Subaru Forester Oxygen Sensor Replacement Cost

Replace a failed O2 sensor in the exhaust system.

$220 – $550

Typical labor: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours

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Parts vs Labor

60% / 40%

Typical share of total cost

Labor Time

30 minutes to 1.5 hours

At a typical shop

Difficulty

Confident DIY

2 of 5 for the Subaru Forester

Estimate based on Subaru Forester parts and labor adjustments versus the national average. Your exact cost depends on year, trim, mileage, and shop. Get a free personalized AI estimate above.

Why Subaru Forester Owners See This Pricing

Like the Outback, the Forester's boxer engine adds labor on top-end jobs.

For reference, the national average for oxygen sensor replacement on a typical passenger vehicle is $200 to $500. The Subaru Forester runs about +10% versus that baseline.

Common Symptoms in the Subaru Forester

Check engine light with code P0130 to P0167

Drop in fuel economy

Rough idle

Failed emissions test

What It Is

Oxygen sensors measure how much unburned oxygen is in the exhaust so the computer can fine-tune the fuel mixture.

Why It Matters

A bad sensor wastes fuel and can damage the catalytic converter, which costs much more to replace.

How to Save Money on Subaru Forester Oxygen Sensor Replacement

Most cars have 2 to 4 sensors, only replace the failed one(s) not all of them
Denso, Bosch, and NGK make the sensors that come on most cars new

Often Done Together

Shops commonly pair oxygen sensor replacement with these jobs to save on overlapping labor:

Catalytic Converter Replacement

$990 – $2,750

Spark Plug Replacement

$110 – $440

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do O2 sensors last?

Typically 60,000 to 100,000 miles. They wear gradually rather than failing all at once.