Oil consumption (2011–2014)
usually 40,000–150,000 km · High risk
model years 2011–2015 only
Signs: Topping up 1 L per 2,000 km
Fix: Dealer consumption test; short block
€0–5,000
Common faults, service intervals and costs
Subaru Forester IV (SJ)
2012–2018 · Subaru Forester 4 (SJ)
2
engines covered
4
known faults
6,498
roadworthiness tests in the statistics
10
official recalls
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The Subaru Forester IV (SJ) was built from 2012 to 2018.
For this generation we cover 2 engines and 4 known faults, each with the mileage range where it usually appears.
The most expensive known risk is Oil consumption (2011–2014): it usually appears at 40,000–150,000 km and costs €0–5,000 to fix.
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 50–100 thousand km this model most often failed on: suspension (8.6 %), lights, wipers and visibility (5.0 %), brakes (3.8 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: suspension. It fails less often than average on: tyres and wheels, lights, wipers and visibility, body and corrosion, exhaust, emissions and leaks.
Engines
| Engine | Fuel | Timing drive | Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 / 2.0 / 2.5 boxer (Subaru FB) | Petrol | Chain | 0W-20 · API SN · ~4.8 L · every 15,000 km |
| 2.0 D boxer diesel (Subaru EE20) | Diesel | Chain | 5W-30 · ACEA C3 · ~5.9 L · every 15,000 km |
Faults by engine
1.6 / 2.0 / 2.5 boxer (Subaru FB)
2.0 D boxer diesel (Subaru EE20)
DPF blockage (Euro 5 / 6)
usually 60,000–160,000 km · High risk
model years 2013–2019 only
Signs: DPF light, limp mode — short trips
Fix: Forced regeneration, clean or replace
€300–2,000
Gearboxes
Manual
Clutch wear
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
€500–900
Lineartronic CVT
Lineartronic judder / torque converter
usually 80,000–180,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Judder at low speed, whine
Fix: Fluid change; valve body / converter
€300–3,000
Scheduled service
Intervals and typical prices for the 1.6 / 2.0 / 2.5 boxer (Subaru FB) engine. Other engines differ in oil, timing drive and some filters; the app gives the exact plan.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer case / rear differential oilTransmission | every 80,000 km | €60–160 |
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| AWD coupling (Haldex) oil + filterTransmission | every 60,000 km or every 36 months | €60–150 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
Roadworthiness tests by mileage
Share of tests in the United Kingdom (DVSA MOT, 2024) that this model failed because of each system. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and mileage. Sample: 6,498 tests.
| thousand km | 0–50 | 50–100 | 100–150 | 150–200 | 200–250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 2.4 % | 3.8 % | 5.1 % | 7.1 % | 8.3 % |
| Suspension | 4.0 % | 8.6 % | 15.1 % | 18.1 % | 21.5 % |
| Steering | 0.2 % | 0.4 % | 0.7 % | 0.7 % | 1.2 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 2.3 % | 3.0 % | 4.4 % | 4.5 % | 5.9 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 4.0 % | 5.0 % | 9.4 % | 13.1 % | 21.2 % |
| Body and corrosion | 0.3 % | 0.5 % | 1.2 % | 1.6 % | 2.0 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 0.0 % | 0.5 % | 1.1 % | 2.6 % | 5.9 % |
Owner complaints in the US
Which systems owners reported to the US agency NHTSA and at what mileage. Complaints are not confirmed faults and some relate to recalls. Sample: 1,510 complaints.
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (10). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
- Engine / loss of power Potential failure of the ignition coil module causing engine stall and a none start condition01/11/2021 · R/2021/353
- Steering The bolts of the rear stabiliser bracket might become loose01/11/2021 · R/2021/352
- Engine / loss of power Due to improper ECM programming under certain circumstances the ignition coil may be energized longer than designed after the engine is off15/11/2020 · R/2020/316
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Silicone gas may seep into stop light switch housing and lead to a conduction failure08/04/2019 · R/2019/106
- Suspension / axles The load may exceed the valve spring's fatigue strength and the spring may fracture01/03/2019 · R/2019/025
- Engine / loss of power Clutch pipe may contact bulkhead wiring and potentially cause the engine to cut out01/01/2019 · R/2018/333
- Airbag Front passenger airbag inflator may rupture in a deployment event23/07/2018 · R/2018/141
- Steering Engine may stall01/08/2016 · R/2016/147
The other recalls (2) are listed in the app.
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 07/10/2026