How many drive belts does a Subaru Forester have?

Short answer: Most Subaru Forester models use a single drive belt—the serpentine belt—for all accessory pulleys. The timing belt (or timing chain) is separate and not counted among drive belts.

Beyond that, the belt arrangement can vary by engine family and model year, but the common setup for the Forester is one belt driving the alternator, power steering, and air conditioning, with a separate belt or chain handling the engine timing.

What counts as a drive belt

Before examining numbers, it's useful to distinguish between the accessory drive belt and the timing belt/chain. The drive belt powers components like the alternator, power steering pump, and AC compressor, while the timing belt/chain synchronizes the camshafts with the crankshaft. In most Forester configurations, there is one drive belt.

Typical belt configuration in Forester models

To set expectations, here is the common configuration encountered across modern Foresters.

• Serpentine belt (accessory drive): single belt that powers the alternator, power steering pump, AC compressor, and often the water pump depending on the engine.


• Timing belt or timing chain: separate from the drive belt, used to control engine cam timing. Some older Foresters used a timing belt; newer engines may use a timing chain instead. This is not a second drive belt.

In summary, the Forester typically uses one drive belt. The engine's timing belt/chain is a separate system and not counted as a drive belt.

Summary

Across the Subaru Forester lineup, the standard configuration is one belt for accessory drive (the serpentine belt) and a separate timing belt/chain for engine timing. Always confirm for your specific model year and engine code by checking the owner's manual or service guide.

Are serpentine belts the same as drive belts?

A drive belt is a general term for a belt that powers accessories, while a serpentine belt is a specific type of multi-ribbed drive belt that winds around and powers multiple engine accessories like the alternator, water pump, and A/C compressor. In modern cars, the terms are often used interchangeably because a single serpentine belt is the standard "drive belt" for most components, unlike older cars that used multiple separate "V-belts". 
This video explains the difference between a serpentine belt and a V-belt: 55sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Mar 23, 2023
Serpentine belt (Modern cars)

• Description: A single, wide, multi-ribbed belt that snakes around many pulleys. 
• Function: Powers multiple engine accessories, including the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and air conditioning compressor. 
• Advantages:
  • More efficient and durable than older V-belts. 
  • Uses a single belt to power all accessories, which is more compact and simpler to install. 
  • Modern cars often use an automatic tensioner to maintain consistent belt tightness. 

V-belts (Older cars)

• Description: Older, individual V-shaped belts. 
• Function: Each belt typically powered a single accessory or a small group of accessories. 
• Disadvantages:
  • Multiple belts were used, making the engine compartment more cluttered. 
  • If one belt breaks, it can cause other belts to slip. 
  • Older rubber compounds had a shorter lifespan. 

Important distinction: Timing belt 

• It is crucial not to confuse the serpentine/drive belt with a timing belt, as they are completely different. 
• The timing belt is located inside the engine and synchronizes the crankshaft and camshaft. 
• If a timing belt breaks, it can cause severe and expensive engine damage. 

What is the most common problem with the Subaru Forester?

The most common problem with the Subaru Forester is the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can suffer from issues like shuddering, delayed acceleration, and whining noises, and may require expensive repairs. Other frequent issues include problems with the engine (especially oil consumption), the electrical system, and, in certain model years, issues with windshields cracking and batteries dying quickly.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about Subaru Forester common problems: 51scar PROblemsYouTube · Feb 19, 2024
Transmission (CVT)

• Shuddering and jerking: This often occurs when accelerating from a stop.
• Delayed acceleration and slipping: The engine revs up but the car doesn't speed up as expected, which can be dangerous when merging.
• High-pitched whining: This can be a sign of worn pulley bearings inside the transmission.
• Repair cost: CVTs are often not rebuildable and require a complete, expensive replacement. 

Engine

• Excessive oil consumption: Many model years, particularly from the 2014-2018 generation, are known for burning through oil rapidly.
• Oil leaks: Leaks, often requiring expensive engine replacements, are another reported problem. 

Electrical and other issues

• Electrical malfunctions: Issues can range from infotainment system glitches and GPS errors to more serious problems like a battery dying prematurely or the EyeSight safety system turning off unexpectedly. 
• Air conditioning (AC): Some models experience AC failure that can be costly to fix. 
• Windshields: In the 2019-2024 generation, windshields can crack from small chips. 
• Airbag malfunctions: Older models, such as the 2009-2011, have been associated with malfunctioning airbags. 

This video explains some of the most common issues with the Subaru Forester, including the transmission and engine: 57sGear GazetteYouTube · Oct 23, 2025

How many belts does a Subaru Forester have?

Most Subaru Forester's have 1 or 2 drive belts and in some instances, it may be called a serpentine belt.

Do Subaru Foresters have timing belts or chains?

Older Subaru Foresters (1997-2010, US non-turbo) have a timing belt, while newer models (2011-present) use a timing chain, though there are exceptions for turbocharged models. The timing belt is a rubberized belt that needs periodic replacement, while the timing chain is a metal chain that generally lasts the life of the engine but can stretch or cause issues over time. 
You can watch this video to learn about the difference between timing belts and timing chains: 50sMrSubaru1387YouTube · May 18, 2025
Timing belt (typically 1997-2010 non-turbo US models)

• Material: Rubberized belt.
• Maintenance: Requires replacement at a specific mileage interval, typically around 105,000 miles.
• Identification: Often has a plastic cover. 

Timing chain (typically 2011-present non-turbo US models) 

• Material: Metal chain. 
• Maintenance: Designed to last the life of the engine, though it can stretch over high mileage, which may require replacement. 
• Identification: Often has an aluminum cover. 
• Symptoms of a problem: A check engine light or excessive noise from the timing cover. 

Exceptions and specific models

• 2009-2013 turbocharged models: These used a timing belt.
• 2014-2018 turbocharged models: These have a timing chain.
• Diesel models: These use a timing chain. 

This video demonstrates the process of removing and installing timing chains on Subaru FA/FB series engines: 59sMrSubaru1387YouTube · May 29, 2023