Question 1

What is Boxer Diesel Crankshaft and Bearing Failure on the Subaru Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ)?

Accepted Answer

Early SJ diesels still carry the same core EE20 weakness as the SH, with bearing wear or crankshaft failure capable of ending the engine without much warning.

Question 2

What is Lineartronic CVT Valve Body Failure on the Subaru Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ)?

Accepted Answer

The SJ’s Lineartronic automatic can suffer failed solenoids in the valve body, bringing on warning lights, jerky take-up and expensive dealer quotes.

Question 3

What is Air-Conditioning Compressor Failure on the Subaru Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ)?

Accepted Answer

SJ Foresters can lose cooling because the compressor or clutch assembly wears out, a fault many owners only notice when summer arrives.

Question 4

What should I check when buying a used Subaru Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ)?

Accepted Answer

If you want a low-risk car, a well-serviced petrol is far easier to recommend than a late diesel.

Question 5

What should I check when buying a used Subaru Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ)?

Accepted Answer

On CVT cars, look for fluid changes around every 50,000 miles even if a seller calls the oil "sealed for life".

Question 6

What should I check when buying a used Subaru Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ)?

Accepted Answer

Test the air conditioning from cold and after a long idle, as weak compressors are a known Forester SJ annoyance.

Question 7

What years was the Subaru Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ) made?

Accepted Answer

The Subaru Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ) was produced from 2013 to 2018.

Subaru Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ)

Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ) Reliability & Common Faults

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