2008 Subaru Forester

Introduction The 2008 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV known for its versatility, reliability, and all-wheel drive system. It comes with three engine options: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine. Transmission options include a 4-speed automatic, a 5-speed manual, and a 6-speed automatic. The Forester is praised for its roomy interior, ample cargo space, and comfortable ride, but some drivers have reported issues with certain components.

Engine

2.5-liter Naturally Aspirated Engine

• Premature head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white exhaust smoke
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil consumption issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil levels, blue exhaust smoke
  • Solution: Engine rebuild or replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5-liter Turbocharged Engine

• Turbocharger failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, strange noises, blue exhaust smoke
  • Solution: Replace turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake valve carbon buildup
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, decreased power, hesitation during acceleration
  • Solution: Clean or replace intake valves
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0-liter Turbocharged Diesel Engine

• Diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, increased fuel consumption, engine warning lights
  • Solution: Clean or replace DPF
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-speed Automatic Transmission

• Slipping transmission
  • Description/Symptoms: Gears slipping or refusing to engage, rough shifting
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-speed Manual Transmission

• No major issues found

6-speed Automatic Transmission

• Shift solenoid failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifting, delayed shifting, transmission warning lights
  • Solution: Replace shift solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear suspension sag
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace rear springs or shocks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut mount failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise when driving over rough terrain, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery warning light, difficulty starting, electrical system failure
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead quickly, difficulty starting, multiple electrical system failures
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair electrical drain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies based on the cause
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door lock actuator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors not locking or unlocking properly, clicking sounds from door locks
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof drain clogging
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin through the sunroof
  • Solution: Clean or replace sunroof drains
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard rattle
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or squeaking noise from the dashboard
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair loose interior parts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies based on the cause
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat adjustment motor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seats not adjusting properly, clicking sounds from seat motors
  • Solution: Replace seat adjustment motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Subaru Forester has received mixed reviews from owners. While it is known for its reliability and off-road capability, some have experienced issues with its engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, and interior components. The severity of these issues varies, and not all Foresters will encounter them. The cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the issue and the extent of the damage.