Forester (SK)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
L83 - VVT, Active Fuel Management, Aluminum.
5.3L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Naturally Aspirated U5
2.5L 4-cyl / 182 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Subaru Forester regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (8)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles equipped with 18" aluminum alloy wheels. The wheels may have been manufactured with an incorrectly specified lug seat surface, which can result in the wheel being improperly attached and cause a loss of vehicle stability.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles. The child seat anchor bolts may have been improperly tightened, allowing the bolts to come loose.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
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Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2019-2025 Subaru Forester problems?
The 2019-2025 Subaru Forester has accumulated 1,884 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Engine, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Subaru Forester engine is most reliable?
The 2019-2025 Subaru Forester was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.5L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2019-2025 Subaru Forester a good used car?
The 2019-2025 Subaru Forester can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,884 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 2019-2025 Subaru Forester have?
The 2019-2025 Subaru Forester has 1,884 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 2019-2025 Subaru Forester?
There are 8 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2019-2025 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 Electrical System, Engine, Safety Systems, 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 2025 Subaru Forester received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,884 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.