Is the Subaru Forester reliable?
42% of the 38 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 57/100 — it scores a little below average.
38
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections57/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10042%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 53%Across 38 used Subaru Foresters we inspected, this model scores a little below average — average condition 57/100 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
68%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
45%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
29%
Signs of recent repair · Engine
26%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
24%
Share of inspected Subaru Foresters where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 21%
Good 21%
Mediocre 34%
Poor 24%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
66%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
3%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
32%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
More on Subaru
Other Subaru models we've inspected — or see the full Subaru profile.
Straight from recent Subaru Forester reports
2005 Subaru Forester · 50k mi — flagged: dirty or low engine oil, fault codes recently cleared, smoothness. Inspected Apr 30.
2018 Subaru Forester · 63k mi — flagged: fault codes recently cleared. Inspected Mar 31.
The bottom line
Engine trouble defines these Foresters—oil leaks hit 68 percent of them and often come with low coolant or fresh repair traces, so start there and refuse any car still seeping. Suspension bushings tear on nearly half, making a thorough undercarriage check non-negotiable. Cleared codes run high enough to demand the full scan log before you talk money. Walk if the seller shrugs off the leaks or history; otherwise use the pattern to knock the price down hard, because you're buying a car that will need engine and chassis attention sooner than later.
FAQ
?
?
What are the most common problems on a used Subaru Forester?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (68%), cracked or torn suspension bushings (45%), low coolant / cooling system issues (29%). Have these checked before buying.
?
Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 32% 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.
Book an inspection
Based on 38 inspections · updated Aug 1, 2026
