2014-2018 Subaru Forester Buyer's Guide (SJ Common problems, Options, Engines, Transmissions)

[@redmusichouse]

The best looking generation of Forester in my opinion. The lines are clean and not over styled - should stand the test of time.

[@alejandrodlv9251]

I have a 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i, naturally aspirated, has about 160,000 miles, no oil consumption, no breakdowns, I love the way it drives, when it rains I feel very safe because of its AWD. I have changed the oil in the transmission twice, as well as the differentials, changed the spark plugs, cleaned and changed the injector filter, battery, AC belt, really just simple maintenance. I drive 500 km a week and the vehicle is perfect. I recommend it 100%.

[@Kobryner1]

After driving Subaru Forester XT over 130.000kms all I can say is: by far the most reliable car I ever had during my almost 50 years behind the wheel. And no problems with excessive oil consumption which is changed regularly every 15.000kms...

[@S-u-r-e-n]

Which year XT you had brother. I am buying the 2015 XT with 100k miles on it.

[@Kobryner1]

@@S-u-r-e-n as long as you shall service it regularly, you should not have any problems driving another 150k miles..

[@marksandstrom4248]

I've owned an early-2017 model XT turbo CVT with EyeSight since new, now at 101,000 miles. Its oil consumption is still nil today, with the level still at max at my 5,000 mile changes. It also has never lost coolant, nor ever run badly. The transmission also has always and still does function perfectly, including a 10,000 mile trip towing a rented 1,000 lb trailer back 4 years ago. Problems I have encountered, however, include loosening of exhaust manifold bolts in 2017 (the subject of a recall a few years later; my car was fixed satisfactorily and it hasn't ever recurred), failure of the a/c condenser in 2020 (another recall item), failure of the front suspension lower control arm bushings in 2021 (causing an intermittent high speed vibration/noise), and breakage of several rusty wheel studs at my 2023 winter-tire swap-out. The car still looks and drives very nicely today. My lifetime average fuel economy is 22.5 miles per US gallon (yes, I've kept track of every tank and corrected for odometer error). All that said, my biggest complaint right from the start and still today is, the computer coders who designed the electronic gadgets were dumb in any number of ways - the stereo cannot be muted when the transmission is in Reverse, the seat position memory loses its place for height and needs resetting every month, "butt unlocking" means I cannot carry my key when inside my house with the car parked outside (it doesn't relock itself), the intermittent wiper delay intervals are badly spaced, etc. etc.

[@tommymas1]

While you cannot mute the stereo from the steering wheel controls while in reverse, you CAN turn down the volume using the actual head unit volume knob. I do it all the time. None of the steering wheel controls work when in reverse....it's a safety feature.

[@bb_lz9790]

Our '15 has had the windshield replaced several times (thanks to driving to AZ), never had to have the Eyesight recalibrated. Eyesight is frustrating, drive into snow or rain or the setting sun and it shuts off, IMHO when you need it most. Also, the Nav system generally sucks. The Bluetooth died requiring that the whole Nav system be replaced. Thank goodness that we popped for the extended warranty. Beyond that, it's been pretty reliable. We opted for the 2.5i because at the time, the XT required Premium gas and I was done buying that when I got rid of my Saab! The 2.5i has plenty of power and gets good fuel economy. I have never regretted not getting the XT.

[@CJyuzabuster]

Hello, Im looking at buying a used ‘15 right now, are there any other issues to note about this model? Im looking at a ‘15 with 78,000 miles on it

[@HossamElramy3]

I have a 2017 forester 2.5l CVT since 39k miles and now it’s 70k I haven’t had to add oil between oil changes I also changed he CVT oil once I got it to amsoil CVT and beet working flawlessly OH btw AMAZING ON GAS

[@noahmac9231]

I know this is 2 years old lol but how’s it held up?

[@pnb1131]

I love my 15' XT but ran into some problems this year. Had to replace Oil control valves, then just recently cam sprockets and a new ECU. Oil changes always done at 4-5k , all major services done including cvt fluid change and walnut blasting

[@simonbroddle754]

I've had an upgraded SJ since new. Now with 120,000 miles. A bronze coloured manual diesel has been amazing. Love every day I get into it. Works off road much of the time with my job and it's never let me down. I'd like a locking rear diff and perhaps a low range as 1st is quite high on some deeply rutted tracks. The only down side is the appalling infotainment system which simply isn't!

[@brooklynbummer]

I have a 201 Subaru Forester and the only thing replaced, was the battery, after five years. Runs smoothly and does not burn oil.

[@UsefulVids]

*OTHER REVIEWS TO WATCH*: Chevy: 1972-1987 Square Body Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWnSoJ-Kp9qDmrM 1988-1998 Silverado /Sierra Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pn3WXn6NiNqWoNE 1994-2004 S10 Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZ7JmHaFrbxpjqM 1999-2007 Silverado / Sierra Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gp6xZ5Krl9-sq6s 2007-2013 Silverado / Sierra Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYa7hZZrd6yrqa8 Ford: 2004-2008 F-150 Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqaxiH13bNJpadU 2009-2014 F-150 Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXrTdGCjfb5jrq8 1997-2004 F-150 Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5Kul5mLh9R5h7s 1998-2011 Ranger Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHavhqyogL5ki5Y 2005-2014 Mustang Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqPJoZqwmMx_f5o Mercedes: W211 E-Class Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6HTnYSKpZd3ibM W212 E-Class Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4q9hKGCr8mBppo W212 Best E-Class(?): kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3-pZqOfe7GGarc W204 C-Class Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKWmk5WoqLaEY7s W205 C-Class Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXm5dYBtdst-nK8 W222 S-Class Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3achmOwetCKmsk Mazda: 1990-1997 MX-5 Miata: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZuxc2CCl9CBibs Nissan: 2004-2015 Titan Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIeplY2bet56pKM HardBody Pickup Truck Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y561h4B4rqublas Subaru: 2014-2018 Subaru Forester SJ Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6OZameNls1shqM Lexus: 2001-2005 IS300 Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6XboIidZd-nntk Toyota: 1995-2004 1st Gen Tacoma Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaXcmZyFeZ19o5Y 2005-2015 2nd Gen Tacoma Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4uymXdmgLqSnaM 2000-2006 1st Gen Tundra Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6GsqoiZe6yZasU 2007-2020 2nd Gen Tundra Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJmrZYike9t9q6s Porsche: 2010-2016 Panamera Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZjMppivqNqLmrc 1999-2005 911 996 Buyer's guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKfHfq2Jbb2Xjs0

[@tonystylesofficial6844]

Regardless of how many mechanics and reports say a car is terrible there’s always those who say by far the best and most reliable car I’ve ever owned

[@alfredktn]

Very informative review of the Subaru SJ 5. Thumbs up pal

[@SmartDrug]

Great video, surprised at the lack of views/upvotes, it was very handy.

[@supadupadudacud]

I can attest to the weak windshield; I got mine in August, and by December, I had like 5 chips. Granted I was driving 80 miles a day round trip to work on the highway, but that's pretty excessive.

[@renorichard3257]

*********** I have a 2015 Subaru "Limited" I find the CVT Transmission Very smooth, and responsive, I did have the CVT Oil changed at 70,000 Miles " Subaru "claims" the Oil never needs changing ?? "BS" that's a fast way to trouble !! ********

[@n3clar]

Very informative, you deserve far more likes!

[@UsefulVids]

I appreciate that!

[@kruelzombieful]

Very informative video thanks. I want to get a used one with a manual trans but I'm afraid of of the oil consumption issue. Any thoughts out there?

[@daneurope9167]

all cars has problems but not all cars are like all subarus AWD..its worth the risk on second hand buyers..

[@TurboPersonalTraining]

I’m ehh, with the torque. Just picked up a 18, 2.0 turbo - it’s nice up top though.. maybe I just need to get used to it? EDIT: definitely had to get used to it. out of around 15 cars (not junk) this is my favorite one. super practical too

[@ThePhiloctopus]

It's a pity Subaru didn't offer you guys the turbo diesel option we got here in Aus, with 350Nm torque

[@UsefulVids]

@ 5:14 - should be 23mpg City / 27mpg HWY

[@Shine13373]

More like 19/24 in real life.

[@sparkydogsparky2992]

Agreed!@@Shine13373

[@surgej007]

Great Video .One of the best I have seen straight to the facts no BSTN pros n cons.I have a 2017 Forester that I have replace the windshield Two Times good thing my INS covers it but im sure they are raising a red flag already Two times in Three years thats crazy i never had a car suv that I had two change that often.Its a Lease Im thinking of returning it or maybe buying it.What would you guys do Return or Buy?

[@UsefulVids]

If you have enjoyed owning it, then you should buy it. Every vehicle has common issues/complaints, but the Forester's mix of AWD, practicality and space are hard to beat in my opinion. Thanks for watching!

[@surgej007]

Useful Vids Thank you.

[@vantom6194]

Take the Forester XT turbo it's the last of its kind now it has been discontinued by subaru.

[@destrowon1938]

Picked up a 2018 XT yesterday!

[@zig3]

@@destrowon1938 how's she holding up? I'm thinking about getting one

[@destrowon1938]

@@zig3 I love her. I dont hot rod her around or anything and shes just a daily driver but it's the best car I've owned. Turbo is sweet.

[@alfredktn]

XT model still exists. Subaru haven’t discontinued it

[@KarlGreen-h6i]

@@alfredktnthey discontinued the 2.0 turbo and now have a 2.4 turbo on the outback not yet on the forester

[@bridgetj3008]

Both the 2.0 and 2.5 engines burn a lot of oil then? Considering a 2018 because it seems to have the fewest reported complaints (NHTSA, Edmunds).

[@UsefulVids]

You'll want the 2.0 with CVT transmission. Lowest reports of oil consumption.

[@bridgetj3008]

@@UsefulVids Thank you - how about their CVTs, do you think they will hold up? Have never had one before.

[@UsefulVids]

@@bridgetj3008 Unfortunately, the CVTs have given problems to a number of owners. In an ideal world, we wouldn't have to use CVT transmissions to get the best mileage/emissions ratios. Subaru has extended the warranty of CVT transmissions to 10 years and 100K miles for certain models. Please see here: static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10150931-9999.pdf.

[@rone7518]

@@UsefulVids Is there an extended warranty for the 2017 MY also..?

[@u3962521]

So I was at a independent Subaru specialist today, with my SJ forester xt. And they advised they haven't had many issues with the SJ, but strongly advised to change oil and filter every 5-6000 km, don't do the standard Subaru reccomended oil changes, halve them and use 10-40 fully synthetic. Great vid. My CVT has done 94000 km so far no issue and it was suggested the transmission fluid to be done every 150,000 km

[@bk5885]

Very well summarized.

[@michaelcronk]

How do you feel about the 2015 forester 2.5i premium? It has 158k on it

[@UsefulVids]

Higher miles, but if priced right and well maintained it might be a good buy. Condition, records, and thorough inspection would be required for me to buy.

[@kman418911]

a/c compressor is known fault from factory

[@sparkydogsparky2992]

I've replaced the A/C dryer twice. Second time I was told that the compressor would fail and I'd need to replace it, too.

[@jonhill329]

You mention only 2 engine options, 2.5 NA, and the 2.0 turbo, but you didn't talk about the 2.0 NA version? any reason why?

[@TokinWhiteKid]

The 2.0 wasn't an option on the 2014-2018

[@jonhill329]

@@TokinWhiteKid My 2014 has 2.0 NA.

[@TokinWhiteKid]

@@jonhill329 interesting. What county are you in? It doesn't look like that was an option for the US market from what I can find online.

[@jonhill329]

@@TokinWhiteKid it wasnt, I doubt americans would buy it. It was available in the Australian and jdm market. I am in the Philippines, its fine here as you rarely travel above 45mph. Hell, one of the roads I have to travel to go grocery shopping is designated for 30kph........18mph....18MPH???? Ugh...people on bicycles go faster than that. anywho, if I was still in the US I would have got the XT., but for here, this is good enough. I actually miss my ridgeline, it would be perfect for here, but honda doesn't sell them in the philippines. :(

[@DSoLong]

Ive heard the 2.0XT is more prevalent to use alot of oil would make sense wouldnt it?

[@TommyBlazeHD]

The N/A FA20 motor is known for carbon buildup that needs to be cleaned out every 30k miles. Costs about $600 depending where you live. I have my heart set on a XT model.

[@514aam]

@@TommyBlazeHD about 50 bucks to clean valves in Colombia, love cheap labor over here

[@krupadrum]

I have a 14 FXT does not use oil. Drives great, plenty of power. 👍