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Subaru Forester Powertrain and Chassis Reliability by Model Generation

Results are for year ending June 30, 2018. Only successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
Year and Model % of Average Repair Frequency  
2014 - 2018 Subaru Forester Reliability by Generation2014 - 2018 Subaru Forester
42.571428571429% Best 112% Worst
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2009 - 2012 Subaru Forester Reliability by Generation2009 - 2012 Subaru Forester
65.428571428571% Best 152% Worst
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2003 - 2008 Subaru Forester Reliability by Generation2003 - 2008 Subaru Forester
34.571428571429% Best 98% Worst
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TrueDelta Reviews the Reliability And Durability of the Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester Reliability And Durability: Neutral
YearComment
2014 Subaru has a strong reliability reputation. To a certain extent, though, this reputation is based on ratings that focus on the first few years of ownership. Once Subarus pass the 100,000-mile mark they can become much more expensive to keep up than a Honda or Toyota. Subaru engines through at least the 2008 model year have head gaskets prone to failure. The current engine dates to 2011, and the earliest examples have begun to suffer from valve cover gasket leaks (much less expensive to fix than head gaskets). Will the 2014s age better? Perhaps, but it's too soon to say. full 2014 Subaru Forester review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester Reliability And Durability: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2011 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
4-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Subaru has a great reputation for reliability. full 2011 Subaru Forester review
2010 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
4-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Reliable vehicles that last for years. full 2010 Subaru Forester review
2010 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
5-speed manual AWD
My last 2 Subarus have gone to 185,000 and 240,000 miles. full 2010 Subaru Forester review
2010 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
4-speed shiftable automatic AWD
I hope that I find Subaru to be deserving of the reliability & durability ratings. full 2010 Subaru Forester review
2010 4dr SUV turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4
4-speed shiftable automatic AWD
just reliable full 2010 Subaru Forester review
2009 4dr SUV turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4
4-speed shiftable automatic AWD
The brand has long history of relatively few problems. full 2009 Subaru Forester review
2009 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
4-speed shiftable automatic AWD
good reputation, resale, alot of em out there pushing 200K, some even 300K!! full 2009 Subaru Forester review
2009 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
4-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Good reputation, needs to be reliable for the amount of remote driving that is done. full 2009 Subaru Forester review
2009 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
5-speed manual AWD
Based on reputation, so far (less than 2000 miles). full 2009 Subaru Forester review
2009 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
4-speed shiftable automatic AWD
There is a reason you see so many old one around in our mountain town - they just work and keep working. full 2009 Subaru Forester review
Subaru Forester Reliability And Durability: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2011 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
4-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Not impressed thus far. Has consumed far too much oil for a new vehicle. Dealership inspected for leaks; they did not find any. They stated the oil consumption (about three quarts every 4000 miles) is typical. Subaru Of America was no help. full 2011 Subaru Forester review
2004 4dr SUV turbocharged 210hp 2.5L I4
4-speed automatic AWD
Subarus are known for their Japanese make and reliability. But in the year I have owned this car, I have had anything but reliability. In twelve months, the car has been drivable for only 6. And even when it is drivable, it stalls, bucks, and gives a general feel that is not one of confidence. full 2004 Subaru Forester review