For drivers who value practicality, safety, and dependability in their compact SUVs, the Subaru Forester has long been a favorite. In addition to being known for its rugged nature, the Forester has many competitors, including the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5. Although all Foresters are known for their reliability, not all model years share this characteristic.
A key model year that has survived the test of time is highlighted in this article as the most reliable Subaru Forester year. In addition, we will discuss a few Subaru Forester years you should avoid based on customer complaints and common issues.
Subaru Forester History
In 1997, Subaru introduced the Forester, which was positioned between the compact Impreza and the larger Legacy. The Forester rounds out Subaru’s diverse range that also includes the sporty WRX, the versatile Crosstrek, and the family-friendly Outback. With its rugged capability and spacious interior, the Forester quickly became one of Subaru’s best-selling all-wheel-drive vehicles. Its technology, safety, and overall driving experience have consistently improved through multiple generations of Foresters, making it a top choice for both families and adventurers alike.
The Subaru Forester has been sold over 2.6 million times in the United States alone by the end of 2023. Since its introduction in 1997, Subaru’s Forester has sold over 4,000,000 units worldwide, contributing significantly to its global sales. Over six million Subaru Outback vehicles have been sold worldwide, making it the best-selling and most popular Subaru vehicle. There is a wide range of people who enjoy driving the Forester, from outdoor enthusiasts to families seeking a flexible and reliable vehicle.
Subaru Forester Generations Overview
| Generation | Model Years | Engine Options | Key Features |
| 1st Gen | 1998-2002 | 2.5L H4 | Compact size, AWD, boxer engine |
| 2nd Gen | 2003-2008 | 2.5L H4, 2.5L turbo H4 | Improved safety, larger interior |
| 3rd Gen | 2009-2013 | 2.5L H4, 2.5L turbo H4 | More refined, improved fuel economy |
| 4th Gen | 2014-2018 | 2.5L H4, 2.5L turbo H4, 2.0L turbo H4 | Advanced safety tech, enhanced interior comfort |
| 5th Gen | 2019-present | 2.5L H4 | Updated design, tech enhancements, better NVH |
The Best Subaru Forester Model Years
The reliability and performance of Subaru Forester models are key factors to consider when choosing the best years. There has been a reputation gained over the years for the exceptional durability, advanced safety features, and robust all-wheel-drive systems of certain Forester models. The Subaru models in this series have consistently delivered on Subaru’s promise of reliability, so they make excellent choices for drivers seeking a vehicle that can handle both everyday commutes and weekend excursions. Based on ownership experience and long-term dependability, here are three Forester years that stand out.
2008 Subaru Forester
This Subaru Forester represents one of the best Forester years in terms of reliability and affordability, despite being an older model. With only one recall and few complaints from owners, the 2008 Forester was one of the best models of the second generation. Despite years of ownership, many owners report trouble-free experiences with this model year.
2008 Subaru Forester Key Details
- Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder or 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 173-224 hp
- Fuel Economy: 22 mpg combined (2.5L)
- Notable Features: Practical, AWD, spacious interior with generous cargo volume, good visibility through large windows
2016 Subaru Forester
There are the fewest complaints logged on Car Complaints about the 2016 Subaru Forester of the fourth generation. Those who find a manual transmission model with the six-speed transmission will find this model year to be a sweet spot between performance, comfort, and dependability. Forester offers both power and fuel efficiency with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four engine. It achieves up to 31 miles per gallon on the highway.
In addition to Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Off-Pavement Control, the 2016 Forester boasts a wide range of standard features. Furthermore, Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is included.
With the Forester’s advanced safety suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking, the IIHS awarded the Forester the highest safety rating possible. There have been fewer complaints related to engine or transmission reliability in the 2016 model compared to its predecessors.
2016 Subaru Forester Key Details
- Engines: 2.5L or 2.0L turbo four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 170-250 hp
- Fuel Economy: 27 mpg combined (2.5L automatic)
- Notable Features: EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, AWD, spacious interior
2002 Subaru Forester
Even though it’s a more than two-decade-old vehicle, the first-generation Subaru Forester has a lower complaint ratio than any of its successors. Although it may not be as sophisticated or advanced as newer models, these Foresters have fewer complaints than their more advanced counterparts. A single recall has been issued by the NHTSA for the 2002 model, and there have been only ten complaints reported on Car Complaints.
During that time, the flat-four engine produced 165 horsepower, less than a half-horsepower behind the non-turbo Foresters of that era; it was better than many of its competitors. While you won’t find features such as adaptive cruise control found in cars today, the Forester impressed with better-than-average crash test scores in 2002. You can find a very affordable and reliable SUV if you find one that is well-maintained and has low mileage.
2002 Subaru Forester Key Details
- Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 165 hp
- Fuel Economy: 21 mpg combined
- Notable Features: Fully independent suspension, standard AWD, high crash test scores
Other Reliable Subaru Forester Years To Consider
Subaru Forester complaints are also low on the following model years besides the three highlighted above:
- 1998–2007
- 2012–2013*
- 2021–2022
The *2012 and 2013 models have a low complaint rate but a high recall rate. The 2012 Forester and 2013 Forester have been subject to recalls. We recommend checking to see if these problems have been resolved.
Subaru Forester Years To Avoid
There are more issues experienced by Subaru Forester owners in the following model years, as well as a poorer reliability record. Here are a few of these issues.
2009 Subaru Forester
Despite its refined design, the 2009 Subaru Forester also had its share of issues, marking the beginning of the third generation. It is noteworthy that this model year of the Forester has 18 recalls, the most in the SUV’s history, nine of which involve airbag issues affecting many Subaru models, such as the Impreza and Legacy. Subaru vehicles have long been plagued by problems with head gaskets, a problem that has plagued the 2009 model for years. Aside from the faulty air conditioning system, the 2009 Forester was also known for its overheating due to engine cooling problems.
2009 Subaru Forester Common Issues
- Head gasket failures
- Cooling system problems
- Faulty air conditioning
- Airbag-related recalls
2014 Subaru Forester
There were many improvements to the Forester lineup with the fourth generation, but it is important to avoid the first-year 2014 production model. Forester owners have reported numerous problems with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) on most of these vehicles. Repairing CVT problems or even replacing the transmission was often an expensive affair. There were also more complaints about excessive oil consumption on the 2014 model, which could lead to engine damage if not dealt with quickly.
2014 Subaru Forester Common Issues
- Failed CVTs
- Consumption of oil in excess
- Having engine problems
2015 Subaru Forester
Despite being part of the same fourth-generation lineup as the more reliable 2016 Subaru Forester, the 2015 Forester is another model to avoid. There have been many problems with the CVT and excessive oil consumption with the 2015 model year, which is frequently cited as an issue. Forester owners report that excessive oil consumption can cause significant engine damage if the CVT is not closely monitored, and that the CVT often needs replacement or repair.
2015 Subaru Forester Common Issues
- Overconsumption of oil
- Issues with CVTs
- Issues related to engine reliability
Other Subaru Forester Model Years To Avoid
It is the 2019 Forester that has accrued the most calls to the NHTSA, with almost 800 complaints. The Forester is an early model from the fifth generation and we recommend staying away from it.
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Conclusion
Certain years have shone brighter than others for the Subaru Forester, but the overall reliability and capability of this vehicle has earned it its stripes. There are some years, like 2002, 2008, and 2016, that are better left in the rearview mirror, but they have set standards for reliability. Identifying the bad apples of the bunch, checking up on previous owners’ reports and complaints will help you when shopping for a used Forester.
It’s possible to enjoy a driving experience as smooth as the trails this SUV loves to conquer by making the right choice. Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or a spontaneous weekend in the mountains, the right Forester is the perfect companion for your next adventure. Having a reliable ride is the first step to a successful journey.
