Subaru Forester Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
The Subaru Forester years to avoid are 2015, 2019, 2020, and 2025, based on NHTSA complaint index values of 87, 100, 93, and 80 out of the model's years. Best years by complaint index are 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2024, all under 20.
Avoid 2015Avoid 2019Avoid 2020Avoid 2025Best 2011Best 2012Best 2013Best 2024
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 5,034
- Recall campaigns
- 32
- Crashes reported
- 387
- Fires reported
- 72
- Top problem area
- Visibility & Wipers
Forester Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Subaru Forester problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Good | 40 | 259 | 21 | 6 | 17 | Structure & Body | 22 | — |
| 2011 | Best | 20 | 147 | 21 | 6 | 16 | Engine | 23 | 4★ |
| 2012 | Best | 13 | 105 | 15 | 5 | 15 | Engine | 23 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Best | 7 | 77 | 13 | 2 | 12 | Engine | 23 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Caution | 67 | 403 | 48 | 3 | 2 | Engine | 25 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Avoid | 87 | 613 | 53 | 7 | 3 | Engine | 25 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Caution | 53 | 414 | 40 | 3 | 3 | Airbags | 25 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Caution | 73 | 587 | 40 | 1 | 1 | Airbags | 25 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Caution | 60 | 495 | 26 | 1 | 3 | Visibility & Wipers | 25 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Avoid | 100 | 833 | 37 | 11 | 3 | Visibility & Wipers | 29 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Avoid | 93 | 601 | 26 | 9 | 0 | Visibility & Wipers | 29 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Good | 47 | 207 | 16 | 5 | 0 | Visibility & Wipers | 29 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Good | 27 | 98 | 8 | 6 | 1 | Visibility & Wipers | 27.5 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Good | 33 | 73 | 8 | 4 | 1 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 27.5 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Best | 0 | 29 | 4 | 1 | 2 | Airbags | 27.5 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Avoid | 80 | 93 | 11 | 2 | 3 | Visibility & Wipers | 28.5 | 5★ |
Forester years to avoid: what went wrong
2019 Subaru Forester Index 100 · 833 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2019 Forester is the worst-ranked year, with 833 complaints and the highest complaint index in the lineup at 100. Visibility & wiper issues account for 49% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 8,375 miles. Owners also reported engine fires and airbags failing to deploy in crashes, including one fatality logged in the data. Recalls cover rear stabilizer bracket bolts, a PCV valve that can separate and enter the engine, and a steering unit connector that can short circuit.
2019 visibility & wipers problems →2019 engine problems →2019 electrical system problems →
2020 Subaru Forester Index 93 · 601 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2020 Forester ranks 2nd worst with 601 complaints and a complaint index of 93. Visibility & wiper problems dominate at 50% of complaints with a median failure mileage of only 5,962 miles. Owners reported engine compartment fires following collisions, including deer strikes, with flames spreading into the passenger compartment within minutes, and automatic braking systems failing to prevent front-end impacts. No recall campaigns are listed for this model year in the data.
2020 visibility & wipers problems →2020 electrical system problems →2020 engine problems →
2015 Subaru Forester Index 87 · 613 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2015 Forester logged 613 complaints with a complaint index of 87, ranking 3rd worst of all years covered. Engine problems make up 31% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 40,000 miles; owners reported vehicles rolling away while in park and unintended acceleration during low-speed maneuvers. Airbags (16% of complaints) and transmission/powertrain issues (15%) round out the top problem areas. NHTSA lists recalls covering occupant detection sensor mats, brake light switches, and turbocharger air intake ducts for this model year.
2015 engine problems →2015 airbags problems →2015 transmission & powertrain problems →
2025 Subaru Forester Index 80 · 93 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2025 Forester ranks 4th worst with a complaint index of 80 despite having only 93 complaints, reflecting an early, low-mileage failure pattern. Visibility & wiper issues (22%) and fuel system complaints (18%) lead, with median failure mileages as low as 2,725 and 100 miles for some categories. Owners reported brakes failing to stop the vehicle, unintended acceleration during parking, and airbags not deploying in crashes, including one fatality. Recalls cover incorrect weight rating labels, loose child seat anchor bolts, and improperly manufactured wheel lug seats.
2025 visibility & wipers problems →2025 fuel system problems →2025 electrical system problems →
Most common Subaru Forester problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Visibility & Wipers1,207 (24%)
- Engine1,063 (21%)
- Electrical System789 (16%)
- Other778 (15%)
- Airbags673 (13%)
- Structure & Body383 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain376 (7%)
- Brakes320 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires312 (6%)
- Fuel System229 (5%)
Frequently asked questions
- What Subaru Forester years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaint and recall data, avoid the 2015, 2019, 2020, and 2025 Forester. These years have the highest complaint index values in the lineup, at 87, 100, 93, and 80 respectively.
- What are the best Subaru Forester years?
- The 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2024 Forester have the lowest complaint index values (20, 13, 7, and 0), making them the best-rated years based on NHTSA data among the 16 model years covered.
- Is the 2019 Subaru Forester reliable?
- The 2019 Forester has the highest complaint index (100) of any Forester year, with 833 total complaints. Visibility & wiper issues make up 49% of those complaints, with a median failure mileage of 8,375 miles.
- What is the most common problem with the Subaru Forester?
- Across all 16 model years, Visibility & Wipers issues are the most reported problem, accounting for 1,207 complaints, or 24% of the 5,034 total complaints logged with NHTSA.
- Does the Subaru Forester have engine fire recalls?
- Yes. The 2019 Forester has a recall (19V856000) for a PCV valve that can separate and allow components to enter the engine, and owners of 2019 and 2020 Foresters reported engine compartment fires in NHTSA complaints.