2005 Subaru Forester: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

2nd-gen Forester with bulletproof symmetrical AWD but the well-known EJ25 head-gasket weakness, rear wheel-bearing wear and aging-car rust. Inspect the cooling system. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2005 Subaru Forester ranged from $22,020 to $27,120 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

6/10
Mixed track record

2nd-gen Forester with bulletproof symmetrical AWD but the well-known EJ25 head-gasket weakness, rear wheel-bearing wear and aging-car rust. Inspect the cooling system.

Sources (2)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=forest…
  • repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/forester

Known issues

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (2)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=forest…
  • samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/forester.html

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Standard symmetrical all-wheel drive with genuine all-weather and light off-road capability.
  • Spacious, practical interior with generous cargo room and easy step-in entry.
  • Strong crash-test safety record and good resale value.
  • High ground clearance and excellent outward visibility from the tall, upright greenhouse.

Cons

  • Dated, utilitarian cabin and modest power by modern standards.
  • Timing-belt service due around 105k miles and prone to rust in salt-belt climates.
  • EJ25 head-gasket failure is a well-known durability risk at higher mileage, and repairs are expensive.

Trims & original pricing

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
X $22,020 $29,995 — —
XS $24,420 discontinued — —
XT $26,420 discontinued — —
XS L.L.Bean $27,120 discontinued — —

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (2)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2005-subaru-forester-price
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-forester-price

Depreciation

$8k $16k $24k $32k 200520082011201420172020202320262029
2005 entry trim from new typical floor (assumed, past curve data) same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($22,020). Higher trims started higher (up to $27,120), and options added more.

The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.

Sources (1)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-forester/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)≈ $600–650/yr
Expected lifespan~225k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)
  • repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/forester
  • moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/subaru-forester-insurance/

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2005 Subaru Forester have?

Documented issue patterns include: EJ25 2.5L head-gasket failure: external coolant/oil leaks, coolant smell and overheating, typically at higher mileage. Repairs are costly and often bundle a timing-belt service due at ~105k miles; Rear wheel-bearing wear producing a growing humming noise at highway speed; a common high-mileage repair on this generation; Catalytic-converter failure and engine stalling, frequently triggering a P0420 check-engine code and repeat converter replacements; Unintended-acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints reported on the 2005-2006 cars. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2005 Subaru Forester reliable?

2nd-gen Forester with bulletproof symmetrical AWD but the well-known EJ25 head-gasket weakness, rear wheel-bearing wear and aging-car rust. Inspect the cooling system.

How much did the 2005 Subaru Forester cost new?

Between $22,020 and $27,120 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Subaru Forester expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $600–650/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.