Subaru is synonymous with reliability, and the automaker has a long-standing reputation for building incredible vehicles that stand the test of time. The Forester is no exception. This popular Subaru model remains a consumer favorite, although some model years are more problematic than others.
Some Forester models from past years have more maintenance issues. So what are some of the most commonly used Subaru Forester models to avoid? CarComplaints suggests that these three years were certainly not the Forester’s best.
1. 2014 Subaru Forester has engine and oil problems
You usually don’t have to worry about reliability even with older Subaru Forester models. However, the 2014 model year proved to be riddled with engine and oil issues, as described by CarComplaints. With over 50 complaints from vehicle owners about engine-related issues, it might be worth staying away from it altogether.
As for oil complaints, 2014 Forester owners claim to top off their oil tanks up to four times every 5,000 miles. While this may seem excessive, Subaru’s response was that these oil needs were within “normal specifications.”
These complaints of excessive oil consumption are also costly, especially if the engine needs to be replaced, with an average cost of $2,000. It is also important to note that these issues arose early in the ownership at around 31,550 miles.
As many as 31 owners cite these oil-related issues, while others experienced various engine concerns. These include engine death (9.), rough idling (3.) and sudden engine jerks (3.)
2. The 2015 Subaru Forester has the most documented complaints of all
Of all the used Subaru Forester models with complaints against them, the 2015 model year may be the worst of them all. With more than 100 documented owner complaints, it’s been a nightmare for owners, according to CarComplaints. The previous model year’s oil consumption issue also tops the list of complaints for 2015. But that’s not all.
Forester owners also cite interior feature malfunctions, including more than 10 reports of the vehicle’s Bluetooth connectivity not working, which costs roughly $150 to fix. Others shared issues with voice recognition errors, Eyesight Driver Assist not activating properly, and a strange dash vibration.
Still, for other owners, the cruise control would randomly turn off and the fuel/speed displays would disappear from view. And these various concerns seem to set in early, around 35,000 miles.
3. The 2016 Subaru Forester has electrical, engine and transmission problems
There is an engine acceleration problem around 35,000 miles affecting owners of 2016 Subaru Forester models. Other acceleration complaints for this year include acceleration “dead spots” and jerking when applying gas. And as CarComplaints reports, there are also electrical issues to consider. Repairs range from $50 to $150, depending on the solution adopted.
Other Subaru Forester model years to avoid
The 2014, 2015 and 2016 model years weren’t the best for Subaru Forester owners. But the three sequential years that followed weren’t particularly reliable either. According to CarComplaints compilation of real vehicle owner reports, 2017, 2018 and 2019 were also problematic for many.
Owners of 2017 Forester models had complaints of transmission problems. And 2018 Forester owners cited problems with their windows, windshields and interior fittings. Even relatively new 2019 models have concerns with electrical components, interior fittings and windows. And many of these documented problems occurred before these Forester models reached 40,000 miles.
Don’t be put off buying a used Subaru Forester. Overall, they remain fan favorites because they are dependable and reliable vehicles. But even Subaru has maintenance issues.
