What does an extended warranty cover on a Subaru Forester?

Depending on the plan, an extended warranty covers the Forester's engine, CVT or automatic transmission, A/C system, cooling components, and electrical systems. Athena's Deluxe Coverage is the most popular tier for Forester owners given the head gasket and CVT exposure.

Do Subaru Foresters have head gasket problems?

Head gasket failures are a well-documented issue on 2001–2009 Foresters with the EJ25 2.5L engine. Replacement costs $2,000–$4,500. Newer models with FB engines have largely resolved this issue, but CVT transmission wear has emerged as a concern on 2014+ models.

What Forester model years are eligible for Athena coverage?

Most Subaru Forester model years with a clean title and under 150,000 miles at enrollment are eligible, including popular 4th and 5th generation models. Contact us for a specific eligibility check.

How much does a Subaru Forester CVT replacement cost?

A Subaru Forester CVT replacement typically costs $4,000–$6,500. CVT failures are among the most expensive repairs on newer Foresters. With Athena, you pay only the $100 deductible for covered failures.

Subaru Forester Extended Warranty: Head Gaskets, CVT, and Repair Cost Guide

Subaru Forester Extended Warranty: Head Gaskets, CVT & Coverage Guide

The Subaru Forester shares the Outback's EJ head gasket concerns on older models and CVT reliability concerns on 2018+ models. This guide covers Forester failure modes with real repair cost data and how Athena's $100 deductible plan protects Forester owners.

Written and maintained by Athena Auto Protection Editorial Team — extended warranty specialists with expertise in vehicle service contracts, automotive repair, and consumer protection. Founded 2022.

Key Takeaways

1. EJ 2.5L head gasket failure on older Forester: $1,500–$3,000 covered under Deluxe
2. Lineartronic CVT failure on 2018+ Forester: $3,500–$6,500 — most expensive repair
3. AWD rear differential and transfer case: $1,500–$3,500 covered
4. A/C compressor: $1,100–$2,200 covered under Enhanced Powertrain and above
5. Athena covers Forester repairs at any Subaru shop with a $100 deductible
6. Available for Forester models up to 5 years or 125,000 miles

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common Subaru Forester problems?

Common Forester failures include EJ head gasket failure ($1,500–$3,000 on older models), CVT failure on 2018+ models ($3,500–$6,500), AWD system failures ($1,500–$3,500), and A/C compressor failure ($1,100–$2,200).

What are common repairs on a Subaru Forester?

Common repairs include head gasket replacement on 2.5L models (especially 2003–2010 generations) costing $1,500–$3,500, CVT transmission replacement on newer models ($3,500–$5,500), A/C compressor failure ($900–$1,800), and Subaru EyeSight calibration ($300–$600).

Which Athena plan is best for a Subaru Forester?

Deluxe Coverage is recommended for most Forester owners — it covers the engine (including head gasket components), CVT or automatic transmission, A/C, electrical, steering, and brakes with a $100 deductible. Head gasket and CVT coverage are the most valuable components for Forester owners.

Why Choose Athena Auto Protection?

$100 flat deductible per repair visit — no surprises on your bill
48-hour claim processing for fast resolution
24/7 concierge support at (888) 842-8839
Direct payment to repair facilities — no out-of-pocket reimbursement required
30-day / 1,000-mile waiting period from enrollment
Licensed and operating in 48 U.S. states
Coverage for vehicles up to 5 years or 125,000 miles
Clean title required; no salvage or branded title vehicles
BBB A+ rated with 4.6-star customer satisfaction across 590+ reviews

How the Claims Process Works

When your vehicle breaks down, take it to any licensed repair facility. Call our 24/7 concierge line at (888) 842-8839 and we will open a claim on your behalf. Our claims team authorizes the repair within 48 hours and pays the shop directly, so you only pay the $100 deductible.

Benefits Included with Every Plan

Every plan includes complimentary roadside assistance (towing up to 25 miles, flat tire service, jump start, fuel delivery, and lockout service), trip interruption reimbursement up to $300, and 24/7 concierge scheduling through our network of ASE-certified repair shops.

Contact Us

Sales: (833) 251-9786 — Monday–Friday, 8 AM–8 PM ET
24/7 Concierge Support: (888) 842-8839
Email: cc@athenaautoprotection.com

More Resources

The Subaru Forester is a beloved compact SUV with a loyal following — praised for its standard all-wheel drive, roomy interior, and excellent visibility. But the Forester has two notable vulnerability patterns depending on its generation: head gasket issues on older EJ-engine models and CVT wear on newer FB-engine variants.

Quick Answer

The Subaru Forester is a practical and capable compact SUV — but head gasket failure costs $2,000–$4,500, CVT replacement runs $4,000–$6,500, and A/C compressor failure hits $900–$1,700. Athena Auto Protection covers all of these with a flat $100 deductible.

Key Takeaways

1Head gasket failure on EJ25-powered Foresters (2001–2009) costs $2,000–$4,500.
2CVT replacement on 2014+ Foresters costs $4,000–$6,500 and is a growing failure point.
3A/C compressor failures are common across Forester generations and cost $900–$1,700.
4The Forester's factory powertrain warranty runs 5 years/60,000 miles.
5Athena covers Foresters under all four plan tiers with a $100 deductible.
6All repairs can be done at any licensed shop — including Subaru dealerships.

Common Subaru Forester Failure Points

Head Gasket (EJ25 Engine — 2001–2009)

The EJ25 2.5L engine used in 3rd and early 4th generation Foresters has a well-documented external head gasket leak issue. While often manageable initially, failing to address it leads to coolant loss, overheating, and potential engine damage. Head gasket replacement costs $2,000 to $4,500 depending on additional components replaced during the repair.

Subaru issued an extended warranty for head gasket repairs on affected EJ25 models, but most of those extensions have expired. The repair remains one of the most commonly cited ownership costs for early-generation Forester owners and is a primary reason extended warranty coverage is valuable.

CVT Transmission (2014+ Models)

Subaru's Lineartronic CVT, introduced on the 4th generation Forester (2014+), can develop shuddering, hunting, and wear symptoms after 80,000–120,000 miles. Full CVT replacement costs $4,000 to $6,500 — among the most expensive repairs on newer Foresters.

A/C Compressor

A/C compressor failure is a recurring issue across Forester generations, typically manifesting between 80,000–130,000 miles. Replacement costs $900 to $1,700 depending on model year.

Cooling System and Wheel Bearings

Water pump failure and wheel bearing issues are periodic concerns on older Foresters. Wheel bearing replacement costs $350–$700 per wheel and water pump replacement runs $500–$900.

What Athena's Coverage Pays For

Powertrain Plus: Engine internals, CVT/transmission, drive axle
Enhanced Powertrain: Adds A/C, electrical, and fuel delivery
Deluxe Coverage: All major systems — recommended for Forester owners
New Car Coverage: Near-complete mechanical and electrical coverage

You pay just $100 per visit. Athena pays the shop directly.

Sources & Methodology

Last Updated: March 2026

RepairPal: Subaru Forester repair cost estimates and reliability data (2024–2025)

Consumer Reports: Subaru Forester reliability ratings and owner satisfaction (2023–2025)

Subaru: Forester factory warranty terms and extended head gasket coverage details

About the Article Author

Steven Telle

Chief Operating Officer

Steven oversees daily operations, claims processing, and the concierge support teams at Athena. He brings deep experience in warranty administration and service contract compliance, ensuring every customer interaction meets the highest standard of transparency and speed.