In this guide, you’ll find information regarding Subaru Forester reliability, safety, and owner reviews based on one of the best and worst years.
From credible sources such as the NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book, we analyzed years of owner feedback, safety ratings, and recalls.
Identify Forester years with the best value and reliability, as well as Forester years that you should avoid.
It’s time to get started.
Generations of Subaru Foresters
With the Subaru Forester, you get the advantages of both a passenger car and an SUV in one compact package. It was first introduced in 1998.
It established Subaru’s commitment to safety, performance, and visibility, as well as its practicality and enhanced visibility.
From 1998 to present, Subaru Forester generations are listed below:
| Generation | Years |
| 1st generation (SF) | 1998-2002 |
| 2nd generation (SG) | 2003-2008 |
| 3rd generation (SH) | 2009-2013 |
| 4th generation (SJ) | 2014-2018 |
| 5th generation (SK) | 2019-Present |
The evolution of many automotive lines between generations often results in significant changes in technology, design, and performance. The importance of understanding these generational differences cannot be overstated when considering a purchase.
Best and Worst years for Subaru Foresters
Performance, safety, and owner satisfaction are factors we consider when ranking cars. When assessing a company, we heavily consider the following factors:
- Owners’ reports of reliability (surveys)
- Maintenance costs per year
- Safety ratings
- Consumer Reports reliability scores
- Consumer Reports’ owner satisfaction scores
- NHTSA recalls and complaints
- Owner ratings on Edmunds
- Owner ratings for JD Power
- Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) ratings
- VehicleHistory owner ratings
- Cars.com reviews
Below is a graph providing an illustration of ratings derived from the platforms previously mentioned.
These are the best, neutral, and worst model years according to our categorization.
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
| 1st generation (SF) | 2000 2001 2002 | N/A | 1998 1999 |
| 2nd generation (SG) | 2003 2004 2005 | 20072008 | 2006 |
| 3rd generation (SH) | 2011 2012 | N/A | 2009 2010 2013 |
| 4th generation (SJ) | 2016 2018 | N/A | 2014 2015 2017 |
| 5th generation (SK) | 2021 2022 2023 | 2020 | 2019 |
Neutral Years are characterized by neither exceptional performance nor noticeable reliability deficiencies. Although they rank averagely, they do not strongly favor the top or bottom.
A car’s ranking is negatively affected by certain factors, and understanding these factors is extremely important. The number of NHTSA recalls is an example of a detractor. The more complaints and recalls an automobile receives, the less reliable it is considered to be.
A look at the good, bad, and neutral years.
1998-2002 Subaru Forester 1st Generation Best and Worst Years
Forester’s automotive journey began in 1998 with the introduction of its first generation.
In the automotive market, the Forester quickly gained a reputation for its combination of comfort, practicality, and ruggedness.
2000, 2001, and 2002 were the best years
Between 2000 and 2002, the Forester underwent a maturation and refinement phase. A smoother transmission shift and improved overall driving performance are provided by Subaru’s 2.5-liter SOHC engine.
An enhanced audio system, improved upholstery, as well as additional convenience features were available as part of the premium package “S.”. Consumers had the option of selecting from the basic setup “L” or the premium setup “S.”.
A reinforced crash structure and advanced airbag systems were also available on these models in addition to more robust brake mechanisms.
A 15 mpg city rating and a 26 mpg highway rating are also praised by Consumer Reports for these years.
These models still had some flaws. They suffered from persistent problems, including head gasket problems, transmission problems, and wheel bearing problems. Prospective buyers should meticulously check a vehicle’s VIN number before purchasing.
1998 and 1999 were the worst years
Forester owners reported recurring problems with head gaskets on the 2.5l DOHC engine in 1998.
Moreover, it suffered from transmission issues, including clutch chatter and failure to engage, which were exacerbated in cold climates. As a result of premature failure of rear wheel bearings, suspension difficulties were encountered.
A significant number of Subaru of America Inc. models from 1998 and 1999 were recalled due to extended braking distances in colder environments.
In addition to the problems listed above, the 1999 Forester also suffered from several of these issues. Wearing out your wheel bearings and shifting issues became recurring problems as head gasket failures persisted.
These issues affected owners financially. There is a possibility that the cost of replacing the head gasket will rise to $1600 or $2300 if the timing belt or water pump are also replaced at the same time.
Subaru Forester 2nd Generation (2003-2008) Best & Worst Years
As part of Subaru’s continued commitment to refinement and advancement, it introduced its second-generation Forester series in 2003.
Through its larger interior, more prominent stance, and reinforced platform, Subaru solidified the Forester’s position as a crossover SUV leader.
2003, 2004, 2005 Best years
2004 saw the introduction of the turbocharged XT trim, which featured a 2.5 L turbocharged DOHC engine. 2003 saw the introduction of the natural aspirated X and XS trims with 2.5 L SOHC EJ253 engines.
Among the features included with the premium trim was an advanced infotainment system as well as a panoramic sunroof on the “XS ”.
The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides more stability and balance in difficult terrain, became standard in the new Subaru.
In terms of safety, improvements have been made to the braking system, the number of airbags, and the chassis structure.
Owner satisfaction is increasing according to Consumer Reports, particularly with models from 2003, 2004, and 2005, which received above-average scores.
Besides that, they had good fuel efficiency, too, averaging 15 mpg in town and 28 on the highway.
2007 – 2008: Neutral Years
For 2007 and 2008, Subaru Frontier models were unchanged from previous years, so returning customers felt like they were getting the same thing.
As part of the Safety Package, the car was equipped with a symmetrical AWD system and advanced driver assistance systems.
In colder climates, some owners have experienced problems with fuel lines. Late models of Subaru have had fuel lines contract excessively during cold weather, causing a strong fuel smell.
The lower control arms of the front have also been recalled due to exposure to snow-melting agents.
Year 2006 Worst Years
There were several problems with the Subaru Forester 2006. Leaky head gaskets were a common problem in colder areas, especially.
The disruption of vehicle performance and increased maintenance costs were common problems for many owners.
Some reports also indicated that the 2007 and 2008 models had a strong fuel odor in cold climates.
The recall concerning rusted lower control arms of the front suspension caused problems in areas where winter road salt was widely used.
In addition, sporadic transmission inconsistencies were reported in 2006, which adversely affected the year’s sales.
Subaru Forester 3rd Generation Best and Worst Years (2009-2013)
In its third generation, the Forester further blended rugged SUV and comfortable family car features with a new platform, improved interior ergonomics, and a sharper design.
NHTSA has recalled and filed complaints more frequently for this generation, so make sure you check the VIN before making a purchase.
Best Years 2011 and 2012
Subaru demonstrated its commitment to improved performance and reliability by recalling the Forester 15 times between 2011 and 2012.
There were five different versions of the 2.5X, including the 2.5X Premium, 2.5X Limited, 2.5X, and 2.5XT Limited and 2.5XT Premium, both turbocharged, as well as the 2.5XT Limited and 2.5XT Premium. A leather upholstery option, as well as two interior color options, were available.
The suspension setup of the vehicle works well with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. It gets 16 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, according to the third generation’s fuel consumption.
Ground clearance and all-wheel drive were tweaked to improve performance on rugged terrains.
Owner satisfaction scores were high, and there were relatively few issues reported by both critics and customers.
2009, 2010, and 2013 Worst years
Forester models from 2009, 2010 and 2013 faced a series of challenges.
The most significant recall involved the frontal airbag inflators on Forester models from 2009. The inflators are prone to propelled sharp metal fragments as a result of this defect, posing a serious risk of injury.
Many owners reported electrical problems, particularly with the warning lights, dashboards, and wipers.
As a result of a potential break in the engine oil supply pipe, significant engine damage could result if left unattended.
On the 2010 Subaru Forester, owners reported that the weld on the front left side of the driver’s seat was prone to breaking, resulting in the seat collapsing. As a result of carrying over from the previous generation, there were also issues with the head gaskets.
A number of recalls were issued on Forester’s 2013 model, but reviews were mixed. The corrosion of brake lines was a concern in states where salt is a lot used in winter.
In the end, Kelley Blue Book gave this generation a rating of 4.2 out of 5, reflecting praise as well as criticism.
2014-2018 Subaru Forester 4th Generation Best & Worst Years
Adapting to the fast-paced evolution of automotive technology was a priority for Subaru when it developed the Forester’s fourth generation.
Providing urban sophistication and rugged off-road capabilities, Subaru’s Forester is one of the best SUVs on the market today.
2016-2018 Best Years
The Subaru Forester 2016 and 2018 are the standout models of this generation.
Premium and Touring models are available with the turbocharged 2.0XT (253 PS), while 2.5i models are available with the engine of your choice.
In addition to lane departure warning, pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and sway warning, Subaru’s Eyesight Driver Assist Technology includes lane departure warning and pre-collision braking.
As for the interiors of these vehicles, premium materials have been used and state-of-the-art information technology has been incorporated. A significant improvement in cabin noise insulation and ride quality was made to meet the needs of urban commuters as well as highway travelers.
As a notable addition to the AWD system, X-Mode boosted performance on challenging terrain during these years.
It gets 18 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, according to the fourth generation Frontier.
2014, 2015, and 2017 Worst years
When Forester launched as this generation’s first model, it faced teething problems. It is possible for the occupant detection system (ODS) to malfunction and light the passenger side airbag warning light.
Moreover, the vehicle began to shake at higher speeds due to a wobble in the front suspension. In the past, Subaru had also experienced excessive oil consumption as a complaint.
The Forester’s predecessor had a lot of problems, and some of those problems carried over to the 2015 model. There were airbag recalls in 2019 because of defective ODSs on certain 2015-2018 models. An excessive amount of oil consumption has been reported as the cause of several engine problems.
The vehicle’s erratic speed control also raised concerns among owners, which sometimes seemed to cause the vehicle to gain or lose speed inappropriately. Although Subaru has received more complaints than ever, the company has not issued any recalls.
In the 2017 Forester, spontaneous cracks on the windshield were one of the most common complaints. Several Forester models this generation have suffered from this defect.
Further, Subaru of America Inc. has created a service program for inspecting and replacing, if necessary, certain 2017 and 2018 models’ air conditioning condenser assemblies. As a result, corrosion within the condenser tube walls was likely to contribute to refrigerant leaks.
Subaru Forester 5th Generation Best and Worst Years (2019- present)
With an increased wheelbase and a redesigned interior, the 5th generation Forester cements its position as one of the top compact SUVs.
2021, 2022, 2023 Best Years
Engineered and designed to the pinnacle of Subaru, the Forester 2021, 2022, and 2023 represent Subaru’s best.
This model was powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four engine that was both efficient and powerful. The symmetrical all-wheel drive system of Subaru enhanced the performance of these vehicles in both city and off-road conditions.
In the beginning, five trim levels will be offered: Basic, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. The Forester’s Starlink Multimedia system comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen.
Adaptive cruise control and lane centering were available as part of the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology on later models of this generation.
The fuel efficiency of the vehicle improved to 20 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg on the highway.
2020: Neutral Year
Subaru Forester 2020 is a transitional model. However, the car didn’t exhibit the same frequency of issues as its predecessor despite the similar design and performance.
It took the following years for refinement and feature enhancement to reach their zenith. Windshield cracks forming spontaneously caused concern for many owners this year.
Safety, ruggedness, and reliability are the top three attributes of the 2020 Subaru Outback, despite these concerns.
2019 Worst Year
In 2019, owners of the Subaru Forester frequently complained about cracked windshields. There was more to this issue than just aesthetics. The EyeSight cameras located at the front of the car also contributed to safety concerns. It’s probably going to cost more than 1000 dollars to replace the windshield, considering EyeSight.
The TCV (Thermostat Control Valve) was also having problems, affecting the temperature control. As of yet, Subaru has not recalled the vehicle, according to the NHTSA.
EyeSight, the car’s safety system, has been reported to malfunction intermittently, turning off without warning. During the time period of 2016 to 2022, Subaru Forester models also experienced battery drain problems.
Subaru Foresters Common Problems
Despite the Forester’s reliable reputation, it offers exceptional off-road performance. You can see, however, that it is not without flaws:
Transmission issues
Subaru Forester models fitted with CVT transmissions have been reported to have numerous problems. A number of owners reported intense jerks and shudders when driving their SUVs. Transmission issues were found to be caused by insufficient CVT fluid. The problem has been addressed in a Subaru service bulletin.
Consumption of oil in excess
Oil consumption problems have been reported with the Forester and other Subaru models. There was a higher likelihood of this problem affecting Foresters with 2.5-liter engines before 2014.
Engine check light
Indications of problems with the engine are indicated by the check engine light. Most often, however, the check engine light on the Forester comes on because of a faulty oxygen sensor. Various Subaru models were recalled from 1998 to 2007, and from 2009 to 2014.
A/C system failure
A/C problems are common in Forester model years. Eventually, consumers reported that their A/C had developed a fault, resulting in hot air coming from the vents. Bad condensers in the air conditioner were to blame for the problem.
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Conclusion
Subaru Forester has evolved over the years, but there are a few years that stand out. Subaru Forester years with the highest ratings will offer the best performance and value, while Subaru Forester years with the lowest ratings will offer the worst value.
Would you mind telling me which Subaru Forester year you like best? Are there any model years you’ve personally tried?
