How many miles will a Subaru Forester last?

Most Subaru Foresters can be expected to reach at least 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, and many push toward 250,000 miles or more; a notable number of owners report 300,000 miles or beyond with diligent care.

What determines a Forester's ultimate lifespan

Longevity depends on maintenance discipline, driving conditions, climate, and the specific engine/transmission configuration in the model you own. Below are the main factors that influence how far a Forester can go.

Here are the major factors that influence how long a Subaru Forester lasts:

• Maintenance history: Regular oil changes, fluid replacements, and timely repairs have the biggest impact on longevity.


• Driving conditions: Consistent highway driving is gentler on engines than frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, or heavy towing.


• Climate and environment: Extreme temperatures, road salt, and humidity can accelerate wear on cooling systems, brakes, and corrosion.


• Engine and transmission configuration: Some generations used different engines (non-turbo 2.5L vs turbo variants) and CVT transmissions with distinct maintenance needs.


• Preventative care of wear items: Belts, hoses, cooling components, and suspension parts wear with age and mileage.


• Repair history and parts quality: Replaced wear items with OEM or high-quality parts tend to last longer than cheaper substitutes.


• Owner maintenance culture: How promptly issues are addressed, and whether recalls/TSBs are completed, affects long-term reliability.

In short, the combination of consistent maintenance, gentler usage, and attentive upkeep typically yields longer service life for a Forester.

Steps to maximize mileage on a Forester

To push miles past the 200,000-mile mark, owners should follow a disciplined maintenance plan tailored to the model year and engine type.

Here is a guide to the key steps:

1. Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, using OEM or high-quality equivalent parts and fluids.


2. Keep up with regular oil changes (synthetic oil if recommended) and never skip interval milestones; monitor oil level and pressure.


3. Service the transmission/CVT as recommended (fluids, filters, and inspections) to avoid early wear on the drive system.


4. Maintain the cooling system: flush coolant at recommended intervals, inspect hoses and radiator for leaks, and address overheating promptly.


5. Inspect belts, hoses, and drive components; replace worn belts and worn parts before failure.


6. Maintain tire condition and alignment; rotate tires regularly to avoid uneven wear that can impact handling and component wear.


7. Address warning lights, leaks, or abnormal noises promptly; keep up with recalls/TSBs that affect reliability.

When these steps are kept up, a Forester is well-positioned to reach well into the 200,000s and beyond with proper care.

Model-year notes: engines and reliability across generations

2.5L engine family and overall reliability

The modern Subaru Forester relies on a durable 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in most trims. This engine family is widely regarded as robust, with longevity commonly reaching 200,000 miles or more when maintained on schedule. Improvements in design and materials over successive years have generally reduced the risk of some earlier issues, such as head-gasket concerns seen on older Subaru flat-fours.

Turbocharged variants and caveats

Some Forester trims in earlier generations offered turbocharged powerplants. Turbo models tend to demand more careful maintenance—particularly around oil quality, cooling, and timely part replacement—to prevent turbo-related failures. If you are shopping for a turbo Forester, be prepared for potentially higher maintenance costs and more frequent checks, but many owners report long lifespans with diligent service.

Overall, model-year notes suggest that newer, non-turbo 2.5L Foresters have strong longevity prospects, while turbo variants require additional attention but can still deliver high mileage with disciplined service.

Summary

In practice, a Subaru Forester can be a long-haul vehicle. With regular maintenance, careful driving, and timely repairs, reaching 200,000 miles is common; pushing toward 250,000 miles is routinely reported by owners, and 300,000 miles or more has been achieved by dedicated caretakers. Your mileage will hinge on how well you maintain the car and how you use it.

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. 

What's considered high mileage for a Subaru Forester?

300,000 miles
The average Subaru Forester lifespan ranges between 200,000 and 250,000 miles, with many well-maintained models exceeding 300,000 miles.

Can a Subaru Forester last 300k miles?

With regular maintenance and responsible driving, models like the Subaru Outback and Forester can last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles. This impressive lifespan is due to Subaru's commitment to quality engineering, including the use of high-caliber materials and advanced safety features.

How long does a Subaru Forester engine last?

200,000 to 250,000 miles
On average, a well-maintained Subaru Forester can last anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 miles. For perspective, this means if you drive about 12,000 miles per year, your Forester could easily last 16 to 20 years!