2005 Subaru Forester

The 2005 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV known for its reliability, practicality, and standard all-wheel drive. Two engine options were available: a 2.5L SOHC naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 165 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5L DOHC turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners often praise the Forester for its go-anywhere capability, spacious cargo area, and comfortable ride. Common complaints include fuel economy (particularly with the turbo engine) and some reliability concerns as the vehicles age.

Engine

2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, bubbling in the coolant overflow tank.
  • Solution: Replacement of the head gaskets, resurfacing of the cylinder heads, and coolant system service.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Head Gaskets)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (depending on the gasket and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, poor fuel economy, decreased performance, rattling noise from under the car.
  • Solution: Replacement of the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L DOHC Turbocharged

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling or whining noise from the engine bay, excessive oil consumption.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Turbo Oil Lines)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks near the turbocharger, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking oil lines and gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, bubbling in the coolant overflow tank.
  • Solution: Replacement of the head gaskets, resurfacing of the cylinder heads, and coolant system service.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or delayed shifts, slipping between gears, especially when cold.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement, or potentially a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ (fluid/filter), $2,000 - $4,000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations at low speeds, stalling, poor acceleration.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Strut Sag/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, bouncy ride, clunking noises from the rear suspension.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear struts and possibly springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wheel Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Humming or grinding noise that increases with speed, especially when turning.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected wheel bearing(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per wheel
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, poor fuel economy, rough idling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty oxygen sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not moving up or down, or moving very slowly.
  • Solution: Replacement of the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (Especially in areas with road salt)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust on the undercarriage, wheel wells, and body panels.
  • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement (depending on severity).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on severity.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Windshield Wiper Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Wipers not working or working intermittently
  • Solution: Replacement of the windshield wiper motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or repair with a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Loose or Broken Trim Pieces
  • Description/Symptoms: Interior trim pieces detaching or breaking.
  • Solution: Replacement of the trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2005 Subaru Forester, while generally reliable, has some common issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. Head gasket failure is a significant concern, especially for the naturally aspirated engine, and can be costly to repair. Turbocharger issues are more prevalent in the turbocharged model. Other issues include transmission problems, suspension wear, electrical faults, and rust. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but addressing them promptly is essential to maintaining the vehicle’s reliability and longevity.