Subaru Forester Questions & Answers

No issues at all. Its a great car. Depending on where you live would determinethe price, I would expect to pay $45,000Aud

Thankyou,I forgot to mention it is 50 yr edition

You first have to know what engine is in it. The earlier EJ turbo with rubber timing belt was carried over in the S3. In 2011 the new FB normally-aspirated engine with chain drive was fitted along with the EJ turbo. Some EJ engines had head gasket issues. As in the case of my FB engine it uses a lot of engine oil but these engines can also leak along the join line where the cylinder head is split to hold the camshafts. Both engines require the engine to be lifted out to do a proper repair. As far as I know the S3 was only fitted with the old 4-speed 4EAT which is said to be very reliable. The first of the CVT gearboxes were fitted in the next model and the internet indicates some owners reported some issues,

Bob, we would love to help you find out. You may contact our Customer Relations team on 1800 22 66 43 so we can better assist you. Warm Regards, The Subaru Team

Sorry, I can't help. Mine works fine with a Chinese Android phone

Hi Margaret, we are saddened to hear about the concern presenting with your vehicle and would love to help you solve this. Please reach out to our customer relations team on 1800 22 66 43 or email feedback@subaru.com.au providing the opportunity for a case manager to assist you further. Kind Regards, The Subaru Team

I think I have solved the issue. I found a solution online. I have reset the system by pressing on/off, tune and cd eject buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds

Anup, we would love to help you find out. Please reach out to us on 1800 22 66 43 or alternatively you may email feedback@subaru.com.au providing the opportunity for a case manager to investigate further. Kind Regards, The Subaru Team

Hi Anna, great question! The Auto stop/start feature can only be temporarily disabled each time you drive the vehicle. Subaru Australia does not recommend any modifications away from the original factory specifications. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our team on 1800 22 66 43 or email feedback@subaru.com.au

Kind Regards, The Subaru Team

Subaru Glen Waverley is an excellent repair shop. I have a similar aged car but have not had any problems to date.

I live in Brisbane city.

Hi Amar, we are truly sorry to hear of the concern presenting with your vehicle. We encourage you to send an email to our Customer Relations Team feedback@subaru.com.au providing the opportunity for a case manager to investigate your concerns further, alternatively you may contact 1800 22 66 43. Kind Regards, The Subaru Team

Hi Mike, we'd love to help you out please call our Customer Relations Team on 1800 22 66 43 (Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm AEST). We look forward in hearing from you. Kind Regards The Subaru Team

I wouldn’t be surprised if you understand how they calculate fuel consumption check this out external link  I never achieved the urban consumption on the brochure because I do a lot of cold start short runaround in hilly suburb although it’s ‘in the town’.

And you do know Subaru’s awd uses more fuel than on demand 4x4 like that many other competitors have right? you can’t have it all.

And yes some 2.0 turbo might do better but turbo drinks 95+ premium.

And tyres? you will be surprised how they affects fuel efficiency and that’s something you can control.

Thanks, just a bit disappointed with the fuel use. I run it mainly on 98 anyway and was hoping that would help, but has made no difference. Previous car was also an AWD and 100kg heavier, but produced 30% more power and 40+% more torque, yet still gave better fuel economy than the Forester. It has a 6 speed auto though, which seemed to me much better match for the engine around town than the Subaru's CVT. Not a fan of the CVT in ths one.

Tires always all standard and kept at recommended pressures.

So, I would buy a Subie again if I mainly did longer commutes and country runs. Great for that, but I wouldn't buy again as a town car.

Hi Andy, we really appreciate you taking the time in sharing your feedback. Fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission figures quoted are measured in accordance with Australian Design Rule 81/02 and are for comparison purposes only. Real world results may vary based on individual driving circumstances e.g. traffic conditions, driving style, vehicle modifications, fuel quality, climatic conditions etc. Quoted figures may not reflect real world fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. We'd love to discuss this further with you, please send us an email at feedback@subaru.com.au . Kind Regards The Subaru Team

Quoted fuel consumption figures are like quoted property prices. (+15%) *results not typical

Hi Jeff. TBH the last 2 cars I purchased were brand new. But, if I did buy a used car I would ensure that it was checked by someone who had a good understanding of engines. If unable to do this I would ensure that this “surge” was part of the warranty if/when you purchase. A new clutch isn’t cheap to replace as I replaced one on my CRV and cost $3000+ (genuine parts of course). Good luck.

Hi Jeff, we are sorry to hear this. You may contact your local Subaru Service team to assist in diagnosing the vehicle. If we are able to assist please reach out at feedback@subaru.com.au . Regards The Subaru Team

Mine does it as well ... Mines settled a lot from me simply toe tapping the accelerator gently when it did the surge thing. It doesn't cause the engine any harm, the other easy option is to ride the clutch very gently when it surges and this settles it into idle immediately. Or ,,, could get a mechanic to check it out lol

...a year on, did buy the car for my daughter. Love this car, so steady on road and fun to drive. Like you say, it has settled down quite a bit (or maybe we have just gotten used to it). Hasn't annoyed us enough to take it to a mechanic yet. Thanks for your input.

Hi Terrance, thank you for reaching out. We encourage you to visit your local Subaru service team for a diagnostic service to determine the issue with your vehicle. I have attached the below link to locate your nearest Subaru Service team external link  .If there is anything further that we can assist you with please do not hesitate to get into touch 1800 22 66 43 (Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm AEST). The Subaru Team

Hi Bob, We are so sorry to hear this and would like to hear more. Could you please contact us at feedback@subaru.com.au or you may call our Customer Relations Team on 1800 22 66 43 (Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm AEST). We look forward in hearing from you. The Subaru Team

Arthur, my Foester is petrol so I cannot make any comparison with diesel.

My Forester (2010 diesel) has had this problem appear after 250K ..I took it to the mechanic and he did a "burn off" after which it was alright for a while. Now the light is coming on and sometimes the engine light as well but it also disappears as well? Anyway I have had 6 Subarus and yes I love them but I wouldn't buy a diesel again and I live in the country definitely wouldn't buy one for city driving as the diesel need long highway country runs to burn off the soot? I really hope Subaru doesn't let the quality of their cars slip. All cars/makes/brands have "issues" it just how much it takes to repairs these which you need to take into account.. VW (never buy one) is on another planet with spare parts which you WILL need in dire course..I have been happy with all my previous models and probably would buy another or a Toyota which are probably the most reliable cars out..

after 4 months of constant issues with the dpf we removed the old dpf and sent it to western australia for an inspection prior to another clean , upon a camera inspection they discovered the insides were damaged $3500 later a new dpf aftermarket , egr and manifold clean and most important change in driving style ( drive it like you stole it and do not use 6th gear unless you are in 110klm zone ) and only drive in 3rd gear around the city. fuel consumption has only increased by .5l/100 klm but no lights or mechanic bills since this we have the dpf light come on once then went out performed a scan and we had completed a regen burn 20klm ago which is half way to town

It would be worth checking whether the excessive oil consumption issue is contributing to the DPF build up. A class action (regarding these models 2011-14 Forester 2.5-litre, 2013 Legacy 2.5-litre, 2013 Outback 2.5-litre, 2012-13 Impreza 2-litre and 2013 XV Crosstek 2-litre) was settled in the US in 2014.

external link 

Hey Misty P and Chris I was having an ongoing headache with the DPF in my 2013 Forester - taking to mechanic for burnoff, then having it happening again a week later. This went on for months and ended up having to replace the DPF. The problems continued after that. Most of my driving is on country roads, so no question about it getting hot enough. At end of my tether, I tried a fuel additive which IMMEDIATELY fixed the problem, and 15 months later have never even had the DPF light flicker since. The additive is called FTC Decarboniser, made by Cost Effective Maintenance in Qld. Put about 25ml in before filling tank. I litre has lasted 12 months - call Jimmy and he is really helpful and great service. external link  Cheers Geoff

Hi @ Grime, There is the possibility that there will be changes to the Forester but we do not have any confirmed specs as of yet. Please keep an eye on our website for any new vehicle announcements. The Subaru Team.

Subaru recommends 230Kpa for front and rear but to increase the rear to 270Kpa when towing. That's all I know. Cheers

hi Mike Who is right? robert

Hi @ KSC, The Outback is currently our only model with automatic door locking. The Subaru Team.

Any truth in the rumour that Subaru Australia is enabling auto door locking again in new Forester for 2020?

Hi @ Grime, Thanks for getting in touch. There is no confirmed news at this stage that automatic door locking will be available in the next Forester but please keep an eye on our website for all new vehicle announcements. The Subaru Team. external link