Is the Subaru Forester reliable?
49% of the 41 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 56/100 — it scores noticeably below average.
41
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections56/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10049%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 55%Across 41 used Subaru Foresters we inspected, this model scores noticeably below average — average condition 56/100 vs 61 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.
What we found
Most common faults
Oil leaks · Engine
71%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
49%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
29%
Signs of recent repair · Engine
27%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
22%
Share of inspected Subaru Foresters where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 17%
Good 32%
Mediocre 24%
Poor 27%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
68%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
2%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
37%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
How long does a Forester stay good?
Good cars by mileage
Share of Subaru Foresters in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). The dashed grey curve is all cars we check.
More on Subaru
Other Subaru models we've inspected — or see the full Subaru profile.
Straight from recent Subaru Forester reports
2012 Subaru Forester · 145k mi — flagged: belts, oil leaks, signs of recent repair. Inspected Aug 27.
2015 Subaru Forester · 147k mi — flagged: abnormal noise, oil leaks, fault codes recently cleared. Inspected Aug 18.
The bottom line
Oil leaks hit 71 percent of these Foresters, often sitting next to coolant trouble, fresh engine work, and a scan that has already been wiped. That combo is the real risk, not crash history. On any car you like, start it cold, get a flashlight under the engine and around the cooling system, and insist on a live scan before anyone clears it. Then check the suspension bushings, which are torn on about half of them. If the engine is wet and codes are present or recently gone, walk. A dry motor and a clean scan still leave you room to negotiate the bushings and leftover seepage.
FAQ
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What are the most common problems on a used Subaru Forester?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (71%), cracked or torn suspension bushings (49%), low coolant / cooling system issues (29%). Have these checked before buying.
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Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 37% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
Thinking of buying a Subaru Forester? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 41 inspections · updated Sep 11, 2026
