about checking the oil. A fellow employee at my work had a 2009 Forrester that seized the engine at 169,000 miles because it ran low on oil. Where you have to be most cautious is if you run a lot of highway speeds. It will consume oil at an alarming rate on a trip. I always carry 1 or 2 quarts in the car at all times. Another work friend has a 2014 Outback and says he has to watch for the same issue. It's sad that a modern car is just like the old days where our parents had to check the oil at every gas fill up.

- J. W., Goodlettsville, US

problem #3

Mar 102020

Forester 2.5L 4 cylender

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles

The extended warrantee people did not want to honor the contract. Had to prove all oil changes etc... then they replaced the engine only to learn the turbo had killed the engine, so the turbo had to be replaced as well. The warranty people... Carmax Care... bought a used engine that had only a 1 month warranty... it's 10K miles now and a year later and the lights are occurring again.

Luckily I'm still under the extended warranty; however, I'm sure it will be another nightmare arguing and no car for 2 weeks again. Same old story!

- Vera K., Manteno, US

problem #2

Oct 012011

Forester X 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,000 miles

Hi, I have Subaru Forester 2009 with 59,000 miles. This car /model burns 2 quarter every 1000 miles...total of 5 quarters between every oil change. Subaru was sued and they agreed to fix 2.5 engines between 2011-2014, but 2009 has the same engine too. There are so many recalls on this model, ECU, Airbags, oil consumption...etc. This car is peace of sh..!

- Lara F., Winchester, MA, US

problem #1

Jan 122016

Forester X 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,009 miles

engine oil ran out before oil change

My Subaru ran well, oil change was performed as usual every 3 to 5,0000 miles. Oil change was done first week in November 2015, the car had not come up oil change due date or mileage completion, without any warning the car shut down while driving on highway. The engine threw a rod and busted a hole in the top block. Car should not have run short of oil. I have had this car for less than 6 months. Disappointed with mishap, I didn't expect this from a Subaru car. I have read online that this is not new, so many have had this problem. Subaru's problem with oil running short has not been corrected, now cars 2011-15 are having the same problem. Any solutions to my problem would be welcome.

- mysubaru, Springfield, KY, US