Subaru has cultivated a strong reputation over the years for producing vehicles that prioritize safety, offer standard all-wheel drive, maintain solid resale value, and appeal to those with an active, outdoor lifestyle. Among their lineup, the Forester stands out as a consistently popular model. As a pioneer in the compact crossover SUV segment since the 1990s, the Forester quickly became a go-to choice for adventure seekers and drivers in regions with challenging weather conditions.
If you’re in the market for a dependable used small SUV, the Subaru Forester definitely warrants consideration. Having been in production since 1998, there’s a wide array of Forester models available. This brings up the crucial question: which Subaru Forester year offers the best reliability?
In this article, we’ll delve into each Forester generation, pinpointing the model years that offer strong reliability and those that are best to avoid when shopping for a used vehicle. Let’s examine the reliability history of the Subaru Forester.
1998-2002 Subaru Forester: The First Generation
The Subaru Forester debuted as an SUV built on the Impreza platform, aiming to blend the practicality of an SUV with the agile handling and on-road performance of a car. It successfully offered SUV versatility with car-like driving dynamics.
When it comes to reliability, recommending the first generation Forester (1998-2002) is challenging unless you are specifically seeking a very budget-friendly, short-term vehicle. A significant concern across all models in this generation is the potential need for head gasket replacement, a repair that can incur substantial costs. Additionally, the rear self-leveling shocks are prone to failure around the 100,000-mile mark, adding to potential maintenance expenses.
However, if you are set on a first-generation model, the 2000 Subaru Forester emerges as potentially the most reliable year within this range. Consumer Reports data indicates a reliability score of 3.0 out of 5.0 for the 2000 Forester, along with a 4.0 out of 5.0 customer satisfaction rating. While transmission issues are noted as a primary concern, overall reliability for this model year appears relatively better compared to other first-generation Foresters.
Image alt text: Silver 2000 Subaru Forester driving on a paved road, showcasing its compact SUV design.
2003-2008 Subaru Forester: Second Generation Improvements
The 2003 model year marked the introduction of the second-generation Subaru Forester. This iteration featured a redesigned body profile that enhanced interior space and improved visibility. Beyond the standard Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive, the second-generation Forester delivered more responsive steering and a more comfortable ride quality.
For those seeking a reliable used Forester from this generation, the 2003-2005 model years are generally recommended. These models are recognized as dependable crossovers with favorable reliability ratings, and many reported problems tend to be relatively minor. Specifically, the 2005 Subaru Forester earned a 3.0 out of 5.0 reliability score from Consumer Reports, and a matching 3.0 out of 5.0 for customer satisfaction. Furthermore, both the 2004 and 2005 models were awarded the “Seal of Awesome” badge from CarComplaints.com, indicating positive owner feedback.
Conversely, the 2006 Subaru Forester is a model year that may be advisable to avoid. Consumer Reports gave the 2006 model a low reliability rating of just 1.0 out of 5.0. This lower score was attributed to significant problem areas, including engine issues, cooling system malfunctions, and transmission problems.
Image alt text: Red 2005 Subaru Forester parked in a driveway, highlighting its second-generation styling.
2009-2013 Subaru Forester: Third Generation and Takata Airbag Concerns
The third-generation Subaru Forester (2009-2013) underwent a significant redesign, moving away from the boxier aesthetics of previous models. Interior space and ride comfort were notably improved, positioning it as one of the more comfortable compact SUVs of its era.
However, the reliability of the third-generation Forester can be described as mixed. While the number of complaints decreased compared to earlier generations, several models within this range experienced serious mechanical issues and were subject to a high number of recalls. A major factor contributing to these recalls was the widespread Takata airbag scandal. Defective Takata airbag inflators could explode upon deployment, projecting dangerous metal fragments towards the driver and passengers.
Within this generation, the 2009 and 2010 Foresters are identified as the least reliable. The 2009 Subaru Forester received a 2.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating from Consumer Reports, while the 2010 Subaru Forester fared even worse with a dismal 1.0 out of 5.0 rating for reliability. These model years are also known to be susceptible to engine failure and head gasket leaks, potentially leading to costly repairs in the long run.
Reliability improved somewhat with the 2011 to 2013 Forester models, all achieving a 3.0 out of 5.0 reliability score from Consumer Reports. Fuel economy was also respectable at 23-24 mpg. However, a reported issue with excessive oil consumption is worth noting when considering 2011-2013 Foresters.
Image alt text: Interior view of a 2010 Subaru Forester dashboard, focusing on the steering wheel, instrument cluster, and center console design.
2014-2018 Subaru Forester: Fourth Generation and Oil Consumption Issues
The fourth generation (2014-2018) of the Subaru Forester brought further redesigns and enhancements, including a more spacious interior and improved fuel efficiency. However, this generation also includes some of the least reliable Forester model years.
While not plagued by the same widespread issues as the previous generation, certain fourth-generation models should be approached with caution, particularly the 2014, 2015, and 2017 Foresters. These years have accumulated a significant number of complaints on websites like CarComplaints.com. The 2014 model, for example, has over 600 complaints, with top issues including excessive oil consumption and problems with broken coil springs. The 2017 Forester has even more complaints, exceeding 700, with reported issues such as transmission jerking or shuddering and a problematic navigation system.
For the most reliable option within the fourth generation, the 2018 Subaru Forester stands out. The 2018 model year earned strong reliability and customer satisfaction scores of 4.0 out of 5.0 from Consumer Reports. Furthermore, many of the most frequently reported problems for the 2018 Forester are considered minor, such as cracked windshields.
Image alt text: Blue 2018 Subaru Forester parked on a city street, displaying its updated front fascia and modern SUV styling.
2019-Present Subaru Forester: Fifth Generation and Continued Reliability
With the current fifth-generation Forester (2019-present), Subaru seems to have refined the formula for their popular compact SUV. The Forester remains a top choice in the small SUV segment, appreciated for its generous interior space, excellent fuel economy, comfortable ride, and responsive handling.
Overall, the fifth generation is considered a reliably solid period for the Forester SUV. According to Consumer Reports data, all models within this generation have achieved a reliability rating of at least 4.0 out of 5.0. If you are considering a newer used Subaru Forester, the 2020 model year is a particularly strong choice in terms of reliability. The 2019 Subaru Forester is also a dependable option, although it received a higher number of user complaints compared to later years in this generation. However, the reported issues for the 2019 model are generally less severe.
Image alt text: White 2020 Subaru Forester driving on a scenic road, showcasing its fifth-generation design and all-wheel-drive capability.
In summary, our generation-by-generation review indicates that a used Subaru Forester can indeed be a reliable small SUV choice, with certain model years demonstrating stronger reliability records than others.
Common Subaru Forester Reliability Issues
Regardless of the generation, some recurring reliability concerns have been reported across various Subaru Forester model years:
- Sensor Failures: Foresters manufactured between 1999 and 2014 have experienced issues with oxygen sensors and knock sensors. Faulty oxygen sensors can trigger the check engine light, while defective knock sensors can negatively impact engine performance. Consulting a Subaru dealer is advisable for oxygen sensor issues.
- Air Conditioning Problems: Malfunctioning air conditioning systems are a relatively common complaint, with many Foresters experiencing issues blowing hot air instead of cold. Often, recharging the AC system resolves the problem, but neglecting this issue may lead to condenser replacement.
- Defective Airbags: The Takata airbag recall significantly impacted 2010 to 2013 Forester models. These models were prone to defective airbags and illumination of the SRS warning light. Subaru dealerships addressed this issue through recalls and free airbag replacements.
- Brake Fluid Leaks: Foresters produced between 2009 and 2013 were susceptible to brake fluid leaks due to corrosion stemming from gaps in the fuel tank protector. This often necessitated brake line replacement.
- Oil Leaks: Oil leaks have been reported in Foresters built from 1999 to 2013, typically occurring after reaching approximately 110,000 miles. These leaks were often attributed to faulty components such as tube seals, spark plugs, or ignition wires, and were resolved by replacing the affected parts.
FAQ: Subaru Forester Reliability
Q: Which Subaru Forester years are considered the most reliable?
A: For the most reliable used Subaru Foresters, consider the 2000 model from the first generation and the 2003-2005 models from the second generation. These years generally exhibit fewer problems and uphold the Forester’s reputation for durability within the compact SUV class.
Q: What makes the 2000 Subaru Forester a highly-rated option?
A: The 2000 Subaru Forester is often cited as a top Subaru choice due to its strong reliability scores and positive customer satisfaction ratings. Its performance, particularly in transmission reliability and overall build quality, contributed to its favorable reputation.
Q: Are there Subaru Forester years that are best avoided?
A: Model years to approach with caution include the 2006 Subaru Forester due to its lower reliability ratings. Additionally, the 2009-2013 Forester models have been reported to have issues with excessive oil consumption and engine problems, potentially leading to more extensive repairs.
Q: How do the 2003-2005 Subaru Forester models excel in the compact SUV category for reliability?
A: The 2003-2005 Subaru Forester models stand out in the compact SUV segment for their well-rounded performance, offering ample interior space, standard all-wheel drive, and a strong track record for safety and reliability. These years are frequently recommended for their fewer mechanical issues and high levels of owner satisfaction.
