About this problem
Every engine burns a little oil, but some designs burn a quart every 1,000 miles or less. The usual cause is piston rings that stick or wear, letting oil slip into the combustion chamber. If the owner does not top up between changes, the oil level drops low enough to damage the engine. Carmakers have issued bulletins and, in some cases, extended warranties for this.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Subaru Forester since 2012, 79 (1.7%) describe excessive oil consumption, the third most reported problem we track on the Forester. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2014 and 2015 model years, and the 2014 drew the most, with 26. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 23,000 and 82,000 miles. 2 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Subaru has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Owners of the 2012 to 2015 Forester report the engine burning oil between changes, sometimes a quart every 1,000 to 2,000 miles. Subaru settled a class action and extended coverage on some engines for oil consumption.
How it gets fixed
Subaru replaced short blocks or piston rings on some engines after an oil consumption test.
Typical cost: A short block replacement out of warranty costs $4,000 to $7,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"In october of 2013, I purchased by way of lease, a brand new 2014 Subaru Forester. Right after purchasing a 2014 Subaru Forester I began to have issues with the oil consumption in my vehicle."
2014 Subaru Forester, 7,600 miles
"I have had excessive oil consumption since the first 3k miles driven on the car. I have gone through a slew of consumption tests, had the short block replaced and I am continuing to have the same issues."
2015 Subaru Forester, 3,000 miles
"Engine using synthetic ow-20 oil per dealer recommendation uses oil faster than new car should. Oil changed 18,951mi. At around 22,000 oil was noted leaking around oil filter. Also dipstick showing low level. Owner had to add oil while on a trip."
2012 Subaru Forester, 22,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Subaru has sent dealers 24 bulletins that mention this problem on the Forester. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
2013-14MY Legacy and Outback Models with 2.5L FB Engines - 2011-14MY Forester Models with 2.5L FB Engines - 2015 MY Forester (Manual Transmissions Only) with 2.5L FB Engines - 2012-13 MY Impreza and XV Crosstrek Models with 2.0...
Refer to bulletin for engine/transmission type.
As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc.
Proposed engine oil consumption class action settlement recently you may have seen various online and other media articles regarding Subaru of america, inc.
This bulletin announces information regarding a major change to the repair procedures previously outlined in service bulletins 02-143-13r, 02-144-13r and 02-145-13r.
Oil Consumption Class Action Claim Notice Clarification VIN break point clarification Memo.
Before you buy a Forester
- Check the oil level and ask how often oil was added.
- Ask for oil consumption test results or engine repair records.
- Look for blue smoke on start-up.
Questions
Which Subaru Forester years have excessive oil consumption?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2014, 2015 model years. The 2014 drew the most, with 26 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 44,000 miles, and half reported it between 23,000 and 82,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A short block replacement out of warranty costs $4,000 to $7,000.