2005 Subaru Forester Reliability ReportC+ grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown
Quick Facts · 2005 Subaru Forester
- The system most likely to surface first: engine head gaskets (major severity).
- Has 1 NHTSA recall on record — the most notable involves the suspension:front:control arm:lower arm.
- Scores 8 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2003 Subaru Forester earns a 80.
Is the 2005 Subaru Forester Worth Buying?
The 2005 Subaru Forester stands as a highly capable and practical compact SUV, renowned for its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and sturdy construction. However, its otherwise solid reputation is marred by the prevalent head gasket issues common to its 2.5L engine, which necessitates a cautious approach for any prospective owner. With proper, proactive maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on these known weak points, this Forester can still offer many years of reliable, adventurous service.
Biggest Strengths
- Excellent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
- Robust and utilitarian design
- Good safety ratings for its era
What Tends to Fail First on the 2005 Subaru Forester
The systems that break first on the 2005 Subaru Forester. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
2005 Subaru Forester Recall History
1 recall on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW JERSEY, OHIO, RHODE ISLAND, WEST VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY BREAK AT THE HANGER BRACKETS DUE TO CORROSION IF THE HANGER BRACKET IS EXPOSED TO SALTY AND HUMID ENVIRONMENTS SUCH AS ROADS CONTAINING SNOW MELTING AGENT.
What breaks on the 2005 Subaru Forester?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Other Subaru Forester Years to Consider
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Subaru Forester. Click any year for its full report.
2005 Subaru Forester Alternatives
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2005 Subaru Forester
Parts and accessories matched to your 2005 Subaru Forester
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Frequently Asked Questions
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