Last updated: 2026-04-20
2025 Subaru Forester Reliability Report
The 2025 Subaru Forester scores 79/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 48 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
48
Complaint Rate
2.7per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$632
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,050–$2,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- VISIBILITY (7)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (7)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (7)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2025 is the last model year of the Fifth generation (SK).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 3 years after the last refresh (2022).
- 5th generation Forester (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2019: Fifth generation (SK) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2025: This Model Year
2025 is the last model year of the Fifth generation (SK).
Should You Buy the 2025 Subaru Forester?
At 79/100, the 2025 Subaru Forester lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2025 is the last model year of the Fifth generation (SK).
Owners log 48 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 unknown or other (9). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2026 Subaru Forester. See also the 2024 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
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Windshield fragility, infotainment system disruptions, and potential safety... (9 complaints)
- −EXTERIOR LIGHTING issues reported (7 complaints)
Compare 2025 Subaru Forester With
2025 Toyota RAV4
Reliability: 84/100
2025 Honda CR-V
Reliability: 80/100
2025 Mazda CX-50
Reliability: 66/100
2025 Hyundai Tucson
Reliability: 75/100
2025 Nissan Rogue
Reliability: 84/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9)
- VISIBILITY (7)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2025 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
2.7
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 4.1
Safety Incidents
6
Crashes
1
Fires
4
Injuries
1
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2025 Subaru Forester Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Subaru Forester. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
CHILD SEAT
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles. The child seat anchor bolts may have been improperly tightened, allowing the bolts to come loose.
Consequence
A loose child seat anchor bolt increases the risk of injury to a child during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the child seat anchor bolts and, if necessary, tighten the bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-25.
WHEELS
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles equipped with 18" aluminum alloy wheels. The wheels may have been manufactured with an incorrectly specified lug seat surface, which can result in the wheel being improperly attached and cause a loss of vehicle stability.
Consequence
A loss of vehicle stability increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the wheels, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRB-25.
Buying a used 2025 Subaru Forester? Check its history first
Every 2025 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.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2025 Subaru Forester NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 17.4%
Safety Technologies
Gas / HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 17.4%
Safety Technologies
Subaru ForesterRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based 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
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
Hybrid
35 MPG
Running cost: $2,350/yr
Fuel + repair
35 city / 34 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 2025 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 26 | 33 | 29 | $2,050 |
| Forester Sport/Touring AWD 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,150 |
| Forester Wilderness AWD 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 25 | 28 | 26 | $2,300 |
Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester Hybrid AWD 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 35 | 34 | 35 | $1,700 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 Subaru Forester.
Test forward collision avoidance system for unexpected braking
Inspect windshield for cracks and check replacement availability
Check driver-side mirror for vibration at highway speeds
Verify low beam headlights for adequate road illumination
Test seat heaters for unexpected activation
Ensure airbag system activates for all passengers
Test paddle shifters for correct upshifting
2025 Subaru Forester Common Problems by Component
48 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the 2025 Subaru Forester, primarily involving windshield fragility, infotainment system disruptions, and potential safety hazards. Multiple complaints describe frequent windshield cracks and chips within the first year of ownership, with one owner noting a lack of replacement availability. Infotainment system problems frequently include non-dismissible advertisements and connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay, causing distraction while driving. A serious safety concern is raised by a report of a crash with a fire, where a recall notice regarding wheel safety is mentioned, though the exact connection is unclear. These issues typically emerge early in ownership, with some owners mentioning problems within the first few thousand miles.
VISIBILITY
7 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the driver's side mirror vibrating, particularly at highway speeds, which distorts the reflection and makes it difficult to view following traffic, especially at night. Several complaints indicate that despite attempts to repair or replace the mirror, the vibration persists, with some owners noting that the problem worsens over time. These issues are commonly reported at mileage around 4,000 to 5,700. Additionally, one owner describes an incident where the liftgate window exploded after closing the front passenger door, although this is less commonly mentioned. The mirror vibration poses potential safety implications as it affects the driver's ability to safely change lanes.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
7 complaintsOwners report that the 2025 Subaru Forester exhibits issues with its low beam headlights, frequently describing them as weak and inadequately illuminating the road. Many complaints highlight a distinct black line or shadow above which there is no light, leading to poor visibility, particularly on hilly or dark rural roads. Some owners note that these visibility issues are exacerbated by dark spots or shadows on the road surface, causing distraction. The issue typically emerges shortly after purchase, often within the first few thousand miles. Safety implications are noted, with owners expressing concerns about the potential for accidents due to reduced visibility and the need to frequently use high beams inappropriately.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (7 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
7 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the vehicle's visibility components, particularly the windshield and side mirrors. Multiple complaints describe the windshield as prone to cracking easily, even from minor impacts, with some owners noting delays in obtaining replacement parts due to backorders. This issue is reported at low mileages, sometimes as early as 4 miles. Additionally, drivers note that the driver-side mirror vibrates at highway speeds, making it difficult to see clearly, especially at night. A few owners also mention wiper speed malfunctions, where the speed adjuster fails to maintain the set pace. These visibility issues could potentially compromise safety by obscuring vision, particularly if the windshield cracks extend or shatter while driving.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (4 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the vehicle's forward collision avoidance system. Multiple complaints describe unexpected braking events, particularly when the vehicle misinterprets objects like orange barrels on highways as threats, leading to sudden braking. One owner notes this has occurred three times within 24,000 miles. Another complaint involves a crash where the vehicle unexpectedly lurched forward while parking. Additionally, there are reports of system malfunctions in adverse weather conditions, where safety features deactivate without clear cause. These issues present potential safety implications, including the risk of rear-end collisions and unintended acceleration.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Subaru Forester report issues with the electrical system, specifically involving seat heaters and the Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) system. Complaints describe seat heaters activating independently, leading to burns, even when the control is in the off position. Another report details the RAB system engaging without obstacles, causing abrupt stops and resulting in a concussion. Both incidents occurred at low mileage, with one at approximately 100 miles. These issues pose safety risks, including burns and potential injuries from unexpected vehicle behavior.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 Subaru Forester report issues with airbag deployment in specific scenarios. One complaint describes a crash where the airbags did not deploy despite a significant front-end impact, raising concerns about potential malfunction. Another owner reports that the airbag system does not activate for a passenger weighing around 93-97 pounds, as the airbag light remains off, suggesting weight sensitivity issues in the passenger seat sensor. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, particularly in crash situations, and may influence used car buyers considering the vehicle's safety features.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 Subaru Forester report issues with unintended acceleration and paddle shifter malfunctions. One complaint describes a serious incident where the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly while parking, leading to a crash with a building and subsequently reversing at high speed before stopping without further collisions. This incident occurred at approximately 2,000 miles and involved a police report but no injuries. Another owner notes that the paddle shifters sometimes cause the vehicle to downshift instead of upshifting as intended. These reports highlight potential safety risks, particularly with the unintended acceleration leading to a crash, which prospective buyers should consider.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 Subaru Forester report issues with the service brakes, notably involving brake failure and pedal obstruction. One complaint describes a crash where the brakes failed to stop the vehicle, resulting in a collision with a garage and injuries to the driver, occurring at approximately 2,800 miles. Another owner reports that the rubber pad on the brake pedal dislocated while driving, obstructing the brake and requiring excessive force to stop the vehicle at under 1,000 miles. Both complaints highlight potential safety risks, including the possibility of collisions due to brake malfunctions. These issues appear to occur at low mileage, indicating early-life failures.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintSafety-relatedI bought a Subaru Forrester 2025 in March of 2025. I drove this car for almost 9 months to the day. On 12-19 -25 I was driving down the aisle in the Walmart parking lot at less than 10 mph. I turned right into a handicap parking lot and applied my brake as I was settling into the parking space. I was driving less than 5 mph as one normally would when parking and coming to a stop. My car accelerated quickly and with great speed and since my front wheels were still turned toward the right, my car sped toward the cement encased parking sign at a high rate of speed. I was in disbelief. I backed up to be in the proper space and got out and surveyed the damages. Thankfully I was alone in the car and due to the handicapped parking signs ahead and to the right of the parking spot I did not cross the marked lot lines and no other vehicles were involved. The car was not driveable so I had the it towed to the dealership and found they did not have a body shop. Then engaged a body shop to repair. Estimate of damages is $6,820. My car is still there today. It is now Jan 25 and we are waiting on a few replacement parts. At first I thought I might have stepped on the gas instead of the brake as I was parking that night. But all common sense tells me that my foot was properly on the brake as I was finishing up my parking maneuver at a very slow rate of speed. I looked around the internet and see that these same circumstances were replicated by other drivers esp. on the 2012-2020 models of Forresters. I had no prior knowledge of what I consider to be a significant fault in this vehicle. I did receive widespread bruising to my chest from the seatbelt. Once my car is repaired I will take it back to the dealer to have several systems checked for errors. I am leery of driving it again. I am really not in a position to buy a different vehicle but it may come to that. Altho the police report states that I may have hit the gas, upon further reflection I don’t feel that is true
When Do 2025 Subaru Forester Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Subaru Forester Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Subaru Forester Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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).
2025
(Current Model)
2023
2024
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.
| 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 |
Subaru Forester Reliability Compared to Other Years
2025 Subaru Forester Reliability by Powertrain
The 2025 Subaru Forester is available with 2powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 48 | 2 | 7 | 5 out of 5 |
| Gas / HEV | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 48 | 2 | 7 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Subaru Forester reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Subaru Forester?
How many recalls does the 2025 Subaru Forester have?
Is the 2025 Subaru Forester expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2025 Subaru Forester without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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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