IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2013 Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ)

Launch-year SJ diesels are the ones most likely to overlap with the older EE20 engine horror stories.

3
Known Issues
2
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Boxer Diesel Crankshaft and Bearing Failure

SeriousEngine

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £3,000–£6,000
Warning Signs:

Knocking from the lower engine, Oil contamination with metallic debris, Abrupt engine failure

What to Inspect:
  • Treat patchy service history as a red flag
  • Listen for rumble at hot idle
  • Avoid cars that have spent their lives on short trips
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Lineartronic CVT Valve Body Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

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

Est. Repair Cost: £800–£1,800
Warning Signs:

"AT Oil Temp" warning, Jerky pull-away, Hesitation when coming to a stop

What to Inspect:
  • Ensure all dash warnings extinguish cleanly
  • Drive the car from cold and fully warm
  • Ask for evidence of CVT fluid servicing
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Air-Conditioning Compressor Failure

ModerateCooling System

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

Est. Repair Cost: £450–£900
Warning Signs:

AC blows warm at idle, Compressor chatter, Cooling fades in traffic

What to Inspect:
  • Run the climate control on a hot test drive
  • Listen for compressor noise when AC engages
  • Check for recent regas receipts that failed to fix the issue
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2013 Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ)

  • ✓Be extra cautious with early 2013 2.0D cars unless the history is unusually strong.
2014–2015
Check a 2013 Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ) by Registration