Common Problems with the
2016–2018 Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ)

We've identified 2 known issues that can affect the 2016–2018 Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

Known Issues

Serious

Moderate

Minor

The 2016–2018 period has 1 more issue than the Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

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.

Estimated cost: £800–£1,800Affects: 2013–2018Often appears around: 70,000–100,000 miles

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

✓Ensure all dash warnings extinguish cleanly
✓Drive the car from cold and fully warm
✓Ask for evidence of CVT fluid servicing

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.

Estimated cost: £450–£900Affects: 2013–2018

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

✓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

Buying Tips for the 2016 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.

2014–2015 Subaru Forester Mk4 (SJ)