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Buying guide

Subaru Forester XT SH (2008 to 2013): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Subaru Forester XT SH was built from 2008 to 2013 as an SUV or wagon, with a manual or automatic gearbox, all wheel drive and petrol power. Chassis codes: SH5, SHJ, SHM and SH9. Redline has a curated guide to its 8 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2008 to 2013
Chassis codes
SH5, SHJ, SHM, SH9
Body types
SUV, Wagon
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Subaru Forester SH (2008 to 2012). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Head gaskets

    Head gasket leaks are reported, more so at high km, and the repair is expensive.

    Where to look
    The coolant level and the joints between the cylinder heads and block on each side of the boxer engine
    How to test
    Check the coolant level when cold. When warm, look underneath at both cylinder heads for oil or coolant weeping and smell for coolant.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost head gaskets on both sides

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab), samarins.com (opens in a new tab)

  2. Timing belt on the EJ engines

    Changing the timing belt every 5 years or 100,000 km is described as essential, along with the tensioners, guides and water pump.

    Where to look
    The timing belt records and any sticker under the bonnet
    How to test
    Ask for the invoice for the last belt change and check it included the tensioners, guides and water pump.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost engine damage if the belt fails

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  3. FB25 oil consumption (2011 onward non turbo)

    The FB25 engine fitted from 2011 in some markets can use oil between changes, and Subaru repaired some under warranty.

    Where to look
    The dipstick, and the engine code
    How to test
    Check the oil level and ask how much it uses between services.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost engine work if it is heavy

    Sources: samarins.com (opens in a new tab)

  4. XT turbo clutch and driveline

    Owner abuse wears the clutch and driveline on the XT turbo.

    Where to look
    The clutch, and the driveline under the car
    How to test
    Drive slowly in a high gear, then floor it and watch for the revs rising without the car speeding up. Listen for clunks on and off the throttle.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost clutch and driveline parts

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  5. 6 speed manual recall

    Some 6 speed manual gearboxes were recalled for lubrication flaws that could damage components.

    Where to look
    The gearbox, and the recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Ask a Subaru dealer to confirm the recall work. Listen for whine and check every gear selects cleanly.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free at a Subaru dealer

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  6. Underbody and front air dam damage

    Off road use crushes the front air dam, floors and sills and shortens the life of driveshaft boots and the exhaust. Lifted cars may show rub marks in the inner guards.

    Where to look
    The front air dam, floor, sills, driveshaft boots, exhaust and inner wheel guards
    How to test
    Look underneath, ideally on a hoist, for scrapes and crushed metal, and in the wheel arches for tyre rub marks.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost depends on what is damaged

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  7. Exhaust heat shield and catalytic converter

    A loose exhaust heat shield rattles at certain revs, and catalytic converters fail at higher km with a P0420 or P0421 code.

    Where to look
    The heat shields along the exhaust, and the engine warning light
    How to test
    Listen for a tinny rattle as the revs rise and fall, and ask for a fault code scan.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost a clamp for the shield; a converter costs more

    Sources: samarins.com (opens in a new tab)

  8. Engine oil leaks

    Oil leaks are reported, with a burnt oil smell under the bonnet.

    Where to look
    The cam covers and the underside of the boxer engine
    How to test
    Smell for burnt oil after the drive and look under the engine for wet oil.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost depends on the source

    Sources: samarins.com (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is it the 2.0 or 2.5 non turbo, the XT turbo or the diesel, and manual or auto?
  • When was the timing belt last done, and did it include the water pump?
  • Has it had head gasket work?
  • Has it been off road or lifted?

New Zealand notes

  • NZ has both NZ new and Japanese import SH Foresters. Compare the odometer on the export certificate with the dash on imports.

An SH suits a buyer who wants a practical AWD wagon and confirms the timing belt and head gasket history.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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