Last updated: 2026-03-04

Subaru Forester

1 Subaru Forester Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Subaru Forester average of 74/100

The Subaru Forester years to avoid are 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2019 with a reliability score of 63/100. The best Subaru Forester year to buy is 2025 79/100.

Verdict

The 2019 Subaru Forester scores significantly below the model average of 74/100. The weakest year is 2019 with a score of 63/100 due to visibility wiper (349) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2021 76/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Subaru Forester Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Subaru Forester average of 74/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201963/100Good3825Visibility Wiper (349)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

63
GoodReliability score: 63 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Subaru Forester

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).

3 recalls825 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Visibility Wiper (349), Unknown Or Other (117), Electrical System (115), Engine (55), Visibility (38), Power Train (37)

View full 2019 reliability report →

What Are Common Subaru Forester Problems?

Top reported issues across all Subaru Forester model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

819 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

327 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

307 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

AIR BAGS

121 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

115 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

99 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Subaru Forester Year to Buy Instead

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Subaru Forester

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).

Score: 76/100 (Good)0 recalls196 complaints
View full 2021 reliability report →

All Subaru Forester Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Subaru Forester Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Subaru Forester years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Subaru Forester years: 2019 (score: 63/100). These model years score significantly below the Subaru Forester average of 74/100.
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 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 48 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Subaru Forester have?
Across all years in our database, the Subaru Forester has a total of 13 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Subaru Forester worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 79/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 74/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Subaru Forester problems?
The most common Subaru Forester problems are visibility/wiper (819 complaints), unknown or other (327 complaints), electrical system (307 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Subaru Forester reliable long-term?
The Subaru Forester has an average reliability score of 74/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Subaru Forester generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Subaru Forester generation is the Sixth generation (SL) with an average score of 79/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Subaru Forester?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Subaru Forester is $632 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2025 Subaru Forester a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Subaru Forester is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 79/100 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 48 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue