Subaru

Forester

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · model years 2010 to 2025

Includes Forester AWD and Forester Hybrid AWD as listed by the EPA.

See all 35 Forester trims All Subaru cars

The verdict

Best year: 2024. complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file; recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file.

Worst year: 2019. complaints: 831, this model typically has none on file; recalls: 3, this model typically has none on file.

Year by year

Year by year summary for the Subaru Forester
Year	Trims	MPG	HP	Fuel cost	Recalls	Complaints	Investigations	Top complaints
2010	3Gas	22	170	$2,850	0	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better. Theft rate: 0.3 per 1,000 produced (federal data, last published for 2014).
2011	3Gas	23	170	$2,700	0	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better. Theft rate: 0.1 per 1,000 produced (federal data, last published for 2014).
2012	3Gas	23	170	$2,700	0	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better. Theft rate: 0.4 per 1,000 produced (federal data, last published for 2014).
2013	3Gas	23	no data	$2,700	0	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better. Theft rate: 0.5 per 1,000 produced (federal data, last published for 2014).
2014	3Gas	25	170	$2,600	0	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better. Theft rate: 0.4 per 1,000 produced (federal data, last published for 2014).
2015	3Gas	25	170	$2,500	0	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2016	3Gas	25	170	$2,500	0	0	1	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2017	3Gas	25	170	$2,600	1	571	1	AIR BAGS 21%, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%, VISIBILITY/WIPER 14%
complaints: 571, this model typically has none on file recalls: 1, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 27 Score: 20 of 100, where higher is better.
2018	3Gas	25	170	$2,600	0	0	1	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2019	1Gas	29	182	$2,150	3	831	0	VISIBILITY/WIPER 35%, UNKNOWN OR OTHER 14%, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%
complaints: 831, this model typically has none on file recalls: 3, this model typically has none on file deaths reported in NHTSA complaints: 1 injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 20 Score: 0 of 100, where higher is better.
2020	1Gas	29	182	$2,150	0	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2021	1Gas	29	182	$2,150	0	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2022	1Gas	29	182	$2,150	0	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2023	1Gas	29	182	$2,150	0	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2024	1Gas	29	182	$2,150	0	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2025	2Gas, Hybrid	32	no data	$1,975	2	73	0	UNKNOWN OR OTHER 17%, VISIBILITY/WIPER 13%, EXTERIOR LIGHTING 9%
complaints: 73, this model typically has none on file recalls: 2, this model typically has none on file deaths reported in NHTSA complaints: 1 injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 6 Score: 0 of 100, where higher is better.

How the numbers moved

Combined MPG, median2010: 22 to 2025: 32

Owner complaints2010: 0 to 2025: 73

How we score each year

We compare each year of the Subaru Forester to the model's own typical numbers, not to other cars. A year reads solid when its recalls, owner complaints, and federal investigations sit at or below what is typical for this model, mixed when some of those numbers run above typical, and avoid when they run far above it. Deaths, reported fires, and an NHTSA advisory to park outside count against a year no matter what this model's baseline looks like.

A year is scored only when NHTSA has both complaint and recall counts for it. Complaint data often lags for the newest years, so a recent year can read not enough data even while its recall count already shows in the table. When the history is too thin, we say not enough data instead of guessing. Service bulletins are routine maintenance guidance from the manufacturer and do not lower a year's score.

Scores run 0 to 100, higher is better. Recall, complaint, and investigation figures come from NHTSA records. Fuel economy, fuel cost, and horsepower figures come from the EPA, shown as the median across the year's trims.

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.