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2025 Subaru

Forester AWD

Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L

Subaru Forester: best and worst years
2025 Subaru Forester AWD
2025 photoAlexander MiglCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 10/5/2026
Transmission
Automatic (AV-S8)EPA, from EPA, last updated 10/5/2026

Engine & performance

Power to weight
0.050 hp/lb
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 10/5/2026

Efficiency

Smog score
6/10
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

GVWR class
Class 1C (4,001 to 5,000 lb)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

⚠ This model year has a recall advising owners to park outside or away from structures (fire risk). Check with the manufacturer.

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Standard
Lane-departure warning
Standard
Recalls
4
Owner complaints
97 See on NHTSA
Reported injuries
6

Feature availability

Cameras & visibility

  • Backup camera
    Standard

Driver assist

  • Adaptive cruise control
    Standard
  • Automatic emergency brakingPart of EyeSight.
    Standard
  • Lane-keeping assist
    Standard

Convenience

  • Push-button start
    Standard

Exterior

  • Adaptive headlights
    Standard

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER15%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10%
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER10%
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE10%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6%
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 126 total.

Subaru Forester: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

94 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 18, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER01-167-08R

    This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

  • May 4, 2026POWER TRAINSubaruNet Announcement (R

    This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.

  • May 1, 2026ENGINE18-230-26

    This bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be used when DTCs B1571(REFERENCE CODE INCOMPATIBILITY IMMOBILIZER CM TO ECM) and B1572(IMM CIRCUIT EXCEPT ANTENNA CIRCUIT) are detected by Keyless Access with Push Button Start(KACM).

  • May 1, 2026STRUCTURE:BODY12-279-26

    This bulletin announces a design change to the Power Rear Gate Drive (PRG) Unit to address rare concerns about a very slight drop immediately after the gate is fully open.

  • May 1, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM07-234-26

    This bulletin announces design changes to the heated steering wheel switch assembly and harness. The new switch design relocates the connector, which requires a different harness routing.

  • Apr 30, 2026EXTERIOR LIGHTING12-278-26

    This bulletin announces the repair procures to be followed when encountering cases of loose fitment of the interior dome lamp.

  • Apr 30, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER07-240-26R

    This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.

  • Apr 30, 2026SERVICE BRAKES06-97-26

    This bulletin announces a design change to the front brake pads which have been redesigned with a new friction material and shape to enhance the removal of rust and debris that can accumulate on the rotor surface, causing unevenness.

  • and 86 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Source: www.cars.com as of 2026-06

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.