2010 Subaru Forester

The 2010 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV known for its standard all-wheel drive, practicality, and reliability. Engine options for the 2010 Forester include a 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 224 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options are a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. Owners generally appreciate the Forester’s spacious interior, good visibility, and off-road capability. Common complaints include relatively low fuel economy (especially with the turbo engine), and a somewhat bland interior.

Engine

2.5L Naturally Aspirated (EJ253)

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, milky oil. Can also be indicated by a coolant leak externally around the head gasket.
  • Solution: Replacement of head gaskets, resurfacing of cylinder heads.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil dripping onto exhaust manifold, burning oil smell, visible oil leaks around the valve covers.
  • Solution: Replacement of valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light (P0420 code), poor fuel economy, failed emissions test.
  • Solution: Replacement of the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L Turbocharged (EJ255)

• Oil Starvation to Turbocharger
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the turbocharger, loss of power, turbocharger failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger, inspection and cleaning of oil supply lines to the turbo. Some owners install an aftermarket oil filter for the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Cracked Exhaust Manifold
  • Description/Symptoms: Loud exhaust leak, especially when cold.
  • Solution: Replacement of the exhaust manifold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, milky oil. Can also be indicated by a coolant leak externally around the head gasket.
  • Solution: Replacement of head gaskets, resurfacing of cylinder heads.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifts between gears, especially 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd. Can also be noticed as a clunk when shifting.
  • Solution: Fluid flush and replacement, valve body repair or replacement, or complete transmission replacement in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ for fluid change; $800 - $1500+ for valve body; $2500 - $4000+ for transmission replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, stalling, poor acceleration.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Strut Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear end sits low, especially when loaded. Uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of rear struts and springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Front Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from front suspension, especially over bumps. Wandering steering.
  • Solution: Replacement of front control arm bushings or complete control arm replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, poor fuel economy, rough idling.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty oxygen sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery drains overnight, difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Identify and repair parasitic drain (often caused by aftermarket accessories or faulty relays), battery replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ for battery replacement; Varies for parasitic drain diagnosis and repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rear Wheel Arches
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust developing on the rear wheel arches.
  • Solution: Rust repair and repainting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per side, depending on severity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin from the sunroof area, especially during heavy rain.
  • Solution: Cleaning of sunroof drain tubes, resealing the sunroof assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Blower motor only works on certain settings, or not at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of the blower motor resistor or the blower motor itself.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 Subaru Forester has some common issues, with the most significant being engine-related, particularly head gasket failures on both engine types. Turbocharger issues are also notable on the 2.5L turbo engine. Suspension and electrical problems are present but generally less severe. Repair costs can vary widely depending on the issue, with engine repairs often being the most expensive. Overall, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and have a pre-purchase inspection performed, paying close attention to the condition of the engine and turbocharger (if applicable).