Subaru Forester engine failure issue sold to mechanic on Subaru Forester

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Subaru Forester owners report experiencing significant engine issues, including misfires on specific cylinders and sudden engine failures. Repair costs for these engine problems can vary widely, with some owners facing quotes between $7,000 to $9,000 for repairs or $6,000 to $7,000 for a remanufactured engine installation. Additionally, common engine problems such as head gasket failures have been reported, particularly in models from 1998 to 2011. When selling a Subaru Forester with engine issues to a mechanic, owners are advised to carefully assess the extent of the problem and weigh repair costs against the vehicle's overall value.

1 person reported this problem
0 comments
Schedule Repair

Subaru Forester vehicles with this problem

0 model year affected

Search for another problem

RepairPal Car Genius

Ask our experts about your Subaru.

RepairPal Car Genius™ is a free resource for vehicle owners seeking advice on maintenance, auto repair, shop inquiries, estimates, and finding a trustworthy repair shop in your area.

 Auto Repair Expert Auto Repair Expert

Available 9am – 6pm ET Monday through Friday

Call Our Experts
© 2026 RepairPal, Inc. RepairPal® RepairPal Certified®