Free used car buyer guide / SJ fourth generation / 2014-2018
Subaru Forester common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
7.4/10
1 walk-away risk, 1 serious fault, 6 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: fb25 excessive oil consumption. Score methodology.
The 2014-2018 Forester is worth buying only when the engine oil record and CVT behaviour are boring; a shiny SJ with low oil or a hot shudder is the wrong car. The big traps are early FB25 oil consumption, TR580 CVT valve-body/lockup faults, 2014-2016 brake-lamp-switch recall symptoms, rear coil spring corrosion/breakage, wheel-bearing noise, and XT turbo heat/leak neglect. The safest choice is a 2017-2018 2.5i with proof of CVT warranty status, stable oil level, completed recalls and no rear-suspension rust story. Current owners should track oil use by mileage and scan transmission faults early because both problems are much cheaper while they are still evidence, not aftermath.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
FB25 excessive oil
Best years
2017-2018
Best buys
- 2017-2018 2.5i CVT with stable oil level, complete recall file and no AT OIL TEMP history.
- Manual 2.5i if clutch and oil consumption check clean; avoids the CVT risk entirely.
- Forester XT only with frequent oil changes, cool-down discipline and no turbo smoke.
Inspect hard
- 2014-2015 FB25: oil consumption test history and short-block paperwork.
- Any CVT car beyond 80k miles: TCM scan and hot-road shudder test.
- Rust-belt cars: rear coil springs, subframe, exhaust and rear wheel bearings.
Avoid
- Oil light between services with no Subaru oil-consumption campaign trail.
- CVT warning lights, P2764/P0700, or a seller who says judder is normal.
- XT with blue smoke, oil-coked turbo lines or skipped 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.
FB25 2.5L naturally aspirated petrol, early oil-consumption build
2014-2015 most relevant, with adjacent FB25 coverage history
BUY ONLY AFTER OIL-USE CHECK
This is the common Forester engine, but early FB25 oil-control problems make paperwork important. A car that has passed an oil-consumption test or received short-block repair is easier to buy. A car that needs top-ups every 1,000 miles is not a normal used Subaru bargain.
FB25 2.5L naturally aspirated petrol, later SJ
2016-2018
BEST MAINSTREAM CHOICE
Later 2.5i Foresters are usually the cleanest ownership bet if the CVT is healthy. They still need checks for wheel bearings, rear springs, brake switch recall and oil leaks, but they are less dominated by the early oil-consumption campaign.
FA20DIT 2.0L turbo XT
2014-2018
FAST BUT SERVICE-SENSITIVE
The XT gives the Forester the pace people wish the 2.5i had, but turbo heat, direct injection, premium fuel, CVT load and oil-change discipline matter. A properly maintained XT is desirable; a tuned or neglected one can cost more than the price gap to a better car.
6-speed manual 2.5i
2014-2018 depending market/trim
GOOD SIMPLE BUY WITH CLUTCH PROOF
Manual cars avoid the TR580 valve-body story, which is a real advantage for long-term ownership. The trade is clutch wear, hill-start behaviour and fewer high-spec examples. Oil consumption still matters because the gearbox choice does not change the FB25.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2014
SJ generation launches with 2.5i and XT. Early 2.5i oil consumption, CVT overfill bulletins and launch-year recalls make paperwork critical.
Buyer: Treat 2014 as the highest-risk year. Buy only after oil-use proof, CVT scan and recall check.
Owner: If the engine still uses oil, start a measured log now; age makes goodwill harder, but evidence still helps.
2015
Same core platform, with early FB25 oil concerns still relevant and CVT owner complaints accumulating.
Buyer: A 2015 can be fine if the engine has a stable dipstick history. Avoid vague seller claims around oil and transmission behaviour.
Owner: Keep oil changes short and use Subaru-compatible fluids. Do not ignore early CVT judder.
2016
Brake-lamp-switch recall WUE-90 applies to 2014-2016 Forester. Oil-consumption risk is less dominant than launch years but not irrelevant.
Buyer: Confirm WUE-90 completion and test start/shift-out-of-park behaviour. Later 2.5i cars are better buys if the CVT is quiet.
Owner: If brake lights or start interlock behave oddly, fix the switch before it strands the car.
2017
Mid-cycle refresh with revised styling and equipment. A good 2017 2.5i is one of the better SJ targets.
Buyer: Focus on CVT scan, wheel bearings and rear spring rust. The car should feel mature, not loose.
Owner: Start proactive CVT fluid service if the car sees mountains, towing, heat or city use.
2018
Final SJ year before the SK Forester. CVT warranty-extension documents include 2018 Forester populations.
Buyer: Usually the safest year if maintenance is complete. Do not overpay for a final-year car with transmission warning history.
Owner: Keep the CVT warranty-extension notice and any goodwill communication; it matters around the 100k-mile boundary.
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
FB25 excessive oil consumption
Affects
Most important on 2014-2015 2.5i; adjacent FB25 campaign history matters by VIN/market.
Symptoms
Low oil between services, oil light, top-up bottles in the car, ticking/knock after low oil, failed Subaru oil-consumption test.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 if covered; EUR 4,000-8,000 for short-block repair outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none until low-oil damage causes misfire or cam timing faults.
Root cause: Oil-control problems at the piston/ring/short-block level allow abnormal consumption that routine service cannot cure.
Quick check
- Check dipstick before first start.
- Ask for Subaru oil-consumption test results.
- Review short-block replacement invoices.
- Look for oil bottles and top-up notes.
- Listen for chain/bearing noise after warm idle.
Buyer note
A documented repaired engine is acceptable; an engine that needs regular top-ups without proof is not.
Owner note
Run a written oil log. It is the only practical way to separate normal use from a campaign-level defect.
Fault 2
TR580 CVT valve-body and lockup solenoid failure
Affects
2014-2018 2.5i CVT, often 80k-140k miles; XT CVT load also deserves scrutiny.
Symptoms
AT OIL TEMP flashing, Christmas-tree dash, shudder from stop, hesitation, P0700/P2764, harsh engagement.
Typical repair cost
EUR 900-2,300 valve body; EUR 5,000-8,500 replacement transmission.
Codes / scan clues
P0700, P2764, P0841, P2750 and Subaru TCM pressure codes.
Root cause: Solenoids and hydraulic passages in the control valve assembly wear or contaminate, causing pressure and lockup control faults.
Quick check
- Scan the TCM with Subaru-capable equipment.
- Road-test hot at low speed and steady cruise.
- Ask about CVT warranty-extension status.
- Check fluid service history.
- Do not rely on generic OBD alone.
Buyer note
A Forester with active CVT codes is not a cheap fluid-service gamble.
Owner note
Get codes read while the warning is active. Clearing them before diagnosis weakens any goodwill case.
Fault 3
WUE-90 brake-lamp switch failure
Affects
2014-2016 Forester under Subaru WUE-90 / NHTSA 19V149.
Symptoms
Brake lights fail to illuminate, push-button car will not start, automatic/CVT car stuck in Park, ABS/VDC warnings.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 80-180 retail switch replacement.
Codes / scan clues
Brake switch and stop-lamp circuit codes in body/VDC modules.
Root cause: Contaminants can interfere with the brake-lamp switch contact, breaking the signal used by lamps, start logic and shift interlock.
Quick check
- Run the VIN for WUE-90 completion.
- Watch brake lights while pressing pedal lightly and firmly.
- Confirm shift-out-of-park is immediate.
- Scan VDC/body modules for brake switch history.
- Check the recall invoice date.
Buyer note
This is simple when closed and unacceptable when ignored.
Owner note
Keep the switch recall proof; it prevents future no-start confusion.
Fault 4
Rear coil spring corrosion and breakage
Affects
Rust-belt 2014-2018 Forester, with recall/owner reports concentrated on affected markets.
Symptoms
Rear corner sag, clunk, broken spring tail, tyre sidewall damage risk, uneven ride height.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under campaign where applicable; EUR 350-900 for rear springs/struts.
Codes / scan clues
None.
Root cause: Corrosion attacks the rear spring coating and steel, allowing the spring end to fracture.
Quick check
- Look at rear spring ends with the car safely raised.
- Check ride height side-to-side.
- Listen for rear clunks over speed bumps.
- Inspect tyres for inner-side damage.
- Ask whether rear springs were replaced under campaign.
Buyer note
Broken rear springs are common enough that a rust-country Forester deserves a lift inspection.
Owner note
Replace springs in axle pairs and inspect struts/mounts at the same time.
Fault 5
Rear wheel-bearing howl
Affects
2014-2018 Forester AWD, especially salt-road and high-mileage cars.
Symptoms
Speed-related hum, rumble that changes when loading a side, ABS sensor damage after hub work.
Typical repair cost
EUR 350-750 per bearing/hub.
Codes / scan clues
ABS wheel-speed codes if sensor is damaged.
Root cause: AWD load, water/salt intrusion and bearing wear produce rear hub noise earlier than many owners expect.
Quick check
- Drive 40-70 mph on smooth road.
- Gently weave to load each side.
- Check for matching tyres.
- Inspect rear backing plates and hubs for corrosion.
- Ask if bearings have already been replaced.
Buyer note
Bearing drone is a price item. Do not let tyre noise take the blame without inspection.
Owner note
Use quality hub assemblies; cheap bearings often bring the noise back.
Fault 6
Forester XT turbo oil leaks, smoke and heat stress
Affects
2014-2018 Forester XT FA20DIT, especially tuned or long-interval cars.
Symptoms
Blue smoke, oil smell, boost hesitation, turbo whine, low oil, misfire under load.
Typical repair cost
EUR 400-1,200 for leak/PCV/line work; EUR 1,500-3,500 for turbo-related repair.
Codes / scan clues
P0300-P0304, boost control and fuel-trim codes.
Root cause: Direct-injection turbo heat and high load punish long oil intervals, clogged PCV systems and poor tune quality.
Quick check
- Verify 5k-6k mile oil-change history.
- Check for aftermarket tune/intake/exhaust.
- Inspect turbo oil-feed/return areas.
- Watch for smoke after idle.
- Scan boost/fuel-trim data under load.
Buyer note
Buy the XT only when the history supports the performance. A tuned bargain is often the most expensive SJ.
Owner note
Keep oil intervals short and fix leaks early; turbo heat turns small seepage into bigger failures.
Fault 7
A/C condenser, compressor clutch and weak cooling
Affects
2014-2018 Forester, owner reports strongest as cars age.
Symptoms
A/C alternates cold and warm, compressor cycles rapidly, low refrigerant, condenser leak, poor cooling at idle.
Typical repair cost
EUR 250-900 for leak repair/condenser; EUR 800-1,500 if compressor is needed.
Codes / scan clues
HVAC pressure sensor codes possible; many cases have no stored code.
Root cause: Ageing condenser seals, stone damage, compressor clutch wear and refrigerant loss reduce cooling performance.
Quick check
- Test A/C at idle and during a road drive.
- Check condenser for staining or impact damage.
- Listen for compressor clutch cycling.
- Measure vent temperature.
- Ask whether refrigerant was only topped off.
Buyer note
Weak A/C is not a character trait; repeated top-offs mean a leak still exists.
Owner note
Repair the leak before the compressor runs low on oil and turns a small job into a large one.
Fault 8
Control-arm bushings, sway links and front suspension wear
Affects
2014-2018 Forester, more common on rough-road and high-mileage cars.
Symptoms
Clunks, wandering, uneven tyre wear, brake shimmy, loose steering feel, alignment that will not hold.
Typical repair cost
EUR 300-1,200 depending on arms, links, struts and alignment.
Codes / scan clues
None.
Root cause: Rubber bushings and links wear with age, salt and rough roads; Forester ride height puts more leverage into the suspension than a low hatchback.
Quick check
- Inspect front lower control-arm rear bushings.
- Listen over small sharp bumps.
- Check tyre shoulders for feathering.
- Brake from highway speed for shimmy.
- Review alignment history.
Buyer note
Loose suspension is not fatal, but it should be priced alongside tyres and alignment.
Owner note
Replace worn arms/links before buying tyres; otherwise the new tyres become the wear indicator.
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.
Documents
- VIN recall printout including WUE-90.
- Oil-consumption test or short-block paperwork for early 2.5i.
- CVT warranty-extension notice, claims or valve-body invoices.
- Turbo oil-change history for XT.
Walk around
- Check rear springs, subframe and exhaust for rust.
- Inspect tyre wear and wheel-bearing hum evidence.
- Look below engine for oil leaks.
- Check condenser face for damage.
In the car
- Verify brake lights, start interlock and shift-out-of-park.
- Test A/C vent temperature.
- Check all window, lock and hatch functions.
- Scan engine, TCM, ABS and body modules.
Test drive
- Road-test CVT hot at low speed and steady cruise.
- Listen for rear bearing hum at 40-70 mph.
- Brake firmly for shimmy.
- For XT, test boost without smoke or hesitation.
Scan tool
- TCM codes and CVT temperature history.
- Misfire counters and fuel trims.
- ABS wheel-speed history if hubs are noisy.
- Brake switch status in live data.
Bottom line
Buy: A 2017-2018 2.5i with quiet CVT, stable oil level, complete recalls and clean rear suspension is the sensible SJ Forester. A manual 2.5i is attractive if clutch wear is priced correctly.
Avoid: Avoid early 2.5i cars with undocumented oil use, any CVT car with active pressure/lockup codes, and XT examples with tune evidence but no oil-change discipline.
Quick answers
Subaru Forester buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Subaru Forester 2014-2018 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: FB25 excessive oil consumption; TR580 CVT valve-body and lockup solenoid failure; WUE-90 brake-lamp switch 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?
2017-2018 stand out in this generation. A 2017-2018 2.5i with quiet CVT, stable oil level, complete recalls and clean rear suspension is the sensible SJ Forester. A manual 2.5i is attractive if clutch wear is priced correctly.
Which Subaru Forester should I avoid?
Avoid early 2.5i cars with undocumented oil use, any CVT car with active pressure/lockup codes, and XT examples with tune evidence but no oil-change discipline.
Is the Subaru Forester 2014-2018 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 7.4/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 1 serious fault, 6 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: fb25 excessive oil consumption.
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
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC-10133516-9999.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC-10150931-9999.pdf
- oilconsumption.settlementclass.com: Class Notice.pdf
- carcomplaints.com: brake-lights-may-not-illuminate-19v149000.shtml
- subaru.oemdtc.com
- rohnertparktransmission.com: subaru-forester-cvt-problems-guide
- en.subaruclub.cz
- suvhelp.com: subaru-forester-problems
- autosafety.org: 2014-subaru-forester
- Forester owner oil-consumption discussion
- NHTSA WUE-90 owner notice
- Forester owner repair-cost thread
- Consumer Reports 2014 Forester reliability page