Subaru Forester SJ, 2012-2018  Workshop Manual. EWD

This repair manual contains complete technical information on the maintenance and repair of the Subaru Forester SJ 2012–2018. Includes diagrams of units and assemblies, instructions for diagnostics, repair of the engine, transmission, suspension, brake system and electrical system. Useful for both professionals and car owners who want to solve technical issues on their own.

Engine: 2.5L Non-turbo, 2.0L Turbo

Transmission: CVT(TR580), CVT(TR690), 6MT

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🔧 Engine and transmission

1️⃣ Oil consumption (FB20, FB25)

More common on naturally aspirated FB20 (2.0) and FB25 (2.5) engines.

Cause: design features of the piston group.

Solution: replace piston rings, decarbonize or switch to oil with high heat resistance.

2️⃣ CVT vibrations and noise (Lineartronic TR580, TR690)

Gear shifts are delayed, jerks are felt.

Cause: oil contamination, belt wear, problems with the valve body.

Solution: oil change every 40,000–60,000 km, diagnostics of pulleys and solenoids.

3️⃣ Engine cooling problems

The thermostat may get stuck in the closed position, causing overheating.

Antifreeze leaks are possible due to weak clamps.

Solution: check the coolant level, replace the thermostat with a reinforced one.

⚙ Suspension and steering

4️⃣ Rapid wear of the front wheel bearings

A hum and play appear at speed.

Cars with active driving on bad roads suffer more often.

Solution: change bearings every 80,000–100,000 km.

5️⃣ Squeaking and wear of the silent blocks of the front arms

Knocking appears on small bumps.

Factory silent blocks are soft, wear out quickly.

Solution: install reinforced silent blocks or polyurethane analogs.

6️⃣ Knocking of the steering rack

Especially noticeable on Forester with a mileage of 50,000 km.

The reason is the wear of the plastic bushings.

Solution: adjust the rack or install reinforced bushings.

🔌 Electrics and sensors

7️⃣ Failure of the automatic transmission selector position sensor

The gearbox does not always switch to P or D mode, errors appear.

Solution: clean the contacts or replace the sensor.

8️⃣ Multimedia and rear view camera glitches

Freezing and loss of image on the screen are possible.

Cause: poor moisture protection, poor wiring.

Solution: check the contacts, replace the camera with an analog.

🛑 Body and corrosion

9️⃣ Weak protection of arches and thresholds from corrosion

Critical areas: rear arches, thresholds, lower part of the doors.

The factory anti-corrosion layer is weak.

Solution: anti-corrosion treatment, installation of mudguards with noise insulation.

🔟 Front windshield problems

Often cracks from small stones.

Factory glass is fragile, prone to chipping.

Solution: replace with reinforced triplex glass.

💡 Result

Despite its weak points, the Subaru Forester SJ (2012–2018) remains a reliable car with timely maintenance. Key recommendations:

✅ Monitor the oil and antifreeze levels.

✅ Change the CVT oil every 40,000 km.

✅ Treat the body with anti-corrosion.

✅ Monitor the condition of the suspension and steering rack.