Subaru Forester problems
The Subaru Forester (Japanese: スバル・フォレスター, Hepburn: Subaru Foresutā) is a compact crossover SUV that has been manufactured by Subaru since 1997. The first generation was built on the platform of the Impreza in the style of a taller station wagon, a style that continued to the second generation, while the third-generation model onwards moved towards a crossover SUV design. A performance model was available for the second-generation Forester in Japan as the Forester STi.
First generation (SF; 1997)
The Forester was introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show in November 1995 as the Streega concept, and available for sale in February 1997 in Japan, and to the US market in 1997 for MY1998. The Forester was one of the first crossover SUVs; the idea was inspired by Volkswagen (VW). It was built in the style of a station wagon, but had a taller stance, higher h-point seating, and an all-wheel drive drivetrain. Subaru advertising employed the slogan "SUV tough, Car Easy". It used the Impreza platform but with the larger 2.5-liter DOHC EJ25D four-cylinder boxer engine from the Subaru Outback, making 123 kW (165 hp; 167 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 220 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Japan
In its domestic market, the Forester replaced the Impreza Gravel Express, known in the US as the Subaru Outback Sport. However, the Outback Sport remained in production for the U.S. market. The Forester appeared after the introduction of the Nissan Rasheen in Japan with a similar appearance, and the Forester's Japanese competitors include the Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi RVR, and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Because of the Forester's low center of gravity, it meets the United States federal safety standards for passenger vehicles and does not require a "risk of rollover" warning label on the driver's visor. Size- and price-wise, it fits between the shared Impreza platform and the larger Legacy.
The automatic transmissions used on AWD-equipped vehicles will normally send 60% of the engine's torque to the front wheels and 40% to the rear wheels, using a computer-controlled, continuously variable, multi-plate transfer clutch. When the transmission detects a speed difference between the front and rear axle sets, the transmission progressively sends power to the rear wheels. Under slip conditions, it can achieve an equal split in front and rear axle speeds.
When accelerating or driving uphill, the vehicle's weight shifts rearward, reducing front-wheel traction, causing the transmission to automatically send torque to the rear wheels to compensate. When braking or driving downhill, the vehicle's weight shifts towards the front, reducing rear-wheel traction. The transmission again compensates by sending torque to the front wheels for better steering control and braking performance. If the automatic is placed in reverse or first gear, the transmission divides the torque 50/50 to both front and rear wheels. The manual transmission cars are set up with a near 50/50 torque split as a base setting, and it varies from there. Essentially, manual cars are set up with more bias towards the rear than automatic cars.
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Subaru Forester model years
Common Subaru Forester problems
The Subaru Forester is a popular compact crossover SUV known for its smooth ride, standard all-wheel drive, and comfortable cabin. However, like any vehicle, it is not completely free from issues. Here are some of the most common problems reported by real owners:
- Recall of front O2 sensor: The front oxygen sensor, which measures the air-to-fuel ratio, can develop a crack, resulting in an illuminated check engine light. Subaru issued a recall for some models (1998, 2000-2007, and 2009-2014) to fix this issue.
- Failed catalytic converter: This problem also produces an illuminated check engine light and might cause the vehicle to fail a smog test. If the vehicle is still under warranty, Subaru will likely cover the cost of the repairs or replacement of the catalytic converter.
- Head gasket failure due to cooling system issues: Subaru extended the head gasket warranty coverage to eight years or 100,000 miles for some vehicles due to the frequency of this problem.
- Engine issues: Forester engine issues include the Check Engine light being illuminated due to a crack in the oxygen sensor or issues in catalytic converter efficiency. These problems can cause the vehicle to fail a smog test. The knock sensor can also fail, causing intermittent issues.
- Transmission problems: Subaru Forester transmission problems typically occur in two ways – shuddering or jerking. These issues are often not resolved by updating the car’s software.
- Oil consumption: Many drivers have reported that they need to get their oil changed more frequently than they have had to in other cars. This is likely due to oil cracks or leaks in the camshaft and crankshaft seals as well as the oil pump seal.
- Electrical issues: These issues span from not being able to open the tailgate to issues with the car’s GPS system. While these issues may cause an inconvenience, they do not render the car inoperable.
These problems do not affect most Forester models, but they are the most frequently cited by owners. It is essential to pay close attention to the engine and transmission before purchasing a Subaru Forester, especially if considering an older used model.
Does the Subaru Forester have any problems?
When it comes to Subaru Forester common problems, one of the most commonly reported is related to the car's oil consumption. Many drivers have reported that they need to get their oil changed more frequently than they have had to in other cars.
What are the downsides of a Subaru Forester?
Common Subaru Forester Problems
- Transmission issues: Many Subaru Forester models with CVT transmissions reportedly had numerous issues. ...
- Excessive oil consumption: Various Subaru models, including the Forester, had oil consumption issues. ...
- Check engine light: An illuminated check engine light points to a dozen issues.
Are Subaru Foresters long lasting cars?
The Subaru Forester has achieved as one of the longest lasting cars through its years of requiring minimal maintenance.
What is common problem with Subaru?
Here are some of the most common Subaru problems to look out for: Damaged bumper. Fast battery drain. Dings and dents.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Subaru Forester years
We have researched Subaru problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Subaru Forester cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Subaru Forester model years:
- Subaru Forester 2019
- Subaru Forester 2015
- Subaru Forester 2020
- Subaru Forester 2017
- Subaru Forester 2018
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Subaru Forester model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Subaru Forester years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Subaru Forester car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Subaru Forester , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Subaru Forester vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Forester model years
A total of 501 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Forester model years
There were a total of 88 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Forester model years
There were a total of 271 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Forester model years
There were a total of 8 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 5929 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Subaru Forester . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Subaru Forester vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Subaru Forester 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-11-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF2SKAJC4PH
- Components: LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: I was driving on a two lane highway in the mountains and came around a small right-veering turn in the road. I straightened out the wheel to resume traveling straight, and my car’s auto-steer kicked in and pulled left into the center divider, and then right across two lanes and crashed into the side of the mountain. The auto-steer has pulled me out of lanes prior to this incident as well.
Subaru Forester 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: JF2SJAJC3JH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: After starting the car for the first time of the day, letting it warm for a minute or two, I started driving and when I went to stop at a stop sign about three blocks from my starting point I pressed the brake. The engine started to rev immediately so I had to stomp the brake to the floor and push the gear selector to the neutral position to avoid hitting a pedestrian and the dog she was walking. She was within 10 feet of the front of my car when I finally stopped. I have not taken it to a dealer yet since I am sure they will not be able to replicate the intermittent problem. There were no warnings of any kind that this was about to happen. I did note though, that the cold engine temperature indicator light on the dashboard was still illuminated.
Subaru Forester 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: JF2SJARC3GH
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: The windshield cracked without incident while parked. The is the exact same issue for which there is a class action lawsuit against Subaru for year models 2017-2020. The crack has spread to the drivers side and is obstructing the view. The dealer has reviewed the issue and provided a price quote but will not cover under the extended covered ordered as result of the class action lawsuit. There was no warning of this issue prior to noticing the cracking.
Subaru Forester 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: JF2SKAGC5KH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: As I was driving, every warning light came on, my car emitted a high pitched alarm and the car stopped working. This happened twice. I had to put my car in park. Turn off the car and turn it back on to make it driveable. I took it to the dealer and was informed that the battery and starter required replacement. The battery was covered by an extended warranty (I paid $100 or 20% of the cost), but the starter was not covered by any warranty since my car has 41K miles and is 5 yrs old. I contacted Subaru and they agreed to pay $800 towards the $1209.13 repair. My Subaru Case # 241016-1801159. I believe my starter failed because of the automatic start/stop engine feature. I asked the dealer if the starter failure could have been detected during a regular maintenance and they said no.
Subaru Forester 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: JF2SJAHC5FH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Passenger airbag says to be checked. Was a recall previously fixed in 2020. Same issue is arising and dealership will not fix for free Passenger airbag is off even with person sitting in it with seatbelt buckled
Subaru Forester 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: JF2SKAMC5RH
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: 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.
Subaru Forester 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-20
- VIN: JF2SKAJC2LH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Stopped in traffic near a red light. The Auto Stop/Start was enabled and activated when stopped at the light. When the light turned green, tried to go, but the AS/S system failed. A “No Eyesight” warning flashed and disappeared; various symbol lights blinked. Car would not start, hazards would not activate. After 20-30 seconds, I was able to put the car in park and restart the engine (would not start before then). No battery or check engine lights had been on previously, up to date on oil changes, 35k total miles, and I had a quarter tank of gas. This was scary as I was stuck in the middle of the road with my children while cars behind me tried to pass on either side. Many people have reported this issue in Subarus and I’d like for this dangerous problem to be formally addressed.
Subaru Forester 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-20
- VIN: JF2SKARC0LH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The auto start stop feature has caused my car to shutdown with all lights lit on the dash in more than one scenario. In traffic on the freeway, I had my foot on the brake. It auto stopped. Then when the traffic was starting to move, I went to push the accelerator and the dashboard lights all lit up and the engine shut off completely. The car was still in drive but it was off. I had to shift the car into park and push the start button to start the engine back up. It has happened before at traffic lights with the same outcomes. I went to subaru dealer and they said some of the batteries were faulty and replaced it but that is not the issue since it is still happening. It is dangerous in traffic!
Subaru Forester 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-19
- VIN: JF2SJADC6GH
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: I called Subaru made an appointment for service. I was not aware of the recall, although the dealership said it was repaired. No water damage to the seat bottom, the airbag sensor in the bottom of my passenger side seat cushion was bad. It’s attached to the seat. They gave me a loaner for three months and then called to say the part is on back order until “sometime” in 2025. The part is not covered under the recall and it will be approximately $2000 to fix. This has been a complaint from many owners of the recalled airbag years. At this point it is being replaced so often the part is on back order with an undetermined in stock date.
Subaru Forester 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
- VIN: JF2SJAEC2EH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: airbag inspection light comes on. Dealer verified vehicle has defective passenger harness and or seat cushion. Replaced harness under passenger seat in July 24, now Oct 24 airbag inspection light is back on. The 2014 has the same WUM 98 harness kit and seat sensor, so why isn't the 2014 Subaru Forrester included in the WUM 98 recall?
Subaru Forester 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
- VIN: JF2SKAJC1MH
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: The front windshield is covered in chips all over it I've got a few bigger ones repaired. However the whole windshield needs to be replaced I don't even know where they've come from I mean the whole windshield is just covered and tiny little chips and when the sun shines on it while you're driving It makes visibility extremely hard. And from what I gather researching windshields on Subaru this is a flaw... I've had plenty of vehicles and never have seen such a bad windshield. I recently purchased this vehicle in August and it has $112,000 mi on it. I did not see the issue with the windshield until after purchasing it and driving in direct sunlight. I did notice a few big chips in The windshield and the dealership did repair those...
Subaru Forester 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: JF2SJAJC9JH
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The initial incident happened when I was accelerating uphill. When I pressed the gas pedal to accelerate, the car began jerking and sputtering. I released the gas pedal and let the car coast, as I was heading toward a stop sign. After I stopped and then accelerated the second time, the engine seemed to smooth out. Nothing further happened until about 1 week later. The second incident, I was 35 minutes into an hour-long drive. I was going around 45-55mph when the same issue happened suddenly: I pressed the gas pedal and the car started shaking and sputtering. If I released the gas pedal, the car was fine. All check engine lights came on and were flashing. I lowered my speed into the 30s, and the issue continued to happen, regardless of what speed I was driving at. If I was accelerating, the car was shaking a lot. At stop signs, the lights would turn off, but pop on as soon as I began driving again. I was able to make it to my destination and when I parked the car, it was shaking a lot while idling. It felt like the engine was about to die or shut off. It was late so I turned the vehicle off and left it parked for the night. The next morning, when I started the car, it was continuing to shake/sputter during idle and I drove it briefly to see how it ran. It continued to shake when pressing the gas pedal, however, the check engine lights were not on. Since I had to drive back home, I decided to take it slow and began the two-hour drive back. The engine again seemed like it wanted to die as I let the car warm up, but it did not shut off. Initially when driving, the car continued to have the same problem - shaking whenever I pressed the gas pedal, no matter the speed. The check engine panel lights did not come on, however, and after driving for about 20 minutes, the issue cleared up. I've only driven it as needed since then and it is currently running ok, but, given the numerous fuel pump recalls I'm concerned there is a defect with this model.
Subaru Forester 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: JF2SJAGC7JH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated, and the air bag was not activated message was displayed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70, 000.
Subaru Forester 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: JF2SJADC0FG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: My clutch fork was nearly broken in two.(pics available). I asked the mechanic to save the old parts. My 6MT was never modified; the vehicle was neither raced, taken off-road nor used for towing. A friend discovered the following article online: [XXX] Based on said article , I believe the part on my vehicle was defective. How may other manual transmission Subarus have been affected by this defect ? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Subaru Forester 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: JF2SKAGC1KH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic for diagnosis or repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,000.
Latest 5 recalls Subaru Forester
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 110 recalls for different components of the Subaru Forester.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Subaru Forester 2022
- Report Received Date: 2023-11-09
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
- Consequence: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
- Model: Subaru Forester 2024
- Report Received Date: 2023-11-09
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: 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.
- Model: Subaru Forester 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-11-09
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: 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.
- Model: Subaru Forester 2024
- Report Received Date: 2023-10-26
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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: Subarus 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.
- Model: Subaru Forester 2013
- Report Received Date: 2022-11-10
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles. The front seat belt assembly force-limiter may not operate correctly in the event of a crash.
- Consequence: The seat belt assembly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-22.
Latest negative Subaru Forester car reviews
Latest positive Subaru Forester car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2024
Big surprise for me! I had the Forester as a rental car for a week and kept it for 3 weeks because I loved it so much. The drive was so comfortable and I felt very safe with the visibility. I am definitely buying one.
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Vehicle year: 2014
This is an update to my earlier review posted on 09/09/15. Apparently there's a word limit, which I'd reached with my first review, so please refer to that original post to see my full review although I'll touch on a couple of items mentioned earlier. It's been 6 months and another 18,000 miles since my first post. Regarding the oil consumption issue, in my original post I mentioned my low-oil light came on for the first time at 51,500 which was about 1000 miles shy of the 52,500 scheduled maintenance interval. At that time I just changed the oil then and there. At the time of my post I was at 58,000, still in the I recently switched to a fresh set of General Altimax RT43s and noticed a significant improvement in grip and handling, especially in wet weather and light snow. However, I did experience a slight drop in mileage, but it wasn't a big concern for me as I was already getting great mileage before. Although the ride comfort has improved somewhat, I still feel more rough road than I'd like. On the bright side, I had a great experience driving on unplowed dirt roads after a 10-inch snowfall with my second-year Goodyear UltraGrip Ice WRTs. They chewed through the fresh snow without any issues. Overall, I don't have much else to add to my original post, as I haven't had any other maintenance issues to speak of. I do fear that I'll need new brakes soon, but I'll adhere to the schedule and hope to have my Subie for many more years.
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Vehicle year: 2016
I recently traded in my 2010 Lexus IS 250 AWD sedan for the sporty 2.0XT Touring Forester and I'm really happy with my decision. Before making the purchase, I did a lot of research on the car through Internet reviews and YouTube videos. My family has always been Toyota people, mainly because their vehicles are reliable and that's a top priority for me. Luckily, I found a great local dealer in Parker Subaru, which made the buying experience just as great as it always was at Parker Toyota. The car drives really nicely and I chose the turbo motor because I liked the overall look of the car and the extra zip it provides when I need it. I decided not to add eyesight to my Forester, only because I didn't want to spend any more money on it. I plan to get that option on my next Subie as the technology continues to improve. However, I did get all the other options on my new ride and I'm especially loving the Harmon Kardon stereo upgrade. My wife has a 2015 RAV4, but I've never been a fan of them, even though I'm a big Toyota guy. I still think my new car looks, drives, and feels more solid than the RAV. I added chip repair and oil changes to my deal, so I won't have to worry about spending $80 on synthetic oil changes every 5-6k miles on my lease. I chose the Quartz Blue Pearl color and absolutely love it, along with the 18He had so many positive things to say about why it's a great feature to have.
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Vehicle year: 2006
This edition of the Forrester was fantastic! The leather seats were great, and the visibility was superior. Plus, you can always count on Subaru for dependability.
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Vehicle year: 2019
I have owned several editions of Subaru Forester and Outback, but my favorite has always been the 2003 Forester. However, the 2019 edition has surpassed all my expectations and is now my favorite. The standard eyesight with adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, and CAR PLAY are just a few of the features that make this vehicle stand out. The interior is more luxurious, and the standard audio setup is a major step up from previous editions. The ride quality is car-like, and the interior is quieter. Although there are some negatives, such as the poor OEM tires that are insufficient for northern climates and the auto-stop feature that I find dangerous, the positives far outweigh the negatives. If I were to purchase a newer Forester, I would want the ability to permanently disable the auto shut off and have cruise control on whenever I start the car. Constantly searching for buttons to turn off and on makes for distracted driving and a potential for accidents. Overall, I still love this vehicle even after updating it at 31K miles and most of 3 years.Other than that, I would suggest moving the lane centering feature away from the central stem as it can be too easy to accidentally turn it on. Personally, I find it misleading and inadequate. Additionally, I would appreciate more towing power. However, I must say that I absolutely love this vehicle. I wanted to provide an update at 37K miles. Unfortunately, I still have a strong dislike for the auto/stop feature and the fact that it cannot be permanently disabled.
Are you having problems with your Subaru Forester?
Wilford Goodwin 2025-11-12
Vehicle year: 2011
Hello! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my Subaru Forester. I've owned three Subarus in the past and have always loved the company. However, I've encountered an issue with my 2011-2014 Forester engine that causes it to consume a lot of oil. Unfortunately, this has led to some frustration and inconvenience for me. I've had to spend a lot of money on oil and repairs, and I'm unable to sell the car in good faith. Despite these challenges, I'm happy to report that Subaru has taken responsibility for the issue and has replaced the short block and other necessary parts. While I've encountered some other issues with the car, I'm still a fan of Subaru and their commitment to their customers. Thank you for listening to my story.
Mauricio Kuvalis 2025-11-09
Vehicle year: 2009
I have a 2005 Forester that is the 2.5X Manual version. I bought the 2009 Premium version for my wife, which is the Auto one. Overall, I like the vehicle, but the fuel economy is not great. We get about 20-22 mpg on average, whereas my '05 gets 26-28 on average. If we drive ultra conservatively, we may be able to get 25 mpg, but that is a huge IF. As for snow driving, I prefer the '09 over my '05, although my '05 is more fun to drive. The '09 is like a tank in the snow. However, our family is growing again, and the Forester is just too small. Perhaps if it got better fuel economy, we would reconsider.
Uriel Kassulke 2025-11-06
Vehicle year: 2008
I've been driving the XT 'newer' version for a little over two years now. Unfortunately, at 9k miles, the engine seized up. However, after contacting Subaru's US headquarters and speaking to the president about the quality of their cars, they were able to fix the issue. Although, I have had some issues with the LED puddle lights shorting out each winter, and separate electrical problems that I need to take back to the dealer again. Despite these issues, I find the XT engine to be nice, and the cargo space is just right for a small family. The only downside is that the fake color plastic bits by the door window switches scratch very easily. Overall, I would be satisfied with this car if I didn't have to take it to the dealer so much.
Delaney Dietrich 2025-11-06
Vehicle year: 1998
This first series model (1998) had a flaw with the rear wheel bearings being ball bearings. However, I replaced them with the later design of roller bearings at 50000 miles and have had no problems since. I have also had the timing belt and oil seals changed at 60000 miles. The dealer had a special offer, so I took it. Although it needs the seals replaced again due to a small leak, the cost is almost the worth of the vehicle. I may still do this because it is cheaper than buying a new vehicle. It could also benefit from a new set of shock absorbers. I have had to change the battery twice, but other than that, it starts first time and just keeps on going. I would love a 2010 model, but this one won't die.
Sterling Feest 2025-11-04
Vehicle year: 2002
I absolutely love my Forester, but I would recommend it only to those who drive more than 20 miles a day. It's a fantastic car when it starts, but I've had some issues with dead batteries. I've had to visit the dealer 8 or 9 times because of this problem, and they say it's because I don't drive enough (less than 100 miles a week). If you're a commuter, this is a great little car: it's safe, comfortable, and gets good mileage. However, if you work from home, have a two-car family, live near your office, or prefer to bike to work instead of always driving, this probably isn't the best car for you.