Which Years Of Used Subaru Foresters Are Most Reliable?
For decades, Subaru has established a reputation for vehicles with excellent safety ratings, standard all-wheel drive, substantial resale value, and an outdoor-oriented profile. Undoubtedly, one of the most popular Subaru models you can buy is the Forester. As one of the original compact crossover SUVs launched in the 90s, the Forester quickly became the de-facto option for outdoor enthusiasts and people living in colder climates.
If you’re looking for a reliable, used small SUV, the Subaru Forester deserves to be on anyone’s shortlist. However, the Forester has been in production since 1998, so there are a lot of models to choose from. So what is the most reliable year of the Subaru Forester?
For today’s post, we look at every Forester generation and determine which model years are worth buying based on reliability and the ones that are best avoided. Let’s take a look.
1998-2002 Subaru Forester
The Forester launched as an Impreza-based SUV that delivered the best of both worlds of SUVs and cars. The Forester offered the practical aspect of SUVs and sporty handling and on-road chops of a car.
In terms of reliability, it’s hard to recommend the first generation of Foresters unless you’re looking for a short-term beater. For instance, all first-gen models may require a head gasket redone, which may cost you hundreds of dollars in repairs. In addition, the rear self-leveling shocks may also give out at 100k miles, and they’ll also cost you a bit.
However, if you really want the most reliable year of the Subaru Forester in this generation, go for the 2000 model year. According to Consumer Reports, the 2000 Forester has a reliability score of 3.0 out of 5.0 and 4.0 out of 5.0 in customer satisfaction. Its main reliability woe is with its transmission, but the rest are looking good for the small SUV.
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2003-2008 Subaru Forester
The launch of the 2003 model also marked the introduction of the second-gen Forester. Its body profile offered plenty of interior space and visibility. Besides the standard all-wheel drive, the second-gen Forester provided sharp steering and a comfortable ride.
If you’re going for the most reliable Forester in this batch, we recommend the 2003-2005 model years. These are excellent crossovers boasting high-reliability scores, and many of their issues are relatively minor. In particular, the 2005 Subaru Forester scored a decent 3.0 out of 5.0 in reliability and 3.0 out of 5.0 in customer satisfaction. Meanwhile, the 2004 and 2005 models received the “Seal of Awesome” badge from CarComplaints.com.
On the flip side, the 2006 model year may be worth skipping due to its reliability rating of 1.0 out of 5.0 from CR. What set back this model year were its major trouble sports, including the engine, cooling components, and transmission.
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2009-2013 Subaru Forester
At this point, the Forester has made considerable gains with its 3rd-generation redesign with a less boxy shape. Interior space and ride comfort were improved significantly, making it one of the most comfortable small SUVs during that time.
The third-generation Forester offers reliability that can only be described as middling. While complaints are fewer for this generation, many models from this batch had severe mechanical issues and an unhealthy number of recalls. This is mainly because it’s a batch affected by the infamous Takata airbags scandal, where the inflators may explode, and the sharp metal fragments may hit the driver and other occupants.
Two of the worst models from this generation are the 2009 and 2010 Foresters. The 2009 Subaru Forester received a low reliability rating of 2.0 out of 5.0 from CR, while the 2010 Subaru Forester only managed a dismal 1.0 out of 5.0 in reliability. These models are also prone to engine failure and head gasket leaks, which may lead to expensive repair jobs down the line.
The Forester got much better with the 2011 to 2013 Foresters, with decent reliability scores of 3.0 out of 5.0 for all three models and 23-24 mpg in fuel economy. However, the 2011-2013 Foresters were reportedly prone to excessive oil consumption, so keep that in mind when buying them.
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2014-2018 Subaru Forester
The fourth generation of Foresters came with significant redesigns and various improvements, including a roomier interior and better fuel economy. However, the fourth generation of the Subaru Forester had some of the least reliable years.
Although this generation didn’t suffer the same issues as the previous generations, you should avoid a couple of models, mainly the 2014, 2015, and 2017 Foresters. All these models have a high number of complaints from the CarComplaints.com website. For instance, the 2014 model had 600+ complaints, and its top three problems are excessive oil consumption and broken coil springs. Meanwhile, the 2017 Forester had more than 700 complaints with issues like jerking/shuddering and a faulty navigation system.
For the most reliable year of Subaru Forester in this generation, the 2018 version is your best bet. The 2018 Subaru Forester received high reliability and consumer satisfaction scores of 4.0 out of 5.0. Plus, many of its top issues are minor, including the cracked windshield problem.
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2019-Present Subaru Forester
With the current-gen Forester, it’s clear that Subaru knows the winning formula for its compact SUV lineups. The Forester remains a popular option for small SUVs thanks to its roomy interior, excellent fuel economy, a comfortable ride, and responsive handling.
In general, this is a solid generation for the Forester SUV. As per Consumer Reports, all of the models from this generation have at least a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0. Therefore, if you’re looking for a newer used Subaru Forester, the 2020 year is a good choice in terms of reliability. The 2019 Subaru Forester is also a solid contender but received many user complaints. However, its issues are also minor.
That wraps up our breakdown of the Forester generations over the years. Barring a few model years, a used Subaru Forester is a reliable small SUV that will serve you for a long while.
Common Subaru Forester Reliability Problems
As with many compact SUV models, a used Subaru Forester has several persistent issues that potential buyers should know:
- Sensor Failures: Particularly between 1999 and 2014, Foresters have had issues with oxygen sensors and knock sensors. Faulty oxygen sensors can lead to a cracked sensor and an illuminated check engine light, while defective knock sensors can impact vehicle performance and engine function. It’s recommended to address oxygen sensor issues at a Subaru dealer.
- Faulty Air Conditioning: Many Forester models experience issues with their air conditioning systems, often blowing hot air instead of cooling. Recharging the system usually solves the problem, but if delayed, replacing the condenser might be necessary.
- Defective Airbags: The 2010 to 2013 Forester models had significant issues with defective airbags, followed by the activation of the SRS light. Subaru has addressed this problem with recalls and free replacements at their dealerships.
- Leaking Brake Fluid: Foresters manufactured between 2009 and 2013 were prone to leaking brake fluids due to corrosion caused by gaps in the fuel tank protector. This issue often necessitated the replacement of the brake line.
- Oil Leakage: Foresters made from 1999 to 2013 commonly experienced oil leakages after reaching 110,000 miles. This issue was usually due to faulty components such as tube seals, spark plugs, or ignition wires, and was resolved by replacing the affected parts.
FAQ: Most Reliable Subaru Forester Years
Q: What are the most reliable Subaru Forester years to consider?
A: When looking for a reliable used Subaru Forester, the years that stand out for their dependability include the 2000 model from the first generation and the 2003-2005 models from the second generation. These particular years are noted for fewer issues and maintaining the Subaru Forester’s reputation as a durable compact SUV.
Q: Why is the 2000 Subaru Forester considered one of the best Subaru options?
A: The 2000 Subaru Forester is often highlighted as one of the best Subaru options because it received favorable reliability scores and customer satisfaction ratings. Its performance in transmission and overall build quality helped it earn a solid reputation among Subarus.
Q: Are there any Subaru Forester years that should be avoided?
A: Based on recalls and consumer complaints, you might want to be cautious with the 2006 model year due to its lower reliability rating. Additionally, the 2009-2013 Forester models have been reported to have issues related to excessive oil consumption and engine problems, which could lead to more significant repairs.
Q: How do the 2003-2005 Subaru Forester models stand out in the compact SUV category?
A: The 2003-2005 Subaru Forester models excel in the compact SUV category due to their well-rounded performance, offering good interior space, standard all-wheel drive, and a reputation for safety and reliability. These years are recommended for their fewer mechanical issues and overall owner satisfaction.
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