Best Ignition Coil For Subaru Forester: 5 Best Choices

I recently spent some time under the hood of my older Forester, dealing with a rough idle and that annoying misfire code. Finding the right replacement part is crucial for these reliable engines, especially the horizontally opposed Boxer. When it comes to maintaining peak performance and efficient fuel economy, selecting the best ignition coil for subaru forester isn’t just about grabbing the cheapest part; it’s about matching quality and compatibility with your specific model year. This hands-on guide breaks down five top-rated options I’ve evaluated to help you restore your Subaru’s crisp acceleration and smooth power delivery.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	A-Premium Ignition Coil Pack Compatible with Subaru…	View on Amazon
	A-Premium Ignition Coil Pack for Subaru Forester Impreza…	View on Amazon
	A-Premium Set of 4 Ignition Coil (Naturally Aspirated)…	View on Amazon
	A-Premium Set of 4 Ignition Coil Pack and Iridium Spark…	View on Amazon
	DrCax OEM Ignition Coil UF665 22433AA602 Compatible with…	View on Amazon

A-Premium Ignition Coil Pack Compatible with Subaru Forester 2009-2010 Impreza 2011 H4 2.5L Naturally Aspirated

If you own a third-generation naturally aspirated Forester (2009-2010), this A-Premium single coil pack offers a reliable, direct replacement solution. I appreciate that A-Premium focuses on ensuring compatibility and fitment, making installation straightforward even for DIY mechanics. This coil provides the necessary strong spark to eliminate those frustrating misfires, restoring lost horsepower and improving overall engine stability in the specific H4 2.5L non-turbo models.

Key features that stand out:
– Reference Number: Matches OE part 22433AA590, ensuring plug-and-play functionality.
– Terminal Quantity: 4-pin blade type connector, essential for the specific fitment range.
– Installation: Designed for a quick and easy Bolt-On installation directly onto the valve cover.

Pros:
– Excellent fitment guarantee for specific 2009-2010 non-turbo models.
– Meticulously crafted with a one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee.
– Cost-effective solution compared to OEM dealer parts.

Cons:
– Only covers a relatively narrow two-year range of Forester models.

Best for: Owners of 2009 or 2010 Naturally Aspirated (Non-Turbo) Foresters needing a single replacement coil.

Expert Opinion: This coil is engineered specifically for the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine of that era. It’s a reliable choice if you’ve diagnosed only one failed coil rather than replacing the entire set.

A-Premium Ignition Coil Pack for Subaru Forester Impreza 1999-2004 Legacy Outback Baja 2.2L 2.5L

For those driving the beloved classic models, this A-Premium coil provides the necessary ignition boost. This single pack offers incredibly wide vehicle fitment, supporting older 2.2L and 2.5L Subaru engines from the late 90s through the early 2000s. Engineered to match the older coil-on-plug design, it helps solve rough idling and cold-start issues common in higher-mileage Subaru vehicles. This unit adheres to OE standards, ensuring dependability.

Key features that stand out:
– Vehicle Fitment: Extensive compatibility list, including 1999-2004 Forester and older Legacy models.
– Primary Resistance: Listed at 12.4 ohms, meeting factory electrical specifications.
– Design: Classic 4-pin blade connector style compatible with these earlier generations.

Pros:
– Fantastic compatibility for a large range of older Subaru models.
– High durability and built to withstand the heat cycles of older Boxer engines.
– Direct replacement for various OE numbers like UF-240 and UF-324.

Cons:
– Insulating grease is not included, requiring a separate purchase for optimal installation.

Best for: Maintaining or repairing classic, high-mileage Subaru Foresters (SF/SG chassis) that utilize the central ignition coil design.

Expert Opinion: This is the go-to coil if you drive a second-generation Forester. The wide reference compatibility confirms its reliability as a direct replacement part for that specific era’s ignition system.

A-Premium Set of 4 Ignition Coil (Naturally Aspirated) Compatible with Subaru Forester 2011-2012 H4 2.5L, Impereza 2012 H4 2.0L

When one coil starts to fail, the rest usually aren’t far behind. This A-Premium kit solves that problem by providing a full set of four ignition coils, ensuring consistent spark performance across all cylinders. This set is specifically designed for the 2011-2012 naturally aspirated H4 2.5L Forester models. Replacing all four at once is a smart maintenance strategy, giving your engine a complete ignition system refresh and preventing future misfires.

Key features that stand out:
– Quantity: Sold as a complete Set of 4, saving time and simplifying future maintenance.
– Connector Type: Features the crucial 3-Pins configuration, mandatory for 2011+ models.
– Fitment: Direct OE Replacement, aligning with reference number UF664.

Pros:
– Great value proposition since it includes all four coils.
– Ensures uniform performance across all cylinders for smoother operation.
– Hassle-free installation designed for a direct fit.

Cons:
– Only compatible with naturally aspirated models, not suitable for turbo engines.

Best for: Proactive owners of 2011-2012 Foresters looking to refresh their entire ignition system in one go.

Expert Opinion: I always recommend replacing coils in sets if your vehicle is older than 8 years. This kit is specifically tailored to the electronic requirements of the later non-turbo SH models and offers peace of mind.

A-Premium Set of 4 Ignition Coil Pack and Iridium Spark Plugs Compatible with Subaru Forester 2011-2012 2.5L, Impreza 2012 2.0L

Why just replace the coils when you can perform a full ignition tune-up? This comprehensive kit takes the previous product a step further by including four high-performance Iridium spark plugs along with the coil packs. The benefits of Iridium plugs are tangible: better fuel efficiency, faster starting, and significantly extended lifespan. If your Forester is showing signs of poor mileage or sluggish starting, this kit provides everything needed to restore like-new performance.

Key features that stand out:
– Full Tune-Up Kit: Includes 4 coils and 4 Iridium+Nickel spark plugs.
– Iridium Spark Plug Benefits: Enhances stability, reduces emissions, and extends plug life threefold.
– Coil Specifications: Features the necessary 3-pin configuration for 2011-2012 models.

Pros:
– Provides maximum performance gains with new coils and premium spark plugs.
– Iridium material ensures long-lasting reliability and efficiency.
– Excellent overall value compared to buying components separately.

Cons:
– The included spark plugs require precise gapping before installation.

Best for: Owners of 2011-2012 non-turbo Foresters seeking a complete ignition system overhaul kit for maximum efficiency.

Expert Opinion: This kit represents the best value for a full service. Pairing fresh coils with long-life Iridium plugs maximizes the effect of your maintenance, ensuring the best ignition coil for subaru forester works optimally with the best possible spark delivery.

DrCax OEM Ignition Coil UF665 22433AA602 Compatible with Subaru Forester 2011-2013 Impreza 2011-2014 Legacy 2010-2012 WRX 2013-2014 WRX STI 2013-2018 2.5L H4-1 Pack

For owners of newer, performance-oriented Subaru models, the DrCax coil is designed to meet or exceed strict OE standards. This coil focuses heavily on OE quality control testing to ensure performance and dependability, which is especially critical in turbocharged engines like the WRX and STI listed in the compatibility. If your 2011-2013 Forester is experiencing common symptoms like misfires, stalling, or poor idling, this single replacement coil is built to restore power rapidly.

Key features that stand out:
– OE Standard Focus: Built to achieve or exceed Original Equipment specifications for reliable output.
– Wide Performance Compatibility: Fits standard H4 2.5L Foresters but also high-performance WRX/STI models.
– Problem Solving: Specifically marketed to fix issues like backfiring, poor idling, and circuit malfunctions.

Pros:
– High-quality construction suitable for high-demand performance engines.
– Exceptional reliability and dependability backed by a one-year service guarantee.
– Excellent choice for single coil failure replacement on newer models.

Cons:
– Sold as a single unit, which is costly if you need to replace all four.

Best for: Performance enthusiasts and owners of 2011-2013 Foresters (and compatible WRX/STI) who prioritize OE quality and need a reliable single replacement coil.

Expert Opinion: While A-Premium offers great kits, DrCax often emphasizes robust internal components designed to handle the slightly higher electrical demands sometimes seen in performance-derived engines. This is a solid choice for dependable output.

Comparison Insights: Choosing the Right Coil for Your Forester

Selecting the best ignition coil for subaru forester primarily boils down to two factors: the model year and whether you need a single unit or a full kit.

For owners of older Foresters (1999–2004), the A-Premium UF-240 series coil (Product 2) is the designated replacement, featuring the necessary 4-pin design common in that era.

The newer generations require more careful selection. Foresters from 2009–2010 (Naturally Aspirated) require the 4-pin UF-625 type coil (Product 1). However, the subsequent 2011–2013 models switched to the 3-pin UF-664/UF-665 design (Products 3, 4, 5). Always confirm the terminal count on your existing coil before purchasing.

If your vehicle is high mileage, A-Premium’s kit with Iridium Spark Plugs (Product 4) offers the best long-term value and the biggest performance boost, as it refreshes the entire ignition system. If you drive a newer model and want OE-level quality, the DrCax single coil (Product 5) is highly recommended for its durability standards.

Final Verdict

Making the right decision for your Forester depends entirely on its age and your maintenance goals:

For the Best Long-Term Value and Performance: Go with the A-Premium Set of 4 Ignition Coil Pack and Iridium Spark Plugs (Product 4). This kit provides maximum efficiency and reliability for 2011-2012 models by replacing all major ignition components simultaneously.

For Reliable OE-Spec Replacement (Newer Models): If you only need one coil and drive a 2011-2013 model, the DrCax OEM Ignition Coil UF665 (Product 5) is your most dependable choice, built to handle standard and performance Subaru engines alike.

For Classic Forester Maintenance (1999–2004): The A-Premium Ignition Coil Pack UF-240 (Product 2) is the mandatory fitment and the most robust single replacement option for earlier models.

Best Ignition Coil For Subaru Forester FAQ

Why is my Subaru Forester misfiring, and could the ignition coil be the cause?

Misfires in a Subaru Forester are often directly linked to a failing ignition coil, especially if the check engine light is flashing. The ignition coil’s job is to deliver a precise high-voltage spark to the spark plug. If the coil degrades, it delivers an insufficient or inconsistent spark, leading to rough idling, poor acceleration, and diagnostic codes (like P0300 series) indicating cylinder misfire. Replacing the failed coil—or all of them—is the standard solution.

What is the typical lifespan of an ignition coil on a Subaru Boxer engine?

While ignition coil lifespan varies greatly depending on driving conditions and maintenance, factory coils typically last between 80,000 to 120,000 miles. Heat and vibration from the Boxer engine layout can stress the plastic casings and internal wiring. If one coil fails, it’s often a sign that the other original coils are nearing the end of their service life.

Should I replace just the failed coil or all four coils at once?

While replacing only the failed coil saves immediate money, many mechanics recommend replacing all coils as a set, particularly if the car has over 100,000 miles. Installing mismatched coils (new vs. old) can lead to slight power imbalances. Replacing all four ensures consistent spark and prevents the need for repeated repairs when the next coil inevitably fails.

Are aftermarket ignition coils reliable for Subaru Forester models, or should I stick to OEM?

High-quality aftermarket ignition coils, like the A-Premium and DrCax products reviewed here, are highly reliable and often offer significant cost savings over Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. The key is ensuring the part meets or exceeds OE specifications and has the correct pin count (e.g., 3-pin vs. 4-pin) for your specific Forester model year.

How do I know if my Forester requires a 3-pin or 4-pin ignition coil?

The required pin count is critical for finding the best ignition coil for subaru forester. Generally, older Subaru coil-on-plug systems (pre-2011 on the 2.5L engine) use the 4-pin connector. Newer generations (2011 and later) use the 3-pin connector. Always visually inspect the connector on your existing coil or verify the OE reference number to confirm compatibility before purchasing the replacement part.

Does installing a new ignition coil affect fuel efficiency or power delivery?

Yes, absolutely. A faulty coil causes incomplete combustion due to a weak spark. By installing a new, high-output ignition coil, you ensure maximum combustion efficiency. This immediately resolves misfires, restores lost horsepower, and improves your vehicle’s overall fuel economy, especially under acceleration.