2010 Subaru Forester: excessive oil consumption

Filed Dec 9, 2025 · Engine · VA

The engine in my 2010 Subaru Forester (VIN: [XXX] ) suffered a sudden and complete mechanical failure on November 15, 2025. While driving, the vehicle abruptly lost power without any warning lights or messages. I was able to pull off the roadway, but the loss of power posed a significant safety risk. Had this occurred in traffic or at highway speeds, it could have caused a collision. The vehicle was inspected the next business day by Wiygul Automotive. Their technicians found no measurable oil on the dipstick and added three quarts just to restart the engine. They confirmed no external oil leaks, and diagnosed the failure as a catastrophic internal oil consumption defect that had been occurring over time. This defect resulted in oil starvation and severe internal engine damage. The engine is fully available for inspection upon request. Wiygul provided a written diagnostic report confirming the cause of failure. The dealership has been notified but has not yet performed an inspection. ​No manufacturer, insurance, or law enforcement inspections have occurred to date. Importantly, the vehicle had a documented pre-purchase inspection on August 7, 2025, which noted the engine oil was significantly overfilled by approximately one quart and that all diagnostic codes had recently been cleared. These findings are consistent with an existing engine issue that would not be detectable by an ordinary consumer. On August 28, 2025, a full synthetic oil service was performed and again documented no external leaks. There were no symptoms, warnings, or drivability indications prior to the sudden loss of power. The failure occurred without warning, and the underlying defect was only discovered after the breakdown. This internal oil consumption defect rendered the vehicle unsafe and unfit for use, and the sudden engine shutdown created a clear risk to my safety and the safety of others on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 25, 2017 · Engine · 80,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 subaru forester. The contact stated that he had to change the oil every 5,000 miles and noticed that the oil level was low. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an oil consumption test was performed. The vehicle failed and it was determined that the short block needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Jun 13, 2016 · Engine · 94,000 miles · AK

The subaru forester 2010 failed the oil consumption test performed by subaru. The cause from a subaru bulletin states that the #1 and/or #4 intake valve guide insertion hole was improperly machined, permitting oil to enter the combustion chamber. This occurred on the subaru forester 2010 models as well as 2011 legacy/outback, and 2011 impreza. This is a safety issue because more than 1.5 quarts of oil is consumed after only 1100 miles driven. In alaska you could be stuck in the frozen interior if this defect caused the engine to overheat and malfunction while traveling. Subaru will not fix the known defect. Subaru states it's out of warranty and the bulletin doesn't apply to my VIN number. This should be a recall issue and subaru should be required to fix the problem. They will only provide $500.00 for a $5,000 fix.

Filed Mar 6, 2015 · Engine · 193,297 miles · OK

The vehicle has been maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's manual. Recently the "service engine" light came on. Immediately the vehicle pulled into a lot and checked under the hood. The oil was low, so oil was added. It was about 90 miles home, so it was started back up and entered a toll road. After about 10 minutes a slight burning oil smell was noticed so the vehicle was immediately stopped on the shoulder and shut off. After checking the engine compartment oil was noticed on the bottom of the vehicle. A flat-bed tow-truck was called and transported the vehicle to the subaru dealership that normally services the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed it as "internal engine failure" due to the engine running low on oil. 10 minutes after the check engine light came on. Recommends replacing entire engine with used engine.

Filed Dec 15, 2014 · Engine · 74 miles · AZ

Excessive oil consumption issue on 2010 subaru forester. Last oil change @ 72,328 miles. Vehicle ran out of oil at 74,979 miles. [documentation available on consistent regular maintenance.]

Filed Nov 5, 2011 · Engine · OR

Engine oil was below dip stick after 5500 miles odometer at 23566. Subaru did an oil consumption test, uses 1/2 pint per 1000 miles on clean oil. Subaru mechanic said that 1 qt per 1000 miles on engine is normal. Oil change recommendation is 7500 miles. Engine has less than 29000 miles and is in danger of seizing up if oil is not kept up. Subaru is aware of problem in engine, but refuses to fix the oil consumption problem.