Subaru Forester Years to Avoid
We analyzed 4534 owner complaints and 44 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Subaru Forester model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2019 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in visibility & wipers.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Visibility & Wipers
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Subaru Forester Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Subaru Forester Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Subaru Forester | 106 | 15 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Subaru Forester | 78 | 12 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Subaru Forester | 403 | 2 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Subaru Forester | 616 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Subaru Forester | 416 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Subaru Forester | 592 | 1 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Subaru Forester | 498 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Subaru Forester | 834 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Subaru Forester | 603 | 0 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 214 | 0 | 82/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2022 Subaru Forester | 100 | 1 | 64/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2023 Subaru Forester | 74 | 1 | 50/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
Buying a Used Subaru Forester: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Subaru Forester years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Subaru Forester model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring visibility & wipers issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Subaru Forester?
The most reliable used model year for the Subaru Forester is 2023 (as well as 2023), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Subaru Forester?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Subaru Forester are Visibility & Wipers, Electrical System, Unknown Or Other. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Subaru Forester?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 44 safety recall campaigns and recorded 4534 official owner complaints for the Subaru Forester.