Subaru Forester Years to Avoid: Problems by Year (2009-2026)

The 2014-2018 Foresters are the ones to walk away from — the same engine and CVT failures repeat across 2,500 federal complaints, with repair bills that can reach $3,000-$7,000. Earlier cars deserve a careful pre-purchase check, and the 2019-2024 generation is the safest used buy. Here is what the NHTSA record shows for every generation from 2009 to 2026.

The short version

2009-2013 — proceed with caution

The 2009 to 2013 Subaru Foresters are a mixed bag but come with notable issues that warrant caution. The 2009 model year is flagged for excessive oil consumption complaints, while the 2010 sees reliability concerns related to CVT transmissions. Additionally, the 2011 through 2013 models fall within the FB25 engine’s problematic period known for high oil usage.

NHTSA data reveals a total of 769 owner-reported issues across these years, with significant peaks in 2009 and 2010. Engine problems dominate, accounting for 22.6% of all complaints, followed closely by airbag malfunctions at 18.7%. Recalls have been issued multiple times over the years, including recall 22V838000 addressing front seat belt force-limiters and several recalls focusing on passenger-side airbags.

One owner reported a severe incident where their vehicle accelerated uncontrollably after hitting a curb, crashing into a church wall. This highlights potential issues with the speed control system in these models. Given the high number of complaints and multiple recall campaigns, it’s advisable to proceed with caution when considering these years.

2014-2018 — the era to avoid

The 2014-2018 Subaru Forester models are the ones to avoid due to significant reliability issues and mechanical failures. According to multiple sources, this era of the Forester is plagued by severe engine problems, excessive oil consumption, and gearbox complaints. The FB25 engine in these years is particularly notorious for high oil usage and subsequent failure, often leading to costly repairs or even complete engine replacements.

NHTSA data reveals that from 2014 through 2018, there were a total of 2,500 owner-reported complaints, with the highest number recorded in 2015 at 613. Engine issues dominate these reports, accounting for 13.5% of all complaints within this generation. Additionally, airbag and electrical system problems are prevalent, contributing to an overall high level of unreliability.

Recall campaigns further highlight critical issues with components such as fuel pumps, occupant classification sensors, brake light switches, and tires. For example, recall 19V701000 addresses a faulty front passenger seat electrical connection that could cause airbag malfunctions. These recalls indicate manufacturer acknowledgment of widespread defects.

One owner reported an incident where their engine suddenly stopped while traveling at highway speeds, despite the fuel gauge indicating sufficient fuel levels. This underscores the unpredictability and severity of mechanical failures in these Foresters. Given the high repair costs—often ranging from $3,000 to $7,000 for CVT issues—and the frequency of critical component failures, it’s clear that owning a 2014-2018 Subaru Forester is a risky proposition.

2019-2024 — the strong years

The years 2019 to 2024 are widely cited as the best used picks for Subaru Foresters, with 2019 through 2021 being particularly strong choices. Despite their overall reliability, these models still benefit from a pre-purchase inspection, especially since scattered reports of oil consumption persist on some cars, with one owner citing an unusually high rate of about three quarts per 4,000 miles.

NHTSA data shows that while the total number of complaints for this period is relatively low compared to earlier years, visibility and wiper issues lead the list, accounting for nearly half of all reported problems. Electrical system malfunctions follow closely behind at 15.6%, with engine-related issues making up another significant portion at 12.5%. Notable recalls include a park/neutral start interlock switch issue (recall 23V755000) and a driveshaft assembly concern (recall 23V754000), both affecting the automatic transmission.

One owner reported an unexpected acceleration incident in a 2021 Forester, highlighting potential issues with powertrain components. While these individual reports do not necessarily indicate widespread problems, they underscore the importance of thorough inspections and staying informed about any recalls or component-specific issues that may arise.

2025-2026 — too new to judge

The Subaru Forester for model years 2025 and 2026 has seen a total of 90 complaints registered with NHTSA so far, with all but one complaint coming from the 2025 models. The visibility/wiper system ranks highest in reported issues, accounting for 13 out of 90 complaints (or 14.4% of total reports). This is followed by fuel/propulsion system problems, which make up another 12 complaints (13.3%). Other top components include forward collision avoidance and electrical systems, each with 9 and 8 complaints respectively.

There have been several recall campaigns issued for these model years. For instance, recall campaign 26V436000 from July 7, 2026, addresses incorrect labels on certain vehicles in the 2025-2026 Forester lineup. Additionally, a moonroof assembly issue was addressed through recall 26V346000 on May 28, 2026.

One notable owner complaint from October 5, 2026, describes an incident where the vehicle’s airbags did not deploy properly after being rear-ended. The driver reported that the hood opened and smoke emerged during the collision, raising concerns about potential safety issues with the airbag system in these models.

Both model years have had little time on the road — the data is still thin, and any conclusion should stay tentative until more reports come in.

If you’re shopping used

If you’re shopping used, focus on Foresters from the 2019-2024 range; they’re generally considered the most reliable. Avoid anything in the 2014-2018 period due to widespread issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can lead to repair bills ranging between $3,000 and $7,000. When dealing with a seller, ask if the CVT has been replaced or repaired under warranty. Insist on seeing detailed service records that document any work done on the transmission. During your pre-purchase inspection, request specific tests for CVT functionality and fluid condition to catch potential issues early. Cross-shopping the Outback? The same era logic applies — see Outback problems by year.