Where is the 2024 Subaru Forester manufactured?

The 2024 Subaru Forester is manufactured at two primary sites: in Japan and in the United States.

Subaru operates a global production network for the Forester that centers on its Gunma Plant in Japan for many international markets, and on the Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) facility in Lafayette, Indiana, to serve North America. The exact factory for any individual vehicle can vary by model year, market demand, and supply conditions.

Production locations

The following locations are where the 2024 Forester is assembled.

• Gunma Plant, Oizumi, Gunma Prefecture, Japan


• Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA), Lafayette, Indiana, United States

Production can shift between sites based on capacity and market needs, so the exact plant may vary by year or unit.

Regional considerations

Japan-built Foresters

For many international markets, Foresters are produced at the Gunma Plant in Japan. This facility has long served as a core production hub for Subaru's lineup outside North America.

North American-built Foresters

For the United States and Canada, Forester units have been produced at the SIA plant in Lafayette, Indiana, as part of Subaru’s strategy to diversify manufacturing and shorten supply lines. Year-to-year variations can occur based on demand and capacity.

Note: The exact plant of manufacture is listed on the vehicle’s VIN and window sticker. Always verify the production site for a specific unit.

Summary

In short, the 2024 Subaru Forester is assembled at Subaru's Gunma Plant in Japan and at Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana, with the distribution between sites driven by regional demand and production capacity. Buyers should check the vehicle's documentation for the precise factory of origin.

Are Subaru Foresters built in the USA?

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. 

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

Are Subaru Foresters still made in Japan?

No, Subaru Foresters are not made in the United States. Subaru makes models like the Legacy and Outback in Indiana. But, the Forester is made in Japan and shipped to the U.S.

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