Forester 2.5-Litre Engines
from £1,400 to £3,800
Rebuilt units from £1,400 · Common codes: EJ25, EJ251, EJ253, EJ255
Subaru ENGINE MARKETPLACE
Subaru Forester Engine Replacement - Reconditioned & Used Prices Compared
Get quotes from trusted UK Subaru Forester engine specialists. Compare reconditioned, rebuilt and used prices for 2.0L to 2.5L boxer - FB20, FB25 & EJ253 covered. Compare supply & fit options today.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
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Forester 2.0-Litre Engines
from £1,200 to £3,200
Rebuilt units from £1,200 · Common codes: FB20, EJ20, EJ203, EJ204
Forester 2.0D Boxer Diesel
from £1,800 to £4,500
Instant engine replacement quote - 100% free, no obligation
Engine replacement near me - UK-wide specialist network
Compare reconditioned, rebuilt & used engine prices
Supply & fit available - parts and labour from vetted specialistsInstant engine replacement quote - 100% free, no obligationEngine replacement near me - UK-wide specialist networkCompare reconditioned, rebuilt & used engine pricesSupply & fit available - parts and labour from vetted specialistsHow It Works
3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best Subaru Forester Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Subaru Forester Replacement Engine
12-Month Warranty
Supply & Fit Available
Nationwide Delivery
Trusted UK Suppliers
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Live UK Engine Market Data
Average Market Prices
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↻ Last updated: 4 Aug 26, 9:26
Customer Reviews
Trusted by Subaru Forester Owners Across the UK
Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 1,081 verified customers who sourced reconditioned and used Subaru Forester engines through EngineMarket.
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“Thanks to EngineMarket, I saved over £1,200 on my engine replacement and got matched with a great local specialist within the hour.”
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“Got three quotes within an hour and chose the best deal easily. The whole process was quick, clear and stress-free.”
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“I wasn't sure what I needed, but they helped me identify the right engine and connected me with a trusted garage.”
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“Thanks to EngineMarket, I saved over £1,200 on my engine replacement and got matched with a great local specialist within the hour.”
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Variants We Cover
Subaru Forester Engine ReplacementAll Variants Covered
Subaru Forester 2.0 X
EJ20/FB20 2.0L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £1,200-£3,200
Subaru Forester 2.0 XS
EJ20/FB20 2.0L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £1,200-£3,200
Subaru Forester 2.5 X
EJ25/FB25 2.5L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £1,400-£3,800
Subaru Forester 2.5 XT
EJ255 2.5L Turbo
Rebuilt Engines: £2,200-£5,500
Subaru Forester 2.0D
EE20 2.0L Boxer
Rebuilt Engines: £1,800-£4,500
Subaru Forester S-Edition
EJ257 2.5L Turbo
Rebuilt Engines: £2,800-£6,200
Subaru Forester XC
FB25 2.5L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £1,600-£4,200
Subaru Forester XE
FB20 2.0L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £1,400-£3,600
Subaru Forester SG
EJ20/EJ25 2.5L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £1,200-£4,800
Subaru Forester SH
EJ25/FB20 2.5L Multi
Rebuilt Engines: £1,400-£5,200
Subaru Forester SJ
FB20/FB25 2.5L Multi
Rebuilt Engines: £1,600-£4,800
Subaru Forester SF
EJ20 2.0L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £1,000-£2,800
Not sure which variant your Subaru Forester is- Enter your registration number above - we'll identify the exact sub-model, engine code and compatible replacement options instantly.
Forester
Engine Codes
Subaru Forester Engine CodesFull Technical Specifications & Replacement Guide
Every engine code fitted to the Subaru Forester across all generations, with technical specs, compatible variants and trims, known failure points, and average rebuilt prices from UK specialists. Select any engine code to compare quotes.
Petrol Engines
Extracted from detailed petrol and performance engine families across Subaru Forester variants.
EJ20 - 2.0L Petrol
Main replacement demand comes from timing-chain, cooling-system and performance thermal-management faults.
Compatible variants
SF XSF XSSG XSG XSSH X (naturally aspirated trims)
Avg. rebuilt price
£1,200 - £3,200
Supply only
Technical specifications
- Fuel type
- Petrol
- Engine size
- 2.0L
- Power output
- 125-150 hp
- Years fitted
- 1997-2010
Common failures
- ●Main replacement demand comes from timing-chain, cooling-system and performance thermal-management faults.
- ●Confirm exact engine code and fitment before ordering.
- ●Ask for warranty and supply & fit terms.
Not sure which engine code?
Can't find your engine code- Enter your registration number above - we'll instantly identify the exact unit, its technical specifications, and live replacement prices from UK Subaru Forester engine specialists. Every rebuilt engine comes with a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty.
Forester
Common Problems
Subaru Forester Engine Problems - What It Costs to Fix & When Replacement Makes Sense
The Subaru Forester's boxer engines deliver distinctive character but face model-specific challenges. EJ25 head gasket failure dominates replacement enquiries, while EE20 diesel DPF issues and FB-series oil consumption affect later models. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EngineMarket includes upgraded internal components designed to address the...
Head Gasket Failure - Why EJ25/EJ20 Forester Engines Fail Prematurely
Head Gasket Failure
Most affected vehicles
Subaru Forester SG/SH 2.5 X2.5 XS
Subaru Forester SG/SH 2.5 X, 2.5 XS, 2.5 XT (1999-2010, EJ251/EJ253/EJ255)
Failure mileage range
60,000-100,000 miles
Typical failure window
Root cause
Multi-layer steel head gaskets on pre-2010 EJ engines can degrade under thermal cycling, allowing coolant/oil cross-contamination or external seepage.
Repair options & estimated costs (UK ranges)
| Repair tier | Dealer price | Specialist price | What it involves | Longevity / suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minor - Preventative Gasket Refresh | £1,800 - £2,800 | £1,200 - £1,900 | Replace head gaskets with upgraded MLS units while engine is healthy | Viable only before symptoms appear; not a fix for failed engines |
| Intermediate - Cylinder Head Recondition | £3,200 - £4,800 | £2,100 - £3,400 | Remove heads, machine surfaces, fit upgraded gaskets, reseal | Suitable if block is undamaged; requires specialist assessment |
| Full Replacement - Rebuilt / Reconditioned Engine | £5,500 - £8,200 | £1,400 - £3,800 | Supply & fit rebuilt EJ25 with upgraded gaskets, bench-tested, warranty included | Best value for confirmed failure; addresses root cause comprehensively |
Our recommendation
If your Forester shows early seepage but runs well, a preventative gasket refresh at a Subaru specialist can extend life cost-effectively. For confirmed head gasket failure with coolant loss or misfire, replacement with a rebuilt unit featuring upgraded components offers better long-term value than repeated repairs.
Compare rebuilt EJ25 engine prices for your Subaru ForesterReplacement Engine Options
Subaru Forester Engine TypesOptions, Costs & What to Expect
Every Subaru Forester engine type is available through our UK network with typical price ranges based on variant, engine code and budget.
Subaru Forester Reconditioned Engines (Recon)£1,400 - £4,200((supply only))
Subaru Forester Rebuilt Engines£1,600 - £5,500((supply only))
Subaru Forester Used Engines£900 - £2,800((supply only))
Subaru Forester Remanufactured Engines£2,200 - £6,800((supply only))
Subaru Forester Refurbished Engines£1,100 - £3,400((supply only))
Compare Subaru Forester engine prices with vetted UK suppliers
All engine types include a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty when sourced through EngineMarket. Prices are typical UK market ranges based on historical quote data from our network and depend on exact engine code, variant, mileage and supplier. Use our free comparison tool above - enter your registration to get tailored quotes for your specific Subaru Forester within hours.
Engine Sizes
Subaru Forester Engines by SizeFind the Right Displacement for Your Variant
Every displacement fitted to the Subaru Forester is listed below, with compatible engine codes, production years and common failure notes to help you identify the right replacement.
The 2.0L petrol powered early SF/SG Foresters and remained available through SH/SJ generations; EJ20 belt-driven units gave way to chain-driven FB20 from 2011, improving service intervals while maintaining boxer smoothness.
⚙
Engine Code(s)
EJ20, EJ203, EJ204, FB20, FB20B
▣
Compatible Models (UK)
SF X/XS (1997-2002), SG X/XS (2003-2008), SH X/XS (2009-2013), SJ X/XS/XE/XC
ϟ
Power output
Verified by registration
△
Common Failure Points
Head gasket seepage on pre-2005 EJ20; oil consumption on pre-2014 FB20 units
Production Years: 2014-2018
Compare Subaru Forester 2.0L petrol engine pricesSubaru Forester Engines Fuel Type
Subaru Forester Engines by Fuel Type
Choose your Subaru Forester engine by fuel type to compare realistic replacement prices, known issues, and compatible UK supply options - from early 2.0L petrol to the 2.0D Boxer diesel.
Subaru Forester Petrol Engines
PetrolPetrol boxer engines powered every Forester generation; EJ series offered character but head gasket vulnerability, while FB series improved reliability with chain drive.
Common Subaru Forester Petrol Engine Families
- •EJ20/EJ25 - most common replacement engines (SG/SH), head gasket risk on pre-2010 units
- •FB20/FB25 - chain-driven successors (SH/SJ), improved gaskets but early oil consumption
- •EJ255/EJ257 - turbocharged XT/S-Edition units, higher performance but demanding maintenance
Found In
- •SF generation (1997-2002) - EJ20 naturally aspirated
- •SG generation (2003-2008) - EJ20/EJ25 naturally aspirated & turbo
- •SH generation (2009-2013) - EJ25, FB20 transition, EE20 diesel introduced
Known For
- •Distinctive boxer smoothness and AWD compatibility across all petrol variants
- •EJ25 head gasket failure between 60k-100k miles dominates replacement enquiries
- •FB series oil consumption on pre-2014 units; revised rings improved later production
Typical Petrol Models
- •2.0 X / 2.0 XS
- •2.5 X / 2.5 XS
- •2.5 XT Turbo
1 of 2
Subaru Forester Petrol Engines
PetrolPetrol boxer engines powered every Forester generation; EJ series offered character but head gasket vulnerability, while FB series improved reliability with chain drive.
Common Subaru Forester Petrol Engine Families
- •EJ20/EJ25 - most common replacement engines (SG/SH), head gasket risk on pre-2010 units
- •FB20/FB25 - chain-driven successors (SH/SJ), improved gaskets but early oil consumption
- •EJ255/EJ257 - turbocharged XT/S-Edition units, higher performance but demanding maintenance
Found In
- •SF generation (1997-2002) - EJ20 naturally aspirated
- •SG generation (2003-2008) - EJ20/EJ25 naturally aspirated & turbo
- •SH generation (2009-2013) - EJ25, FB20 transition, EE20 diesel introduced
Known For
- •Distinctive boxer smoothness and AWD compatibility across all petrol variants
- •EJ25 head gasket failure between 60k-100k miles dominates replacement enquiries
- •FB series oil consumption on pre-2014 units; revised rings improved later production
Typical Petrol Models
- •2.0 X / 2.0 XS
- •2.5 X / 2.5 XS
- •2.5 XT Turbo
Subaru Forester Diesel Engines
DieselThe 2.0L Boxer diesel (EE20) arrived in 2010 offering torque and efficiency but faced DPF and turbo challenges that limited long-term UK adoption.
Common Subaru Forester Diesel Engine Families
- •EE20 - primary Boxer diesel code (SH/SJ), DPF and turbo failure patterns well-documented
- •EE20Z - updated variant (facelift SJ), marginal reliability improvements
Found In
- •SH generation (2010-2013) - EE20 Boxer diesel introduced
- •SJ generation (2014-2015) - EE20/EE20Z continued, discontinued post-2015
Known For
- •Unique horizontally-opposed diesel layout delivering smooth power delivery
- •DPF clogging on urban-driven vehicles; regeneration failures common above 70k miles
- •Turbocharger variable vane sticking and sump corrosion reported on UK examples
Typical Diesel Models
- •2.0D
- •2.0D XC
- •2.0D XE
Not sure which fuel type your Subaru Forester has- Enter your registration number above to instantly identify your engine code, fuel system and compatible replacement options - all backed by a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty from UK Subaru Forester specialists.
Engine YearsGet quotes for 1997-2002 Subaru Forester replacement engines →
Subaru Forester Engines by YearWhat Was Fitted & WhenSubaru Forester Engines by Year - What Was Fitted & When
This timeline covers all major engine changes across the Subaru Forester's UK production history, organised so owners can quickly identify their engine and compare rebuilt engine prices from UK specialists.
⚙Key Changes
- ✓First-generation Forester (SF) introduced to UK market with standard AWD
- ✓EJ20 SOHC/DOHC naturally aspirated petrol engines only; no diesel option
- ✓Manual and automatic transmission options; early models featured viscous coupling AWD
▣Main Engines
EJ20- 2.0L petrol (SF X / XS)
▰Popular Models
- •Subaru SF 2.0 X
- •Subaru SF 2.0 XS
🔧Known For
- ✓Robust EJ20 design with simple maintenance requirements
- ✓Timing belt service critical at 60k miles to avoid interference damage
- ✓Early models prized for mechanical simplicity and off-road capability
Engine Codes Covered:
EJ20EJ201EJ202Not sure which year your Subaru Forester was built- Enter your registration number and we'll identify the exact engine, model year, and compatible replacement options instantly - all backed by a minimum 12-month warranty from UK Subaru Forester specialists.
FAQ