There’s a lot to like about the Forester compact crossover SUV, including its smooth ride, standard all-wheel drive, and a comfortable, roomy cabin. However, it’s not entirely without its problems. See the three most common Subaru Forester problems reported by many real owners. Let’s also see if it is a reliable vehicle.
What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?
To find out the most frequent problems with Subaru Forester we have reviewed the reliability analysis from . In its analysis, the automotive site gets input from real owners, who show the severity, frequency and cost of repairs for the compact SUV.
Before you get alarmed about any of these issues, it’s important to note that they don’t affect the majority of Forester models. However, they are the most frequently mentioned by owners, so let’s dig a little deeper and examine them in more detail.
The most common Subaru Forester problem is a front O2 sensor recall
The most common Subaru Forester problem reported by real owners is a front O2 sensor recall, according to RepairPal. For this problem, the front oxygen sensor, which measures the air-fuel ratio, develops a crack. This, in turn, results in an enlightened .
Due to the problem with the O2 sensor, Subaru has issued a recall for some models (1998, 2000-2007 and 2009-2014). Like most recalls, Subaru is expected to cover the cost of fixing the O2 sensor. The service program number for this recall is WXW-80.
Failed catalytic converter
The second most frequent problem for the Subaru Forester is a failed catalytic converter, which also produces an illuminated Check Engine Light. Additionally, this issue could cause the compact SUV to fail the smog test for states where it is required, such as . If it’s still under warranty, Subaru will likely cover the cost of repairs or catalyst replacement. Otherwise, the owners have to foot the bill.
Head gasket failure due to cooling system problems
The other common problem reported by Subaru owners is a head gasket failure due to cooling system issues. As this problem occurs, Subaru has extended the head gasket warranty coverage to eight years or 100,000 miles for some vehicles.
Is the Subaru Forester a reliable compact SUV and is it expensive to repair?
We have covered the most common problems for the Subaru Forester, but is it overall reliable? RepairPal gives it an “average” rating of 3.5 out of five. However, compared to most other compact SUVs, the Forester isn’t very reliable. In a field of 26 compact SUVs evaluated by the automotive site, it ranks 21st for reliability.
For repair costs, the Forester is “average” of all vehicles, but slightly more expensive for the compact segment. RepairPal lists an average annual repair and maintenance cost of $632 for the Forester. By comparison, that’s $652 for all vehicle types and $521 for the compact SUV segment.
