Skip to content
CarCareTruth

Coming Soon

Subaru Forester 3rd Generation (SH)

20092013 · SH · suv

Third-gen Forester grew into a clear crossover. EJ253 2.5L flat-four early in the run, switched to FB25 mid-cycle (2011 model year). Forester 2.5XT used the EJ255 turbo four (224 hp) — the enthusiast pick. 4-speed automatic (later 4EAT) or 5-speed manual. Last Forester to offer a turbo engine until the 2022+ Wilderness era.

Watch out: EJ25 head-gasket service is a known maintenance item on 2009-2010 cars (EJ-series weakness). FB25-equipped 2011-2013 cars subject to the same oil-consumption extended warranty as the BR Outback — verify history.

What your Forester takes

The parts and fluids that fit this generation. Specs we publish are confirmed against two independent sources; the rest fill in as we verify them.

  • Wiper blades24" driver · 18" passenger✓ VerifiedView
  • Spark plugs2.5L-H4: BKR5EGPFrom owner's manualShop
  • Oil filterParts in catalogShop
  • Engine air filterParts in catalogShop
  • Tire sizeNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Engine oilNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Cabin air filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Headlight bulbsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • BatteryNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • CoolantNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Transmission fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Tire pressureNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Key fob batteryNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Power steering fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Differential fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Serpentine beltNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake padsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Wheel fitmentNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake rotorsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • ThermostatNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • A/C refrigerantNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Fuel filterNot catalogued yetFind yours soon

Full clubhouse — owner Garage Lineage, common problems, year-by-year notes, and product picks — is on the build list.

← Back to all vehicles