2015 Subaru Forester reliablilty

[D60]

OP, I can tell you the SJ Forester is still EVERYWHERE here in liberalville, CO. I'm amazed at how many sold given the run wasn't that long ('14-18). I mean you can easily spot a dozen within two small, adjacent parking lots.

I service a '15 for a twenty-something girl and the low oil light is a savior. However she uses almost exactly one qt per 5000 which is where I set her OCIs. She can reliably use the light to know when an oil change is due -- but that may change due to increasing tolerances and I encourage her to watch the mileage, not just the light.

Issues for us have been cross-threaded lugnuts (It's what makes a Subaru a Subaru) and CV boots failing. I recently serviced the CVT with Castrol CVT/universal which caused @slacktide_bitog some indigestion because it's the wrong color Seriously, he was very helpful.

The a/c systems seem fragile and leak readily.

We purchased at 140k and she's now approaching 180k.

Not a terrible choice for a young driver. This girl would be overwhelmed by driver-selectable 4wd so the AWD keeps it simple and the low oil light is a godsend for the ignorant.

 

[zzyzzx]

 

[Delta]

Wife said don't purchase SIA American-made (Camry/Subaru plant) Subarus. That means base mid trim Imprezas and Outbacks
We dumped a new '23 Outback after a year due to major manufacturing issues. Too bad - we got it super cheap new during the pandemic 26k before trade.

Ironically I got a '23 Outback Premium loaner and I absolutely hated it. Interior was far worse than the '19 we had.

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

No, I think its time that is the enemy for oil leaks in general. Subaru engines need a little extra care due to the leak opportunities (ie. pull the engine)

I call bull on your “pull the engine”. I replaced two different sets of valve cover gaskets and grommets in the car with zero issues.

The only issue that required pulling the engine was the head gasket one because you can’t remove some of the head bolts in the car (but I’ve never had to do that, either). If you were told that the engine had to be pulled for anything less than that, you should find a better mechanic.

 

[cptbarkey]

I call bull on your “pull the engine”. I replaced two different sets of valve cover gaskets and grommets in the car with zero issues.

The only issue that required pulling the engine was the head gasket one because you can’t remove some of the head bolts in the car (but I’ve never had to do that, either). If you were told that the engine had to be pulled for anything less than that, you should find a better mechanic.

Shrug, valve covers are childs play. Others cited cam carriers already, head gaskets themselves can and do leak oil, the rear piston access hole plate, the rear main seal.

 

[The Critic]

I call bull on your “pull the engine”. I replaced two different sets of valve cover gaskets and grommets in the car with zero issues.

The only issue that required pulling the engine was the head gasket one because you can’t remove some of the head bolts in the car (but I’ve never had to do that, either). If you were told that the engine had to be pulled for anything less than that, you should find a better mechanic.

You do realize how easy it is to pull the engine on ANY Subaru, right?

(I mean, that's about their only redeeming quality, imo.)

 

[Delta]

You do realize how easy it is to pull the engine on ANY Subaru, right?

(I mean, that's about their only redeeming quality, imo.)

It's almost like they know...

You can get to the valve covers easy, but those cam carriers (which leak) yea no...

 

[cptbarkey]

It's almost like they know...

You can get to the valve covers easy, but those cam carriers (which leak) yea no...

Even comparing to a basic Corolla which you need midget arms to undo power steering lines and the rear exhaust, a Subaru has all of that right there in your face, a few hours tops.

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

You do realize how easy it is to pull the engine on ANY Subaru, right?

(I mean, that's about their only redeeming quality, imo.)

Yes lol

 

[SwampSurvivor]

I liked my 2018. But it had one big issue - no one could make the AC work.
Other than that it was a good car for the 50K miles I had it.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

OP, I can tell you the SJ Forester is still EVERYWHERE here in liberalville, CO. I'm amazed at how many sold given the run wasn't that long ('14-18). I mean you can easily spot a dozen within two small, adjacent parking lots.

I service a '15 for a twenty-something girl and the low oil light is a savior. However she uses almost exactly one qt per 5000 which is where I set her OCIs. She can reliably use the light to know when an oil change is due -- but that may change due to increasing tolerances and I encourage her to watch the mileage, not just the light.

Issues for us have been cross-threaded lugnuts (It's what makes a Subaru a Subaru) and CV boots failing. I recently serviced the CVT with Castrol CVT/universal which caused @slacktide_bitog some indigestion because it's the wrong color Seriously, he was very helpful.

The a/c systems seem fragile and leak readily.

We purchased at 140k and she's now approaching 180k.

Not a terrible choice for a young driver. This girl would be overwhelmed by driver-selectable 4wd so the AWD keeps it simple and the low oil light is a godsend for the ignorant.

Yes, more problems I forgot to mention!

Yeah, the weak AC isn't powerful enough for an interior of its size and the large windows, even without any leaks. Even when the air coming out of the vents is cold, and the gauge shows enough pressure, it's still not enough to cool the huge cabin. The undersized AC is probably for CAFE fuel economy reasons.

How could I forget about the stripping lugnuts? The 2015 I have experience with has a few studs that need to be replaced. But then again, that's any modern Subaru, not just the Forester.

Hey now, *I* don't care if it's the wrong color, just mentioning that some people will complain about it

 

[andrew_j]

A Solid car good outward visibility reliability, fuel mileage and also sports a very good steering feel for a mac strut platform. Very capacious for the footprint. Along with what @Rand mentioned, the car may have a CV joint or two on the way out at that mileage and the subaru OE half shafts are not cheap for the part. Easy to notice on a test drive - just reverse in a tight circle both CCW and CW and listen for clicking or clacking. Rear dampers may be worn also - you can tell the back half will be bouncy over highway pavement ripples.
A really good $4500 - 5500 car

I doubt you find a decent one for $5k range unless an area where Subaru is low desire. I think they are closer to double your range.

 

[Rand]

AC wasnt that bad.. it does have alot of windows though.. Greenhouse on wheels.

Also yes the control arm bushings are usually dead in those by 7 years or so.
Had some in the 2013 outback that looked worse at 5 years than 12 year old hyundai accent bushings.

 

[D60]

My research seems to indicate most "pros" don't pull the engine, even for HGs.

I've been told my local dealer doesn't.

I saw a comment on a YT vid where a guy said he used to work at a Subaru dealership and they didn't.

Eric O does not and has a whole video series on an earlier one (2003? 2006?) where he says he does not.

I just pulled heads on an '11 EJ (not FB) in the car.

That said, I don't see it as something to get worked up about. It's personal preference. Some people like onions. I don't understand how, but I respect their right to like onions (shrug). Some people prefer to yank the motors. That's ok.

 

[mikeduf]

I will chime in! Subarus are like vws in the'60s and '70s they're everywhere! You can probably find a good one with less miles that most likely was driven by Esther!
There are statistics on this but I don't know exactly the ratio but most seniors Drive Foresters while people between their 40s and 50s Drive Outbacks. And younger folks in their 30s Drive the WRX model. Just look around and you'll see Esther driving a Forester! Just my two cents

 

[D60]

I will chime in! Subarus are like vws in the'60s and '70s they're everywhere! You can probably find a good one with less miles that most likely was driven by Esther!
There are statistics on this but I don't know exactly the ratio but most seniors Drive Foresters while people between their 40s and 50s Drive Outbacks. And younger folks in their 30s Drive the WRX model. Just look around and you'll see Esther driving a Forester! Just my two cents

The Crosstrek is for the young hipsters who don't fancy themselves as rally car (WRX) drivers. I can never decide if I like the looks of the Crosstrek, or if it looks like a Nike shoe.

 

[PF52]

The Crosstrek is for the young hipsters who don't fancy themselves as rally car (WRX) drivers. I can never decide if I like the looks of the Crosstrek, or if it looks like a Nike shoe.

I like the Crosstrek, although I like the older ones better than the new ones. There's tons of Crosstreks around here, mostly driven by young women. I think they choose it because of its active and "outdoorsy" marketing, so they won't get saddled with the "SUV-driving soccer mom" stereotype.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Ironically I got a '23 Outback Premium loaner and I absolutely hated it. Interior was far worse than the '19 we had.

They are cheapening interior stuff - thanks toyota ... NOT! the rear seats padding and bolstering were unlivable in the Base Outback we had. The HVAC control horrendous. My used 2011 premium with leatherette and sunroof and stick. was a much MUCH better car

 

[PF52]

They are cheapening interior stuff - thanks toyota ... NOT! the rear seats padding and bolstering were unlivable in the Base Outback we had. The HVAC control horrendous.

In three years, I still haven't been able to fully understand the HVAC controls in my WRX. I probably need a young person to help me with it LOL.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

In three years, I still haven't been able to fully understand the HVAC controls in my WRX. I probably need a young person to help me with it LOL.

Some dealers have been doing tutorial video on youtube. Do you have knobs or touchscreen?