Last updated: 2026-03-04
Subaru Forester Reliability by Year
The Subaru Forester averages 74/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Subaru Forester Reliability Overview
The Subaru Forester, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 75/100, categorizing it as "Good" based on Auto Reliability Index standards. Common issues include windshield fragility and electrical system concerns, with repair costs estimated at $632 annually, higher than the compact SUV average. Despite these issues, the Forester maintains a consistent 5-star NHTSA safety rating, making it a consideration for those prioritizing safety features, though prospective buyers should be aware of potential maintenance costs and recurring visibility problems.
Current generation: 6th gen (2025–present).
Best & Worst Subaru Forester Years
Best Subaru Forester Years to Buy
The best Subaru Forester year is 2025 with a reliability score of 79/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (79/100) and 2024 (78/100).
Subaru Forester Years to Avoid
The worst Subaru Forester year is 2019 with a score of 63/100, primarily due to visibility wiper (349) issues.
See full Subaru Forester years-to-avoid analysis →Subaru Forester Reliability Score Trend
Subaru Forester reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 78/100 compared to 69/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 79/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Subaru Forester
1 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Subaru Forester has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Subaru Forester.
2025 Subaru Forester
2 recalls · 48 complaints
The 2025 Subaru Forester has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 48 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Subaru Forester. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (9), Exterior Lighting (7), Visibility Wiper (7).
2024 Subaru Forester
2 recalls · 26 complaints
The 2024 Subaru Forester has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 26 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Subaru Forester. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Air Bags (6), Unknown Or Other (6), Visibility Wiper (4).
2023 Subaru Forester
1 recalls · 61 complaints
The 2023 Subaru Forester has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 61 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Subaru Forester. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (12), Visibility Wiper (10), Electrical System (6).
2022 Subaru Forester
1 recalls · 86 complaints
The 2022 Subaru Forester has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 86 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Subaru Forester. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints and 6 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (16), Unknown Or Other (14), Exterior Lighting (8).
2021 Subaru Forester
0 recalls · 196 complaints
The 2021 Subaru Forester has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 196 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Subaru Forester. Severity signals include 15 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (69), Unknown Or Other (28), Electrical System (25).
2020 Subaru Forester
0 recalls · 584 complaints
The 2020 Subaru Forester has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 584 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Subaru Forester. Severity signals include 25 crash-related complaints and 7 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (238), Electrical System (88), Unknown Or Other (82).
2019 Subaru Forester
3 recalls · 825 complaints
The 2019 Subaru Forester has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 825 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Subaru Forester. Severity signals include 34 crash-related complaints and 11 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (349), Unknown Or Other (117), Electrical System (115).
2018 Subaru Forester
3 recalls · 475 complaints
The 2018 Subaru Forester has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 475 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Subaru Forester. Severity signals include 25 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (126), Air Bags (79), Electrical System (64).
Subaru Forester Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$632
Repair Frequency
0.4/yr
Major Repair Risk
13%
$111 above the compact SUVs average of $521/yr.
Ranked #21 of 26 among compact SUVs.
Subaru Forester Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Subaru Models
Compare all Subaru models by reliability
Compare Subaru Forester With Similar SUVs
The Subaru Forester competes with other compact suvs such as Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-50.
Toyota RAV4 reliability
8 years tracked · 2734 complaints
Honda CR-V reliability
9 years tracked · 5017 complaints
Mazda CX-50 reliability
4 years tracked · 96 complaints
Hyundai Tucson reliability
9 years tracked · 1838 complaints
Nissan Rogue reliability
9 years tracked · 2539 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Subaru Forester reliable?
- The Subaru Forester has good reliability with an average score of 74/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Subaru Forester?
- The best year for the Subaru Forester is 2025 with a reliability score of 79/100, rated good. It has 2 recalls and 48 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Subaru Forester analysis →
- What are the Subaru Forester years to avoid?
- The Subaru Forester years to avoid include 2019 (63/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Subaru Forester?
- The Subaru Forester has an estimated annual repair cost of $632, which is $111 above the compact SUVs average of $521. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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