Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Key Selling Points:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine, practicality, safety reputation
Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue
Vehicle Philosophy:
Adventure-ready, versatile, family-friendly
Design Philosophy:
Functional and rugged aesthetic
Primary Coverage:
Complete factory service and repair
Included Sections:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Body, Electrical, HVAC, Diagnostics
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 2000+ (typical for full factory manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
Powertrain:
2.5L FB25 Boxer Engine, Lineartronic CVT, 6-speed Manual Transmission
Chassis:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, MacPherson strut front suspension, Multi-link rear suspension, Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Braking:
Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
Electrical:
Engine control (ECU), Body control module (BCM), Lighting, Audio, Power accessories, CAN bus communication
Climate Control:
Manual and Automatic Climate Control Systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Fluid checks and changes
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, Component testing
Repair:
Engine overhaul, Transmission repair, Suspension component replacement, Brake system service, Body panel repair
Installation:
Component installation, Accessory fitting, Sensor replacement
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics
Detail Level:
Detailed diagrams, torque specifications, wiring schematics, special tool requirements
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2498 cc)
Configuration:
Naturally Aspirated, Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer), DOHC, 16-valve
Bore X Stroke:
94.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
174 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (91 recommended for optimal performance)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.2 Liters (6.6 US qt)
Transmission Type:
Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
Transmission Type Optional:
6-speed Manual Transmission
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active Torque Split AWD for CVT, Variable Transfer Clutch AWD for Manual)
Cvt Fluid Type:
Subaru CVT Fluid (NS-2 or NS-3 compliant, consult manual for exact spec)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (75W-90 GL-5)
NHTSA Overall:
5-Star (2013 Model Year)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (2013 & 2014 Model Years)
Standard Safety:
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Optional Safety:
Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (available on higher trims)
Airbags:
Front, Front Side-Impact, Side Curtain (front and rear)
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
Display Options:
Available 6.1-inch or 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Audio Features:
AM/FM/CD/MP3, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB port, Auxiliary input, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming
Eye Sight Features:
Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure Warning, Sway Warning
Other Features:
Rearview camera, Hill Start Assist
Smartphone Integration:
Basic via Bluetooth and USB for audio/calling. No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in this generation.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first)
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:
Every 105,000 miles (Iridium type)
Transmission Fluid Change Cvt:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace per severe maintenance schedule or when indicated by oil wear sensors.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace if necessary, typically around 60,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 API SN/SN Plus, ILSAC GF-5 or higher
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.1 US quarts (4.8 Liters) with filter change
Brake Fluid Type:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
Common Complaints:
Oil consumption (especially in earlier models/high mileage), CVT responsiveness concerns, potential for suspension component wear (bushings, struts)
Diagnostic Points:
Head gasket integrity on older EJ engines (less common on FB25 but still monitored), fuel system cleanliness, oxygen sensor function
Brand Focus:
Japanese manufacturer with a long history of producing horizontally-opposed ('Boxer') engines and All-Wheel Drive systems.
Generation:
Fourth Generation (SJ Series)
Debut:
The SJ Forester debuted at the New York Auto Show in April 2012 for the 2014 model year, replacing the SH generation. The 2013 model year was the final year of the SH generation.
Manufacturing Plants:
Japan (Gunma Prefecture), USA (Lafayette, Indiana)
IIHS Awards:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for multiple years, including 2013 and 2014.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally rated well for reliability and owner satisfaction by automotive publications.
Emissions Compliance:
Meets all applicable Federal and California emissions standards for its model year.
