Forester (SJ)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.5NA U5
2.5L 4-cyl / 170 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Subaru Forester Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
2.0L Turbo U4
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 250 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Naturally Aspirated U5
2.5LView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.5Turbo U4
2.5L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Turbo U4
2.0L TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
2.5NA C0
2.5LView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.5Turbo C0
2.5L TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Subaru Forester, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2014-2018 Subaru Forester
On a used 2014-2018 Subaru Forester, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (561), the electrical system (422) and the engine (347). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 561 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 422 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 347 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester about the engine, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 253 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 199 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester about the suspension.
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 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 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 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.
Show 1 older recall
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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2014-2018 Subaru Forester complaints?
Owners have filed 2,514 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the electrical system and the engine.
Is the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 2,514 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA has 2,514 owner complaints on file for the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls covering some 2014-2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Subaru Forester?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the electrical system and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 2,514 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.