1998 SUBARU Forester EJ20/EJ22 (SF)
SF / Compact SUV / Crossover / Japan, North America, Europe, Australia (global initial markets)
EJ20EJ22Exact year/trim recordSilver
Engine identity
Oils and fluids
Service and parts data
Common and chronic problems
- Timing belt wear - replacement every 60,000 miles recommended
- Head gasket issues rare but possible with high mileage
First checks
- Check timing belt condition
- Inspect cooling system hoses and radiator for leaks
Before replacing parts
- Save fault codes and freeze-frame data before clearing anything.
- Check engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid using the correct temperature and service procedure.
- Verify power, ground, connectors, hoses, leaks and live data before replacing expensive parts.
Important notes
- 1998 was the launch year for the first-generation Forester, primarily featuring naturally aspirated flat-4 engines with occasional turbo variants not standard globally.
- Market-specific variations exist; North America primarily used the 2.2L EJ22 engine, while Japan and Europe offered the 2.0L EJ20 engines.