Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: TTTNIS, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Verdict
SUV with all-wheel drive as standard, rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP at the end of 2012, with a large 505-litre boot. The available sources report variable oil consumption on the 2.0 petrol, particulate filter issues on the diesel used in town, and a rear spring recall outside Europe: service history matters more than mileage.
- Reliability
- 3.5/5
- Indicative prices
- €10,490 – €18,990
- Monthly cost
- €428
- Euro NCAP
- 5/5
Which version to choose
Versions to favour: 2.0D 147 manuelle, 2.0i 150 manuelle.
2.0D 147 manuelle
✓ RecommendedDiesel · Manual · 147 hp · 5.7 L/100 km · Crit'Air 2
Boxer diesel with 350 Nm; 5.7 L/100 km announced for the 6-speed manual (2015 brochure). Best reserved for long journeys because of the particulate filter.
2.0D 147 Lineartronic
Diesel · Automatic · 147 hp · 6.1 L/100 km · Crit'Air 2
Same diesel with the Lineartronic (continuously variable) gearbox introduced in 2015: 6.1 L/100 km announced.
2.0i 150 manuelle
✓ RecommendedPetrol · Manual · 150 hp · Crit'Air 1
150 hp boxer 2.0 petrol, offered with a manual gearbox according to Caroom.
2.0i 150 Lineartronic
Petrol · Automatic · 150 hp · Crit'Air 1
150 hp 2.0 petrol with Lineartronic gearbox. Check the gearbox servicing and oil consumption.
2.0 XT 241 Lineartronic
Petrol · Automatic · 241 hp · 8.5 L/100 km · Crit'Air 1
Turbo petrol with 350 Nm; 8.5 L/100 km announced in the 2015 brochure. Availability in France to be confirmed case by case.
Market prices
€10,490 – €18,990
Indicative range: 2015 to 2018, yearly medians of 6 online listings collected by AutoUncle (years with at least 3 listings).
Collected on 20 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.
Known faults
Clogged particulate filter (diesel)
Severity 2/3 · CostlyOn the 2.0D diesel, the particulate filter is cited as a weak point, especially in urban use and on short journeys that prevent regeneration (Kit Ethanol Auto, Carverif). Part of the diagnosis comes from specialist sites rather than manufacturer statistics.
- Versions
- 2.0D 147 manuelle, 2.0D 147 Lineartronic
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Excessive oil consumption (2.0 petrol)
Severity 2/3 · CostlyFB20/FB25 family boxer petrol engines are known for oil consumption that varies greatly from one example to another, attributed to the piston rings; some engines have been replaced in other markets (Cherish Your Car, Au7o). Check the oil level and the oil change history.
- Versions
- 2.0i 150 manuelle, 2.0i 150 Lineartronic, 2.0 XT 241 Lineartronic
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Lineartronic gearbox behaviour and leaks
Severity 2/3 · CostlyUser reports cite gearbox leaks, slow gear changes or jerking at low speed, sometimes improved by a software update at a dealership (Canberra Times, Au7o).
- Versions
- 2.0D 147 Lineartronic, 2.0i 150 Lineartronic, 2.0 XT 241 Lineartronic
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Rear coil spring breakage through corrosion (recall outside Europe)
Manufacturer recallRecalls in Hong Kong (Forester 2013-2016) and Japan (Forester 2013-2015) concern corrosion of the rear coil spring, which can lead to its breakage. No European recall has been found: have it checked at a dealership with the serial number.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
- Versions
- 2.0D 147 manuelle, 2.0D 147 Lineartronic, 2.0i 150 manuelle, 2.0i 150 Lineartronic, 2.0 XT 241 Lineartronic
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Manufacturer recalls
See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Subaru Forester”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.
Real monthly cost
Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated
| Fuel or electricity | €154 |
|---|---|
| Insurance | €102 |
| Maintenance | €26 |
| Depreciation | €146 |
| Total per month | €428 |
⚠ Estimates to treat with caution
- Maintenance: published servicing price plus an estimated allowance for tyres and brakes.
- Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
- Fuel (diesel)€154
2.0D 147 manuelle version: combined consumption of 5.7 L/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 2.347 €/L, for 1,000 km a month.
5.7 × 1.15 × 2.347 € × 10 = €154
Diesel price: French national average on 7 October 2026.
Consumption: technical data for the version (sources at the bottom of the guide).
- Insurance€102
Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.
- Maintenance€26
Servicing and wear parts (tyres, brakes) for 12,000 km a year, per month.
- Depreciation€146
Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.
Inspection checklist
Subaru Forester IV (SJ) — inspection checklist
Things to check
- Ask for the full service book and check the frequency of oil changes (petrol and diesel).
- Petrol: check the oil level when cold and ask whether top-ups were needed between oil changes.
- Diesel: ask about the type of use (long or short journeys) and read the fault codes related to the particulate filter.
- Lineartronic gearbox: test drive at low speed to detect jerking or slowness, and look underneath the car for possible leaks.
- Have the condition of the rear springs checked, and ask a dealer whether a campaign is open for the serial number.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you topped up the oil between oil changes? What service records do you have?
- Has the particulate filter or the Lineartronic gearbox been worked on?
- Have the rear springs been checked or replaced?
Test-drive tip: read the fault codes
A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.
Electric or hybrid equivalent
No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost
Alternatives
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Toyota RAV4
IV · 2012–2018
- Price
- €9,500 – €19,600
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Photo: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Nissan X-Trail
III (T32) · 2014–2022
- Price
- €10,000 – €29,000
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel
Photo: Areaseven, CC BY-SA 4.0
Kia Sportage
IV · 2016–2021
- Price
- €12,000 – €17,200
- Reliability
- 3.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Hyundai Tucson
III · 2015–2020
- Price
- €14,090 – €17,990
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Before you buy: check and equip
Check the history
Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of parts for the Subaru Forester IV (SJ) (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.
Insure the car
Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.
Frequently asked questions
Did the Subaru Forester IV get 5 stars at Euro NCAP?
Yes: the Forester (2.0i-L, European specification) scored five stars at Euro NCAP at the end of 2012, before the launch of the SJ generation, according to Subaru and OneShift.
What is the boot capacity of the Forester SJ?
505 litres with the seats up, and around 1,592 litres with the rear seats folded (Carbuyer, Cars-data).
Is there a recall for the Forester SJ?
Recalls for the rear coil spring exist in Hong Kong and Japan, and wiring harness recalls in Australia. No European recall has been found: check with the serial number through the Subaru network.
Found a listing?
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