Avoid these Subaru Forester years to prevent , problems, and . Discover performance concerns, issues, concerns, engine problems, and more.
Subaru Forester Years to Avoid
When it comes to purchasing a used Subaru Forester, it’s important to be aware of certain years that may have more issues than others. While the Forester is generally a reliable and well-loved vehicle, there are a few model years that have been known to have specific problems. In this section, we will explore the and concerns associated with various Forester model years, so you can make an informed decision when buying a used vehicle.
Common Issues with 2014 Forester
The 2014 Subaru Forester is a popular choice among SUV enthusiasts, but it does have a few to be aware of. One of the most reported problems is with the electrical system. Some owners have experienced issues with the battery draining quickly or the car not starting properly. Additionally, there have been about the CVT (continuously variable transmission) making a whining noise or jerking when shifting gears.
Another concern with the 2014 Forester is the oil consumption. Some owners have noticed that their vehicle consumes more oil than usual, which can lead to if not addressed promptly. It’s important to regularly check the oil level and top it up as needed to avoid any potential damage.
Known Problems with 2010 Forester
The 2010 Subaru Forester is a reliable vehicle overall, but there are a few that owners have reported. One issue is with the head gaskets. Some owners have experienced coolant leaks, which can lead to engine overheating and potential damage if not addressed promptly. It’s important to have the head gaskets checked regularly and replaced if necessary.
Another common problem with the 2010 Forester is with the suspension. Some owners have noticed a clunking or rattling noise when going over bumps or rough roads. This could be due to worn-out suspension components and may require replacement to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.
Performance Concerns with 2016 Forester
The 2016 Subaru Forester is known for its excellent performance and . However, there have been a few performance concerns reported by owners. One issue is with the acceleration. Some owners have noticed a delay or hesitation when pressing the gas pedal, especially when trying to merge onto highways or pass other vehicles. This can be frustrating and potentially dangerous in certain situations.
Another performance concern with the 2016 Forester is the handling. Some owners have reported that the vehicle feels unstable or wobbly when going around corners or at higher speeds. This could be due to worn-out suspension components or improper alignment, and it’s important to have these issues addressed to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
Reliability Concerns with 2012 Forester
The 2012 Subaru Forester is generally considered to be a reliable vehicle, but there are a few concerns that have been reported. One common issue is with the timing belt. Some owners have experienced premature wear or failure of the timing belt, which can lead to serious engine damage. It’s important to have the timing belt replaced at the recommended intervals to avoid any potential issues.
Another concern with the 2012 Forester is with the oil leaks. Some owners have noticed oil leaks from the engine or transmission, which can lead to a loss of lubrication and potential damage if not addressed promptly. It’s important to regularly inspect for any signs of oil leaks and have them repaired by a qualified mechanic.
Safety Concerns with 2018 Forester
The 2018 Subaru Forester is known for its excellent features and ratings. However, there have been a few concerns reported by owners. One issue is with the front passenger airbag sensor. Some owners have reported that the sensor may not detect a passenger in the front seat, which can result in the airbag not deploying in the event of a collision. It’s important to have this sensor checked and repaired if necessary to ensure the of all occupants.
Another concern with the 2018 Forester is with the headlights. Some owners have noticed that the headlights may not provide adequate visibility at night, especially on dark or poorly lit roads. It’s important to use high-quality bulbs and regularly inspect the headlights for any signs of damage or malfunction.
Issues with 2009 Forester Models
The 2009 Subaru Forester is a reliable and well-loved model, but there are a few issues that have been reported by owners. One common problem is with the catalytic converter. Some owners have experienced a failure of the catalytic converter, which can lead to a decrease in engine performance and increased emissions. It’s important to have the catalytic converter inspected and replaced if necessary to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Another issue with the 2009 Forester is with the power steering. Some owners have noticed a loss of power steering assist, which can make it difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower speeds or when parking. This could be due to a faulty power steering pump or a leak in the system, and it’s important to have these issues addressed to ensure safe and comfortable driving.
Engine Problems in 2015 Forester
The 2015 Subaru Forester is generally known for its reliable engine performance, but there have been a few reported by owners. One issue is with the oil consumption. Some owners have noticed that their vehicle consumes more oil than usual, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly. It’s important to regularly check the oil level and top it up as needed to avoid any potential issues.
Another engine problem with the 2015 Forester is with the timing chain tensioner. Some owners have reported a rattling or ticking noise coming from the engine, especially at startup. This could be due to a faulty timing chain tensioner, and it’s important to have it inspected and replaced if necessary to avoid any potential engine damage.
Transmission Issues in 2013 Forester
The 2013 Subaru Forester is generally considered to have a reliable transmission, but there have been a few issues reported by owners. One problem is with the automatic transmission. Some owners have experienced rough shifting or hesitation when changing gears, especially when accelerating or decelerating. This can be frustrating and potentially dangerous, especially in traffic or on steep hills. It’s important to have the transmission fluid checked and serviced regularly to ensure smooth and reliable shifting.
Another transmission issue with the 2013 Forester is with the manual transmission. Some owners have reported difficulty shifting gears, especially into reverse or first gear. This could be due to worn-out clutch components or a faulty transmission synchro, and it’s important to have these issues addressed to ensure proper and safe operation of the vehicle.
Electrical Problems in 2011 Forester
The 2011 Subaru Forester is generally a reliable vehicle, but there have been a few electrical problems reported by owners. One issue is with the power windows. Some owners have experienced problems with the power window switches, which can result in the windows not opening or closing properly. It’s important to have these switches inspected and replaced if necessary to ensure proper operation of the power windows.
Another electrical problem with the 2011 Forester is with the audio system. Some owners have reported issues with the radio or CD player, such as intermittent sound or difficulty reading CDs. This could be due to a faulty audio unit or a loose connection, and it’s important to have these issues addressed to ensure a pleasant and enjoyable driving experience.
Complaints about 2017 Forester Models
The 2017 Subaru Forester is generally well-regarded by owners, but there have been a few reported. One common complaint is with the infotainment system. Some owners have found the system to be slow or unresponsive, making it difficult to use features such as navigation or Bluetooth connectivity. It’s important to have the system updated or replaced if necessary to ensure a smooth and user-friendly experience.
Another complaint about the 2017 Forester is with the road noise. Some owners have noticed that the vehicle can be quite noisy, especially when driving at higher speeds or on rough roads. This could be due to insufficient sound insulation or worn-out tires, and it’s important to address these issues to ensure a quiet and comfortable ride.
In conclusion, while the Subaru Forester is generally a reliable and well-loved vehicle, it’s important to be aware of the specific issues and concerns associated with different model years. By considering the common problems and reported by owners, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a used Forester. Remember to have any potential issues inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic to ensure the longevity and of your Subaru Forester.
