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Chart based on 128 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2021 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV
182-horsepower 2.5L H4 7-speed shiftable CVT AWD
9000 mi
The glove box lock keeps falling out. Has happened three times so far (including once right after I got it back from the shop). Must be a very poor design.
Power lift gate making squeaking noise. Dealer claimed to lubricate it. Lift gate still makes noise and needs to be corrected yet again on the next service visit. Driver seat belt buckle squeaking noise. Dealer could not reproduce. Buckle still makes noise and needs to be corrected on the next service visit. Holding buckle stops the noise. Found reports online of others with same problem.
Rattle in passenger sun visor extension. Fixed by removing extension from visor and adding felt strip to tighten up space when retracted.
21824 mi
Annoying ticking tapping sound in both left and right B-pillars especially when chassis twists when driving over uneven bumps or road. Suspected spot weld splatter friction noise. Sprayed WD40 lubricant at top of B-pillars between sheet metal seams. Rattle gone.
TPMS module damaged by water which overflowed from a clogged sunroof drain line.
6300 mi
Bad rattle at back lift gate. Taken to dealer twice. 1st trip didn't fix it. Brought back several days later left for 3 days still not fixed. Each time said it was but the rattle is still there!
7000 mi
Rattle has not been fixed. Dealer was notified of the problem and said they would schedule is a repair and provide a loaner while they had it, since last time they had the car for 3 days. They have not called or emailed me. BAD dealer
8000 mi
Returned trip about the rattles in the back Lift gate , had for 5 days -still have rattle. Dealer can not fix problem. Having had a Toyota 4-Runner and Honda Pilot, we never had these problems. Tech removed passenger side trunk cover& seatbelt assembly. Also removed & reinstalled brake system parts + flashing around gas intake tube. Found no issues. Fixed loose rear view mirror.
Rattle better but still persists
23000 mi
Squeaks under the dash, around the EyeSight camera, and in the tailgate
Rattle from area of B Pillar when turning. Dealer found loose screw inside plastic trim and refitted. Problem persists and return trip will be required.
21160 mi
Loose fitting (screw) found inside B Post and removed. Also Driver's side head restraint would not tilt. Found to be a problem with leather fitting too tightly. Dealer fixed.
32060 mi
Front doors continually moving against seals when shut, causing alot of noise. Requested investigation and adjustment to rectify.
rattling/fluttering noise coming from dash. Related to speed of car. Suggested to dealer that it may be related to speedometer cable. They could not reproduce the noise. We still have it.
Cover over center info screen rattles like crazy. They heard it on a test drive but couldn't find the cause. They finally ordered a new cover to see if that is the cause. At present, it is still not corrected.
22000 mi
Vibration rattle coming from the info message area of the dash.
Dealer replaced part, but rattle still continues. Goes away in warm weather.
27000 mi
rattle in dash. still not fixed. only happens when it is cold outside
44000 mi
Very loud vibrating noise when moving. It stopped when I got to the dealership.
18000 mi
A pillar trim loose and rattles, display cowl rattle, instrument panel trim rattle
24000 mi
Suspected leak of the sun roof was investigated. Nothing was found but the water channels were cleaned
scratch on leather seat and steering column cover. swirl mark all over the paint.
30000 mi
There is a ripple in the panel above the rear passenger door frame. It's obvious that the panel was incorrectly attached to the car causing a stress field that warped the panel over time. -Its basically impossible to fix. The claimed it was external and did nothing. The regional service manager for Subau was involved in the decision. There is no official record of subaru having my car for this period of time (I was unaware that they did not create a warranty ticket for the trip until much later. I had left the car with them while I went on vacation.)
2000 mi
left rear seat belt guide broken.
2300 mi
rear seatbelt trim replaced.
7000 mi
interior right rear weatherstrip proved to be bubbled/deformed. right rear door had defective inner weatherstrip (bubbled/misshapen).
12000 mi
trim on rear hatch misaligned. dealer realigned trim.
17000 mi
driver seat cushion beginning to collapse. was replaced.
Moon roof rattle. Gentle, but pretty persistent, right near my head as I drive. Other than that, the car seems very solid. Dealer is working with Subaru to find solution.
31000 mi
Previously reported (last year) sunroof rattle. Car is making a distinct rapping noise from outs the tail of the vehicle. Best heard at 15mph to 40mph, with foot off the gas. Sounds like a jackhammer off in the distance. Replaced rear, outer seatbelt mech. (in roof of car.) Didn't fix.
53500 mi
Interior: Driver's seat had hole forming along the stitching. Contacted Subaru who instructed me to bring to dealer. Dealer replaced lower seat cover (Car is out of warranty - but Subaru covered it - no pun intended.)
9000 mi
Two visible circular white blemishes under the gelcoat of the car hood. Hood was re-painted, very nice job. Dealer provided loaner vehicle.
14000 mi
US $26
Front passenger door seal came out of groove
6000 mi
Rear reflector cracked. Replaced under warranty
82000 mi
US $145
Wind noise from the drivers side door. Dealer adjusted door hinges.
77300 mi
US $200
strut on rear hatch broke due to corrosion - replaced both struts
17900 mi
wind defector for sun roof wasn't poping up. Replaced a few clips and sent me on my way
1860 mi
Driver door rubber edge seal attached by friction in a channel around the door. Easily dislodged by putting a hand on the top edge of the door. Takes about 30 minutes to get it back in, must entirely remove then start at one end. 2021 Update: edge seal continues to need regular reinstall.
Exterior window trim on passenger's side front of rear cargo compartment window - horizontal cracks. Entire piece of glass to be replaced. Known issue - learned about it on forums. Paint damaged by fix, small area repainted by paint shop
Rear seat recliner button came off, plastic component damaged, had to be replaced
4000 mi
Rattles and squeaks from the cargo hold. Dealer shop removed right trim and headliner. Two of the noises were lessened. One rattle still needs to be chased down.
Rattle in cargo hold. The technician took down passenger side trim and installed wedges between parts of the roof metal. I think that it worked this time.
28700 mi
Top windshield gasket came loose and flapped in wind.
Re-attached. I will reglue with silicone if it comes loose again.
6000 mi
Electric moonroof would not close. Moonroof stuck open. Had to be realigned in order to close fully.
39600 mi
Moonroof would not close. Dealer had to reset moonroof control in order to allow it to close
3000 mi
Moon roof (and driver side door) leaks.
52000 mi
The sunroof malfunctioned and was repaired under warranty. The glass part somehow hopped over the cloth part (underside) and thereafter was unable to close.
rear hatch seemed to rattle a lot, but it turned out that the spare tire was not properly installed (should have been caught at PDI) and the jack was loose in the carrier in the trunk.
7000 mi
all four doors had hideous rattles, like they were made of loose change and tin cans. All were fixed by dealer under warranty. Additionally, the roof bars were replaced because they noticed a screw missing, and all were stripped. WOW.
8000 mi
Hatchback rattle/shudder constantly, TSB fix made it worse. Fixed by owner with foam insulation. Subaru dealer seems to be totally clueless on this one. So far, this car (and it's dealers) does not live up to it's reputation.
10000 mi
dash rattle, a-pillar trim rattle, rear-view mirror rattle, headliner rattle... this car seems to be made of the cheapest plastic of all time. They were "unable to isolate" rattles. Will be trying new dealer.
12000 mi
STILL they cannot find the source of the rattles in the dash. Seriously, this car had to be assembled on a Monday after way too much sake in Japan!
14000 mi
Started carrying foam tape, attacking rattles myself as they come. The dash rattle was finally discovered to be the cowling panel on the exterior of windshield. Self repair, since the dealers are clueless. Forum members helped diagnose.
59000 mi
US $100
Rattle when driving, dealer tightened exhaust heat shields. Started rattling again. Car will be going back to the dealer.
11700 mi
In Oct. 2010 noticed a crack in pass. rear side stationary glass plastic trim. Turns out the trim cannot be replaced alone the entire glass panel must be which includes the little edge trim. Dealer replaced under warranty in Nov. 2010.
4000 mi
Trim below door came loose after putting foot on it.
13000 mi
Rattle in drivers side rear door and rear hatch area. Repaired under warranty by dealer. Good repair, no more rattle.
15000 mi
Rattle returned in driver side passenger door and passenger side around rear hatch. Not taking it back.
25000 mi
Rattle in driver side passenger door and passenger side around rear hatch. Had gotten worse.
10720 mi
Rattle inside driver door. The sound baffle inside the door was removed and two sided tape was inserted to prevent the rattle.
19840 mi
A service bulletin was issued since the last repair dealing with door rattle. This different dealer corrected the problem according to service bulletin. Had previously serviced driver door rattles fixed. A service bulletin was issued since the last repair dealing with door rattle. This different dealer corrected the problem according to service bulletin.
30340 mi
30 month old car has rust along the bottom lip of tailgate. Trim around rear side windows cracked and probably letting water in. I have now waited over 2 MONTHS for Subaru Canada to get back to me on warranty claim. First and LAST Subaru!
33480 mi
C $60
Rusted tailgate lip and cracked rear side window trims finally being repaired under "goodwill" warranty from Subaru Canada. They will NOT accept fault for rusting on a barely 2 and a half year old car still under full warranty.
32000 mi
interior drivers door release lever
89000 mi
Leaks after re-sealing windshield from interior. Glass company Should have just replaced windshield right away as dealer advised Glass company had replaced windshield April 2015. Leaking near gas pedal and passenger side.
Glass sealed from interior. 2 days later rain infiltrating car in more places. Into gear shifter, passenger headliner near side window and onto passenger seat. Windshield being replaced.
92000 mi
US $100
Gasket failed around rear hatch. The new gasket was installed incorrectly the first time. On the second trip to the shop, the gasket was installed correctly.
19400 mi
Rattles on the roof, over the driver's head and in the back all over the cargo area. I had filled the space between metal sheet of roof and inner roof with pieces of cloth.
6000 mi
Rattle/buzz occurs behind headliner, near dome light. Dealer tightened light frame, which actually made issue worse. Taking back shortly for repair.
6500 mi
Sunroof, and rear hatch had very obnoxious rattles. Sunroof, and rear hatch had very obnoxious rattles.
38700 mi
Seat came apart after seat heater was repaird, outside of warranty.
9920 mi
Fogging occurring in the rear right tail light assembly. Looking closer, turns out to have cracks around the edges, letting moisture in. Found on forums to be a common defect, brought it in for warranty replacement.
21700 mi
Cat heat shield was rattling at 2000RPM with the engine running with a load. Insulation between cat and shield wasn't covering properly, causing contact thus the rattle. Subaru has ordered a replacement shield.
Excessive rock chips on paint just in front of rear tires caused by too small of a protector installed at factory. Repainted sides of car and installed new 3M protection to match those used in current production.
1000 mi
US $10
Overhead light assembly wires squeaked against housing. Added separators and silicon lubricant to reduce noise.
6000 mi
Rebuilt upper light console with silicon components, and added silicon seal between headliner fasten point, holding snap, and metal roof assembly, to get rid of creaking due to temperature changes.
6000 mi
Dealer added additional door insulation to stop rattles but damaged driver door tweeter in process. Followup appointment was scheduled. Rear fender paint gravel shields too small. TSB authorized larger ones as replacements. Technician damaged new parts on installation. Service writer scheduled 2nd install with body shop (covered by warranty). Loaner vehicle to be provided. Larger paint gravel shields successfully fitted and installed.
7000 mi
Paint has worn off inside of drivers armrest. Service provider took picture, is requesting feedback from service manager as to whether paint is warranty item.
7000 mi
Paint had worn off inside of door arm rest. Arm rest was replaced.
21700 mi
Side airbag brackets causing clunks/rattles in rear of vehicle. Dealer performed TSB to correct problem.
25000 mi
rattles under rear seat. bolts tightened, rear seat realigned.
29000 mi
Left front visor was not staying in position. Visor was replaced with improved model.
52000 mi
rattles from rear interior of vehicle, mainly when rear of vehicle went over bumps.
27000 mi
The cosmetic hard plastic piece on the outside of the wheel well came off. The dealership knows this is a problem and Subaru is trying to get a long term fix.
37000 mi
Another cosmetic hard plastic piece on the outside of the wheel well came off. The dealership knows this is a problem and Subaru is trying to get a long term fix...no solution yet
Stone chips on fenders in front of rear wheels.
Not big enough protective clear coating.
Fixed stone chips, repainted back doors, replaced
protective clear coating with larger ones.
12700 mi
rattle near passenger sun visor.
determined cause, no time to fix.
will fix at next service interval.
22000 mi
Chrome peeling from badge on rear of car - replacement ordered. Badge replaced - replacement looks fine.
12000 mi
squeaks and rattles
3000 mi
Front doors were rattling madly. Dash making noises.
16000 mi
US $200
rattle near glove box that comes and goes
18000 mi
center armrest fell apart. I took it to dealer and they snapped it back together. Nice side effect was that one of the mysterious rattles went away with the re-assembly.
9300 mi
Rattle in passenger door.
9300 mi
Rattle in driver's door, rattle around the middle rear safety belt device.
9300 mi
Replacement of the Bumper Rear step pad (stainless steel)that was not glue well. They also scratch the bumper paint when they try to take off the bumper step pad and had to paint the bumper.
19840 mi
Rattle in the dashboard near radio and ventilation exit under radio.
29760 mi
Rattle in the dash. Same problem occur in the last part of 2009. Even now, I have to go again tomorrow.The rattle still exist.
33480 mi
Rattle in the dash: attach correctly the loose part
37200 mi
Rattle in the driver's door
86500 mi
water leakage from front windshield due to blocked water drain.
78000 mi
Inner fender panel and shield came loose. Installed a new push pin. Panel still loose, however.
Push pins for inner body panel shields are loose. Poor design on the part of Subaru.
84000 mi
Body clips or push pins holding together various shields and from bumper are loose, very poor design. There is no way to tighten them up. I have put in new pins, and they will not tighten up.
20000 mi
Rug coming out from under passenger door sill
70900 mi
Leak in rear brake light causing moisture in light assembly
Exterior trim loose and weatherstripping loose, both on driver's door
46500 mi
weatherstripping was loose on both front doors. Estimate provided. Repair declined due to unreasonable cost. Purchased clips and spouse repaired weatherstripping.
Dashboard noise. It is intermittant and when I bring it to the dealer they can't hear it. I have been trying to fix it myself. It's better but not completely gone. Fixed dashboard squeak and replaced a headlight bulb
Three rattles were repaired. One was in the moonroof track, the second was a loose suspension bracket, and the other was in the rear folding seat latch.
30000 mi
Moonroof not closing properly. Had to order more parts.
31000 mi
Moonroof malfunction
106000 mi
US $200
car being given to step-daughter who is moving to Arizona; car was basically checked out to insure safety etc for trip across country; nothing significant in the way of repairs; tires are almost new; brake pads replaced; signs of rust note.
182000 mi
US $1700
Replaced both headlamp assemblies due to moisture and broken bulb clip. Replaced both fog lamp assemblies due to broken lenses. Replace upper and lower radiator hoses due to age. Replaced battery under warranty due to failure to hold charge. Flush brake system.
Sunroof would not close. It was due to the inside screen being off of the track.
90000 mi
US $250
Trim - well in door loose
41000 mi
Vehicle needed rubber mirror/glass junction covering replaced. Due to an error at dealership from the rotor issue, got them to cover the part for free.
Exterior trim piece adjacent to lower right of left rear door had come loose and the attachment toggle was damaged, so it couldn't be secured. Six Star Service ordered a replacement piece and installed it. Took five minutes.
106000 mi
Cracked moon roof. Engineered incorrectly? Too big. Eventually cracked in the direct heat of the sun.
loud noise from engine - turned out to be engine bay heat shield misalignment.
86000 mi
The moonroof refused to close more than halfway.
139100 mi
US $983
Front subframes replaced. One of the sub frames had a small rust bubble which turned out to be the whole bottom rusted out after some poking with a screw driver. The other one was mostly rust free but was going to need replacement soon so I did them as a pair.
145000 mi
US $307
Defective gusset in side mirrors caused extensive wind noise. Problem is manufacturer's defect which was adjusted numerous times but never corrected. Subaru finally provided a new part to permanenty (I hope) correct the problem at my expense.
87000 mi
US $43
Moonroof will not open/close. cleaned and lubricated
Sunroof motor burned out in August (in closed position). Problem diagnosed in October. Decided to repair in the spring.
74000 mi
Problem with moonroof. Not opening or closing properly and finally cranked shut March 2010. Can't find info to fix and dealership left town. Mechanic said could fix and only made worse. He even cracked roof window in half! Mad as hell!!!
Stitching on leather seat split open. No cuts or tears just sewing up stitching that came loose.
184000 mi
US $700
Headlight housings were getting pretty cloudy and cracked, and I had already done the refinishing approach, so decided to replace the headlight housings.
See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how
frequently Subaru Forester problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.
