Forester (SJ)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
Naturally Aspirated U5
2.5LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Turbo U4
2.0L TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.0L Turbo U4
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 250 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.5Turbo U4
2.5L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Subaru Forester Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.5NA U5
2.5L 4-cyl / 170 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
2.5NA C0
2.5LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.5Turbo C0
2.5L TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Subaru Forester regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (6)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. The Certification Label may indicate the incorrect wheel size, tire size, and air pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2014 Forester vehicles manufactured from January 2013 through March 2013. The backing for the carpeted floor mats was not manufactured to specification. As a result, the floor mats may curl when exposed to heat.
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Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2014-2018 Subaru Forester problems?
The 2014-2018 Subaru Forester has accumulated 2,449 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Electrical System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Subaru Forester engine is most reliable?
The 2014-2018 Subaru Forester was offered with 8 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.5L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester a good used car?
The 2014-2018 Subaru Forester can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,449 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester have?
The 2014-2018 Subaru Forester has 2,449 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester?
There are 6 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2014-2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Subaru Forester?
Before buying a used Subaru Forester, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Electrical System, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Forester?
The 2018 Subaru Forester received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (16.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,449 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.