2010 Subaru Forester: Blown head gaskets
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2010 Forester report: blown head gaskets. CarComplaints.com lists 6 owner complaints, average mileage 97,450 miles.
NHTSA has 40 owner complaints for the 2010 Forester in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11704112 (filed 12/09/2025): “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 …”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11673326 (filed 07/14/2025): “In brief: i purchased a used 2010 subaru forester in nov. 2022. because the vehicle gave me many problems, i decided to purchase another vehicle. in june 2025 i went to fred beans in mechanicsburg, pa. they ran a car fax on my 2010 subaru & found, among other …”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace head gasket (5 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $2,920 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Estimated repair cost: head gasket replacement
Average shop cost
$1,135
Range $500–$1,945 (labor)
5.0–14.0 h × $100–$139/h estimated shop labor rate
Parts not included.
Average mobile mechanic cost
$1,705
Range $750–$2,920 (labor)
Shop labor × 1.5 (mobile convenience premium)
Parts not included.
Estimates only, not a quote. Actual prices vary by vehicle, shop and location. See the estimate for your city → · About this repair and its cost
Same repair on other models: 2010 Subaru Outback: Head gasket failure · 2010 Toyota Tacoma: Leaking head gasket · 2014 Kia Sportage: Failed head gasket-exhaust gas in coolant · 2016 Jeep Wrangler: Blown head gaskets
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