Question about newer Foresters

[Jim Mac]

I watched a video last night from Scotty Kilmer on Youtube. He said that Subaru uses silicone instead of a gasket on head gaskets, etc. and eventually the silicone breaks down and starts leaking oil. Is Subaru still doing this ? I'm looking into buying a new Forester.

Thanks.

[aboucher33]

Foresters haven't had head gasket issues for a few generations now I believe. My wife has a '21 and really likes it. No complaints thus far.

[Jim Mac]

Thanks. So maybe they started using gaskets.

[OutdoorLover]

Originally Posted by aboucher33

Foresters haven't had head gasket issues for a few generations now I believe. My wife has a '21 and really likes it. No complaints thus far.

Yes, I think it was fixed by model year 2015, according to the Consumer Reports reliability data.

[Jim Mac]

Thanks

[OutdoorLover]

I've got a 2019 Forester Touring myself, and to me it's a great vehicle - moderately priced, roomy inside with great outward visibility, good on gas for an AWD vehicle and just very practical. Model year 2019 was the first year of the current product cycle and 2025 will be the first year of the next product cycle if you're interested in waiting until fall.

[M3 Mitch]

Originally Posted by Jim Mac

I watched a video last night from Scotty Kilmer on Youtube. He said that Subaru uses silicone instead of a gasket on head gaskets, etc. and eventually the silicone breaks down and starts leaking oil. Is Subaru still doing this ? I'm looking into buying a new Forester.

Thanks.

I think we are talking cam cover gaskets, which are on the head, but they are not head gaskets. Sometimes a mechanic will use silicone (Form a Gasket) for things like cam covers, oil pans, etc.

You could not use silicone for a head gasket successfully, as these gaskets are exposed to combustion temperatures.