Is the Subaru Forester Reliable?
1998–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other suvs — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Subaru Forester? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Subaru Forester Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 19 | 1 | — | 91 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 2 | 74 | 6 | 1 | 91 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 1 | 18 | 1 | — | 91 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 0 | 47 | 5 | — | 91 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 1 | 82 | 6 | — | 91 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 0 | 127 | 15 | — | 91 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 0 | 414 | 10 | — | 72 | Good |
| 2019 | 1 | 544 | 16 | — | 66 | Good |
| 2018 | 1 | 328 | 6 | — | 78 | Good |
| 2017 | 1 | 395 | 17 | — | 72 | Good |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Forester Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Forester scores 12 points above the average suv — a strong result.
Known Subaru Forester Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 2048 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Subaru Forester reliable?+
The Subaru Forester scores 81/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 9 recall campaigns and 2048 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Forester is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2026 Forester achieved the highest reliability score of 91/100 with 2 recalls and 19 complaints.
How many miles does a Forester last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Subaru Forester owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Forester will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Subaru Forester Research
Check a Specific Subaru Forester VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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