Can a Subaru Forester last 300,000 miles?

Yes. With disciplined maintenance and sensible driving, a Forester can reach 300,000 miles and beyond. The odds depend on model year, engine choice, and how well the vehicle is cared for, but long-lived examples are common among owners who log frequent highway miles and stay on top of service.

What affects a Forester's longevity?

To understand whether a Forester can hit 300k miles, it's important to consider engine design, transmission type, maintenance history, cooling system health, corrosion control, and how the vehicle is used. The following factors are the most impactful.

• Engine design and variant (older EJ25 2.5L versus newer FB-series 2.5L or turbocharged engines)


• Transmission type and reliability (CVT versus traditional automatic or manual)


• Maintenance history and adherence to schedules (regular oil changes, filter changes, and preventive repairs)


• Cooling system and head gasket risk (Subaru engines have had notable head gasket concerns in some older generations)


• Corrosion protection and chassis condition (rust prevention and timely body repairs matter in certain climates)


• Usage patterns (highway driving, towing, or heavy loads can influence wear and component stress)

Bottom line: Longevity depends on maintenance, drivetrain design, and usage. With regular care, many Foresters can reach 300,000 miles or more.

Maintenance blueprint to push beyond 300k miles

Proactive upkeep is the best defense against major failures. Use this checklist as a practical guide to maximize life expectancy.

• Follow the factory maintenance schedule for oil changes, filter replacements, coolant, and inspections—adherence is the most important predictor of long-term reliability.


• Keep the cooling system healthy with regular coolant checks, leaks inspections, and timely radiator and hose replacements as needed.


• Timing belt/chain and water pump: If your Forester uses a belt-driven timing system, replace the belt and water pump at recommended intervals to prevent catastrophic engine damage.


• Transmission maintenance: For CVT models, follow the recommended service intervals and monitor transmission fluid quality; address slipping or shuddering early.


• Brake, suspension, and steering components: Replace worn parts promptly to maintain safe handling and reduce drivetrain stress from uneven road conditions.


• Prevent and treat rust: In regions with road salt or high humidity, wash the undercarriage regularly and address any corrosion early to protect the frame and body.


• Air, fuel, and emissions systems: Regularly replace filters, check for vacuum and EGR cleanliness, and keep the engine running efficiently to reduce strain.

In practice, a consistent maintenance routine and early attention to wear items dramatically improve the chances of hitting three hundred thousand miles.

Model-year considerations

Not all Forester generations age the same. Later generations generally benefit from updated engines and transmissions and often come with improvements that help longevity. Turbocharged variants offer performance but can demand more maintenance and higher repair costs over time. If maximum mileage is the goal, prioritize a well-documented maintenance history on a newer engine design with a reliable transmission.

• Early EJ25-based engines (older generations) have a reputation for head gasket concerns in some models; this risk is mitigated in many later designs with improved cooling and sealing technologies.


• Post-2012/2013 generations use updated engine families and transmission designs that typically improve long-term reliability and serviceability.


• Turbo models (Forester XT) provide strong performance but can require more attentive maintenance and higher parts costs, which can affect long-term ownership economics.

When shopping for a high-mileage Forester, focus on a complete service history, a clean cooling system, healthy transmission health, and evidence of rust prevention and timely repairs.

Summary

Bottom line: A Subaru Forester can reach 300,000 miles with careful maintenance, prudent driving, and timely repairs. While results vary by model year and overall condition, the combination of robust engineering and a culture of preventive care makes 300k miles a realistic milestone for many owners. Prioritize thorough service records, reliable cooling and transmission health, and proactive rust prevention to maximize the odds.

Can an engine last 500,000 miles?

If you take care of your engine, regularly change oil and other vital fluids on time and keep up with wear and tear, your engine may very well last 500,000 miles. It might even last forever!

What year to stay away from a Subaru Forester?

You should generally stay away from Subaru Forester model years known for significant engine issues, such as the 1998–2001, 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2010 models due to head gasket failures and other problems. The 2011–2014 and 2014–2018 models are also problematic, particularly for excessive oil consumption, CVT transmission issues, and suspension problems, according to sources like Panda Hub, CoPilot for Car Shopping, CarBuzz, and MotorBiscuit. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the worst model years for the Subaru Forester: 44sCar ExpertlyYouTube · Apr 14, 2025
Specific model years to avoid

• 1998–2001: These early models are known for frequent head gasket failures, which can be costly to repair. 
• 2003 and 2006: These model years experienced recurring head gasket issues and other problems like electrical malfunctions and cooling system failures. 
• 2009–2010: These years saw engine stalling, head gasket problems, and engine oil pipe ruptures. The 2010 model received particularly low reliability ratings. 
• 2011–2014: The 2.5L engine (FB25) in these models is known for excessive oil consumption, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed. The 2011 model also had poor oil warning light design. 
• 2014: Often cited as one of the worst model years, this model is known for severe oil consumption, CVT transmission problems, and broken coil springs. 
• 2015: Continued issues with engine and transmission troubles were reported, along with airbag sensor malfunctions. 
• 2018: Recall issues related to faulty rear suspension springs and engine valves affected some models. 

Common issues across multiple years

• Head gasket failure: A common issue in many pre-2012 models, especially those with the 2.5L EJ series engine, typically occurring around 60,000 to 100,000 miles. 
• Excessive oil consumption: A major problem in models with the newer FB25 engine from 2011 to 2014, which can cause serious engine damage. 
• Transmission issues: The 2014 model's CVT transmission was prone to problems, and the 2015 model also had reports of transmission troubles. 
• Suspension and wheel bearings: Problems with rear suspension springs and premature wheel bearing wear were reported in some models, including the 2014. 
• Cracking windshields: A widespread issue across multiple model years, including the 2014 and 2017, which even led to a class-action lawsuit. 

What to look for when buying a used Forester

• If considering an older model (1998-2012), check for documented evidence of head gasket replacement, preferably with upgraded multi-layer steel gaskets. 
• For 2011-2014 models, be aware of excessive oil consumption and ensure the owner is diligent about checking oil levels. If possible, check the VIN for any service bulletins or extended warranty coverage related to oil consumption. 
• If looking at a 2014 or newer, get a pre-purchase inspection, with a specific focus on the transmission and suspension. 
• Look for rust, especially in areas with heavy road salt use. 

Can a Subaru Forester last 300k miles?

With proper care, most Foresters reach 200,000 to 250,000 miles, and some even surpass 300,000 miles, offering decades of reliable service. Subaru's Boxer engine design, combined with its well-balanced Symmetrical AWD, minimizes wear and tear on critical components, increasing longevity.

How long can a Subaru Forester engine last?

With the right preventive maintenance services and care, Subaru Forester engines can last a long time, some reaching 200,000 miles or even more.