Best Year Subaru Forester to Buy Used

The 2019-2024 Subaru Forester models are the best picks for used cars, with fewer issues and better reliability. However, avoid the 2014-2015 models due to severe oil consumption and engine failures.

The best years: 2019-2024

The SK generation Foresters from 2019 to 2024 are widely cited as the best used picks due to improvements over earlier models with oil-consumption issues. However, a pre-purchase inspection is still recommended, especially given scattered reports of excessive oil consumption (~3 quarts per 4,000 miles). NHTSA data shows that while total complaints have decreased compared to previous generations, electrical system and visibility/wiper issues remain prominent themes among owner concerns. The highest concentration of complaints came in the earlier years (2019-2020), with a significant drop-off starting from 2021 onward.

Recommendation: If you’re looking for reliability and fewer headaches, consider focusing on Foresters from 2021 to 2024. Avoid those from 2019–2020 unless you’re prepared for potential electrical or visibility issues.

The budget pick: 2017-2018

The 2017 and 2018 Subaru Foresters are a better bet within the SJ generation if budget constraints force you to consider these years. While they still carry CVT issues with sudden jerking and shuddering reported by owners, repair costs can range from $3,000 to $7,000 for replacements. Oil consumption remains a concern, especially given previous years’ severe issues — the pre-purchase checks below are not optional on these cars. Faulty ignitions are also a complaint that spans the whole 2014-2018 generation, these years included.

Owner reports highlight significant mechanical failures and excessive oil usage, with many citing engine stoppages without warning. The NHTSA data shows high complaint volumes for 2017 (582 complaints) and 2018 (492 complaints), particularly around airbags, electrical systems, and visibility issues.

Be clear-eyed about what the discount buys: a 2017-2018 car is the least risky corner of a generation whose known repairs run to real money. The price gap to a 2019+ car is the honest comparison to make before committing — if it’s small, take the SK.

The years to skip: 2014-2015

Owners consistently cite 2014 as the worst year for engine failures and excessive oil consumption in the FB25 series. The repeated complaint is severe oil burning through 2015, with many engines failing due to insufficient lubrication. CVT issues also emerged during this period, with sudden jerking and shuddering reported; repairs can cost up to $7,000. Additionally, faulty ignitions across the 2014–2018 models add another layer of unreliability.

NHTSA holds 403 complaints for 2014 and 613 for 2015 — the two heaviest years of the generation. Across the 2014-2018 run, airbags (514 reports) and the electrical system (393) lead the component mix, with the engine itself third at 337. With documented engine failures and CVT problems, these years are best avoided unless you have thorough documentation from a seller about oil consumption tests and CVT fluid service.

Avoid the 2014–2015 Subaru Forester if reliability is your top priority; opt for later models with fewer reported issues.

What to check before you buy any of them

With the Forester, the year matters more than the badge. High-mileage longevity stories coexist with significant maintenance issues for certain years, making informed decisions essential. For 2014-2018 models, CVT repair bills in the $3,000-$7,000 range are a major concern, and oil consumption can be problematic without proper test records. On newer cars (2019+), ensure any battery-drain complaints have been addressed. Always ask for detailed service history to avoid costly surprises down the road.