🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

SH

Market:

North America

Generation Name:

Third Generation

Generation Code:

SH

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2008 Subaru Forester positioned itself as a versatile compact SUV, offering standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a comfortable ride, appealing to families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking practical utility and all-weather capability.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against models like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and Nissan X-Trail, differentiating itself with Subaru's renowned AWD system and boxer engine technology.

Key Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, elevated ground clearance, spacious interior for its class, available turbocharged engine option, reputation for safety and reliability.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Fuel & Emission Control, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Starting System, Charging System, Ignition System, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Driveline, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, ABS, Body Electrical, HVAC, Body & Frame, Chassis Electrical, Wiring Diagrams, Diagnostic Procedures

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 2500+ pages (Software)

Manual Type:

Official Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (Digital Download / CD-ROM Option)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

EJ253 (2.5L SOHC NA), EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbo) - Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control, turbocharger (if applicable)

Transmission Systems:

Manual Transmission (5-speed), Automatic Transmission (4-speed) - Drivetrain components, driveshafts, differentials, AWD system (VDC)

Chassis Systems:

Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link), Steering (Power Rack & Pinion), Brakes (Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Solid Discs, ABS, VDC)

Body And Electrical:

Body and frame repair, interior trim, exterior trim, HVAC system, lighting, power windows/locks, audio system, SRS airbag system, Body Control Module (BCM)

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, tire rotation

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission service and repair, suspension component replacement, brake system overhaul, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair

Diagnostic Procedures:

Trouble code retrieval and interpretation (OBD-II), component testing, circuit diagnostics, system-specific troubleshooting flowcharts

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, component-level diagnostics, detailed repair procedures, and full system overhauls. Includes wiring diagrams and specifications for advanced troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (searchable, printable)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and text (if printed)

Binding Type:

N/A (Software - Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Software - Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.5L SOHC 16-Valve Flat-4 (EJ253)

Engine 1 Displacement:

2457 cc (2.5 Liters)

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

9.7:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

173 hp @ 5800 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

166 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine 2:

2.5L DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged Flat-4 (EJ255)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2457 cc (2.5 Liters)

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

8.4:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

224 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

226 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular (87 Octane) for NA, Premium (91+ Octane) recommended for Turbo

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Sequential Multi-port)

Engine Layout:

Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer)

Valvetrain:

SOHC 16-Valve (NA), DOHC 16-Valve (Turbo)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual

Optional Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) - Standard on all models

Automatic Transmission Mode:

Includes Sportshift™ (manual shifting capability)

Manual Gear Ratios:

3.167 / 1.947 / 1.310 / 1.000 / 0.752 (Reverse: 3.177)

Automatic Gear Ratios:

2.762 / 1.534 / 1.000 / 0.686 (Reverse: 2.278)

Final Drive Ratio:

4.444 (Manual and Automatic)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate

📐 Dimensions

Length:

179.3 inches (4555 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

65.7 inches (1669 mm) (without roof rails)

Wheelbase:

103.0 inches (2615 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.1 inches (206 mm)

Curb Weight Min:

3333 lbs (1512 kg) (2.5i Manual)

Curb Weight Max:

3602 lbs (1634 kg) (2.5XT Automatic)

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

31.1 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

67.1 cubic feet

Towing Capacity:

2400 lbs (1090 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5-Star

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5-Star

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

5-Star

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

5-Star

IIHS Front Crash Rating:

Good

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Good

IIHS Rear Impact Rating:

Good

IIHS Roof Strength Rating:

Good

Airbags:

Frontal, Side-Curtain, Front-Seat Side-Impact Airbags

Seatbelts:

3-Point Pretensioner Seatbelts with Load Limiters

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Vdc:

Standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Available with Clarion or Kenwood-based audio systems. Optional touch-screen navigation system. Standard CD player with MP3 compatibility, auxiliary audio input.

Display Size:

6.5-inch color LCD for navigation/audio display.

Driver Assistance Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), ABS. Optional rearview camera with navigation system.

Connectivity Options:

Auxiliary audio input jack. Bluetooth hands-free connectivity not standard on all trims, often an accessory or part of higher trim packages.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe conditions) / Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal conditions), using synthetic oil.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement Na:

Every 60,000 miles (Iridium spark plugs).

Spark Plug Replacement Turbo:

Every 30,000 miles (Iridium spark plugs).

Timing Belt Replacement:

NA (Uses a timing chain)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter (EJ253), 5.0 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter (EJ255)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-20 Synthetic (preferred), SAE 5W-30 Synthetic API SN/SM/SL certified.

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant. Mixture: 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil. Capacity: 2.0 US quarts (1.9 Liters)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Subaru ATF-HP. Capacity: 3.3 US quarts (3.1 Liters) for drain/fill

Differential Fluid Front:

SAE 80W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil. Capacity: 0.7 US quarts (0.65 Liters)

Differential Fluid Rear:

SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil. Capacity: 0.8 US quarts (0.75 Liters)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid

Known Issues Engine:

Head gasket leaks (less common on EJ253 than earlier EJ series, but still a possibility), oil consumption (especially on higher mileage turbo models), occasional oil leaks from various seals.

Known Issues Transmission:

Manual transmission synchro wear, automatic transmission torque converter lock-up shudder (less common than later models).

Known Issues Suspension Brakes:

Worn sway bar links, brake wear, VDC system faults can occur due to wheel speed sensor issues.

Known Issues Electrical:

Window regulator failures, intermittent power window issues, HVAC blower motor resistor failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history of producing reliable and capable vehicles, with a strong focus on boxer engines and All-Wheel Drive technology since its inception.

Model Evolution Third Gen:

The 2008 model year marked the debut of the third generation (SH) Forester, which featured a significant redesign. It moved to a more conventional SUV-like profile compared to previous generations, offering increased interior space, a stiffer chassis derived from the Impreza, and improved safety features. The wheelbase was extended, and the rear multi-link suspension was introduced for better ride and handling.

Production Location:

Gunma Plant, Japan

Third Gen Production Years:

2008-2013

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The 2008 Subaru Forester received the IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

Carscom Segment Leader:

Recognized as a segment leader for its safety and all-wheel-drive capabilities by automotive publications.