Subaru Forester Problems: 8 Issues Every Owner Should Know

What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 7,080+ owner reports, the 1998-2025 Subaru Forester has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption, CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure, EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

The 1998-2025 Subaru Forester has 8 known issues documented across 7,080+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption and CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure and EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Forester problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru Forester issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption, typically costs $0-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Subaru Forester is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Subaru Forester. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 1998-2025 Subaru Forester with 8 documented issues from 7,080+ owner reports.

Subaru Forester Problems: 8 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 8 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

Other Subaru Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Forester problems?

What year Subaru Forester is the most reliable?