Subaru Forester Clutch Replacement Cost
A Subaru Forester clutch replacement can cost from around $1,100 to $1,500 on average. Here’s what goes into that price.
Written by Brian Hicks
Reviewed by Bellina Gaskey
Replacing the clutch on a Subaru Forester will usually cost you somewhere between $1,100 and $1,500. These costs are highly dependent on the going rate of labor in your area—transmission work is very labor-intensive.
The Forester is the most popular Subaru in America and a popular SUV overall. You may be thinking that you only need to worry about a clutch replacement if you drive a manual Forester, but the clutch might need to be replaced in an automatic transmission as well.
Jerry
, the trustworthy super app
, will guide you through the basics of a clutch replacement down below. We’ll let you know the estimated costs of a clutch replacement, what a clutch does, symptoms of a bad clutch, and how you can save on your Subaru car insurance costs
. Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversHow much does it cost to replace a clutch in a Subaru Forester?
Like every type of auto repair, there are many factors that go into calculating the cost of replacing a clutch on the Subaru Forester. Some of these factors include the age of your Forester, where you get the clutch replaced, and the specific pricing of the mechanic or dealership you take your vehicle to. But on average, your clutch replacement will run you somewhere between $1,100 and $1,500.
The parts for a replacement clutch tend to be pretty inexpensive. Even if you have to buy Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, which tend to cost more than aftermarket parts, the prices can be as low as $197. But if you have a newer vehicle, those prices may be climbing up to and beyond $500.
Dealerships usually have higher repair costs, partially because their staff are specially trained to work with Subarus. But a trusted and reputable mechanic can probably do the same work for less. Be careful when getting work done if you have any warranties or protection plans on your car, as work done by an unauthorized individual may nullify those policies.
What is a clutch?
A clutch is a crucial component of any car. Whether you have an automatic or manual transmission, the clutch allows you to change gears. The difference is that the clutch problems will be more noticeable in a manual transmission because you’re relying on yourself to change gears.
The clutch connects the transmission to the engine. But more importantly, it disconnects the two when gears are being changed. In a manual transmission vehicle, this occurs when the driver presses on the clutch pedal and manually disengages the clutch while they shift gears. The clutch is particularly susceptible to wear and tear because of the nature of the process.
In an automatic transmission, the gears will shift on their own, so you might not be able to figure out whether your issue lies with the clutch or the transmission in general.
Some of the problems you may experience with your clutch include issues with the master or slave cylinders, a stretched or damaged clutch cable, or worn clutch release bearings.
Not all of these problems will require a total clutch replacement, but if you leave them untreated for too long, they can further damage this important part so that a replacement is the only option.
What are the symptoms of a Subaru Forester clutch problem?
Slipping and sticking are the biggest signs that there’s something going wrong with your clutch. But any type of difficulty in use should be taken as a warning.
In a manual transmission, you’ll usually notice difficulty with the pedal. It could be challenging to press the pedal down, or it could not return to its usual position after it’s been depressed. The latter issue could indicate total clutch failure in your Forester—so if the pedal isn’t returning to its usual position, you should have it looked at immediately.
Clutch and transmission problems can be connected. If your car lags when changing gears, revs but doesn’t actually go into gear, or if there’s difficulty in changing gears, there’s likely a problem that needs attention. Also be mindful of burning smells or grinding sounds.
Is it safe to drive with a bad clutch?
No. Driving with a bad clutch isn’t just difficult—it’s also dangerous. There’s no telling how long it will be before a bad clutch breaks. Once your clutch is broken, your car will be undrivable.
Being stranded isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. To ensure your safety and ability to travel, you should get any issues you notice with the clutch of your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
How long should a Subaru Forester clutch last?
A clutch will usually last you 80,000 to 100,000 miles or more. While many clutches last well beyond the 100k-mile mark, it’s important to keep an eye on your clutch as your mileage increases.
Cars are powerful machines with hundreds of parts that work together to get you where you need to go. If you keep up with your
recommended maintenance schedule
, you’ll ensure a longer life for your vehicle overall.Subaru Forester clutch recalls
Luckily, no Subaru recalls have directly involved the clutch to date. However, one recall for the 2014 Forester sold in 2013 had to do with the floor mat, which had the potential to interfere with the clutch, gas, and brake pedals.
How to save on Subaru Forester insurance
Unfortunately, car maintenance bills really add up over time. So do your monthly car insurance payments. Luckily, it’s never been easier to make sure you aren’t overpaying for the coverage you need.
Jerry
makes finding insurance savings without sacrificing coverage quick and easy. Just download the Jerry app, answer a few simple questions, and wait for Jerry to find the best quotes at your desired coverage level. If you find a low rate you like better, Jerry will help you switch and can even help cancel your existing policy!“I just financed a new car and knew my insurance premium was going to rise.Jerrywas well worth it to use. They helped me find a lower premium and canceled my old policy instantly when I was ready to switch!” —Meghana D.
Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Get ahead of my car maintenance
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.
4.7You might also be interested
We value your privacy
