Last updated: 2026-03-04
2025 Subaru Forester Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2025 Subaru Forester scores 79/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 48 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2025 is the last model year of the Fifth generation (SK).
Recalls
2
Complaints
48
Complaint Rate
2.7
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$632
Above avgMajor Repair Risk
13%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
2 recalls on record
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.
Fifth generation (SK)
Should You Buy the 2025 Subaru Forester?
The 2025 Subaru Forester scores 79/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2025 is the last model year of the Fifth generation (SK).
With 48 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to unknown or other (9). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
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
Score: 84/100
2025 Honda CR-V
Score: 80/100
2025 Mazda CX-50
Score: 66/100
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 73/100
2025 GMC Terrain
Score: 78/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (7)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (7)
- VISIBILITY (7)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (4)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- POWER TRAIN (2)
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
- CHILD SEAT (1)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
- STEERING (1)
- WHEELS (1)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2025 Subaru Forester has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
2.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 4.1
Safety Incidents
Crashes
6
Fires
1
Injuries
4
Deaths
1
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.
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 Forester Repair 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.
When Buying a Used 2025 Subaru Forester
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- 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
Check Any 2025 Subaru Forester's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2025 Forester in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Subaru Forester with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
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.
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 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.
VISIBILITY (7 complaints)
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.
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
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).
2025(this page)
2 recalls · 48 complaints
2023
1 recall · 61 complaints
2024
2 recalls · 26 complaints
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. 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 2 powertrain 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?
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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