Generations
SG — First Generation
1997–2002
2.0 naturally aspirated, 2.0 naturally aspirated, 2.0 naturally aspirated
SH — Second Generation
2002–2008
2.0 naturally aspirated, 2.0 turbodiesel, 2.0 naturally aspirated, 2.5 naturally aspirated, 2.5 naturally aspirated
SJ — Third Generation
2008–2013
2.0 naturally aspirated, 2.0 turbodiesel, 2.5 naturally aspirated, 2.5 naturally aspirated
SK — Fourth Generation
2013–2019
2.0 naturally aspirated, 2.0 naturally aspirated, 2.0 turbodiesel, 2.5 naturally aspirated
Top issues to watch for
The most serious Subaru Forester problems ranked by severity. We track 8 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.
Dangerous
Suspension component corrosion (SH/SJ/SK)
Forester suspension components, particularly control arms and their mounting points, suffer from accelerated corrosion compared to other vehicles. MOT data shows suspension component damage at 128.3 times the national fleet average on some variants. The issue affects control arm bushes, ball joints, and the metal components themselves. UK road salt and the Forester's design combine to trap moisture and accelerate corrosion around suspension mounting points. This creates both safety and MOT failure risks.
What happens if ignoredCorroded suspension components can fail suddenly, causing loss of vehicle control and potential accidents. Even minor suspension damage typically results in MOT failure. Repair costs vary widely depending on which components are affected, from £200 for simple bush replacement to £1,500+ if multiple components and mounting points need attention.
Independent garage
£200–£1,200
Specialist
£300–£1,500
Main dealer
£400–£2,000
Parts only
£100–£600
Major
Subframe corrosion (SH/SJ/SK)
The rear subframe on SH, SJ, and SK generation Foresters suffers from severe corrosion where the mounting points attach to the body shell. The subframe carries the rear suspension, differential, and exhaust mounting points. When corrosion compromises the mounting areas, the structural integrity of the vehicle is severely reduced, making it dangerous to drive. This is a well-documented issue affecting thousands of UK Foresters.
What happens if ignoredIf the subframe mounting points fail, the rear suspension and differential assembly can separate from the vehicle, causing immediate loss of control and potentially fatal consequences. The car becomes an immediate MOT failure and should not be driven. Repair typically requires cutting out corroded sections and welding in new metal, costing £1,500-£3,000 depending on the extent of damage.
Independent garage
£1,500–£2,500
Specialist
£2,000–£3,000
Main dealer
£2,500–£4,000
Parts only
£200–£500
Major
Head gasket failure (EJ)
EJ series engines in the Forester are prone to external head gasket leaks between the cylinder head and block, particularly affecting the coolant passages. This is a design weakness of the horizontally opposed engine layout where the gaskets are positioned vertically and subject to constant thermal cycling. The issue typically manifests as external coolant leaks rather than internal combustion chamber breaches. Early detection and repair prevents more serious cooling system damage and engine overheating. Later FB engines do not suffer from this specific gasket design issue.
What happens if ignoredExternal head gasket leaks lead to gradual coolant loss and potential engine overheating if not addressed. If coolant loss is significant and the engine overheats, serious internal engine damage can occur including warped cylinder heads or complete engine failure. Head gasket replacement typically costs £800-£2,000 depending on the extent of work required.
Independent garage
£800–£1,500
Specialist
£1,000–£2,000
Main dealer
£1,500–£2,500
Parts only
£150–£400
Major
Brake hose ferrule corrosion (SH/SJ/SK)
The brake hose end fittings (ferrules) on petrol Foresters corrode at 77.7 times the national fleet average according to MOT data. The ferrules are the metal crimped connections where flexible brake hoses connect to rigid brake lines or brake components. Corrosion at these points can cause brake fluid leaks and potentially brake line separation. This issue appears to affect petrol models more than diesels, possibly due to different routing or materials used. The high failure rate makes this a priority inspection item on any Forester.
What happens if ignoredCorroded brake hose ferrules can fail completely, causing sudden brake fluid loss and potentially total brake failure. Even minor corrosion typically results in MOT failure. Brake hose replacement is essential for safety and typically costs £200-£400 depending on how many hoses need replacement and whether brake system bleeding is required.
Independent garage
£200–£350
Specialist
£250–£400
Main dealer
£300–£500
Parts only
£80–£150
4 more known issues tracked
Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems.
MOT failure hotspots
Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Subaru Forester fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.
Anti-roll bar links worn
Suspension · 60-80k miles
MOT failure rate: 88x the fleet average
Sample: 1,379 tests
Suspension ball joints worn
Suspension · 80-100k miles
MOT failure rate: 58x the fleet average
Sample: 3,085 tests
Headlight fault
Lights & Electrics · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 34x the fleet average
Sample: 299 tests
Light unit fault
Lights & Electrics · 100-120k miles
MOT failure rate: 33x the fleet average
Sample: 714 tests
Subframe bushes or mounts worn
Suspension · 150k+ miles
MOT failure rate: 29x the fleet average
Sample: 3,215 tests
Suspension component damaged or corroded
Suspension · 0-20k miles
MOT failure rate: 29x the fleet average
Sample: 192 tests
Looking at a specific Subaru Forester?
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Related
- Subaru Forester buyer's guide
- Subaru Forester service history check
- Subaru Forester service schedule & costs
- Subaru Forester MOT failure rates
- How to check Subaru service history
- Buying a car without service history
- Subaru Forester car check £7.49
- Free car faults check
- Free MOT failure rate check
- Free car check
Subaru Forester reliability FAQs
What are the most common problems with the Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester has 8 known issues across 3 severity levels. The most serious are: Suspension component corrosion (SH/SJ/SK).
Is the Subaru Forester reliable?
The Subaru Forester has 1 dangerous and 6 major known issues. Most can be avoided with a thorough pre-purchase check and full service history.
How much does it cost to fix Subaru Forester problems?
Repair costs range widely. The most significant issue (Suspension component corrosion (SH/SJ/SK)) costs £200–£1,200 at an independent garage. Minor issues can be under £200. Always get a full inspection before buying.
Which Subaru Forester generation is most reliable?
The SG (1997–2002) has the fewest dangerous issues (0). However, condition and service history matter more than generation — a well-maintained earlier car can be more reliable than a neglected newer one.