Is Subaru Forester a long lasting car?

Yes—the Subaru Forester is widely regarded as a long-lasting compact SUV, with many owners reporting longevity well beyond typical lifespans when the vehicle is properly maintained. This article explores why the Forester tends to endure and what buyers should know about its reliability.

What makes the Forester durable

Here are the factors most commonly associated with the Forester’s ability to rack up high mileage and years of service.

• Boxer engine design and symmetrical all-wheel drive contribute to balanced wear and steady performance when regularly serviced.


• Sturdy construction and proven drivetrain components give the Forester a reputation for durability in varied conditions.


• Extensive dealer and independent-service networks, along with readily available parts, help maintain long-term reliability.


• A culture of maintenance among owners and clear, long-running service guidelines from Subaru help keep engines and transmissions healthy over time.

In short, these factors collectively support long service life for well-maintained Foresters, particularly when owners follow the scheduled maintenance and address issues early.

Potential concerns to watch

While durability is a hallmark, there are caveats to consider, especially with older models or high-mileage examples. Being aware of these issues can help protect longevity.

• CVT reliability varies by model year; regular CVT fluid service and adherence to the manual can reduce the risk of transmission trouble, though costly failures remain possible if neglected.


• Early-generation 2.5L engines in some Foresters experienced head gasket leaks and related oil leaks; later revisions improved robustness, but a used high-mileage example may still require monitoring and potential repairs.


• The all-wheel-drive system adds maintenance demands (tire rotation, CVT cooling considerations, regular fluid checks), but properly cared-for AWD is a durable asset in harsh climates.


• Rust or corrosion can be a concern in areas with heavy road salt or poor underbody protection; regular undercarriage inspection helps prevent long-term damage.

With attentive preventive care—addressing leaks early, keeping up with fluids, and following factory service bulletins—the Forester can mitigate these concerns and maintain longevity.

Maintenance habits that foster longevity

To maximize the Forester’s lifespan, owners should commit to a disciplined maintenance routine and use quality parts.

1. Follow the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual, including timely oil changes (commonly around every 5,000–7,500 miles, depending on oil type and driving conditions) and filter changes.


2. Use recommended fluids and parts; prefer Subaru-approved or OEM equivalents for critical systems like the engine, transmission, brakes, and cooling components.


3. Maintain the drivetrain proactively, including CVT service when applicable, along with brake fluid, coolant, and battery checks.


4. Address issues promptly—watch for oil leaks, unusual noises, warning lights, or reduced performance and have them inspected early to prevent further damage.


5. Protect the vehicle from corrosion and corrosion-prone environments by keeping it clean and scheduling regular inspections in harsher climates.

In practice, disciplined maintenance and careful driving are repeatedly cited by Forester owners as the primary drivers of long-term durability.

What the industry says

Automotive reviewers and reliability surveys consistently rate the Subaru Forester as a dependable choice among compact SUVs. In recent years, it has earned praise for safety, practicality, and resale value, reinforcing the perception that the model is built to endure with proper care.

Overall, long-term ownership experiences align with the view that the Forester is designed to withstand high mileage when maintained according to Subaru’s guidelines and when owners stay proactive about repairs.

Summary

The Subaru Forester is widely regarded as a durable, long-lasting compact SUV when properly maintained. Its combination of a robust engine design, standard all-wheel drive, and a maintenance-friendly platform supports longevity across generations. While some older model years carry considerations—such as CVT reliability concerns and legacy head-gasket issues—the overall message from owners and industry observers is that with regular service and timely repairs, Foresters can deliver strong, reliable service for many miles. For buyers seeking a practical, dependable vehicle with strong longevity potential, the Forester remains a credible option.

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 is the biggest issue with a Subaru Forester?

And all that but it lacks power the engine only makes a modest 180HP. And 178 lb feet of torque.

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.

Is the Subaru Forester a reliable car to buy?

The Subaru Forester is considered a reliable SUV with consistent high ratings from sources like J.D. Power, which gives the 2024 model a "Great" Quality and Reliability score of 83/100. Its strong reputation is backed by a long history of dependable performance, with many models lasting over 200,000 miles with proper care. While it's a solid choice, certain older model years may have had specific issues, and it ranks 21st out of 26 compact SUVs according to RepairPal.
 
This video discusses common problems with used Subaru Foresters, including specific issues with the XT model's engine: 59sReDrivenYouTube · Nov 17, 2023
Reliability highlights

• High ratings: The Forester consistently receives high marks from organizations like J.D. Power, placing it among the more reliable vehicles in its class. The 2025 model also has a predicted reliability score of 81/100. 
• Long lifespan: With proper maintenance, a Subaru Forester can last for 200,000 to 250,000 miles. 
• Standard AWD: Subaru's standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system enhances traction and stability in various conditions, which can contribute to a vehicle's long-term reliability. 
• Strong brand reputation: The Forester benefits from Subaru's overall reputation for producing durable and long-lasting vehicles. 

You can watch this video to learn about the best and worst model years for Subaru Forester reliability: 1mCar ExpertlyYouTube · Apr 14, 2025
Potential drawbacks and things to consider

• Ranking: While generally reliable, the Forester ranks 21st out of 26 compact SUVs according to RepairPal's rating of 3.5 out of 5. 
• Older model years: Some older generations had specific issues. For example, models from 2003-2008 had some common complaints, and the 2009 and 2010 models had more serious engine issues. 
• Repair costs: Some owners report that while repairs are infrequent, parts and labor can be more expensive. 
• Recalls: Although generally few, there was a minor fuel pump recall affecting some 2020 and 2021 models.