Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families, outdoor enthusiasts, individuals seeking AWD capability and practicality
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail (Rogue), Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape
AWD Standard:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard across all trims
Ground Clearance:
Above-average ground clearance for its class, enhancing off-road capability
Practicality:
Spacious interior, versatile cargo area, good visibility
Primary Coverage:
Complete factory service and repair
Secondary Coverage:
Diagnostics, troubleshooting, maintenance, specifications, wiring diagrams
Estimated Pages:
Thousands (specific count not provided, but described as 'hundreds of pages')
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic and manual), drivetrain (AWD system)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS, parking brake), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instruments and gauges, power accessories, audio system, HVAC controls, engine control module (ECM), transmission control module (TCM), safety systems (SRS, VDC)
Body:
Body structure, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system (including components)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and replacements, tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit testing, component testing
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and specifications.
Engine Code:
EJ253 (2.5L SOHC NA)
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Configuration:
Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4 (Horizontally Opposed)
Horsepower Peak:
170 hp @ 5,600 RPM
Torque Peak:
174 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
Fuel Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 4 valves per cylinder
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Emissions Standard:
LEV II (Low Emission Vehicle II)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free antifreeze/coolant
Oil Capacity:
4.8 US Quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter
Ignition Timing:
Electronically controlled by ECU
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission (4EAT)
Transmission Type:
6-speed manual transmission
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all trims)
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronically controlled with adaptive shift control
Manual Transmission Features:
Standard clutch actuation, dual-mass flywheel
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP (High Performance) or equivalent
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 3.5 US Quarts (3.3 Liters) for a drain and fill
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 2.0 US Quarts (1.9 Liters)
Length:
180.0 inches (4572 mm)
Width:
70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
65.7 inches (1669 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.0 inches (2616 mm)
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches (221 mm)
Approach Angle:
27.5 degrees
Departure Angle:
25.2 degrees
Breakover Angle:
21.2 degrees
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
34.4 cubic feet (974 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
74.7 cubic feet (2115 liters)
Curb Weight Approx:
3,300 - 3,500 lbs (1497 - 1588 kg) depending on trim and transmission
Towing Capacity:
2,400 lbs (1089 kg)
Max Payload Capacity:
Approx. 1,000 lbs (454 kg) (check specific trim)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for 2012 models tested)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes
Vehicle Dynamics Control:
Standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake Force Distribution:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain airbags (front and rear)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Child Safety Locks:
Rear door child safety locks
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input. Optional premium audio and navigation systems available on higher trims.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming on select trims.
Rearview Camera:
Optional rearview camera integrated into the infotainment display.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Usb Port:
Optional USB port for device charging and media playback on select trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic 0W-20 oil)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (or sooner if driving in dusty conditions)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months
Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 105,000 miles or 7 years, then every 52,500 miles or 5 years thereafter.
Transmission Fluid Replacement Automatic:
Every 30,000 miles for severe driving conditions, otherwise refer to manual (often considered 'lifetime' by some, but regular changes are recommended).
Transmission Fluid Replacement Manual:
Every 60,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (Iridium type)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent DEXRON III type ATF
Head Gaskets:
While less common in the EJ253 compared to earlier EJ series engines, internal coolant leaks due to head gasket failure can occur. The manual provides procedures for diagnosis and repair.
Oil Consumption:
Some EJ series engines can experience higher-than-average oil consumption. The manual details diagnostic procedures for oil consumption issues.
Automatic Transmission Performance:
Occasional reports of harsh shifting or slipping. The manual covers transmission diagnostics and adjustments.
Cvt Issues:
N/A for this model year (CVT introduced later).
AWD Legacy:
Subaru has a long-standing reputation for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, originating from its rally racing heritage.
Forester Introduction:
The Forester was first introduced in 1997, pioneering the crossover SUV segment by combining the ride height of an SUV with the practicality of a station wagon.
Third Generation:
The 2012 model year represents the introduction of the third generation (SJ) of the Subaru Forester, offering a significant redesign from the previous generation (SG).
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan