How much do new brakes cost for a Subaru Forester?

New brakes for a Subaru Forester typically cost between about $700 and $1,200 for a full four-wheel replacement using aftermarket parts; dealer-installed OEM parts can push the price higher. This article explains what drives those prices and what you can expect in 2025.

What goes into the price

Prices are driven by a combination of parts costs, labor, and the options you choose. The Forester uses disc brakes on all wheels, so most repairs involve both axles unless you’re only servicing one pair. The following factors commonly determine the final bill.

• Parts: Pads, rotors, and possibly calipers or sensors. You may also see a fluid flush or hardware kit included with a full job. Choosing OEM (dealer) parts typically costs more than aftermarket equivalents.


• Labor: Shops charge by the hour, and the total depends on how long the job takes. A full four-wheel brake replacement usually requires more time than replacing just one axle.


• Rotor condition: If rotors are below spec or warped, they’ll need replacement; if they’re within tolerance, some shops offer resurfacing to save cost.


• Optional services: Brake-fluid flush, new brake wear sensors, or rotor resurfacing can add to the total.


• Location and shop type: Urban areas and dealership service departments typically bill higher hourly rates than independent garages.

Keep in mind that the exact price is highly regional and depends on the Forester’s model year, trim, and the current condition of the braking system. Always ask for a written quote that itemizes parts and labor.

Typical price ranges for a Subaru Forester

Prices shown reflect common market conditions in the United States for 2025 and are intended as ranges you might see when shopping around.

• Full brake job on all four wheels with aftermarket parts (pads and rotors): roughly $650–$1,100.


• Full brake job on all four wheels with OEM/dealer parts: roughly $1,000–$1,800.


• Front brakes only (pads and rotors) with aftermarket parts: roughly $350–$700.

These figures assume a standard service visit without unusual complications. If calipers need replacement or if you require a brake-fluid flush, expect the higher end of the ranges or a separate line-item addition. Always compare multiple quotes and confirm whether rotors are being replaced or resurfaced to avoid surprises at the shop.

Do-it-yourself vs. professional service

Deciding between DIY and pro service depends on your experience, tools, and comfort with braking work. DIY can reduce labor costs but requires careful attention to safety and precision. Here are some points to consider.

• Potential savings: Parts costs plus your own labor time; typical DIY savings come from the labor portion of the bill.


• Tools and space needed: A good floor jack, jack stands, lug wrench, metric sockets, a torque wrench, brake caliper tools, and possibly a rotor puller. You’ll also need brake cleaner and torque specs from the service manual.


• Safety and warranties: Braking systems are critical to safe driving. Improper installation can lead to reduced stopping power or rotor runout issues and may affect warranties or insurance coverage.


• Time and effort: Plan for a few hours per axle, depending on experience and whether you’re replacing rotors, pads, or both.

If you’re uncertain, obtaining a professional inspection and a few quotes is a prudent middle ground. Some shops also offer a “pads only” option to lower cost with a more limited service.

How to shop for brakes

To get the best value and avoid surprises, follow these steps when shopping for Forester brakes.

• Get multiple written quotes from local shops, including parts and labor separately.


• Ask whether rotors are being replaced or resurfaced; request that both rotors and pads be new if your rotors are worn.


• Confirm the brake parts grade (aftermarket vs OEM) and the warranty on parts and labor.


• Inquire about additional services (fluid flush, sensors, or hardware kits) and whether they’re necessary for your vehicle’s mileage.

Shopping around and asking detailed questions can help you balance safety, longevity, and cost for your Subaru Forester.

Summary

For a typical four-wheel brake replacement on a Subaru Forester using aftermarket parts, expect roughly $700–$1,100, with OEM parts potentially raising the range to $1,000–$1,800. Costs vary by region, vehicle condition, and whether you replace pads only, rotors, or calipers. Getting multiple quotes and clarifying exactly what is included (pads, rotors, resurfacing, and fluids) will help you make an informed decision and avoid sticker shock.

How much are brakes for a Subaru Forester?

The cost to replace Subaru Forester brakes ranges from approximately $350 to over $700 per axle, depending on whether just pads are replaced or both pads and rotors are changed. Factors like the type of parts used (OEM vs. aftermarket), the specific model year, and the service provider (dealership vs. independent shop) will influence the final price.
 
This video demonstrates the process of replacing rear brake pads and rotors on a Subaru Forester: 1mBen Wrenchin'YouTube · Jan 28, 2025
Brake pad replacement

• Cost: A front or rear brake pad-only replacement typically costs between $350 and $500 at a dealership. 
• Factors: The total cost depends on the make and model year, the specific part chosen, and whether the rotors need to be resurfaced or replaced at the same time. 

Brake pad and rotor replacement

• Cost: Replacing both pads and rotors can cost between $600 and $800 or more, especially when done by a dealership. 
• Factors: This is a more expensive job, as both parts are replaced. The cost can vary based on the brand of parts used and the labor rates at the shop. 

Other factors affecting cost

• Service center: Dealerships generally have higher labor rates but use manufacturer-recommended parts that may include a warranty. 
• Independent shops: Independent shops may offer lower prices but can vary in quality and warranty offerings. 
• Parts quality: Using luxury or high-performance brake pads will increase the cost. 
• Extent of damage: If the rotors are heavily damaged or worn, they may need to be replaced instead of just resurfaced, which will add to the overall cost. 
• DIY: If you have the right tools and know-how, you can save significantly on labor costs by doing the job yourself, though the initial cost of parts will still be a factor. 

How often should Subaru Forester brakes be replaced?

On average, brake rotors last between 50,000 and 70,000 miles, but many factors influence their lifespan, including: Driving conditions: Frequent stop-and-go traffic, steep inclines, and off-road driving can wear out rotors faster.

What is the 30/30/30 rule for brakes?

The "30-30-30 rule" for new brakes is a procedure for bedding-in new brake pads and rotors by performing 30 gradual stops from 30 mph, with a 30-second cool-down period between each stop. This process, also called burnishing, creates a uniform layer of friction material on the rotor surface for optimal performance and helps prevent warping and glazing. 
This video demonstrates how to bed-in new brake pads and rotors: 59sPowerStop BrakesYouTube · Aug 15, 2018
How to follow the 30-30-30 rule

1. Find a safe area: Locate an open, lightly-trafficked road or a large, empty parking lot. 
2. Accelerate to 30 mph: Smoothly accelerate to approximately 30 mph. 
3. Brake gradually: Apply the brakes steadily until you slow down to about 5-10 mph. Avoid hard or panic stops, as this can cause uneven heat buildup. 
4. Cool down: After slowing down, either coast for 30 seconds or hold the brake pedal down for 30 seconds while in neutral. This allows the brakes to cool down, say Berrodin Parts Warehouse and Ann Arbor Auto Brake Repair. 
5. Repeat: Repeat steps 2-4 for a total of 30 cycles. 
6. Avoid hard stops: For the next 300-500 miles, avoid any hard or severe braking to allow the new pads and rotors to fully settle. 

How much does a Subaru brake job cost?

The cost to replace Subaru brakes can range from $200 to $500 per axle at a professional center, with pad and rotor replacement for all four wheels costing around $600 to $1,200 depending on the model and parts used. Factors like the type of brake pads, whether rotors also need replacing, and the labor rate of the shop all affect the final price. 
Cost breakdown by part

• Brake pads: $150 to $300 per axle (includes pads and labor), depending on the pad material and extent of wear. 
• Rotors: $30 to $75 per aftermarket rotor. Replacing both pads and rotors for an axle costs more than pads alone. 
• Labor: Can range from $90 to $200 per hour, depending on the shop's rates. 

Factors that influence cost

• Vehicle model: The specific Subaru model and year will impact the price of parts. 
• Type of service: Replacing just pads is less expensive than replacing both pads and rotors. 
• Part quality: Aftermarket parts are typically cheaper, but factory-recommended parts may have a higher upfront cost but longer lifespan. 
• Labor rates: The cost of labor varies depending on the shop. Dealerships may charge more than independent mechanics. 
• Extent of damage: Additional damage to other parts like calipers or brake lines will increase the final cost. 

How to manage costs

• Shop around: Get quotes from both dealership service centers and independent mechanics. 
• Look for deals: Many dealerships offer monthly specials on brake services. 
• Ask about specials: Some independent shops may offer package deals on front and rear brake replacement. 
• Consider parts options: Research the best options for your budget and needs. Some high-quality aftermarket parts can be a good compromise.