Is Forester expensive to maintain?

Generally not: the Forester tends to be affordable to maintain relative to many compact SUVs, with routine costs that are predictable and often lower than luxury brands. However, expenses can creep up with high mileage or older model years.

What drives maintenance costs

Costs vary by usage, model year and service choices. Here are the main factors that influence how much you'll spend keeping a Forester on the road.

Routine maintenance and wear items

The bulk of yearly maintenance comes from regular services and items that wear out over time.

• Oil changes and engine filters


• Tire rotation and wheel balance


• Brake pad wear and rotor replacement or resurfacing


• Air filters and cabin air filters


• Spark plugs (engine-dependent)


• CVT fluid changes (for models with a continuously variable transmission)

Regular service helps prevent surprises and keeps performance consistent; prices vary by shop, region, and whether you use synthetic oil or OEM parts.

Major repairs and uncommon issues

Occasionally a Forester may need more expensive repairs, especially as mileage climbs or on older transmissions. The likelihood and cost can vary by model year and maintenance history.

• Transmission-related issues on some CVT-equipped models (potentially costly if diagnosed outside warranty)


• Older cooling, gasket, or suspension components that wear with high mileage


• Rare cases of head gasket or other engine-related repairs on older units

These items are far from routine, but they can raise annual costs when they appear.

Estimated annual maintenance costs

To help with budgeting, here are typical ranges for well-maintained Foresters in the United States during 2024-2025. Actual costs depend on model year, mileage, region, and service choices.

• Oil changes, filters, and inspections: roughly $120–$300 per year (assuming 2–3 changes)


• Tire rotation and alignment: roughly $40–$120 per year


• Brake wear (pads/rotors amortized over time): roughly $80–$200 per year


• Filters and spark plugs (where applicable): roughly $40–$200 per year


• CVT fluid changes (where applicable): roughly $50–$150 per year when averaged over time

Overall, most owners should budget around $500–$800 per year for routine maintenance. In years when tires, brakes, or unexpected repairs fall due, the total can be higher.

How it stacks up against rivals

Compared with luxury compact SUVs, the Forester's maintenance bills are typically lower, reflecting more affordable parts and service. When stacked against mainstream non-luxury brands, costs are generally similar, though the Forester’s all-wheel-drive system can push tire and alignment costs higher in some cases. Strong reliability histories for many model years help keep long-term ownership costs predictable.

Tips to keep maintenance costs down

Smart planning and proactive maintenance can help you minimize surprises and extend the vehicle’s life.

• Follow Subaru’s factory maintenance schedule and use recommended fluids and filters


• Consider a trusted independent shop with experience on Subarus, especially for CVT service


• Keep tires in good shape and rotate regularly to promote even wear; maintain proper tire pressure


• Track maintenance with a log and address issues early rather than waiting for failures


• Budget for tires and brakes as part of ownership costs; AWD vehicles can incur higher tire costs

Sticking to scheduled maintenance, shopping around for parts and labor, and addressing issues promptly can help manage overall ownership expenses.

Summary

For most Forester buyers, maintenance costs are manageable and predictable, especially when you stay on top of routine service and tires. While not immune to occasional higher costs—such as tire replacement, brake servicing, or CVT-related maintenance—the Forester generally offers a favorable balance of reliability and affordability in the compact-SUV segment. Prospective buyers should factor in regional labor rates, typical tire life, and the vehicle’s mileage when estimating year-to-year costs.

Is a Subaru Forester low maintenance?

With regular maintenance, the Subaru Forester can last over 200,000 miles. Many owners report their Foresters continue running smoothly even as they approach 300,000 miles. Key to achieving this longevity is staying on top of maintenance tasks such as oil changes, brake checks, and tire rotations.

Are Subarus high maintenance?

Subarus are not considered high maintenance in the typical sense; they are generally reliable, but their maintenance can be more expensive than some other brands, particularly as they age. Routine maintenance costs are often comparable to the industry average, but some models and older vehicles may require more expensive repairs like head gasket replacements. 
Routine maintenance costs

• Average cost: Annual maintenance and unscheduled repairs for a Subaru are estimated to be around $617, which is slightly below the industry average for all vehicles, but slightly higher than other Japanese brands like Toyota and Honda. 
• Factors: The all-wheel-drive system adds complexity, but regular maintenance can mitigate additional costs. 

Potential for higher-cost repairs

• Head gaskets: Older Subarus, especially those around 100,000 miles, can be prone to head gasket failures, which is a very expensive repair because the engine must be removed. 
• Engine issues: Turbocharged models or those that are poorly maintained can also experience expensive issues like ringland failures or total engine failure. 
• High-cost parts: Genuine parts can be expensive, and certain repairs may be more costly due to the Subaru's design. 

What to consider

• Follow the maintenance schedule: Staying up to date on your car's maintenance schedule is crucial for preventing expensive repairs. 
• Be aware of model-specific issues: Some models are more prone to specific problems than others. For example, turbocharged engines and older head gaskets can present more challenges. 

What are the downsides of a Subaru Forester?

Common Subaru Forester cons include slow acceleration, a less refined engine, and potential issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT). Other drawbacks are a bouncy ride over large bumps, lower-than-expected cargo capacity compared to some rivals, and a less innovative infotainment system. Older models also have a history of specific problems like head gasket failure, which buyers should be aware of, notes CoPilot for Car Shopping.
 
Performance and handling

• Lack of power: Acceleration is often described as leisurely due to the engine's modest horsepower and torque output. 
• CVT issues: Some owners report shaking or jerking, particularly when accelerating from a stop, which can be related to the CVT. 
• Ride quality: The ride can be uncomfortable over large bumps, feeling bouncy despite being generally pleasant. 
• Refinement: The engine lacks the refinement of competitors, and the boxy shape contributes to wind noise. 

Design and technology

• Cargo space: The cargo area is significantly smaller than some top competitors in the segment. 
• Infotainment: The infotainment system can have touch sensitivity issues and may be less innovative than some rivals. 
• Driver assist issues: Some owners have reported issues with the alerts from driver assistance features, notes Edmunds. 

Reliability (older models)

• Engine problems: Older generations, particularly from 1998-2002, are known for head gasket failures. Subsequent models (2003, 2006, 2009-2010) have also seen issues with head gaskets and other engine problems.
• Oil consumption: Some model years, particularly between 2011-2013, have been plagued by excessive oil consumption. 

Why is insurance so expensive for a Subaru?

The model and age of your Subaru can affect your insurance rates because different models have different safety ratings, repair costs, and theft rates. Newer or more expensive Subaru models will generally have higher insurance rates due to their higher risk of accidents or theft. 2.