The 2019 Forester is part of the SK generation (2019-2024), sold as an SUV. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.
Service schedule
5 of these 12 items come from Subaru's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Subaru's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.
| Service | Interval | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil and filter (FB25) Heavy usage dictates 3,000-mile intervals. | 6,000 mi / 6 months | Manufacturer |
| Engine air filter (FB25) Replace regularly; 7,500 miles for heavy/dusty use. | 30,000 mi / 30 months | Independent |
| Cabin air filter (FB25) | 12,000 mi / 1 year | Independent |
| Tire rotation (FB25) Inspect and rotate | 6,000 mi / 6 months | Independent |
| Brake fluid (FB25) Flush system | 30,000 mi / 30 months | Manufacturer |
| Engine coolant (FB25) Initial change at 11 years, then every 75k miles/6 years using Subaru Super Coolant. | 137,500 mi / 11 years | Manufacturer |
| Transmission fluid (FB25) Inspect fluid; severe service dictates replacement sooner. | Inspect, replace as needed | Manufacturer |
| Spark plugs (FB25) | 60,000 mi / 5 years | Manufacturer |
| Serpentine belt (FB25) Inspect drive belt(s) | Inspect, replace as needed | Independent |
| Differential and transfer case fluid (FB25) | Inspect, replace as needed | Independent |
| PCV valve (FB25) Check PCV valve | Inspect, replace as needed | Independent |
| 12V battery (FB25) Test / replace. | 30,000 mi / 3 years | Independent |
Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them.
Fluids and engines
Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.
Known problems
Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.
From about 50,000 mi · $1,000-$1,500 to fix
Overheating, poor heater performance, CEL P26A3/P26A5
Source: youtube.com
From about 10,000 mi · $200-$400 to fix
Starting battery goes flat after 5-10 days of inactivity
From about 10,000 mi · $700-$1,200 to fix
Spontaneous cracking requiring expensive acoustic glass
From about 50,000 mi · $400-$1,200 to fix
Rough idle, random misfires (P0300)
Source: au7o.io
Safety recalls
From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Subaru dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.
April 2021
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
December 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
February 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Remedy: None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
Running costs
Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.
Shopping new? The Subaru Forester guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.
Researched 2026-09-21. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.
Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2019 Forester earns before you buy it.
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