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2013-2018 Subaru Forester, 2013-2018 Crosstrek, engine recall
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By Denis Flierl Nov 29 2019 - 6:35am

Another Huge Recall For Subaru Forester And Crosstrek is Coming

Subaru announced another global recall for certain Forester and Crosstrek models is coming for suspension and engine problems. See if your vehicle is on the list.
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Subaru Corporation is being hit with another large global recall that will affect Forester SUV and Crosstrek crossover models. The report from the Japan Times says the recall has been issued for Japan spec models that will number 81,343 cars and will then be another large global recall that will include 760,000 units worldwide.

The report says the 2013-2018 model year Subaru Forester models and 2013-2018 Crosstrek (XV outside the U.S.) are being recalled due to faulty rear suspension springs and also engine valves that can fail. The Forester and Crosstrek models being recalled were manufactured between March 2013 and October 2018.

2016 Subaru Forester
2016 Subaru Forester

The Forester models have a “design glitch” in the rear suspension springs that may corrode and break, according to the Japan Transport Ministry. Both Forester and Crosstrek engine valves have durability issues possibly causing their engines to stall. There have been 375 cases reported so far that are related to the suspension and engine defects.

This seems to be a similar problem that effected 2008-2013 Forester SUV, Crosstrek, Impreza and BRZ sports coupe models that were recalled for a flaw in the design of the valve springs in the vehicle’s FB20 2.0-liter Boxer engine late last year. Those models were manufactured between June 2008, through January 2013.

2016 Subaru Crosstrek
2016 Subaru Crosstrek

This new recall starts in Japan and will expand to U.S. models, Australia, Europe, and Asian models. Subaru of America has not issued a recall yet, and there is no announcement yet from The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

What should 2013-2018 Subaru Forester and Crosstrek owners do? It’s likely Subaru will be recalling these same model year Forester and Crosstrek models with the FB20 2.0-liter Boxer engine in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Europe. Stay tuned and Torque News will give you a report as soon as the official announcement has been made.

You Might Also Like: New Subaru Forester And Crosstrek Hybrid Launch Next Year But You Won't See Them In The U.S.

Denis Flierl has invested nearly 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on our Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Subaru Report. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru news and updates!

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Comments

Ruth McDonald wrote on November 29, 2019 - 3:59pm
Is this the problem that is causing my 2016 forester to hesitate?
Bob Springer wrote on November 29, 2019 - 5:26pm
What did Subaru do about the leak between head casket and engine block ? Is it possible to get a regular gear transmission vs a cvt ? in a Subaru ? Or do they just come w/cvt transmissions ? If so w/ all the problems they have and the cost to repair/replace, why are Subaru’s and other manufacturers sticking with them ?
Lee Taplinger wrote on November 30, 2019 - 5:05pm
Subaru makes their own CVTs and that's the only automatic they provide. Nissan owns a controlling interest in JATCO which makes transmissions for other manufacturers. From what I've read if a manufacturer buys transmissions from JATCO they can specify the quality. Ironically some of the worst are in Nissans.
Jake Colbert wrote on November 30, 2019 - 9:51pm
The head gasket was fixed nearly a decade ago. The engine was redesigned. The new FB25 engines (used in all new non-turbo subarus that are 2.5L) is now a semi-closed deck design with its own cooling passages that keep the engine much cooler and provides more support around the piston cyclinders. They also now use a double metal gasket. The older engines were open deck and used a flimsy gasket, over time and constant use these were prone to fail. Also as far as I remember the head gaskets were never an issue in the turbo model engines because they were always semi closed and used a thicker head gasket.
Lee Taplinger wrote on December 2, 2019 - 9:07am
Thanks for that information. It's good to know the head gasket issue is finally resolved. It did seem to take longer than it should have.
Lee Taplinger wrote on December 4, 2019 - 2:57pm
You seem quite knowledgeable about Subaru engines so maybe you can answer a question for me, our service manager may not be forthcoming.. After driving, if we walk around to the grill and stoop down, we can smell coolant. Although the coolant level doesn't drop much, I thought this indicates a leak and the SM maintains that if there's no puddle under the car then it's not a leak.
Digitaldoc wrote on November 29, 2019 - 7:40pm
I think Subaru needs to shut down their factory for a week, and shut down their assembly line, and work through these issues. Seriously. I have lost track of what number recall this is for them at this point. Hard to market a safe car with constant recall issues.
Lee Taplinger wrote on November 30, 2019 - 4:57pm
They can keep everything rolling and call in the people who decide which suppliers to. use. The have had the worst suppliers I can imagine - head gaskets, piston rings, valves, transmissions. Ask these people if they have a brother-in-law at the company they order from.
Susie wrote on January 7, 2020 - 5:58pm
Well I definitely agree with you. My daughter’s brand new 2020 Forester totally locked up on Dec 4, 2019( (both steering and brakes) and the car flipped over and was totaled. It makes me highly suspicious whether the steering column problems in the 2019 Foresters/Crosstreks recall aNd factory closings in Japan totally solved the problems.
Lee Taplinger wrote on January 7, 2020 - 10:18pm
Hopefully your daughter is OK and insurance bought her a new car. Hopefully her insurance company sued Subaru for the cost. What a scary experience, and just before the holidays.
ms wrote on November 29, 2019 - 8:31pm
Subaru had a problem about 10-15 years ago with a chassis and suspension that would rust and become a hazard. With an engine that requires head gaskets after 100K miles as expected maintenance, how can people think this is a good car company? At this point, they are just over-priced junque...that's fancy junk!
VS wrote on November 30, 2019 - 6:37pm
Advertising, social media and forums have created the cult of wack-a-doo's.
Edward smith wrote on August 27, 2020 - 5:28pm
I have a 2014 Outback with 200K miles on it and had zero problems. My daughter has one with 400K on it and also no problems. We both use premium motor oil and change it every 5K miles. I think this is the reason for no problems.
Edward smith wrote on August 27, 2020 - 5:29pm
I have a 2014 Outback with 200K miles on it and had zero problems. My daughter has one with 400K on it and also no problems. We both use premium motor oil and change it every 5K miles. I think this is the reason for no problems.
Joeld2llio wrote on November 29, 2019 - 10:01pm
Affected not effected This seems to be a similar problem that effected 2008-2013 Forester SUV, Crosstrek, Impreza and BRZ sports coupe models that were recalled for a flaw in the design of the valve springs in the vehicle’s FB20 2.0-liter Boxer engine late last year
Rick Conway wrote on November 29, 2019 - 10:53pm
When are we going to get the recall letters for the PVC valve to be fixed I would like to drive my new car with the same motor that came with the car. The dealer said they can not fix until they have the letter how soom.
Rick Conway wrote on November 29, 2019 - 10:56pm
Please reply to my post that I sent thank you
MARK ROCKMORE wrote on December 7, 2019 - 4:19pm
I got my son to buy a '18 Crosstrek Limited w/14 K mi. @ a Carmax in Aug. '19. Today's mail (12/7) from Subaru received the recall notice for the PVC fracturing issue (NHTSA Campaign :19V744000). His car has a Nov. '17 build date. Figure additional recall notices will come later, such as the current Ignition coil reprogramming (NHTSA Campaign :19V743000) Now with these newer issues, more things to come in 2020, Subaru needs Toyota to source their parts..
Lee Taplinger wrote on December 8, 2019 - 1:31pm
This comes under the category: You just can't win. Bought a new Toyota Tacoma and after all the problems they had years ago with frame rust, buying back rusted trucks, replacing frames and giving owners loaners for months, they send me a letter saying that my truck ('16 - 1st year of the new generation) has a problem with frame rust.
Gino Crozzolu wrote on November 29, 2019 - 11:16pm
Just started hearing some banging noises coming from the suspension that I never heard before . Sounds like metal on metal when I go over certain bumps and cracks. I am a bit concerned after seeing this story I have a 2015 Forester premium
Ken wrote on November 29, 2019 - 11:44pm
Haha! They will change couple of things and then sell it as a 2021 model subaru. Come on!!!
Ashley May wrote on November 30, 2019 - 1:15am
I would love to know what can be done for someone like myself who owns a 2015 Forester and has had both rear coil springs fail.
Sheldon Johnson wrote on November 30, 2019 - 7:16am
I just had major work done on my 2016 forester It's symptoms is just like described in this article. Shouldn't I be entitled to a reimbursement because of this imminent recall?
LJ wrote on November 30, 2019 - 7:50am
when are they going to recall due to stud/lugs breakage and for bushings? On my 2017 Crosstrek I have replaced every stud/lug on the vehicle at least 4 times, you blink and another stud snaps. Then I also have issues with needing to replace bushing a couple of times a year. All I get from Sabaru is, that should not happen. Both issues have resulted in real money being flushed down the drain. No one could continue to push cash at repairs and it is even worse when on a fixed income. As a result, I have not driven a single mile using the Crosstrek since February.
Mark wrote on March 22, 2020 - 2:12pm
i had this problem on my 05 outback. i eventually determined that it was because i swapped the wheels from that car with our 06 forester. i never thought that they would be that different. apparently the stud on the forester stuck out more to mount the wheel and torque the nuts on. buying a different, custom wheel nut that was deeper from an auto parts store did the trick. with the original nut the stud was bottoming at the end of the nut and when i torqued it, the stud broke. so, are the wheels on your car original?
Jesse wrote on November 30, 2019 - 7:56am
My '09 Corolla has 185,000 miles on it. Starting to look at vehicles for a future purchase. Every time I put Subaru back on the list to consider, this happens.
Daniel Watkins wrote on November 30, 2019 - 5:52pm
Should wait longer to upgrade your 2009 Corolla anyway. More electric vehicles are on the horizon.
Carol St Pierre wrote on November 30, 2019 - 9:34am
Does this recall include 2.0 XT Turbo engines?
Lisa Gillespie wrote on November 30, 2019 - 9:54am
Is anyone having problems with the paint on their 2018 Crosstreks? I have several areas where the paint is chipping.
Lee Taplinger wrote on November 30, 2019 - 10:25am
How can a company make any money with the number of significant recalls Subaru has? We're not talking about reprogramming transmission shift points. The springs might not be a big deal but the valves are a huge deal. How do other manufacturers avoid buying defective engine parts like piston rings and valves and head gaskets?

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