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2024 Subaru Forester maintenance schedule

The 2024 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

What the 2024 Forester needs, and when

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.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter (FB25)

Heavy usage dictates 3,000-mile intervals.

6,000 mi / 6 monthsManufacturer
Engine air filter (FB25)

Replace regularly; 7,500 miles for heavy/dusty use.

30,000 mi / 30 monthsIndependent
Cabin air filter (FB25)12,000 mi / 1 yearIndependent
Tire rotation (FB25)

Inspect and rotate

6,000 mi / 6 monthsIndependent
Brake fluid (FB25)

Flush system

30,000 mi / 30 monthsManufacturer
Engine coolant (FB25)

Initial change at 11 years, then every 75k miles/6 years using Subaru Super Coolant.

137,500 mi / 11 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluid (FB25)

Inspect fluid; severe service dictates replacement sooner.

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Spark plugs (FB25)60,000 mi / 5 yearsManufacturer
Serpentine belt (FB25)

Inspect drive belt(s)

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent
Differential and transfer case fluid (FB25)Inspect, replace as neededIndependent
PCV valve (FB25)

Check PCV valve

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent
12V battery (FB25)

Test / replace.

30,000 mi / 3 yearsIndependent

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Coolant
Subaru Super Coolant
Transmission fluid
CVT Fluid

Powertrains in this generation

  • 2.5L 4-cyl (FB25), CVT, AWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2024 Forester owners run into

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.

12V Battery Drain

medium severity

From about 10,000 mi · $200-$400 to fix

Starting battery goes flat after 5-10 days of inactivity

Intake Carbon Buildup

medium severity

From about 50,000 mi · $400-$1,200 to fix

Rough idle, random misfires (P0300)

Source: au7o.io

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA recalls for the 2024 Subaru Forester

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.

Power train

NHTSA 23V754000

November 2023

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA 23V723000

October 2023

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.

Remedy: Subaru’s independent distributor processing facilities will tighten the water pipe attachment bolts. The affected vehicles have not been delivered to dealers or sold to owners and therefore, no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRO-23.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$632

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Forester model years

SK (2019-2024)

201920202021202220232024

SJ (2014-2018)

20142015201620172018

Shopping new? The Subaru Forester guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-21. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Forester for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2024 Forester earns before you buy it.

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