IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2008–2013 Subaru Forester Mk3 (SH)

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2008–2013 Subaru Forester Mk3 (SH). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Boxer Diesel Crankshaft Failure

SeriousEngine

The EE20 diesel in SH Foresters is notorious for snapped crankshafts or spun main bearings, often turning the car into an uneconomic repair.

Most affected: 2.0D EE20

Estimated cost: £3,000–£6,000Affects: 2008–2013Often appears around: 80,000–120,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Deep metallic knocking
  • •Sudden loss of power
  • •Metal flakes in the oil

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Demand specialist-grade service history
  • ✓Listen carefully from cold and hot
  • ✓Be especially cautious with high-mileage 2.0D cars

Rear Self-Levelling Suspension Failure

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Factory self-levelling rear dampers lose pressure and leak, leaving the back of the car sagging when unladen and especially when towing or carrying weight.

Estimated cost: £500–£1,200Affects: 2008–2013Often appears around: 60,000+ miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Rear sits low
  • •Bouncy rear axle
  • •Fluid misting on rear dampers

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Compare both rear arch gaps
  • ✓Look for oil staining on the shocks
  • ✓Ask whether a standard spring-and-strut conversion has already been fitted

Rear Subframe and Mount Corrosion

ModerateBodywork & Rust

UK road salt can attack the rear subframe, suspension mounts and brake pipe area long before the body panels look especially rusty.

Estimated cost: £400–£1,500Affects: 2008–2013

Typical symptoms

  • •Heavy rust scaling underneath
  • •Advisories for corrosion near mounts
  • •Seized suspension bolts

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect the rear cradle on a ramp if possible
  • ✓Read past MOT corrosion advisories closely
  • ✓Check for fresh underseal hiding flaky metal

Buying Tips for the 2008 Subaru Forester Mk3 (SH)

  • ✓A diesel needs impeccable servicing and should sound smooth at idle; any deep knock is a walk-away warning.
  • ✓Check the rear ride height on level ground, as failed self-levelling dampers leave the car sitting noticeably low.
  • ✓Inspect the rear subframe, spring seats and inner arches carefully rather than relying on a clean MOT pass.

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Other Subaru Forester Mk3 (SH) Year Periods

2008–2013

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