Which Forester and Escape years should I avoid?

For the Forester, NHTSA data points to 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2025 as Avoid years. For the Escape, the Avoid years are 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2020.

Does the Forester or Escape have more complaints?

The Escape has far more total complaints, 24,261 versus the Forester's 5,520, and averages 1,155 complaints per model year compared to 263 for the Forester. Totals are not adjusted for sales volume.

Which has more recalls, the Forester or the Escape?

The Escape has 82 recall campaigns total versus 37 for the Forester across the same 2005-2025 span.

Which is more fuel efficient, the Forester or Escape?

The Escape averages 26 MPG combined across its model years versus 24.8 MPG for the Forester, though both improve markedly in their newest hybrid-influenced years.

What are the top problem areas for each model?

For the Forester, top issues are Visibility & Wipers (22%), Engine (22%), Electrical System (15%) and Airbags (13%). For the Escape, top issues are Engine (40%), Transmission & Powertrain (18%), Steering (15%) and Fuel System (10%).

Subaru Forester vs Ford Escape: Which Years to Avoid

Subaru Forester years to avoid are 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2025; Ford Escape years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2020. Forester logs 5,520 total complaints and 37 recalls across 21 model years versus Escape's 24,261 complaints and 82 recalls; Forester averages 24.8 MPG combined, Escape 26 MPG.

Head to head

Subaru Forester

Model years: 2005–2025 (21)
NHTSA complaints: 5,520
Per model year: 263
Recall campaigns: 37
Years to avoid: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2025
Best years: 2024
Top problem area: Visibility & Wipers
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 24.8
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.8 ★

Ford Escape

Model years: 2005–2025 (21)
NHTSA complaints: 24,261
Per model year: 1,155
Recall campaigns: 82
Years to avoid: 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2020
Best years: 2024
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 26.0
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.4 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	Forester				Escape
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2005	Good	93	1	20.5	Good	1,394	4	20
2006	Good	88	2	21	Good	464	3	20.5
2007	Good	74	1	21.5	Good	254	2	20.5
2008	Good	50	1	21.5	Caution	1,974	3	21
2009	Caution	178	17	22	Avoid	1,693	1	21
2010	Caution	262	17	22	Avoid	2,069	3	22
2011	Caution	147	16	23	Caution	1,316	2	22
2012	Caution	105	15	23	Good	599	1	23
2013	Caution	77	12	23	Avoid	2,749	18	25
2014	Caution	403	2	25	Avoid	2,084	16	25
2015	Avoid	613	3	25	Caution	1,100	9	25
2016	Caution	414	3	25	Caution	1,123	4	25
2017	Avoid	587	1	25	Avoid	2,684	4	24
2018	Avoid	495	3	25	Caution	1,797	4	24
2019	Avoid	833	3	29	Good	587	3	24
2020	Avoid	601	0	29	Avoid	1,599	23	35
2021	Caution	207	0	29	Caution	346	19	35
2022	Good	98	1	27.5	Caution	231	19	35
2023	Good	73	1	27.5	Caution	98	11	34.5
2024	Best	29	2	27.5	Best	76	8	30
2025	Avoid	93	3	28.5	Caution	24	9	34.5

Complaint Index by year

Frequently asked questions

Which Forester and Escape years should I avoid?: For the Forester, NHTSA data points to 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2025 as Avoid years. For the Escape, the Avoid years are 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2020.
Does the Forester or Escape have more complaints?: The Escape has far more total complaints, 24,261 versus the Forester's 5,520, and averages 1,155 complaints per model year compared to 263 for the Forester. Totals are not adjusted for sales volume.
Which has more recalls, the Forester or the Escape?: The Escape has 82 recall campaigns total versus 37 for the Forester across the same 2005-2025 span.
Which is more fuel efficient, the Forester or Escape?: The Escape averages 26 MPG combined across its model years versus 24.8 MPG for the Forester, though both improve markedly in their newest hybrid-influenced years.
What are the top problem areas for each model?: For the Forester, top issues are Visibility & Wipers (22%), Engine (22%), Electrical System (15%) and Airbags (13%). For the Escape, top issues are Engine (40%), Transmission & Powertrain (18%), Steering (15%) and Fuel System (10%).