Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families, outdoor enthusiasts, individuals seeking all-weather capability and practicality.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5.
All Wheel Drive:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system across all trims, a defining Subaru characteristic.
Ground Clearance:
Class-leading ground clearance (8.1 inches or 206 mm), enhancing off-road and adverse weather capability.
Practicality:
Spacious interior, versatile cargo area, high seating position.
Primary Markets:
North America, Europe, Asia, Australia
Vehicle Variants Covered:
All gasoline engine and drivetrain configurations for the specified model years.
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Format:
PDF (Downloadable)
Powertrain:
Engine (EJ253, EJ255, EJ257), transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain, exhaust system.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (front and rear), wheels, tires, chassis structure.
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), body control module (BCM), lighting, audio, power accessories, diagnostic systems, wiring diagrams.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, interior trim, seats, climate control, safety restraint systems (airbags), glass, doors, locks, and latches.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine disassembly/reassembly, transmission repair, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack overhaul, fuel system component repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, component testing, electrical circuit diagnosis, fuel system diagnostics.
Special Tools And Jigs:
Identification and usage of Subaru-specific tools required for various repair procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Format Details:
High-resolution PDF, searchable text, printable pages.
Quality:
Factory original quality, clear diagrams and text.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Engine Code 2 5I:
EJ253 (2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Code 2 5Gt 2 5Xt:
EJ255/EJ257 (2.5L DOHC Turbocharged Boxer)
Horsepower 2 5I:
170 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 2 5I:
170 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Horsepower Turbo:
224 hp (2.5GT) to 263 hp (2.5XT) @ 5200-5600 rpm
Torque Turbo:
236 lb-ft (2.5GT) to 247 lb-ft (2.5XT) @ 2800-4000 rpm
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (2.5i), 91 Octane Premium (2.5GT/2.5XT)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission 2 5I:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (5MT)
Transmission 2 5I:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)
Transmission Turbo:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (5MT) (2.5XT), 5-Speed Automatic Transmission (5EAT) (2.5GT)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Viscous Coupling Center Differential (Manual) or Electronically Controlled Multi-Plate Transfer Clutch (Automatic).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Gear Oil API GL-5 75W-90 (Part No. K0306N0023)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF HP (Part No. K0816Y0000)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact:
5 Stars
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for most years in this generation)
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (Vehicle Dynamics Control - VDC)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Airbags:
Front, front side-impact, front and rear side-curtain airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Audio System:
Available AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 capability, auxiliary input jack. Higher trims may include Rockford Fosgate premium audio.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system on higher trim levels.
Rearview Camera:
Available on some models as part of option packages.
Bluetooth:
Available as an option or integrated into higher-trim infotainment systems.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3.75 months, whichever comes first, under severe driving conditions; 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 7.5 months under normal driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km); replace as needed.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for Iridium type.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) for 2.5L (EJ253), 5.1 US quarts (4.8 liters) for 2.5L Turbo (EJ255/EJ257).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30 (API SN, SM, SL or ILSAC GF-4, GF-5 certified)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than in earlier generations, internal coolant leaks from head gaskets can occur, particularly on turbocharged models. Early detection is crucial.
Catalytic Converter:
Some models may experience premature catalytic converter failure, often indicated by P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) codes. Diagnosis should include oxygen sensor checks.
Cvt Issues:
The 4-speed automatic transmission (4EAT) is generally reliable, but proper fluid changes are essential. Note: CVTs were not standard or widely available in this generation of Forester in North America.
Suspected Oil Consumption:
Some naturally aspirated EJ253 engines may exhibit increased oil consumption, particularly if oil changes are neglected. Regular checks are recommended.
Subaru Legacy:
The Forester was originally conceived as a more practical, higher-riding variant of the Subaru Impreza and Legacy.
Third Gen Design:
The SH generation marked a significant redesign, moving away from the more wagon-like previous generation to a more conventional SUV profile with increased dimensions and a longer wheelbase.
Turbocharged Variants:
The XT models offered a performance-oriented experience with a turbocharged engine, continuing Subaru's rally heritage.
Manufacturing Plant:
Gunma Seisakusho, Japan
Consumer Reports:
Consistently ranked well by Consumer Reports for reliability and owner satisfaction during its production run.
Insurance Institute Highway Safety:
Earned 'Top Safety Pick' designations from the IIHS for many years within this generation.
Kelley Blue Book:
Praised for its practicality, AWD capability, and strong resale value by automotive journalists and publications like Kelley Blue Book.
