Subaru Forester Common Faults

33
Fault Reports
25
Solved
12
Model Years
📖 How to Use This Page

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.

📊 Data Score 📋 Overview 🔍 Reliability 🗂️ Problem Categories 💰 Repair Costs 💡 Buying Advice 🔧 Full Fault List ❓ FAQ

📊 Subaru Forester Data Score

Reliability Score
68/100
Good
Resolution Rate
76%
25 of 33 confirmed fixed
Risk Level
Low
0 serious/critical cases
Maintenance Complexity
High
6 systems affected

📐 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.

Engine
9 (27%)
Electrical
7 (21%)
Other
6 (18%)
Transmission
4 (12%)
Suspension
4 (12%)
Exhaust
3 (9%)

🛠️ 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.

⚡ Quick Summary
Fault Reports
33
25 with confirmed fix
Est. Repair Cost
$2,075
avg · $2075–$2075 range
Fix Rate
76%
of reported faults solved

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

Fault Reports
33
Verified Fixes
25
Est. Repair Cost
$2,075
Most Common Issue
Subaru Forester EJ255 engine oil consump…
Owner Confidence
High

💰 Repair Cost Insight

Based on 33 owner-reported Subaru Forester fault cases where cost data was provided:

Average Cost
$2,075
Lowest Estimate
$2,075
Highest Estimate
$2,075

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?

Reports on File
33
Resolution Rate
76%
Most-Affected System
Engine
Risk Level
Low

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

YEAR: All 2022 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2014 2012 2009 2008 2003 2002

🔧 Reported Faults


🟡
Subaru Forester EJ255 engine oil consumption — top end
2009
56 fixes
👁 15,620
🟡
Subaru Forester CVT judder and hunting — fluid issue
2014 💰 $150–$4000 USD
41 fixes
👁 10,823
🟢
Subaru Forester 2019 P0300 random misfire rough idle
P0300 2019
1 fix
👁 2,140
🟢
Subaru Forester 2022 Car wont start clicking sound
2022
1 fix
👁 1,618
🟢
Subaru Forester 2018 Battery draining overnight parasitic drain
2018
1 fix
👁 1,604
🟢
Subaru Forester 2017 Alternator warning light battery not charging
2017
1 fix
👁 1,478
🟢
Subaru Forester 2016 oil consumption 2.5 FA engine
2016
1 fix
👁 1,363
🟢
Subaru Forester 2014 ABS warning light on
2014
1 fix
👁 1,294
🟢
Subaru Forester 2019 AC not blowing cold air compressor issue
2019
1 fix
👁 1,164
🟢
Subaru Forester 2020 Alternator warning light battery not charging
2020
1 fix
👁 1,157
🟢
Subaru Forester 2014 Alternator warning light battery not charging
2014
1 fix
👁 1,095
🟢
Subaru Forester 2018 CVT transmission shudder and jerking
2018 💰 $150–$4000 USD
1 fix
👁 1,051
🟢
Subaru Forester 2017 AC not blowing cold air compressor issue
2017
1 fix
👁 960
🟢
Subaru Forester 2020 Power steering heavy and whining
2020
1 fix
👁 941
🟢
Subaru Forester 2022 Engine oil leak from valve cover
2022
1 fix
👁 835
🟢
Subaru Forester 2019 Battery draining overnight parasitic drain
2019
1 fix
👁 802
🟢
Subaru Forester 2020 Wheel bearing humming noise while driving
2020
1 fix
👁 779
🟢
Subaru Forester 2018 Power steering heavy and whining
2018
1 fix
👁 741
🟢
Subaru Forester 2014 Transmission slipping between gears
2014
1 fix
👁 591
🟢
Subaru Forester 2019 Exhaust rattle noise from underneath
2019
1 fix
👁 532
🟢
Subaru Forester 2022 Exhaust rattle noise from underneath
2022
1 fix
👁 532
🟢
Subaru Forester 2022 Power steering heavy and whining
2022
1 fix
👁 493
🟢
Subaru Forester 2014 Coolant leak from engine area
2014
1 fix
👁 424
🟢
Subaru Forester 2017 Engine oil leak from valve cover
2017
1 fix
👁 399
🟢
Subaru Forester 2017 Exhaust rattle noise from underneath
2017
1 fix
👁 391
🟢
Subaru Forester 2018 Check engine light P0171 lean mixture
P0171 2018
1 fix
👁 362
🟢
Subaru Forester 2020 ABS warning light on
2020
1 fix
👁 301
Subaru Forester XT Turbo Blow-Off Valve Failure
2003 Medium
👁 10
Subaru Forester XV 2.0D EGR Valve Failure
2008 Medium
👁 9
Subaru Forester SJ 2.5i Head Gasket External Seep
2012 Medium
👁 8
Subaru Forester EJ253 Head Gasket Failure
2002 Medium
👁 8
Subaru Forester 2.0D EE20 Timing Belt Replacement
2008 High
👁 8
Subaru Forester SJ Mk4 FB25 CVT Service
2012 Medium
👁 6

🚗 Drivers Also Viewed

Subaru Impreza 52 faults → Subaru Outback 31 faults → Subaru XV 27 faults → Subaru BRZ 25 faults → Subaru Legacy 25 faults →

Own a Subaru Forester?

Share your fault or fix and help other owners save money.

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🩺 Common Symptoms
Alternator warning light — battery not charging Power steering heavy and whining Exhaust rattle noise from underneath Battery draining overnight ABS warning light on AC not blowing cold air
🔢 Common OBD Codes
P0300 P0171
🔧
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