What are the weaknesses of a Subaru Forester?

The Forester is renowned for reliability, all-wheel drive capability, and practical interior space, but it carries several well-documented trade-offs that affect certain buyers.

Beyond the quick summary, this article details the most frequently cited weaknesses across performance, interior comfort, technology, safety, and ownership considerations, drawing on current model-year observations and reviews.

Performance and powertrain

Common performance drawbacks cited by reviewers and owners center on acceleration, transmission feel, and how the vehicle handles on highways and in demanding conditions.

• Modest acceleration from the standard 2.5-liter engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can feel slow during lane changes or merging.


• CVT behavior can come across as buzzy or rubbery under hard acceleration, diminishing a sporty feel even when passing or climbing grades.


• No turbocharged or hybrid powertrain in most U.S. trims, limiting top-end power and potential fuel-economy gains relative to some rivals.


• Lower tow rating and payload capacity compared with some compact SUVs, which can matter for light trailers or cargo-heavy trips.

In practice, these performance trade-offs make the Forester comfortable and capable for everyday driving and light-duty tasks, but not a standout for speed or high-load hauling.

Interior, comfort and practicality

Inside the Forester, practicality often comes at the expense of interior feel and refinement in lower trims. Space and usability are strong points, but materials and ambiance can lag behind some competitors.

• Hard plastics and a utilitarian design in base trims can give the cabin a less premium feel than some rivals.


• Front seats are generally comfortable for daily use, but long trips may highlight firmer seating or limited adjustability for some drivers and passengers.


• Infotainment and touchscreen interfaces on older or lower trims can be slow to respond, with smaller displays and fewer features than newer rivals.


• Cabin noise—especially wind and road noise—can rise on rough pavement or with certain tire choices, impacting refinement at highway speeds.

Overall, the Forester prioritizes practicality and visibility over luxury, so buyers seeking premium materials or a hushed cabin may prefer competing models.

Technology, safety and reliability

Technology and safety systems have improved across generations, but some interfaces and driver-assist behaviors remain points of contention for certain drivers.

• EyeSight and other driver-assistance features can be sensitive to weather, road markings, or worn lane lines, occasionally triggering braking or steering inputs that some drivers find intrusive.


• Infotainment reliability varies by model year; some owners report lag, occasional freezes, or connectivity hiccups with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in certain trims.


• There are ongoing discussions among owners about long-term CVT wear and maintenance costs, though Subaru generally maintains strong reliability in the Forester's class.


• Lack of a widely available hybrid option in the U.S. market (with hybrids offered in some other regions) limits fuel-economy prospects relative to rivals with hybrid powertrains.

As with any vehicle, reliability depends on maintenance history and model year; prospective buyers should review recalls and service records when evaluating used Foresters.

Market positioning and ownership costs

Pricing, feature availability, and ownership costs influence how the Forester stacks up against competitors in real-world ownership.

• Higher-trim models add features but can raise overall purchase price without delivering a dramatic jump in interior refinement compared with some rivals.


• Insurance premiums and maintenance costs are typical for mainstream compact SUVs; among reliability-conscious shoppers, Subaru’s reputation adds value but may come with some regional cost variations.


• Resale value is generally solid for Subarus, helped by all-wheel drive popularity and brand reputation, though regional demand and model-year specifics can shift economics.

For buyers prioritizing AWD capability, practicality, and safety, the Forester remains appealing; those seeking class-leading performance or premium interior materials may prefer alternatives.

Summary

The Subaru Forester offers standout practicality, strong safety features, and dependable all-wheel drive, making it a strong choice for families, outdoors enthusiasts, and daily drivers. Its weaknesses—the relatively modest acceleration from a standard engine and CVT, interior materials in lower trims, occasional infotainment quirks, and the lack of a US-market hybrid option—are meaningful considerations for buyers prioritizing speed, luxury, or fuel economy. Weigh these trade-offs against the Forester’s strengths to decide if it fits your needs and budget.

At what mileage do Subaru Foresters have problems?

Subaru Foresters can experience issues at various mileage points, but common problems often arise between 70,000 and 150,000 miles. These can include issues with the engine (like head gasket failure or oil consumption), transmission (especially the CVT in certain years), and suspension components. Regular maintenance is crucial for preventing or delaying problems at any mileage.
 
Common problems by mileage

• Around 70,000 miles: Issues may include worn suspension parts, such as lower control arm bushings, especially in areas with road salt. 
• Around 100,000-150,000 miles: Potential problems that often require replacement include the timing belt, water pump, and various engine seals. Some owners also report issues with the CVT transmission during this mileage range, though post-2019 models are generally more reliable. 
• Over 150,000 miles: More significant repairs like head gasket or transmission replacement may be needed. 
• 60,000-80,000 miles: Some owners start experiencing problems with the AC system, power hatch, and suspension, even with meticulous care. 

What you can do

• Perform regular maintenance: Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule to ensure all fluids are changed and parts are serviced regularly. 
• Check for recalls and TSBs: Look for any recalls or Technical Service Bulletins for your specific model year, as these can be precursors to potential problems. 
• Check maintenance history: When buying a used Forester, ask for maintenance records and a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic. 
• Consider model year: Models from 2014-2018 had some known oil consumption and CVT issues, so models from 2019 and newer are often the best choice for long-term reliability, according to Subaru of Baton Rouge. 

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 year of Subaru Forester to avoid?

You should avoid the Subaru Forester years 1998-2001, 2009-2010, and 2011-2014, as they are associated with significant issues like head gasket failure, airbag problems, and excessive oil consumption. The 2014 model year is especially notable for its problematic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and other defects. 
Years to avoid and their issues

• 1998–2001: These models commonly experience head gasket failures, transmission issues, and wheel bearing wear. 
• 2006: Issues include head gasket failures, fuel line leaks, and corroded control arms. 
• 2009–2010: Prone to head gasket failures, airbag inflator problems, and engine oil pipe ruptures. 
• 2011–2014: A significant number of these models suffer from excessive oil consumption, especially the 2011-2013 models, due to the new FB25 engine. 
• 2014: This year is particularly problematic, with frequent issues including a faulty CVT, rear spring failure, and a widespread windshield defect. 
• 2015–2017: Continued problems with oil consumption and engine performance are reported. 
• 2019: This model year is part of a new generation that saw mixed reviews and some reliability concerns emerge during the first year. 
• 2018: Recalls and owner complaints highlight issues with backup cameras, A/C compressors, and electrical systems. 

What are the negatives 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.