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Subaru Forester Reliability Grade

BOverall

Above-average reliability

EngineB+
TransmissionB

Grade a specific Subaru Forester

Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.

The Subaru Forester earns a B overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B+ for its engine and a B for its transmission. It ranks 5th of 13 compact SUVs we grade. Its engine (B+) and transmission (B) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 4,407 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

Subaru Forester reliability by year

Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.

2000B-2001C2002C+2003C2004C2005A2006A2007A2008A2009B+2010A-2011B+2012A2013A2014B2015C2016B-2017B-2018B2019C+2020C+2021B2022A-2023A-2024A

Best years: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2022 and 2023

Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.

How long does the Subaru Forester last?

220,000Estimated lifespan (miles)

A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.

Known Subaru Forester problems

We track 2 known problem areas for the Subaru Forester, including which model years they affect. They're in the full report, along with miles remaining and a deal score for the car you're looking at.

See Forester problems

Subaru Forester vs. other compact SUVs

ModelEngineTrans.Overall
Toyota RAV4 A- A A-
Nissan Rogue B+ B- B+
Mazda CX-5 B+ B+ B+
Toyota Venza A- A- B+
Honda CR-V B- B+ B
Chevrolet Equinox C+ B+ B
Kia Sportage C- B+ B
Subaru Forester B+ B B
Volkswagen Tiguan B- B+ B
GMC Terrain C B- C+
Hyundai Tucson D C+ C
Ford Escape F F F
Jeep Cherokee C- F F

Most reliable compact SUVs →

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Subaru Forester reliability FAQ

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

Above-average reliability. The Subaru Forester earns a B overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B+ for its engine and a B for its transmission. It ranks 5th of 13 compact SUVs we grade. Its engine (B+) and transmission (B) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 4,407 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

How many miles will a Subaru Forester last?

We estimate a well-maintained Subaru Forester lasts around 220,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.

What are the best years for the Subaru Forester?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Subaru Forester model years are 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2022 and 2023.

What Subaru Forester years should I avoid?

No Subaru Forester model year stands out as a problem year in NHTSA owner complaints.

Is the Subaru Forester transmission reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Subaru Forester transmission a B (above-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.

Is the Subaru Forester engine reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Subaru Forester engine a B+ (above-average reliability).