The 2007 Forester XT shares the EJ255 turbo engine with the WRX, bringing strong performance but also the same Achilles heels: head gaskets, ringland failures, and transmission cooler leaks that can destroy the automatic. When maintained meticulously, they're capable; when neglected or boosted, they become expensive projects.
Head Gasket Failure (External Oil Weep)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil seepage at head/block junction visible from below, Oil smell from engine bay after hard driving, Slight coolant consumption without visible external leaks, May pass for years as a minor weep before becoming critical
Fix: Both head gaskets, timing components, valve cover gaskets, and all associated seals while engine is apart. 16-20 labor hours. Use MLS gaskets and machine heads flat if warped.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Ringland Failure (Piston #4 Cracked Ring Lands)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden loss of power and misfires on cylinder 4, White/blue smoke on startup or under boost, Elevated oil consumption (1 qt per 500-1000 mi), P0304 code plus low compression reading on #4
Fix: Requires short block replacement or complete engine rebuild with forged pistons. Often triggered by detonation from poor fuel, aggressive tuning, or carbon buildup. 22-28 labor hours for short block R&R.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure (Automatics)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink fluid pooling under radiator area, Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Strawberry milkshake appearance in ATF if cooler ruptures internally, Rapid transmission failure if coolant contaminates ATF
Fix: Replace external cooler lines and radiator if internal cooler failed. If coolant mixed with ATF, complete transmission flush or rebuild required. 3-5 hours for lines; 18-24 hours for contaminated trans rebuild.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200 (lines only), $3,500-5,500 (if trans contaminated)
Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle and Failure
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise at idle that disappears under boost, Boost control issues or overboost/underboost codes (P0244), Reduced power and sluggish throttle response, Metallic clattering from driver's side of engine
Fix: Wastegate actuator arm wears and rattles. Can replace actuator (~4 hours) or full turbo (~6-8 hours). OEM turbos last but aftermarket options exist. Includes new exhaust gaskets and oil feed/return lines.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400 (actuator), $1,800-2,800 (full turbo)
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · low severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from reverse to drive, Excessive engine movement visible when revving in park, Vibration at idle that smooths out at higher RPM, Shifter feels sloppy or vague
Fix: Rear transmission mount (pitch stop) deteriorates. Replace all engine/trans mounts while accessible. 2-3 hours labor. Use OEM or upgraded polyurethane mounts.
Estimated cost: $350-650
Banjo Bolt Filter Clogging (Turbo Oil Feed)
Occasional · high severitySymptoms: Turbo whine or screaming noise under boost, Blue smoke on deceleration, Oil consumption increases suddenly, Turbo failure from oil starvation if ignored
Fix: Tiny filter screens in banjo bolts at turbo oil feed clog with debris, starving the turbo. Remove banjo bolts, clean or replace screens, verify oil passages clear. 1.5-2 hours. Preventive measure: change oil religiously every 3,750 mi.
Estimated cost: $150-300
Crank Position Sensor Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition, cranks but won't fire, Intermittent stalling, usually when hot, P0335 or P0340 codes stored, Engine may restart after cooling 20-30 minutes
Fix: Sensor mounted on bell housing fails from heat cycles. Access requires removing starter or working from underneath. 1.5-2 hours. Always replace with OEM sensor; aftermarket units fail prematurely.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Buy a manual-transmission XT with service records or budget $3K-5K for deferred maintenance on an automatic—these are enthusiast cars that punish neglect but reward diligent care.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.