Pre-purchase inspection · 2019 Subaru Forester
The FB25D replaced the problematic EJ253 and does not share the head gasket failure pattern. Clean engine with no widespread failure modes.
Check coolant level and color. White exhaust on startup = concern. Smooth cold-start idle expected.
Est. cost: Routine maintenance
Source: Subaru FB25D reliability data
Subaru's CVT is reliable when fluid is changed every 30k miles. At 60k+ with no fluid change, whining and eventual failure risk increases.
Test CVT: no whining or shudder under acceleration. Ask for CVT fluid change records.
Est. cost: $200–$300 CVT fluid service; $3,000–$5,000 replacement
Source: Subaru CVT service standard
EyeSight uses stereo cameras mounted at the windshield. Any windshield replacement requires Subaru dealer camera recalibration.
Confirm no EyeSight warning lights. Ask if windshield has been replaced.
Est. cost: $200–$400 recalibration if needed
Source: Subaru EyeSight standard
Subaru AWD is reliable. Rear differential and transfer case fluid every 25k miles.
Confirm diff/transfer case fluid in service records.
Est. cost: $150–$250 service
Source: Subaru AWD standard
CVT fluid history is the most important document on this platform.
Request CVT fluid change records specifically — this is the failure mode to prevent.
Est. cost: n/a
Source: AutoVetting editorial
19V-856
Severity: Critical - sudden loss of engine power
The aluminium PCV valve can separate and let debris into the engine, causing a sudden loss of power while driving. 51,613 units across the 2019 Forester, Crosstrek and Ascent; report received 2019-12-02. Remedy: PCV valve inspected and replaced free, and if the separated components cannot be found the short block engine is replaced. This is the campaign to confirm closed on any 2019 Forester.
21V-263
Severity: High - rear suspension bracket
Rear stabilizer-bracket bolts may loosen and detach, letting the bracket shift and raising crash risk. 408,271 units across the 2018-2019 Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid and 2019 Forester; report received 2021-04-15. Remedy: dealers retorque the bolts and replace any that are missing, free.
19V-065
Severity: Informational - remedied pre-sale
A connector inside the electric power steering unit could short-circuit and cost the driver steering assist, leaving much higher steering effort. 10,417 units across the 2019 Forester and Crosstrek; report received 2019-02-06, recall began 2019-02-07. NHTSA's record notes that none of the affected vehicles had been sold when the recall was filed, so a car on the used market today was almost certainly fixed before delivery - verify by VIN rather than assume. Remedy: steering gearbox inspected and replaced as necessary, free.
Every 2019 Forester (5th-gen SK) uses the same 2.5L FB25D naturally aspirated four with a Lineartronic CVT across all trims — there is no XT turbo and no manual — so the 8th VIN digit does not separate engines. On these Subarus the 8th digit only encodes the emissions market: 'A' = federal/49-state, 'C' = California emissions, the same FB25D either way. Because the powertrain is uniform, the distinctions that matter are trim and driver-assist hardware, not engine code: confirm EyeSight is present and was recalibrated after any windshield replacement, and get CVT fluid-service records (30k-mile intervals). Run the full VIN at nhtsa.gov to confirm the year's three recalls are closed.