Free used car buyer guide / SH / third generation / 2009-2012
Subaru Forester common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
6.7/10
1 walk-away risk, 4 serious faults, 3 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: xt turbo oil starvation / banjo filter / turbo failure. Score methodology.
The 2009-2012 Forester is simple and useful, but it is not a buy-blind Subaru. 2009-2010 2.5 non-turbo cars still carry EJ253 head-gasket and timing-belt risk; 2011-2012 non-turbo cars move to FB25 timing-chain engines where oil consumption matters more. Turbo XT cars are fun but should be bought only with clean oil history, no banjo-filter/turbo evidence and no overheating.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
XT turbo oil starvation /
Best years
2011-2012
Best buys
- 2011-2012 FB25 manual/automatic with stable oil level and clean recall history.
- 2009-2010 EJ253 only with documented timing belt, head-gasket condition and cooling service.
- XT only as an enthusiast buy with specialist inspection.
Inspect hard
- Any non-turbo for oil leaks, catalyst codes and rear wheel bearings.
- Any 4EAT automatic for delayed engagement and fluid condition.
- Rust-belt cars for rear suspension/subframe corrosion.
Avoid
- Overheating, coolant smell or external head-gasket leak on EJ cars.
- FB25 using oil with no consumption-test history.
- Turbo XT with smoke, boost modifications or vague oil changes.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Subaru Forester viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Subaru Forester should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
EJ253 2.5 non-turbo
2009-2010
INSPECT HEAD GASKETS
Belt-driven EJ engine is durable when maintained, but external head-gasket seepage is the core buyer check.
FB25 2.5 non-turbo
2011-2012
BETTER GASKET STORY, CHECK OIL USE
Timing chain and newer architecture help, but oil consumption/short-block history must be checked.
EJ255 2.5 turbo XT
2009-2012
FAST BUT HIGHER RISK
Turbo, banjo filter, oil starvation and modification risk make it a specialist buy.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2009
SH generation launch with EJ253 and EJ255 XT.
Buyer: Check head gaskets, timing belt and rust before mileage.
Owner: Keep coolant and timing-belt evidence ready.
2010
Mature EJ non-turbo year.
Buyer: Good if gasket/cooling condition is proven.
Owner: Do not ignore small external coolant seepage.
2011
FB25 arrives on non-turbo Forester in many markets.
Buyer: Move inspection focus to oil consumption and recall status.
Owner: Check oil level frequently and document consumption.
2012
Final SH year.
Buyer: Best mainstream target if oil use and suspension/rust checks pass.
Owner: Resolve airbag/seatbelt recalls before sale.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
EJ253 external head-gasket seepage
Affects
2009-2010 2.5 non-turbo mainly.
Symptoms
Coolant smell, oil/coolant at head seam, overheating, bubbles in overflow.
Typical repair cost
USD 1,800-3,500; USD 5,000+ if overheated.
Codes / scan clues
P0128, misfire codes if overheating damage occurs.
Root cause: Ageing EJ head-gasket sealing and cooling-system wear.
Quick check
- Inspect head seams from underneath.
- Check coolant and overflow after road test.
- Verify timing belt/water pump service.
- Do not apply this risk equally to 2011-2012 FB25.
Fault 2
FB25 oil consumption / short-block risk
Affects
2011-2012 2.5 non-turbo.
Symptoms
Oil level drops between changes, blue smoke, low-oil light, engine noise.
Typical repair cost
USD 0-1,500 partial/covered; USD 4,000-7,000 short block.
Codes / scan clues
Misfire/catalyst codes may follow oil burning.
Root cause: Piston ring sealing variability on early FB engines.
Quick check
- Check dipstick before start.
- Ask for oil consumption test or short-block repair.
- Look for oil top-up bottles in car.
- Listen cold for knock from low-oil use.
Fault 3
XT turbo oil starvation / banjo filter / turbo failure
Affects
2009-2012 Forester XT EJ255.
Symptoms
Blue smoke, turbo whine, low boost, metal in oil, bearing noise.
Typical repair cost
USD 1,500-3,500 turbo/oil line repair; USD 5,000-10,000+ engine.
Codes / scan clues
P0299, misfire, knock/AVCS oil control faults.
Root cause: Oil feed restriction, old oil, heat and modification/tune stress.
Quick check
- Cold start and hot idle smoke check.
- Inspect service intervals and turbo invoices.
- Check for tune/downpipe/intake modifications.
- Scan boost and AVCS-related codes.
Fault 4
Takata airbag / seat belt and safety recall status
Affects
2009-2012 Forester depending VIN.
Symptoms
Open recall, SRS light, missing repair paperwork.
Typical repair cost
USD 0 recall.
Codes / scan clues
SRS faults if system issue exists.
Root cause: Recall-specific airbag/restraint component defects.
Quick check
- Run VIN through Subaru and NHTSA.
- Confirm recall completion invoice.
- Check SRS light proves out.
- Do not rely on seller memory.
Fault 5
4EAT delayed engagement or torque bind
Affects
Automatic Forester, especially neglected fluid or mismatched tyres.
Symptoms
Delayed Drive/Reverse, clunk, binding in tight turns.
Typical repair cost
USD 200-500 fluid/service; USD 900-2,000 duty solenoid/transfer clutch; USD 3,000+ transmission.
Codes / scan clues
P0741, AWD transfer/duty solenoid codes.
Root cause: Old ATF, transfer clutch wear and tyre circumference mismatch.
Quick check
- Cold select Drive/Reverse.
- Drive full-lock circles both directions.
- Check four matching tyres.
- Inspect ATF service history.
Fault 6
Rear wheel bearing and suspension bushing wear
Affects
2009-2012 all variants.
Symptoms
Rear hum, vibration, clunking, uneven tyre wear.
Typical repair cost
USD 300-800 per bearing; USD 600-1,600 suspension refresh.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none.
Root cause: Bearing wear, bushing ageing and road-salt corrosion.
Quick check
- Listen for speed-related hum.
- Inspect rear tyre wear.
- Check rear arms and bushings.
- Lift-check wheel play if possible.
Fault 7
Rusted rear subframe, brake lines and exhaust
Affects
Salt-region cars.
Symptoms
MOT/inspection advisories, brake seepage, exhaust leaks, crusty rear cradle.
Typical repair cost
USD 500-1,500 brake/exhaust; USD 2,000+ severe structure.
Codes / scan clues
ABS sensor faults possible when wiring corrodes.
Root cause: Road salt attacks rear underbody and brake hardware.
Quick check
- Inspect rear cradle and brake lines on lift.
- Look behind plastic covers.
- Check for fresh undercoat hiding corrosion.
- Road test brakes and ABS light.
Fault 8
P0420 catalyst efficiency after oil/head-gasket/misfire history
Affects
2.5 non-turbo and XT as mileage rises.
Symptoms
Check engine light, failed emissions, fuel smell, poor economy.
Typical repair cost
USD 300-900 diagnosis/sensors; USD 1,200-2,500 catalyst.
Codes / scan clues
P0420, oxygen sensor and misfire codes.
Root cause: Catalyst ageing accelerated by oil burning, coolant contamination or misfire.
Quick check
- Scan readiness monitors.
- Confirm codes were not recently cleared.
- Check oil/coolant/misfire root causes.
- Budget OEM converter in strict emissions areas.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
- VIN recall check for Subaru Forester 2009-2012.
- Service invoices matching the engine/drivetrain and mileage, not only stamped history.
- Inspect tyres, leaks, accident repair and water entry before the test drive.
- Look specifically for evidence related to EJ253 external head-gasket seepage.
- Check every warning light, infotainment function, climate mode, camera/sensor warning and battery condition before moving.
- Cold start, full warm-up, low-speed manoeuvres and motorway-speed pull for Subaru Forester.
- Recheck for smells, warning lights, harsh shifts, vibration or coolant/oil leaks after the drive.
- Scan engine, transmission, ABS/body and driver-assist modules where fitted.
- Treat cleared codes or incomplete readiness monitors as negotiation or walk-away evidence.
Bottom line
Buy: 2011-2012 FB25 manual/automatic with stable oil level and clean recall history. 2009-2010 EJ253 only with documented timing belt, head-gasket condition and cooling service.
Avoid: Overheating, coolant smell or external head-gasket leak on EJ cars. FB25 using oil with no consumption-test history.
Quick answers
Subaru Forester buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Subaru Forester 2009-2012 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: EJ253 external head-gasket seepage; FB25 oil consumption / short-block risk; XT turbo oil starvation / banjo filter / turbo failure. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Subaru Forester years are the best to buy?
2011-2012 stand out in this generation. 2011-2012 FB25 manual/automatic with stable oil level and clean recall history. 2009-2010 EJ253 only with documented timing belt, head-gasket condition and cooling service.
Which Subaru Forester should I avoid?
Overheating, coolant smell or external head-gasket leak on EJ cars. FB25 using oil with no consumption-test history.
Is the Subaru Forester 2009-2012 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 6.7/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 4 serious faults, 3 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: xt turbo oil starvation / banjo filter / turbo failure.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Subaru Forester guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- subaruforester.org: 2009-2013-forester.83
- repairpal.com: problems
- nhtsa.gov: recalls
- carcomplaints.com: subaru-oil-consumption-lawsuit-settlement.shtml
- subaru.com: recalls.html
- forums.nasioc.com: forums
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- subaruforester.org: transmission-driveline.64
- consumerreports.org: forester