Is the Subaru Forester made in Japan or the USA?

In brief, Foresters for the U.S. market are built in Lafayette, Indiana, while Foresters for the Japanese market are built in Japan. Other markets may source from either country depending on production needs and model year.

The Subaru Forester has a global production footprint that varies by region and generation. This article examines where the model is assembled for major markets, how those choices have changed over time, and what buyers should expect when shopping for a Forester in different regions.

Where the Forester is produced for the North American market

The following information explains production for the North American region, which includes the United States and Canada.

• Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) in Lafayette, Indiana, builds Forester models for the North American market.


• Vehicles produced in Indiana are typically labeled as Made in USA for the U.S. and Canadian markets.


• NA-market Foresters are assembled to meet regional specifications and safety standards, with sales largely tied to U.S. and Canadian demand.

In practice, the majority of Foresters sold in the United States and Canada are produced at the Indiana plant, reflecting Subaru's strategy to localize production to North American demand.

Background on the Indiana plant

The Subaru of Indiana Automotive facility has long served as a primary production site for Subaru's North American lineup, including the Forester. Its location in Lafayette and its role in the regional supply chain help reduce lead times and shipping costs for customers in the region.

Where the Forester is produced for Japan and other markets

The following information explains production for the Japanese domestic market and other regions outside North America.

• In Japan, Forester models are produced in Subaru’s facilities in the Gunma Prefecture to serve the Japanese domestic market (JDM).


• Some Forester units are also produced in Japan for export to other markets, depending on demand and supply considerations in a given model year.


• Global production can shift based on model year, inventory levels, and regional strategy, so specific sourcing may vary over time.

For the Japanese market, buyers often see Forester units that originate from the Gunma-based production line, distinguishing them from the U.S.-built variants.

Global production footprint and market variations

Subaru’s production footprint for the Forester is not fixed to a single plant across all markets. The company sometimes adjusts where Foresters are built to balance supply and regional demand.

• The same model year Forester can come from different plants depending on the destination market and current production mix.


• North American Foresters are predominantly manufactured in the United States (Indiana) in recent years, while Japanese-market Foresters are typically produced in Japan.


• Some markets may import Forester units produced in Japan or elsewhere when local production capacity is constrained or when import specifications favor a particular configuration.

Consumers should check the vehicle’s window sticker or dealer information for the exact country of origin of a specific Forester, as production can shift between plants in response to global demand.)

What shoppers should know about production origin

Understanding where a Forester was built can matter for perceptions of build quality, supply chain timing, and regional specifications. Subaru periodically updates its production mix to meet global demand, which means the origin can change from year to year or even within a single generation.

Summary

The Subaru Forester sold in the United States is primarily built in Lafayette, Indiana, at Subaru of Indiana Automotive. Foresters sold in Japan are built in Japan, at the Gunma facilities. Other markets may source Foresters from either country depending on production schedules and regional demand. Always verify the country of origin on the vehicle’s window sticker or with the dealer for the exact model you’re considering.

What is the most common problem with the Subaru Forester?

The most common problem with the Subaru Forester is the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can suffer from issues like shuddering, delayed acceleration, and whining noises, and may require expensive repairs. Other frequent issues include problems with the engine (especially oil consumption), the electrical system, and, in certain model years, issues with windshields cracking and batteries dying quickly.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about Subaru Forester common problems: 51scar PROblemsYouTube · Feb 19, 2024
Transmission (CVT)

• Shuddering and jerking: This often occurs when accelerating from a stop.
• Delayed acceleration and slipping: The engine revs up but the car doesn't speed up as expected, which can be dangerous when merging.
• High-pitched whining: This can be a sign of worn pulley bearings inside the transmission.
• Repair cost: CVTs are often not rebuildable and require a complete, expensive replacement. 

Engine

• Excessive oil consumption: Many model years, particularly from the 2014-2018 generation, are known for burning through oil rapidly.
• Oil leaks: Leaks, often requiring expensive engine replacements, are another reported problem. 

Electrical and other issues

• Electrical malfunctions: Issues can range from infotainment system glitches and GPS errors to more serious problems like a battery dying prematurely or the EyeSight safety system turning off unexpectedly. 
• Air conditioning (AC): Some models experience AC failure that can be costly to fix. 
• Windshields: In the 2019-2024 generation, windshields can crack from small chips. 
• Airbag malfunctions: Older models, such as the 2009-2011, have been associated with malfunctioning airbags. 

This video explains some of the most common issues with the Subaru Forester, including the transmission and engine: 57sGear GazetteYouTube · Oct 23, 2025

Which is more reliable, the Toyota RAV4 or the Subaru Forester?

The Toyota RAV4 generally has a reputation for higher long-term reliability than the Subaru Forester, with lower average annual repair costs and less frequent, severe repairs. However, the Subaru Forester has a strong reputation and a higher rating from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, particularly with the newer models. Both are considered good choices, and recent model years of the Forester have been redesigned to be more reliable. 
You can watch this video to learn about the reliability of RAV4 and Forester: 1mAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Dec 14, 2024
Toyota RAV4

• Higher reliability rating: Often ranks higher in reliability surveys and has lower average annual repair costs. 
• Longer-term ownership: Has a strong reputation for minimizing long-term issues and frequent maintenance, partly due to its engine technology and hybrid options. 
• Lower repair costs: Has an average annual repair cost of $429, which is significantly lower than the Forester's $632. 

Subaru Forester

• Strong safety and ratings: Earned a higher overall rating from Consumer Reports and a highest-tier safety rating from the IIHS. 
• Improving reliability: Recent redesigns have made reliability improvements, such as reintroducing mechanical thermostats and eliminating less reliable systems. 
• Average repair costs: Has an average annual repair cost of $632 and average frequency and severity of repairs compared to other vehicles. 

Which one is right for you?

• Choose the RAV4 if: Your priority is maximum long-term reliability and the lowest ownership costs, especially over many years of ownership. 
• Choose the Forester if: You want a vehicle with a strong safety record, good visibility, and a capable all-wheel-drive system. You should consider the model year, as reliability has been improving with recent redesigns. 

This video compares the performance and features of RAV4 and Forester: 52sAutoMobiYouTube · Oct 30, 2025

Which Subaru Forester is made in Japan?

Well. Yes the very all-new 2025 Subaru Forester is currently built in Japan. But later this year Subaru is going to be bringing production to its factory in Indiana.

Is the Subaru Forester manufactured in the US?

No, most Subaru Foresters are not made in the USA, they are currently manufactured in Japan. However, Subaru is planning to start producing the Forester at its plant in Lafayette, Indiana, sometime in the near future. 

• Current production: The Forester is currently made in Japan and shipped to the U.S. 
• Future production: Subaru intends to move Forester production to its American plant in Lafayette, Indiana, to better serve North American customers. 
• Made in the USA: Other Subaru models, such as the Outback, Ascent, and Crosstrek, are already produced at the Indiana plant.