Subaru Forester Common Faults
Every figure below comes from owner-submitted fault reports for this exact model — not a manufacturer spec sheet. Jump to any section, or scroll through for the full picture before buying or diagnosing a problem.
📊 Subaru Forester Data Score
📐 The MyCarFault Score blends this model's resolution rate (% of reports with a confirmed fix) and severity mix of its 33 reported cases. It reflects our database only, not a manufacturer or third-party rating.
📋 Most Reported Problems
🗂️ Problem Categories
Which vehicle systems generate the most reports for the Subaru Forester, based on all 33 cases on this page.
🛠️ High maintenance complexity — issues span 6 different systems, with an average reported repair cost of $2,075. Models touching fewer systems are generally simpler and cheaper to keep on top of.
Based on 33 driver-submitted reports, common Subaru Forester faults include Subaru Forester EJ255 engine oil consumption — top end, Subaru Forester CVT judder and hunting — fluid issue, Subaru Forester 2019 P0300 random misfire rough idle, Subaru Forester 2022 Car wont start clicking sound and Subaru Forester 2018 Battery draining overnight parasitic drain. 25 of these have a confirmed driver-verified fix.
📋 Subaru Forester Overview
The Subaru Forester has 33 owner-reported faults recorded on MyCarFault. Documented issues include Subaru Forester EJ255 engine oil consumption — top end, Subaru Forester CVT judder and hunting — fluid issue, Subaru Forester 2019 P0300 random misfire rough idle, Subaru Forester 2022 Car wont start clicking sound, and Subaru Forester 2018 Battery draining overnight parasitic drain.
76% of reported issues have a confirmed driver-verified fix.
Estimated repair costs based on owner-reported data range from $2075 to $2075, with an average of $2,075 USD. Costs vary by fault type, garage type, and parts availability in your region.
Long-term Subaru Forester ownership appears manageable based on community data. A high proportion of reported faults have confirmed fixes, suggesting problems are diagnosable and repairable by informed owners and independent garages.
🔍 Reliability Snapshot
💰 Repair Cost Insight
Based on 33 owner-reported Subaru Forester fault cases where cost data was provided:
Estimates are owner-reported and vary by region, garage type, and parts availability. Independent specialists typically charge 30–50% less than main dealers for the same repair.
💡 Should You Buy a Used Subaru Forester?
Thinking about buying a used Subaru Forester? Here is what our fault data suggests.
The Subaru Forester has a significant number of community-reported faults. This does not necessarily mean the car is unreliable — high fault counts often reflect high ownership numbers. Focus on whether the known issues on this page have been addressed on the specific car you are viewing.
The most reported issue is "Subaru Forester EJ255 engine oil consumption — top end". Ask the seller specifically about this before committing to a purchase, and have an independent mechanic check for it during a pre-purchase inspection.
An independent pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is strongly recommended regardless of the seller's assurances or the car's service history.
❓ Common Questions About the Subaru Forester
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Is the Subaru Forester reliable?
The Subaru Forester has 33 owner-reported faults on MyCarFault, with 76% having a confirmed fix. Reliability varies by year and engine. Browse individual fault pages for detailed breakdowns.
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What is the most common Subaru Forester problem?
The most frequently reported Subaru Forester issue on MyCarFault is: Subaru Forester EJ255 engine oil consumption — top end. Click the fault title above for full symptoms, owner fixes, and estimated repair costs.
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Is the Subaru Forester expensive to repair?
Based on owner-reported data, average Subaru Forester repair costs are around $2,075 USD, ranging from $2075 to $2075. Using an independent garage typically reduces costs significantly compared to main dealer rates.
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Should I buy a used Subaru Forester?
A used Subaru Forester can be a solid choice with proper due diligence. Review the fault list on this page, check the specific car's service history, and arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection before buying.
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Which Subaru Forester faults should I check before buying?
Before buying a Subaru Forester, specifically ask about and inspect for: Subaru Forester EJ255 engine oil consumption — top end; Subaru Forester CVT judder and hunting — fluid issue; Subaru Forester 2019 P0300 random misfire rough idle. These are the most reported issues in our database.
🔧 Reported Faults
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