🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Forester Year: 2010 Market: North America (presumed based on typical manual offerings) Chassis Code: SH Trim Levels Covered: All 2010 Forester trims (e.g., X, Premium, Limited, XT) 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The 2010 Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV known for its standard all-wheel-drive system, practical utility, and reputation for reliability and off-pavement capability within its segment. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: Competed against vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Mazda CX-5, differentiating itself with standard AWD and Subaru's boxer engine architecture. Key Features Key Features: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, available turbocharged engine (XT models), spacious interior, good visibility, and a focus on safety and practicality. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Coverage Areas: Comprehensive coverage of vehicle operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, safety features, and specifications for the 2010 Subaru Forester. Page Count Page Count: Estimated 300-400 pages (typical for owner's manuals of this era). Manual Type Manual Type: Owner's Manual / User Guide Language Language: English Format Format: Printed Book (implied by 'Owners Manual') 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Systems Covered: Engine operation, transmission, drivetrain, braking system, steering, suspension, climate control, audio system, SRS airbags, interior controls, lighting, power accessories, instrument cluster, warning lights, and basic chassis components. Procedures Procedures Included: Normal operation, starting and stopping procedures, driving techniques, emergency procedures (e.g., tire changes, jump starting), fluid checks, basic maintenance tasks, appearance care, and safety warnings. Technical Depth Technical Depth: Focuses on user-level understanding and basic maintenance. Does not cover in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repair, which would be found in a service manual. 📊 Manual Specifications Print Quality Print Quality: Standard OEM print quality, likely black and white with color inserts for diagrams or key pages. Binding Type Binding Type: Perfect bound or saddle-stitched (typical for owner's manuals). Paper Type Paper Type: Durable paper stock designed for repeated use in a vehicle environment. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Primary Engine: 2.5L Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4 (EJ253) Secondary Engine Secondary Engine: 2.5L Turbocharged Boxer-4 (EJ255) - Forester XT models Performance Naturally Aspirated Horsepower: 170 hp @ 5,800 rpm Torque: 170 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm Performance Turbocharged Horsepower: 224 hp @ 5,200 rpm Torque: 235 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm Fuel System Fuel System: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91 octane recommended for XT) Emission Control Emission Control: Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors (O2 sensors), Secondary air injection system (on some variants) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Standard Transmission: 4-speed automatic transmission (4EAT or Sportshift) Optional Transmission Optional Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission (available on some trims, typically NA models) Drivetrain Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) on automatics or viscous coupling center differential on manuals. Transmission Fluid Type Transmission Fluid Type: Subaru ATF-HP (Genuine Subaru Automatic Transmission Fluid - High Performance) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Length: 180.3 inches (4,580 mm) Exterior Width Width: 70.1 inches (1,780 mm) Exterior Height Height: 65.7 inches (1,669 mm) (without roof rails) Wheelbase Wheelbase: 103.0 inches (2,615 mm) Ground Clearance Ground Clearance: 8.1 inches (206 mm) Curb Weight Curb Weight: Approximately 3,300 - 3,600 lbs (1,497 - 1,633 kg) depending on trim and drivetrain. Cargo Volume Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats: 34.4 cubic feet (974 liters) Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded: 69.0 cubic feet (1,954 liters) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: 5 Stars NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: 5 Stars NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver: 5 Stars NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger: 5 Stars NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver: 5 Stars NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger: 5 Stars IIHS Front Crash Rating: Good IIHS Side Crash Rating: Good IIHS Rear Crash Rating: Good IIHS Roof Strength Rating: Good Active Features Active Features: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). Passive Features Passive Features: Advanced front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, active front head restraints, 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Base models typically featured a single-disc CD player with AM/FM radio, auxiliary input. Higher trims offered available CD changer, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and an optional touch-screen navigation system. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist were not available on this model. Connectivity Connectivity Options: Auxiliary audio input jack was standard on most trims. Bluetooth hands-free calling was optional or unavailable on lower trims. Other Tech Other Tech Features: Keyless entry, power windows and locks, cruise control, and available heated front seats and windshield wiper de-icer. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Oil Change Interval: Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3.75 months (severe driving), or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 7.5 months (normal...
North America (presumed based on typical manual offerings)
Chassis Code:
SH
Trim Levels Covered:
All 2010 Forester trims (e.g., X, Premium, Limited, XT)
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Market Position:
The 2010 Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV known for its standard all-wheel-drive system, practical utility, and reputation for reliability and off-pavement capability within its segment.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Mazda CX-5, differentiating itself with standard AWD and Subaru's boxer engine architecture.
Key Features
Key Features:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, available turbocharged engine (XT models), spacious interior, good visibility, and a focus on safety and practicality.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage
Coverage Areas:
Comprehensive coverage of vehicle operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, safety features, and specifications for the 2010 Subaru Forester.
Page Count
Page Count:
Estimated 300-400 pages (typical for owner's manuals of this era).
Normal operation, starting and stopping procedures, driving techniques, emergency procedures (e.g., tire changes, jump starting), fluid checks, basic maintenance tasks, appearance care, and safety warnings.
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Focuses on user-level understanding and basic maintenance. Does not cover in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repair, which would be found in a service manual.
📊 Manual Specifications
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Standard OEM print quality, likely black and white with color inserts for diagrams or key pages.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Perfect bound or saddle-stitched (typical for owner's manuals).
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock designed for repeated use in a vehicle environment.
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91 octane recommended for XT)
Emission Control
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors (O2 sensors), Secondary air injection system (on some variants)
🔧 Transmission
Standard Transmission
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (4EAT or Sportshift)
Optional Transmission
Optional Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission (available on some trims, typically NA models)
Drivetrain
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) on automatics or viscous coupling center differential on manuals.
Transmission Fluid Type
Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru ATF-HP (Genuine Subaru Automatic Transmission Fluid - High Performance)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior Length
Length:
180.3 inches (4,580 mm)
Exterior Width
Width:
70.1 inches (1,780 mm)
Exterior Height
Height:
65.7 inches (1,669 mm) (without roof rails)
Wheelbase
Wheelbase:
103.0 inches (2,615 mm)
Ground Clearance
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches (206 mm)
Curb Weight
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,300 - 3,600 lbs (1,497 - 1,633 kg) depending on trim and drivetrain.
Cargo Volume
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
34.4 cubic feet (974 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
69.0 cubic feet (1,954 liters)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
5 Stars
IIHS Front Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Side Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Rear Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Roof Strength Rating:
Good
Active Features
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).
Passive Features
Passive Features:
Advanced front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, active front head restraints, 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Base models typically featured a single-disc CD player with AM/FM radio, auxiliary input. Higher trims offered available CD changer, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and an optional touch-screen navigation system.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist were not available on this model.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary audio input jack was standard on most trims. Bluetooth hands-free calling was optional or unavailable on lower trims.
Other Tech
Other Tech Features:
Keyless entry, power windows and locks, cruise control, and available heated front seats and windshield wiper de-icer.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals Oil Change
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3.75 months (severe driving), or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 7.5 months (normal driving). Consult manual for specific conditions.
Service Intervals Tire Rotation
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Service Intervals Air Filter
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Service Intervals Cabin Filter
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or annually. Consult manual for specific conditions.
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 synthetic motor oil
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change for 2.5L NA and Turbo engines.
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze
Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid Type:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
Known Issues
Known Issues Head Gaskets:
While Subaru boxer engines are known for head gasket issues, the EJ253 and EJ255 in this generation generally exhibit better longevity than earlier EJ series engines. However, monitoring for coolant leaks or white smoke is still advisable.
Known Issues Oil Consumption
Known Issues Oil Consumption:
Some owners report higher-than-average oil consumption, especially on turbocharged models. Regular oil level checks are crucial.
Known Issues Cv Boots
Known Issues Cv Boots:
Front Constant Velocity (CV) joint boots can degrade over time and mileage, leading to leaks and potential joint failure if not replaced.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history of producing vehicles with a focus on horizontally opposed (boxer) engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, often associated with rally racing and all-weather capability.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The 2010 Forester represents the third generation (SH chassis), which saw a significant redesign from its predecessor. It grew in size, offered a more car-like driving experience, and adopted a more conventional SUV profile compared to earlier generations. The SH generation was produced from 2009 to 2013.
Production
Production Years Third Gen:
2009-2013
Production Locations
Production Locations:
Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
The 2010 Subaru Forester was frequently cited for its safety ratings, all-wheel-drive capability, and practicality. Specific awards may vary by automotive publication and year, but consistent positive reviews for its class position were common.
Ratings
Ratings Consumer Reports:
Often received above-average or excellent predicted reliability and owner satisfaction ratings from publications like Consumer Reports.
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