Subaru Forester: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Subaru Forester years to approach with the most caution are 2014 and 2015. The strongest years in our data are 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2024), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Subaru Forester year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Recommended 7 Spontaneous windshield cracking is the headline 5th-gen complaint: cracks appear from minor impacts or temperature swings, and replacement is costly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated.; Premature battery drain and dead-battery complaints, often linked to the auto start-stop system and parasitic draw, most reported on the 2019-2020 cars.; Direct-injection FB25 engine concerns are far fewer than the prior generation, but some owners report oil use, stalling or hesitation. Full report ↗
2023 Recommended 7 Spontaneous windshield cracking is the headline 5th-gen complaint: cracks appear from minor impacts or temperature swings, and replacement is costly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated.; Premature battery drain and dead-battery complaints, often linked to the auto start-stop system and parasitic draw, most reported on the 2019-2020 cars.; Direct-injection FB25 engine concerns are far fewer than the prior generation, but some owners report oil use, stalling or hesitation. Full report ↗
2022 Recommended 7 Spontaneous windshield cracking is the headline 5th-gen complaint: cracks appear from minor impacts or temperature swings, and replacement is costly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated.; Premature battery drain and dead-battery complaints, often linked to the auto start-stop system and parasitic draw, most reported on the 2019-2020 cars.; Direct-injection FB25 engine concerns are far fewer than the prior generation, but some owners report oil use, stalling or hesitation. Full report ↗
2021 Recommended 7 Spontaneous windshield cracking is the headline 5th-gen complaint: cracks appear from minor impacts or temperature swings, and replacement is costly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated.; Premature battery drain and dead-battery complaints, often linked to the auto start-stop system and parasitic draw, most reported on the 2019-2020 cars.; Direct-injection FB25 engine concerns are far fewer than the prior generation, but some owners report oil use, stalling or hesitation. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 6 Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; verify the recall remedy was completed.; Lineartronic CVT shudder, low-speed surging and outright failure, most reported on the 2014-2015 cars; replacements are expensive and have occurred near 100k miles.; FB25 excessive oil consumption: the defining 4th-gen defect (2014-2015 worst), subject of a class-action settlement, where the engine burns oil rapidly and can suffer damage if run low. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 6 Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; verify the recall remedy was completed.; Lineartronic CVT shudder, low-speed surging and outright failure, most reported on the 2014-2015 cars; replacements are expensive and have occurred near 100k miles.; FB25 excessive oil consumption: the defining 4th-gen defect (2014-2015 worst), subject of a class-action settlement, where the engine burns oil rapidly and can suffer damage if run low. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 6 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. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 6 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. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 6 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. Full report ↗
2005 Caution 6 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. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 5 Spontaneous windshield cracking is the headline 5th-gen complaint: cracks appear from minor impacts or temperature swings, and replacement is costly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated.; Premature battery drain and dead-battery complaints, often linked to the auto start-stop system and parasitic draw, most reported on the 2019-2020 cars.; Direct-injection FB25 engine concerns are far fewer than the prior generation, but some owners report oil use, stalling or hesitation. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 5 Spontaneous windshield cracking is the headline 5th-gen complaint: cracks appear from minor impacts or temperature swings, and replacement is costly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated.; Premature battery drain and dead-battery complaints, often linked to the auto start-stop system and parasitic draw, most reported on the 2019-2020 cars.; Direct-injection FB25 engine concerns are far fewer than the prior generation, but some owners report oil use, stalling or hesitation. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 5 Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; verify the recall remedy was completed.; Lineartronic CVT shudder, low-speed surging and outright failure, most reported on the 2014-2015 cars; replacements are expensive and have occurred near 100k miles.; FB25 excessive oil consumption: the defining 4th-gen defect (2014-2015 worst), subject of a class-action settlement, where the engine burns oil rapidly and can suffer damage if run low. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 5 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. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 5 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. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 5 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. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 5 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. Full report ↗
2006 Caution 5 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. Full report ↗
2015 Avoid 4 Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; verify the recall remedy was completed.; Lineartronic CVT shudder, low-speed surging and outright failure, most reported on the 2014-2015 cars; replacements are expensive and have occurred near 100k miles.; FB25 excessive oil consumption: the defining 4th-gen defect (2014-2015 worst), subject of a class-action settlement, where the engine burns oil rapidly and can suffer damage if run low. Full report ↗
2014 Avoid 4 Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; verify the recall remedy was completed.; Lineartronic CVT shudder, low-speed surging and outright failure, most reported on the 2014-2015 cars; replacements are expensive and have occurred near 100k miles.; FB25 excessive oil consumption: the defining 4th-gen defect (2014-2015 worst), subject of a class-action settlement, where the engine burns oil rapidly and can suffer damage if run low. Full report ↗

Subaru Forester problems by year

2024 Subaru Forester Recommended

Final SK-generation Forester: the direct-injection FB25 has put the oil-burning era behind it, complaint volume is very low and safety scores are strong. A sensible, reliable used pick.

  • Spontaneous windshield cracking is the headline 5th-gen complaint: cracks appear from minor impacts or temperature swings, and replacement is costly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated.
  • Premature battery drain and dead-battery complaints, often linked to the auto start-stop system and parasitic draw, most reported on the 2019-2020 cars.
  • Direct-injection FB25 engine concerns are far fewer than the prior generation, but some owners report oil use, stalling or hesitation.

2023 Subaru Forester Recommended

Mature 5th-gen Forester with standard symmetrical AWD and EyeSight; low complaint volume and solid reliability make it one of the safer used buys in the class.

  • Spontaneous windshield cracking is the headline 5th-gen complaint: cracks appear from minor impacts or temperature swings, and replacement is costly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated.
  • Premature battery drain and dead-battery complaints, often linked to the auto start-stop system and parasitic draw, most reported on the 2019-2020 cars.
  • Direct-injection FB25 engine concerns are far fewer than the prior generation, but some owners report oil use, stalling or hesitation.

2022 Subaru Forester Recommended

5th-gen Forester in its sorted years: the early windshield-crack and electrical gripes have tapered and the mechanicals are dependable, with excellent crash-test results.

  • Spontaneous windshield cracking is the headline 5th-gen complaint: cracks appear from minor impacts or temperature swings, and replacement is costly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated.
  • Premature battery drain and dead-battery complaints, often linked to the auto start-stop system and parasitic draw, most reported on the 2019-2020 cars.
  • Direct-injection FB25 engine concerns are far fewer than the prior generation, but some owners report oil use, stalling or hesitation.

2021 Subaru Forester Recommended

By 2021 the 5th-gen Forester had shaken off most of its launch-year windshield and electrical issues; a dependable AWD family SUV with strong safety credentials.

  • Spontaneous windshield cracking is the headline 5th-gen complaint: cracks appear from minor impacts or temperature swings, and replacement is costly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated.
  • Premature battery drain and dead-battery complaints, often linked to the auto start-stop system and parasitic draw, most reported on the 2019-2020 cars.
  • Direct-injection FB25 engine concerns are far fewer than the prior generation, but some owners report oil use, stalling or hesitation.

2020 Subaru Forester Caution

5th-gen Forester still affected by spontaneous windshield cracking and occasional battery-drain complaints, though the direct-injection engine and CVT are sound. Inspect glass and battery.

  • Spontaneous windshield cracking is the headline 5th-gen complaint: cracks appear from minor impacts or temperature swings, and replacement is costly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated.
  • Premature battery drain and dead-battery complaints, often linked to the auto start-stop system and parasitic draw, most reported on the 2019-2020 cars.
  • Direct-injection FB25 engine concerns are far fewer than the prior generation, but some owners report oil use, stalling or hesitation.

2019 Subaru Forester Caution

Redesign launch year: the engine is mechanically improved, but a heavy wave of spontaneous windshield-cracking and electrical complaints hit this year. Check the windshield and battery closely.

  • Spontaneous windshield cracking is the headline 5th-gen complaint: cracks appear from minor impacts or temperature swings, and replacement is costly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated.
  • Premature battery drain and dead-battery complaints, often linked to the auto start-stop system and parasitic draw, most reported on the 2019-2020 cars.
  • Direct-injection FB25 engine concerns are far fewer than the prior generation, but some owners report oil use, stalling or hesitation.

2018 Subaru Forester Caution

Last of the 4th gen and well-equipped; FB25 oil consumption had eased after the class-action years, but windshield cracking and Takata-airbag recall history still apply.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; verify the recall remedy was completed.
  • Lineartronic CVT shudder, low-speed surging and outright failure, most reported on the 2014-2015 cars; replacements are expensive and have occurred near 100k miles.
  • FB25 excessive oil consumption: the defining 4th-gen defect (2014-2015 worst), subject of a class-action settlement, where the engine burns oil rapidly and can suffer damage if run low.

2017 Subaru Forester Caution

4th-gen Forester carrying Takata airbag recalls plus emerging windshield-cracking and electrical complaints; verify recall completion and check oil usage before buying.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; verify the recall remedy was completed.
  • Lineartronic CVT shudder, low-speed surging and outright failure, most reported on the 2014-2015 cars; replacements are expensive and have occurred near 100k miles.
  • FB25 excessive oil consumption: the defining 4th-gen defect (2014-2015 worst), subject of a class-action settlement, where the engine burns oil rapidly and can suffer damage if run low.

2016 Subaru Forester Caution

4th-gen Forester after the worst oil-consumption years: engine behaviour is better, but CVT durability and outstanding Takata-airbag recalls remain considerations.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; verify the recall remedy was completed.
  • Lineartronic CVT shudder, low-speed surging and outright failure, most reported on the 2014-2015 cars; replacements are expensive and have occurred near 100k miles.
  • FB25 excessive oil consumption: the defining 4th-gen defect (2014-2015 worst), subject of a class-action settlement, where the engine burns oil rapidly and can suffer damage if run low.

2015 Subaru Forester Avoid

One of the worst Foresters: peak FB25 oil consumption (class-action), early-CVT failures and Takata airbags converge. Buy only with documented engine and transmission health.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; verify the recall remedy was completed.
  • Lineartronic CVT shudder, low-speed surging and outright failure, most reported on the 2014-2015 cars; replacements are expensive and have occurred near 100k miles.
  • FB25 excessive oil consumption: the defining 4th-gen defect (2014-2015 worst), subject of a class-action settlement, where the engine burns oil rapidly and can suffer damage if run low.

2014 Subaru Forester Avoid

4th-gen launch and the most troubled Forester year: FB25 oil consumption, new-CVT failures, control-arm wear and Takata airbags all hit at once. High repair risk.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbags; verify the recall remedy was completed.
  • Lineartronic CVT shudder, low-speed surging and outright failure, most reported on the 2014-2015 cars; replacements are expensive and have occurred near 100k miles.
  • FB25 excessive oil consumption: the defining 4th-gen defect (2014-2015 worst), subject of a class-action settlement, where the engine burns oil rapidly and can suffer damage if run low.

2013 Subaru Forester Caution

Late 3rd-gen Forester: the FB25 can still consume oil, but the body is proven and otherwise dependable. A reasonable buy with an oil-usage check.

  • 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.

2012 Subaru Forester Caution

3rd-gen Forester, generally well-regarded and among the more reliable older Foresters, though the FB25 engine can burn oil. Verify oil consumption history.

  • 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.

2011 Subaru Forester Caution

First FB25 year for the 3rd gen: excessive oil consumption appears here alongside Takata airbag recalls. Confirm oil usage and that recall work was completed.

  • 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.

2010 Subaru Forester Caution

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.

  • 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.

2009 Subaru Forester Caution

3rd-gen launch year still using the EJ253 engine (head-gasket and oil risk) plus Takata airbag recalls. Serviceable but check the engine and cooling history.

  • 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.

2008 Subaru Forester Caution

Final 2nd-gen year and the cleanest of its generation by complaint volume, but the EJ25 head-gasket weakness and salt-belt rust still apply at this age.

  • 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.

2007 Subaru Forester Caution

2nd-gen Forester: EJ25 head-gasket failure plus catalytic-converter and stalling complaints are the durability risks once mileage climbs.

  • 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.

2006 Subaru Forester Caution

2nd-gen Forester flagged for head-gasket failure and unintended-acceleration / speed-control complaints; a budget AWD wagon that needs careful inspection.

  • 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.

2005 Subaru Forester Caution

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.

  • 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.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Subaru models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.