Excessive oil consumption
Burning oil at a significant rate — as much as 1 quart per 600-3,000 miles; oil leaks from cam carriers and head gaskets
Check engine light: Off
This is the single most prevalent engine issue for this generation and the dominant NHTSA complaint theme: excessive oil consumption, in some cases as much as a quart every 600-3,000 miles, with oil leaks from cam carriers and head gaskets and, in some cases, full engine failure. This is well-documented via Technical Service Bulletin #02-157-14R and was significant enough that a class-action settlement extended warranty coverage to 100,000-150,000 miles for affected vehicles. Owners outside that coverage window face this as a genuine out-of-pocket common problem. Watch your oil level closely between changes — oil consumption alone doesn't reliably trigger a check-engine light unless it gets severe enough to affect emissions readings.
Warranty/settlement-covered during the extended coverage window; varies for out-of-pocket repairs outside itpeaks 30,000 – 60,000 mi; also widespread at 80,000 – 110,000 mi
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Head gasket leaks (non-turbo 2.5L, 2008-2010 sub-range)
Oil/coolant leaks, overheating
Check engine light: On
Head gasket leaks on the non-turbo 2.5L engine, producing oil/coolant leaks and overheating. Likely related to or overlapping with the oil-consumption problem above. A head gasket fault like this typically triggers a check-engine light.
$1,500 – $4,300
Applies specifically to this vehicle's non-turbo 2.5L engine in the 2008-2010 sub-range — check which engine your vehicle has before applying this to the full 2008-2013 range.
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Check engine light issues (oxygen sensors, evap system)
Check engine light
Check engine light: On
Check-engine-light triggers from oxygen sensors, fuel tank pressure sensors, evap canister filters, and other emissions-system faults, recurring in some vehicles.
$250 – $500
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Misfires and rough idle (turbo 2.0L XT models)
Rough idle, misfiring
Check engine light: On
Misfires and rough idle on the turbocharged 2.0L XT variant, tied to carbon buildup, faulty ignition coils, and fuel injector fouling. A misfire like this reliably triggers a check-engine light.
$730 – $2,000+
Applies specifically to the turbocharged 2.0L XT variant — check which engine your vehicle has before applying this to non-turbo Foresters.
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Check Engine Light Due to Failed Catalytic Converter
Check engine light due to a failed catalytic converter
Check engine light: On
Check engine light due to a failed catalytic converter. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 374 owner reports on file.
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Improved Spark Plug Wires for Misfire Issues
Misfire issues addressed by improved spark plug wires
Check engine light: On
Misfire issues addressed by improved spark plug wires. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 87 owner reports on file.
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Check Engine Light Due to Failed Knock Sensor
Check engine light due to a failed knock sensor
Check engine light: On
Check engine light due to a failed knock sensor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 53 owner reports on file.
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Technical Service Bulletin for ABS Control Module
ABS control module issue addressed by a technical service bulletin
Check engine light: Off
ABS control module issue addressed by a technical service bulletin. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 19 owner reports on file.
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Improved Clutch Parts to Correct Clutch Chatter
Clutch chatter corrected by improved clutch parts
Check engine light: Off
Clutch chatter corrected by improved clutch parts. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 10 owner reports on file.
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The main issue on this generation is excessive oil consumption — well-documented enough that it led to a class-action settlement extending warranty coverage to 100,000-150,000 miles for affected vehicles. If your Forester is from outside that settlement's coverage window, this is a genuine out-of-pocket concern worth monitoring closely with regular oil-level checks.