Subaru Forester ReliabilityAll Years Ranked (1998–2025)
Side-by-side AutoScores, risk levels, and owner-cost projections for every Subaru Forester we've analyzed. Identify the best years to buy, the ones to avoid, and the problems that follow the Forester across generations.
Average AutoScore
80/100
Best Year
2019 Subaru Forester
Score 88
Weakest Year
1998 Subaru Forester
Score 62
Every Subaru Forester Ranked
Sorted by AutoScore. Each link opens the full year-specific report.
A top-tier compact SUV choice offering exceptional all-weather capability and safety with minimal major reliability concerns.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Electrical / Infotainment (Starlink) · Suspension Components
A top-tier choice for safety and all-weather capability, provided you adhere to its specific maintenance schedule and address minor tech quirks.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · 12V Battery / Electrical
A highly capable and safe SUV, the 2021 Forester delivers reliable performance when its specific maintenance needs, particularly the CVT, are diligently met.
Top risks: Transmission (CVT) · Catalytic Converter · Electrical/Infotainment System
A supremely dependable and safe compact SUV that excels in everyday practicality and retains strong value.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Engine Oil Consumption · Suspension Components (Bushings/Bearings)
A reliable, safe, and capable choice that leverages Subaru's strong heritage, with minor first-year new-model uncertainties.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Engine Minor Oil Consumption · Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Maintenance
A top-tier choice for reliability, safety, and all-weather capability, provided the CVT is properly maintained.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Electrical / Infotainment System · Air Conditioning (AC) System
A highly dependable and safe compact SUV that truly embodies the Subaru promise of rugged reliability.
Top risks: Infotainment System · A/C Compressor/System · 12V Battery Life
A highly capable all-weather companion, but budget for crucial engine maintenance to ensure long-term value.
Top risks: Engine Head Gaskets · Timing Belt and Water Pump · Catalytic Converter
A safe and capable compact SUV, but the CVT demands careful consideration and service history verification.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Wheel Bearings · Oil Consumption (FB25 Engine)
A capable and safe SUV with outstanding AWD, but one that demands careful scrutiny of its powertrain's maintenance history.
Top risks: CVT Transmission · Engine Oil Consumption · Wheel Bearings
A highly capable and safe compact SUV that demands proactive oil level checks and strict CVT maintenance to ensure long-term reliability.
Top risks: Engine Oil Consumption · Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · HVAC/AC System
A practical and capable SUV, but requires careful vetting of its critical powertrain components.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Engine Oil Consumption · Electrical/Infotainment System
A highly capable and versatile AWD wagon that demands vigilant engine maintenance to truly thrive.
Top risks: Engine Head Gaskets · Timing Belt & Water Pump · Rear Suspension/Subframe Rust
A highly capable and practical small SUV, but demands a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a budget for anticipated engine maintenance.
Top risks: Engine Head Gaskets · Rust and Corrosion · Power Steering System
A highly capable and practical compact SUV, but its known engine weaknesses demand careful pre-purchase scrutiny.
Top risks: Engine Head Gaskets · Timing Belt & Water Pump · Front Wheel Bearings & Suspension Bushings
A highly capable AWD vehicle, but potential buyers must be vigilant about engine maintenance history and undercarriage condition.
Top risks: Engine Head Gaskets · Emissions System (Catalytic Converter) · Rust & Corrosion
A capable and practical AWD wagon, but its infamous head gaskets demand careful consideration.
Top risks: Engine Head Gaskets · Rust and Corrosion · Oxygen Sensors / Catalytic Converter
A highly capable AWD compact SUV that requires diligent maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection to be a reliable long-term partner.
Top risks: Engine Head Gaskets (EJ253) · Timing Belt System · Underbody Rust/Corrosion
A highly capable AWD compact SUV, but requires careful scrutiny of its engine history and ongoing maintenance.
Top risks: Engine (EJ25 Series Head Gaskets) · Exhaust System & Emissions · Wheel Bearings
A capable and safe crossover, but its core engine design presents notable long-term ownership risks.
Top risks: Engine Head Gaskets (NA 2.5L) · A/C Compressor · Suspension Components
A practical AWD workhorse, but its engine demands careful attention and a contingency fund.
Top risks: Engine Head Gaskets · Engine Oil Consumption · Front Wheel Bearings
A capable SUV with a few significant caveats that demand careful pre-purchase inspection and ongoing vigilance.
Top risks: Engine Oil Consumption (FB25) · A/C System Failure · Rear Suspension Components
A practical and capable SUV, but its known engine and transmission weaknesses demand careful vetting.
Top risks: Engine Oil Consumption · CVT Transmission Failure · Wheel Bearings
A practical and safe SUV with all-weather prowess, but its CVT can be a significant long-term gamble.
Top risks: Lineartronic CVT Transmission · Engine Oil Consumption · Electrical System & Sensors
A practical AWD companion, but one that requires careful scrutiny of its engine health to be a truly reliable partner.
Top risks: Engine Head Gaskets · Engine Oil Consumption · Catalytic Converter
A rugged, capable AWD vehicle with a known engine Achilles' heel that demands proactive attention.
Top risks: Engine Head Gaskets · Timing Belt System · Rear Wheel Bearings
A rugged all-wheel-drive workhorse that can be remarkably durable, but only if its critical engine maintenance and known gasket issues are meticulously addressed.
Top risks: Engine Head Gaskets · Timing Belt System · Suspension & Undercarriage Rust
A rugged all-weather champion, but only if its engine's notorious flaw has been expertly addressed.
Top risks: Engine Head Gaskets · Rust and Corrosion · Electrical / Sensors
Exhaust Header For 2002-2007 Subaru Impreza WRX/STi Sedan/Wagon 4-Door 2.0L 2.5L
Exhaust Header with Gasket and Hardware For 2008-2017 Subaru Impreza WRX/STi EJ25 2.0L 2.5L
5x100mm 1" Wheel Spacers Hubcentric for Subaru Impreza WRX BRZ Toyota 86 - KSP Performance
Problems That Follow the Forester Across Generations
Issues that appear in the top-3 risks across multiple model years — the cost of ownership you can actually predict.
Engine Head Gaskets
Appears in 11 model years · 39% of generations
Engine Oil Consumption
Appears in 8 model years · 29% of generations
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Appears in 7 model years · 25% of generations
Wheel Bearings
Appears in 4 model years · 14% of generations
Rust and Corrosion
Appears in 3 model years · 11% of generations
Timing Belt System
Appears in 3 model years · 11% of generations
Catalytic Converter
Appears in 3 model years · 11% of generations
Infotainment System
Appears in 3 model years · 11% of generations
Forester vs. the Competition
Head-to-head reliability comparisons with the Forester's main rivals.
Sell your car for what it's worth.
Every receipt, every service, one signed PDF you hand the buyer. OSC is the paperwork trail your resale price depends on.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
Recommended Products
Quality parts and tools for your vehicle
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.