2010 Subaru Forester: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
3rd-gen Forester with a driver-seat-frame recall, Takata airbags and brake complaints; the older EJ253 can leak and burn oil at higher mileage. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2010 Subaru Forester ranged from $20,295 to $28,495 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
3rd-gen Forester with a driver-seat-frame recall, Takata airbags and brake complaints; the older EJ253 can leak and burn oil at higher mileage.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=forest…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/forester
Known issues
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Takata airbag inflator recall: the front passenger inflator can rupture and is subject to a safety recall. Confirm the recall remedy was performed.
widespread · 141 NHTSA complaints · other
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Excessive oil consumption: the FB25 engine (2011 on) can burn oil rapidly due to low-tension piston rings, and the earlier EJ253 (2009-2010) also leaks/burns oil at higher mileage. Owners report adding oil between changes.
commonly reported · 126 NHTSA complaints · typically 50k–150k miles · engine
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Driver-seat-frame weakness on the 2009-2010 cars: the front seat bracket/frame can crack or collapse, the subject of a safety recall.
occasional · 92 NHTSA complaints · body
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Service-brake complaints including premature wear and grabbing/soft-pedal reports.
occasional · 67 NHTSA complaints · brake
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
- Modest acceleration and a dated 4-speed automatic on non-CVT versions.
- FB25 oil consumption (2011 on) and EJ253 oil/head-gasket risk on the 2009-2010 cars.
- Outstanding Takata airbag recall and a 2009-2010 driver-seat-frame recall to verify.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5X | $20,295 | $29,995 | — | — |
| 2.5X Premium | $22,795 | $31,995 | — | — |
| 2.5X Limited | $25,995 | $35,995 | — | — |
| 2.5XT Premium | $26,495 | discontinued | — | — |
| 2.5XT Limited | $28,495 | 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/2010-subaru-forester-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-forester-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($20,295). Higher trims started higher (up to $28,495), 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 |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,500–2,600/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 2010 Subaru Forester have?
Documented issue patterns include: Takata airbag inflator recall: the front passenger inflator can rupture and is subject to a safety recall. Confirm the recall remedy was performed; Excessive oil consumption: the FB25 engine (2011 on) can burn oil rapidly due to low-tension piston rings, and the earlier EJ253 (2009-2010) also leaks/burns oil at higher mileage. Owners report adding oil between changes; Driver-seat-frame weakness on the 2009-2010 cars: the front seat bracket/frame can crack or collapse, the subject of a safety recall; Service-brake complaints including premature wear and grabbing/soft-pedal reports. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2010 Subaru Forester reliable?
3rd-gen Forester with a driver-seat-frame recall, Takata airbags and brake complaints; the older EJ253 can leak and burn oil at higher mileage.
How much did the 2010 Subaru Forester cost new?
Between $20,295 and $28,495 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.