How many miles will a Subaru Forester engine last?

Most Subaru Forester engines can run well beyond 200,000 miles with diligent maintenance; many owners report 250,000 to 300,000 miles, and some exceed 300,000 with careful upkeep.

What determines how long a Forester's engine lasts

Several factors influence how long a Forester's engine will last, including maintenance habits, driving conditions, climate, and model-year design changes. Understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations for remaining life.

• Maintenance history: regular oil changes, timely belt/chain replacement, coolant changes, and prompt repairs dramatically affect longevity.


• Driving style and usage: frequent short trips, heavy towing, or aggressive driving can accelerate wear and reduce life.


• Engine design and reliability: different generations use different timing systems and gasket designs; newer engines generally have improved reliability.


• Cooling system health: overheating or coolant leaks accelerate wear and increase head gasket risk.


• Past repairs and quality parts: prior engine work, quality components, and correct torque specs matter.


• Environment and maintenance resources: access to quality mechanics, parts, and adherence to service schedules.

In short, how long a Forester engine lasts is largely a function of upkeep, parts quality, and driving conditions.

Model-year reliability highlights

Subaru has updated engine technologies over time. Older engines faced issues such as head-gasket failures and belt-driven timing in some generations, while newer powerplants emphasize chain-driven timing and improved gasket design. The exact reliability varies by model year and service history.

Maintenance and care to maximize engine life

To push mileage higher, follow a rigorous maintenance routine and address problems promptly before they become severe. The following practices are widely recommended by Subaru and independent experts.

Before listing maintenance steps, here is what to expect in terms practical actions you should take:

• Adhere to the factory-recommended service intervals for oil changes (synthetic oil is commonly advised), filter changes, coolant flushes, and periodic inspections.


• Replace the timing belt or chain per the engine type; when a belt is involved, replace the belt and water pump together to prevent an expensive failure; for chain-driven designs, follow chain inspection guidelines and timing alignment checks as recommended.


• Keep the cooling system in good shape: fix leaks promptly, replace worn hoses, radiator, and thermostat as needed, ensure proper coolant levels and mix.


• Replace spark plugs at recommended intervals and maintain the ignition system; use high-quality fuel and avoid gasoline with high ethanol content if not recommended by Subaru for your vehicle.


• Maintain air and fuel filtration, monitor for vacuum leaks, and keep PCV system clean to maintain efficiency and reduce engine wear.


• Pay attention to warning signs of head gasket issues (oil-coolant mixing, milky oil, overheating) and address promptly with a qualified mechanic.

Concluding: With diligent maintenance, Foresters have demonstrated the ability to reach 200,000–300,000 miles—and in some cases beyond—especially when owners keep up with recommended service and address issues quickly.

Real-world expectations and variability

In everyday ownership, mileage outcomes vary widely. Many drivers report hitting the 200,000–250,000 mile range with routine maintenance, and some reach 300,000 miles after major repairs and careful care. The model year, engine family, and how well the vehicle has been maintained are stronger predictors of longevity than age alone.

Summary

Bottom line: A Subaru Forester engine can last a long time—typically 200,000 to 300,000 miles, with rare cases beyond 300,000—when kept on a strict maintenance schedule, with timely repairs and mindful driving. The variance across model years means prospective buyers and owners should prioritize maintenance history and keep up with service intervals to maximize engine life.

What years did Subaru have engine problems?

Subaru had significant engine problems during 1996–2010 due to head gasket failures, particularly in the 2.5-liter engine. Other problematic years include 2008–2014 for certain WRX/STI models with bearing issues, and 2011–2015 for various models with excessive oil consumption due to problems with the FB engine's piston rings.
 
Head gasket failures (1996–2010)

• Models affected: Primarily the 2.5-liter engine in models like the Outback, Legacy, and Forester.
• Symptoms: White smoke, coolant leaking into oil, and fluctuating engine temperature.
• Resolution: Subaru addressed this by using multi-layer stainless steel head gaskets and larger head bolts in later models, with fixes becoming more consistent around 2012. 

Bearing and other performance issues (2008–2014)

• Models affected: The performance-oriented WRX and WRX STI. 
• Symptoms: Bearing failure in the EJ series engines, which could lead to major engine rebuilds or replacements. 
• Resolution: A class-action lawsuit alleged that insufficient oil supply to connecting rod bearings contributed to this problem. 

Excessive oil consumption (2011–2015)

• Models affected: Early FB engine models in the Forester (2011–2015), Crosstrek (2013–2015), Impreza (2012–2015), and Legacy/Outback (2013–2014). 
• Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption. 
• Resolution: This was due to a change in piston ring design to improve fuel economy, which was less effective at scraping oil. Subaru has since updated the design, with models from 2011 onwards (Forester), 2012 onwards (Impreza), and 2013 onwards (Legacy/Outback/Crosstrek) seeing improvements. 

What year to stay away from a Subaru Forester?

You should generally stay away from Subaru Forester model years known for significant engine issues, such as the 1998–2001, 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2010 models due to head gasket failures and other problems. The 2011–2014 and 2014–2018 models are also problematic, particularly for excessive oil consumption, CVT transmission issues, and suspension problems, according to sources like Panda Hub, CoPilot for Car Shopping, CarBuzz, and MotorBiscuit. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the worst model years for the Subaru Forester: 44sCar ExpertlyYouTube · Apr 14, 2025
Specific model years to avoid

• 1998–2001: These early models are known for frequent head gasket failures, which can be costly to repair. 
• 2003 and 2006: These model years experienced recurring head gasket issues and other problems like electrical malfunctions and cooling system failures. 
• 2009–2010: These years saw engine stalling, head gasket problems, and engine oil pipe ruptures. The 2010 model received particularly low reliability ratings. 
• 2011–2014: The 2.5L engine (FB25) in these models is known for excessive oil consumption, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed. The 2011 model also had poor oil warning light design. 
• 2014: Often cited as one of the worst model years, this model is known for severe oil consumption, CVT transmission problems, and broken coil springs. 
• 2015: Continued issues with engine and transmission troubles were reported, along with airbag sensor malfunctions. 
• 2018: Recall issues related to faulty rear suspension springs and engine valves affected some models. 

Common issues across multiple years

• Head gasket failure: A common issue in many pre-2012 models, especially those with the 2.5L EJ series engine, typically occurring around 60,000 to 100,000 miles. 
• Excessive oil consumption: A major problem in models with the newer FB25 engine from 2011 to 2014, which can cause serious engine damage. 
• Transmission issues: The 2014 model's CVT transmission was prone to problems, and the 2015 model also had reports of transmission troubles. 
• Suspension and wheel bearings: Problems with rear suspension springs and premature wheel bearing wear were reported in some models, including the 2014. 
• Cracking windshields: A widespread issue across multiple model years, including the 2014 and 2017, which even led to a class-action lawsuit. 

What to look for when buying a used Forester

• If considering an older model (1998-2012), check for documented evidence of head gasket replacement, preferably with upgraded multi-layer steel gaskets. 
• For 2011-2014 models, be aware of excessive oil consumption and ensure the owner is diligent about checking oil levels. If possible, check the VIN for any service bulletins or extended warranty coverage related to oil consumption. 
• If looking at a 2014 or newer, get a pre-purchase inspection, with a specific focus on the transmission and suspension. 
• Look for rust, especially in areas with heavy road salt use. 

How long does a Subaru Forester engine last?

200,000 to 250,000 miles
On average, a well-maintained Subaru Forester can last anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 miles. For perspective, this means if you drive about 12,000 miles per year, your Forester could easily last 16 to 20 years!

What's considered high mileage for a Subaru Forester?

300,000 miles
The average Subaru Forester lifespan ranges between 200,000 and 250,000 miles, with many well-maintained models exceeding 300,000 miles.