Subaru Forester 2014–2018Common problems, reliability & repair costs

Symptoms: Oil level dropping noticeably between changes — sometimes a quart every 1,000–1,500 miles — often with no visible leak and little smoke. Low-oil warnings if not topped up. Worst on early-build cars.

Fix: Subaru's documented fix is an oil-consumption test followed by a piston-ring/short-block repair if it fails. The class-action settlement (Yaegar v. Subaru) extended the engine warranty to 8 years/100,000 miles for this issue and reimbursed prior repairs. Out of coverage, a ring/short-block job is the realistic fix; many owners simply manage it by checking and topping oil.

Sources: Subaru oil consumption class action (Class Law Group), Subaru settles oil-burning class action (Top Class Actions), NHTSA complaints — 2014 Forester engine

Symptoms: Shudder or judder on light acceleration, hesitation or jerking from a stop, and in worst cases loss of drive. Most complaints cluster on the earliest cars; later builds and firmware are markedly better.

Fix: Fluid service and a reflash resolve many early shudder complaints; a failed transmission needs a reman or replacement unit. Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles on these cars, so confirm coverage before assuming the worst.

Sources: Subaru CVT reliability and common issues (Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice), NHTSA complaints — 2015 Forester powertrain

Symptoms: Cracks that appear with no obvious impact — often starting from the edge or low on the glass, sometimes overnight or in temperature swings. Tied to the acoustic-glass windshields Subaru introduced around MY2017.

Fix: Windshield replacement. On EyeSight-equipped cars the forward-facing camera must be recalibrated after replacement, which adds cost. A separate class action covered 2017–2019 Forester/Outback/Legacy with reimbursements and extended coverage for eligible owners.

Sources: Subaru cracked-windshield defect lawsuits (ClassAction.org), New ruling in Subaru cracked-windshield lawsuit (Torque News)

Symptoms: Car won't start after sitting a few days; repeatedly dead or weak battery despite the battery testing okay. Linked to parasitic draw from the vehicle's electronics rather than a single failed component.

Fix: Often a stronger replacement battery solves it; persistent cases need a parasitic-draw test to find the offending circuit or module. Many owners fit a higher-capacity battery as the practical fix.

Sources: Subaru Forester battery draining causes + diagnosis (Drivetrain Resource)

Symptoms: A clunk or sag at one rear corner, sometimes a broken coil found at inspection. More common on early cars in road-salt regions where corrosion plays a role.

Fix: Replace the broken spring (replacing in pairs is good practice) and inspect the mating perches for corrosion. A straightforward suspension job.

Sources: Subaru Forester common problems (CarBuzz)

Symptoms: Brake lights may not come on when the pedal is pressed (or stay on), due to a brake-light switch issue. A safety recall covered a large number of these vehicles.

Fix: Recall repair — done free at a Subaru dealer if the VIN is open. Outside recall it's an inexpensive brake-light switch replacement. Verify the recall was completed by VIN.

Sources: NHTSA recalls — 2015 Forester

Tools: Floor jack + jack stands or ramps, 17mm socket or wrench (drain plug), Oil filter cap wrench, Drain pan + funnel

1. Warm the engine briefly, then safely raise and support the front of the car.
2. Remove the drain plug and let the oil fully drain; replace the crush washer.
3. Spin off the cartridge/filter, lube the new filter's seal, and install it to spec.
4. Reinstall the drain plug, then refill with the correct synthetic oil (about 5 quarts).
5. Run the engine, check for leaks, then recheck the level on level ground. Note the level so you can track consumption.

Tools: Hands only (cabin filter behind glovebox), Flat screwdriver (airbox clips, if needed)

1. Open the glovebox, squeeze in the side stops to drop it fully, and pull out the cabin-filter cover.
2. Slide out the old cabin filter and insert the new one with the airflow arrow pointing down.
3. Unclip the engine airbox lid, lift out the old panel filter, drop in the new one, and re-clip the lid.

Tools: Floor jack + jack stands, Socket set + breaker bar, Penetrating oil, Torque wrench

1. Raise and support the rear, then remove the wheel on the affected side.
2. Support the rear knuckle/lower arm with a jack to control spring tension.
3. Loosen the lower shock or arm fasteners as needed and carefully relieve spring tension.
4. Remove the old spring and isolators; transfer or replace the isolators on the new spring.
5. Seat the new spring correctly, reassemble, torque fasteners to spec, and reinstall the wheel.
6. Lower the car and check ride height; replacing both sides keeps the rear even.