#1
Engine Head Gaskets
Reported across 11 Subaru Forester model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.
Issue Pattern Analysis
Subaru Forester Common Problems
We analyzed every Subaru Forester reliability report across 28 model years (avg score 80/100) — here are the issues that keep showing up.
Most-Reported Forester Issues
Ranked by how often this issue appears in our Subaru Forester year-by-year reports.
Affects 39% of years
#2
Engine Oil Consumption
Reported across 8 Subaru Forester model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.
#3
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Reported across 7 Subaru Forester model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.
#4
Wheel Bearings
Reported across 4 Subaru Forester model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.
#5
Rust and Corrosion
Reported across 3 Subaru Forester model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.
#6
Timing Belt System
Reported across 3 Subaru Forester model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.
#7
Catalytic Converter
Reported across 3 Subaru Forester model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.
#8
Infotainment System
Reported across 3 Subaru Forester model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.
Problems by Model Year
1998 Subaru Forester62/100
A rugged all-weather champion, but only if its engine's notorious flaw has been expertly addressed.
1999 Subaru Forester79/100
A highly capable and practical small SUV, but demands a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a budget for anticipated engine maintenance.
2000 Subaru Forester79/100
A highly capable and practical compact SUV, but its known engine weaknesses demand careful pre-purchase scrutiny.
2001 Subaru Forester72/100
A rugged, capable AWD vehicle with a known engine Achilles' heel that demands proactive attention.
2002 Subaru Forester78/100
A capable and practical AWD wagon, but its infamous head gaskets demand careful consideration.
2003 Subaru Forester80/100
A highly capable and versatile AWD wagon that demands vigilant engine maintenance to truly thrive.
2004 Subaru Forester78/100
A highly capable AWD compact SUV that requires diligent maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection to be a reliable long-term partner.
2005 Subaru Forester72/100
A rugged all-wheel-drive workhorse that can be remarkably durable, but only if its critical engine maintenance and known gasket issues are meticulously addressed.
2006 Subaru Forester78/100
A highly capable AWD compact SUV, but requires careful scrutiny of its engine history and ongoing maintenance.
2007 Subaru Forester79/100
A highly capable AWD vehicle, but potential buyers must be vigilant about engine maintenance history and undercarriage condition.
2008 Subaru Forester83/100
A highly capable all-weather companion, but budget for crucial engine maintenance to ensure long-term value.
2009 Subaru Forester78/100
A capable and safe crossover, but its core engine design presents notable long-term ownership risks.
Don't buy on guesswork
Get the full Subaru Forester risk report
Common-problem patterns above are aggregate. For the specific year you're shopping, the paid report breaks down: exact mileage failure windows, repair-cost ranges, recall status, and a buy/avoid verdict.
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