Recalls: Subaru SG Forester
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Subaru SG Forester
- In November 2005, a recall was issued for 2006 model year Subaru SG Forester vehicles with a carpet mat and the serial numbers SA1088, SAP2002F and SAP2004F. In these vehicles, the carpet mat may slip towards the pedals and interfere with the operation of the throttle pedal. At worst, the mat may prevent the throttle pedal from returning to its original closed position when the driver’s foot was removed, causing the vehicle to continue accelerating (PRA 2005/8164).
Problems and faults: Subaru SG Forester
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
EJ25 head gasket failure
The 2.5-litre EJ25 F4 engine were susceptible to head gasket failure due to:
- An external coolant leak (typically from the left side head gasket);
- In rare cases, internal failure of the gasket which allowed coolant into the combustion chamber; and,
- For post-2005 engines, external oil leaks and warped cylinder heads. For the post-2005 engine, the combustion chamber area of the cylinder head was enlarged for better fuel economy though the reduction in surface material made the cylinder head more susceptible to warping. Furthermore, the primary catalytic converter was moved closer to the engine, increasing operating temperatures for the cylinder head.
- Symptoms: early signs of head gasket failure include an oily residue in the coolant overflow bottle, or an exhaust/fuel/sulfur smell in the coolant overflow bottle. Beyond this, the coolant temperature gauge may intermittently show higher-than-normal readings, followed by intermittent overheating (particularly during long highway drives). In the case of external leaks, these can be spotted by a visual inspection of the bottom side of the engine with the splash pan removed.
- Prevention: to minimise the risk of head gasket failure, 1) oil and coolant should be changed regularly and in accordance with how the car is used. As such, the scheduled time/kilometre intervals may be inadequate in some cases; and, 2) any corrosion around battery cables should be removed. Corroded battery cables increased ground circuit resistance, thereby increasing the voltage in the cooling system and causing electrolysis; the coolant could also damage the metal head gasket and seals. From 2003, the number of ground straps was increased to reduce corrosion.
Problems and faults: Subaru SG Forester
- The ‘check engine’ light may illuminate because of 1) stretch in the gearshift cable to the transmission, or 2) a misadjusted neutral switch.
- For manual models, the clutch pedal may feel spongy, stick or not return to its original position. If so, the slave cylinder and hydraulic hose likely require replacement.
- If the clutch chatters during cold temperatures – but improves as the vehicle warms up – the clutch plate, pressure plate and flywheel may need to be replaced.
- If the SRS (supplemental restraint system) issues 41 or 42 error codes, the connector under the seat may be corroded; a repair kit is available to fix this problem.
- A tapping or pinging noise from the rear of the vehicle may be due to broken spot welds that allow baffles in the muffler to rattle.
- The remote central locking transmitter buttons may be activated inadvertently; an improved case was subsequently released to overcome this problem.
- The washers for the windscreen and/or rear window may not work properly unless revised check valves have been installed in the hoses.
