Why is my Subaru Forester loud?
If your Subaru Forester is making excessive noise, it could be due to a few common issues. The most likely causes are worn-out parts, such as the muffler or exhaust system, or problems with the engine or transmission. In some cases, the noise may also be related to modifications or aftermarket parts installed on the vehicle.
Potential Causes of a Loud Subaru Forester
Here are some of the most common reasons why a Subaru Forester may be making loud noises:
- Worn-out Muffler or Exhaust System - The muffler and exhaust system can deteriorate over time, leading to leaks and increased noise. This is one of the most common causes of a loud Subaru Forester.
- Engine Issues - Problems with the engine, such as worn-out bearings or a faulty timing chain, can result in loud noises from the engine compartment.
- Transmission Problems - Issues with the transmission, such as a worn-out clutch or gear synchronizers, can also cause loud noises, especially during acceleration or gear changes.
- Aftermarket Modifications - Installing aftermarket parts, such as a louder exhaust system or performance upgrades, can significantly increase the noise level of your Subaru Forester.
If you're experiencing a loud noise from your Subaru Forester, it's best to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify the root cause and determine the appropriate repair.
Diagnosing and Fixing a Loud Subaru Forester
To diagnose the cause of the loud noise in your Subaru Forester, a mechanic will typically perform the following steps:
- Visual Inspection - The mechanic will visually inspect the muffler, exhaust system, engine, and transmission for any signs of wear or damage.
- Listening Test - The mechanic will listen to the noise and try to identify the source, such as the engine, transmission, or exhaust system.
- Test Driving - The mechanic may take the vehicle for a test drive to observe the noise under different driving conditions.
- Diagnostic Scans - The mechanic may use diagnostic tools to check for any trouble codes or other issues that could be causing the noise.
Once the cause of the noise has been identified, the mechanic can recommend the appropriate repair, such as replacing the muffler, addressing engine or transmission problems, or removing any aftermarket modifications that may be contributing to the noise.
Why is my Subaru exhaust loud?
Trouble with the muffler will often make your Subaru sound much louder. If there's a problem with the oxygen sensors or the catalytic converter, the check engine light may turn on, and your fuel efficiency may decrease. And if you smell exhaust in your cabin, there could be a dangerous exhaust leak.
What does a failing Subaru transmission sound like?
Sounds That Indicate Your Subaru Transmission Is Failing
You'll hear a distinct humming noise coming from under the hood of your Subaru vehicle. These sounds could also resemble a clunking or whining. When you hear these sounds, the best thing you can do is pull over and contact your authorized Subaru dealer.
Why is my Subaru so loud while driving?
To expand, Subarus have boxer engines, you can think of it like an engine that's been butterfly filleted down the middle and spread out. The internal workings of the engine are more spread out and tend to create more noise, especially after 50-80k miles of wear.
Does the Subaru Forester have a quiet cabin?
The 2025 Forester is built on a 10 percent stiffer Subaru Global Platform, which features a full inner frame construction, stronger welds, and more structural adhesives. Benefits of the design include a quieter cabin and better handling. For us here at Automoblog, the 2025 Subaru Forester is like seeing an old friend.
Why are Subaru engines noisy?
Understanding Common Noises in a Subaru Engine
It can be caused by incorrect fuel octane, ignition timing issues, or carbon buildup. Ticking or Clicking: A ticking or clicking noise may stem from the valvetrain, such as worn lifters, loose valve lash, or insufficient oil pressure.
Why is the Subaru Forester so loud?
Everything riding on the current Global platform seems to be fairly quiet. Subarus are always going to be louder under acceleration because of the boxer engine: unlike an inline there's no intake plenum directly overhead to muffle the engine noise.
How do I make my Subaru Forester quieter?
Removing the seats and carpet, and adding some sound deadening to the floor pan and better insulation under the carpet may help. A little inside the door skins might add a little sound reduction, as well as the roof panel, but those are probably less effective and more work.
Why is my car sounding like a lawn mower?
It can be relatively easy to identify the cause of these sorts of sounds. When your car starts to sound like a lawnmower, the problem typically lies somewhere in the exhaust system. With exhaust piping running the length of the vehicle, there are many places it could be leaking from.
Why does my Subaru rumble?
The header cylinders in a beefy WRX STI are set at different lengths. With cylinders 1 and 3 being slightly different in length to 2 and 4 any sound has to move in an unconventional manner through the exhaust and produces the unique rumble.
Why does my Subaru Forester sound like an airplane?
The front air intake between your hood and windshield is a just a huge scoop for leaves. There's a good chance a leaf or something else got into your air intake. Open your glove box, remove your cabin air filter and look/reach in there and clear out any debris. That is the exact same noise I heard and fixed recently.
