Thinking about buying a used Subaru Forester (1997–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 58 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, cooling, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
58
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$600–$1,800
Typical repair
8
Systems covered
Known Subaru Forester faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01EJ253 Timing Belt Tensioner Failure at 100k
CriticalOccasionalEngine $780–$9,500 to fix
The SJ Forester's EJ253 flat-four uses a rubber timing belt with a hydraulic tensioner and an idler pulley to drive the camshafts. Subaru's NZ and AU service schedule mandates belt and tensioner replacement at 100,000 km or 10 years. The hydraulic tensioner is subject to oil pressure loss and spring fatigue, and the idler pulley bearing can seize prematurely. If the tensioner collapses or the idler pulley seizes, the timing belt can slip or break without warning. Because the EJ25 is an interference engine, belt failure causes immediate piston-to-valve contact resulting in bent valves and, in most cases, total engine destruction requiring replacement. Many SJ Foresters in the used market have approaching or overdue timing belt services, making this a critical pre-purchase check.
Symptoms to notice
Ticking or rattling from the front of the engine at idle (early tensioner warning)
Sudden catastrophic engine failure with no warning if belt breaks
Engine cranks but does not start after belt slip event
No visible external symptoms before catastrophic failure in many cases
What to check
Verify the timing belt service date and mileage on the service record. Ask for the invoice showing belt, tensioner, idler pulley, and water pump were all replaced together. Do not purchase without documented timing belt service history if odometer exceeds 90,000 km. If a workshop inspection is possible: With engine running, listen for ticking from the timing belt cover area using a mechanic's stethoscope.
Where to look: Front of EJ253 engine, behind plastic timing belt cover on driver-side front
Ask the seller
“Has the timing belt been replaced, and at what mileage?”
“Were the tensioner, idler pulley, and water pump replaced at the same time?”
“Can you provide the invoice from the workshop that performed the service?”
“If the timing belt is overdue, will you reduce the price to cover the service cost?”
02Electric Power Steering Rack Rattle and Column Knock
MinorCommonElectrical $350–$2,400 to fix
The SH Forester introduced an electric power steering (EPS) system replacing the hydraulic rack of the SG generation. The EPS rack uses an electric motor driving the steering column or rack via a worm gear assembly, and the coupling between the motor output shaft and the rack can develop play as the plastic or nylon drive components wear. Additionally, the rack mounting bushes deteriorate and allow the rack housing to move under load, creating an audible knock through the steering wheel that is transmitted to the driver. Subaru issued a revised rack mounting kit and updated column coupling components to address the problem, but unmodified examples continue to exhibit the fault.
Symptoms to notice
Rattling or knocking noise that appears to come from the steering column or dashboard area when driving on uneven surfaces
Vibration felt through the steering wheel rim over rough road surfaces that is absent on smooth roads
What to check
With the engine running (EPS active), have a second person slowly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock while you listen from the engine bay and under the dash for rattling or knocking. Drive over a series of small bumps and note whether the noise comes through the steering wheel. Check the steering rack mounting bolts for looseness. If a workshop inspection is possible: Connect a diagnostic scanner to check for any EPS torque sensor or motor fault codes.
Where to look: Steering rack housing beneath the firewall and EPS motor coupling on the lower steering column; accessible from underneath the vehicle
Ask the seller
“Is there any rattle or knock from the steering when driving on rough roads or over speed bumps?”
“Has any steering noise been investigated by a Subaru dealer or steering specialist?”
TransmissionCritical
EngineCritical
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CoolingCritical
TransmissionMajor
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Fluid LeaksMajor
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Body & RustMajor
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Fluid LeaksMajor
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BrakesMajor
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ElectricalMinor
Body & RustMinor
EngineMinor
SuspensionMinor
SuspensionMinor
SuspensionMinor
ElectricalMinor
Body & RustMinor
Fluid LeaksMinor
SuspensionMinor
ElectricalMinor
56 more documented faults on the Subaru Forester
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 58 documented faults for the Subaru Forester, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and cooling. A Subaru Forester with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Subaru Forester?
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We've catalogued 58 known faults for the Subaru Forester, covering engine, transmission, and cooling. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Subaru Forester?
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Most single repairs on the Subaru Forester fall between $600–$1,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 58 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Subaru Forester?
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Yes. A Subaru Forester inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.