Last updated: 2026-04-20

2024 Subaru Forester
RELIABILITY SCORE: 78/100 (GOOD)

2024 Subaru Forester Reliability Report

The 2024 Subaru Forester scores 78/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 26 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

2

Complaints

26

Complaint Rate

1.5per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$632

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,050–$2,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity82/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity82/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • AIR BAGS (6)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (4)
  • ENGINE (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2024 is 2 years after the facelift refresh.

  • Year 6 in the Fifth generation (SK) (2019–2025).
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 5th generation Forester (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

2019: Fifth generation (SK) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2024: This Model Year

2024 is 2 years after the facelift refresh.

Should You Buy the 2024 Subaru Forester?

At 78/100, the 2024 Subaru Forester lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2024 is 2 years after the facelift refresh.

Owners log 26 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to air bags (6). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2025 Subaru Forester, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2023 Subaru Forester for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Low major repair risk (13%)
  • +Low recall count
  • +Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

  • Above-average repair costs for its class
  • AIR BAGS issues reported (6 complaints)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Owners of the 2024 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the vehicle's... (6 complaints)

Compare 2024 Subaru Forester With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • AIR BAGS (6)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

2

recalls on record

The 2024 Subaru Forester carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

1.5

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 7.7

LowAvgHigh
Very Low

Safety Incidents

3

Crashes

0

Fires

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2024 Subaru Forester Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2024 Subaru Forester. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

23V7540002023-11-09

POWER TRAIN

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.

Consequence

A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.

23V7230002023-10-26

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.

Consequence

Leaking coolant can contact a hot exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Subaru’s independent distributor processing facilities will tighten the water pipe attachment bolts. The affected vehicles have not been delivered to dealers or sold to owners and therefore, no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRO-23.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2024 Subaru Forester? Check its history first

Every 2024 Subaru Forester has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2024 Subaru Forester NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 16.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (n/a)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Subaru ForesterRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$632

vs $521 avg for compact SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.4

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

13%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Forester
$632
Category Avg
$521
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

26–29 MPG

Running cost: $2,700–$2,950/yr

Fuel + repair

25–26 city / 28–33 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2024 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Forester AWD 2.5L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S8)263329$2,050
Forester Wilderness AWD 2.5L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S8)252826$2,300

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2024 Subaru Forester.

  • Inspect windshield for cracks or signs of weakness

  • Test passenger airbag activation with a passenger under 105 lbs

  • Check power steering functionality for pulling or loss of power

  • Verify backup camera operation, especially after washing

  • Inspect side mirrors for distortion or melting

2024 Subaru Forester Common Problems by Component

26 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

6
6
4
5
AIR BAGS (6)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6)VISIBILITY/WIPER (4)ENGINE (1)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)STRUCTURE (1)TIRES (1)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)Other (5)

AIR BAGS

6 complaints

Owners report issues with the passenger airbag system in the 2024 Subaru Forester, particularly with the airbag not activating when lighter passengers are seated. Complaints frequently mention that the airbag indicator remains off for passengers weighing around 85 to 100 pounds, despite the owner's manual suggesting activation at lower weights. These issues are noted across various mileages, with some vehicles experiencing the problem since new. One report involves a collision where airbags failed to deploy, resulting in minor injuries, though no inspections had confirmed the cause at the time. This pattern of airbag non-activation could have significant safety implications, especially in the event of a crash.

6 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 complaints

Owners of the 2024 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the vehicle's windshield and driver-side mirror. Several complaints mention windshields cracking unexpectedly, with one owner experiencing multiple cracks within a few months of ownership, and another describing a windshield shattering from minor impact. Additionally, a driver-side mirror distortion is noted, described as dizzying and potentially hazardous. These issues appear across various mileage ranges, with potential safety implications due to compromised visibility and unexpected glass breakage. Such patterns suggest that buyers should be vigilant about inspecting these components when considering this model.

6 complaints total

VISIBILITY/WIPER

4 complaints

Owners report spontaneous windshield cracks in the 2024 Subaru Forester, with several noting no apparent impact as the cause. Complaints frequently mention cracks appearing suddenly, often growing over time and obstructing the driver's view. Some owners experience these issues at relatively low mileages, with one case at just 7,900 miles. A few owners reference similar problems in past Subaru models, suggesting a possible recurring issue. While there are no reports of crashes or injuries, the visibility obstruction could pose a safety risk.

4 complaints total
ENGINE (1 complaints)

ENGINE

1 complaint
2026-01-10

Took to Local dealership for 20,000 mile oil change. After the oil change the service advisor informed me of an oil leak on the right side of the engine. He could not confirm where the leak was from. I have scheduled to have it repaired under factory warranty. After researching on the internet it has been noted that the valve cover/ spark plug boot seals are known to split and cause an engine oil leak. I am concerned that this oil leak could come in contact with the exhaust manifold which may lead to an engine compartment fire. Would your administration department please check into this concern.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint
2025-12-17

The eyesight system fails on almost a daily basis. When this happens, multiple safety features shutdown. Lane assist and departure warning stops working. Collision avoidance stops working. Cruise control stops working. Proximity warning alarms stop going off. The local dealership has repeatedly just indicated that this is how it works.

STRUCTURE (1 complaints)

STRUCTURE

1 complaint
2025-03-011 injury

I opened the back hatch of my 2024 Subaru Forester to retrieve an item. I then pressed the button to close the hatch. It was an extremely windy day and right when I pressed the button to close the hatch an empty grocery bag blew out of the car. I caught it and shoved it back into the car. The hatch was closing at the time and it struck me on the head. I contacted a local Subaru dealer and Subaru corporate to confirm that the hatch was supposed to stop and reverse when encountering an obstruction. It did not. I have been suffering from a severe headache since this happened a week ago. I will be taking my car in to have it repaired as well as seeing a doctor since my headache has not resolved. Please investigate and ensure this safety issue is corrected by Subaru.

TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaintSafety-related
2025-02-11Crash reported

Bridgestone Ecopia H/L Plus tires are M+S rated. They actually have almost no traction in the snow. I can be going under 5 mph on level ground and apply roughly 30% breaking power and the tires start to slip. They are going to kill someone.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaintSafety-related
2024-11-30Crash reported

What Component or system failed or malfunctioned. A control system (I am guessing a computer or software problem occurred. The car had a sudden unexpected acceleration. On [XXX] my 2024 Subaru Forester Sport while completing parking in a parking spot had a sudden unintended acceleration event. My foot was not on the acceleration. The automobile travelled at least 27 feet before I was able to stop the vehicle. The car skidded when I depressed the brakes. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car accelerated over curbs and a planter and onto a wide sidewalk with a bus stop. The car hit the bus stop structure and a sign. If there had been a pedestrian on the sidewalk, the pedestrian might have been killed. If the car had travelled another 10 feet, I would have been crossing a busy boulevard. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The car was taken to Dalton Subaru dealership in National City, California. Dalton Subaru did an initial test of systems with their computer. Subaru of America investigated. The Subaru of America corporation stated the accident was due to driver's error and that my foot was not on the accelerator. THIS STATEMENT IS NOT TRUE! I am 100% sure that my foot was not on the accelerator when the car had a sudden unintended acceleration. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. The Subaru of America Corporation has inspected the car. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning signs. The Sudden Unintended Acceleration event happened only once. It occurred on [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaintSafety-related
2024-12-28Crash reported

Left the house and at about 1.5 miles while approaching a stop sign the vehicle brakes did not engage even when pushing all the way down. Resulting in a collision that landed in a corn field and jumping over a ditch. Vehicle has not been inspected by a mechanic but will be heading to repair shop soon. Would like to know any information the NHTSA would like to collect during repairs to rely the information to the shop. Safety was put at risk by crossing an intersection and running a stop sign. Luckily no other vehicles were impacted. Problem has not been able to be reproduced as the vehicle is not drivable. It has not been inspected by manufacturer but is not drivable. Police report available and provided on this form. No warning or signs. Vehicle is new purchased January 2024. Currently many warning signs on dashboard post accident. Additional information needed for this report (Repair cost, insurance claim etc) will be provided once available.

BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)

BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint
2024-10-11

My backup camera would not operate after washing my car. When I was backing up, I got an alert that something was in my way. There was no picture, so I could not see what it was. I had to stop and get out to see. This could lead to serious problems, like getting hit by other vehicles while have to get out and look for obstacle. This could also be a risk to children crossing behind the car, because eventually the driver will tire of getting out and walking around the car. When I went to take the vehicle to the dealer the next day, the car had dried off, and the camera came back on. I looked at other Subaru forums and found many NHTSA recalls on cameras on different year Subaru's. The problem still seems to persist on my model, but no recall.

When Do 2024 Subaru Forester Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

0–10,000 milesWindshield cracks
0–15,000 milesPassenger airbag issues

Best & Worst Subaru Forester Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

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.

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. Current year highlighted.

Subaru Forester reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201866/100Good
201963/100Good
202071/100Good
202176/100Good
202277/100Good
202379/100Good
202478/100Good
202579/100Good

Subaru Forester Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202679/100 (predicted)Predicted10
202579/100+1Good248
2024(selected)78/100-1Good226
202379/100+2Good161
202277/100+1Good186
202176/100+5Good0196
202071/100+8Good0584
201963/100-3Good3825
201866/100Good3475

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2024 Subaru Forester reliable?
The 2024 Subaru Forester has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 78/100. It is reasonably reliable with 2 recalls and 26 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2024 Subaru Forester?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2024 Subaru Forester include: AIR BAGS (6 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6 complaints), VISIBILITY/WIPER (4 complaints), ENGINE (1 complaints), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2024 Subaru Forester have?
The 2024 Subaru Forester has 2 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2024 Subaru Forester expensive to maintain?
The 2024 Subaru Forester has estimated annual repair costs of $632/year, which is $111 more than the compact SUVs average of $521. With a reliability score of 78/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2024 Subaru Forester without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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