IsItAGoodCar

Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ) Problems by Year

The SJ is roomier and more family-friendly than the SH. Petrol cars are generally the safer used buy; diesel examples and neglected CVTs are where the big bills sit.

Select a year below to see the specific problems affecting that model year, with estimated repair costs and severity ratings.

3
Year Periods
3
Known Issues
2
Serious Faults
1
Moderate Issues

Select a Year Period

2016–20182 issues2014–20153 issues20133 issues

Browse Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ) in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for the Subaru Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ).

View Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ) Directory

Buying Tips for the Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ)

  • ✓If you want a low-risk car, a well-serviced petrol is far easier to recommend than a late diesel.
  • ✓On CVT cars, look for fluid changes around every 50,000 miles even if a seller calls the oil "sealed for life".
  • ✓Test the air conditioning from cold and after a long idle, as weak compressors are a known Forester SJ annoyance.
Check a Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ) by Registration