Is the Subaru Forester reliable?
48% of the 44 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 55/100 — it scores noticeably below average.
44
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections55/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10048%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 56%Across 44 used Subaru Foresters we inspected, this model scores noticeably below average — average condition 55/100 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
70%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
48%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
30%
Signs of recent repair · Engine
27%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
23%
Share of inspected Subaru Foresters where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 16%
Good 32%
Mediocre 25%
Poor 27%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
70%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
2%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
39%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 24%
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
2015 Subaru Forester · 144k mi — flagged: abnormal noise, low coolant / cooling system issues, oil leaks. Inspected Sep 24.
2015 Subaru Forester · 58k mi — flagged: fault codes recently cleared, tires condition & wear, anti-lock braking system. Inspected Sep 19.
The bottom line
Engine trouble is the plot. Oil leaks hit 70 percent of them, with cooling issues, fuel-trim problems, and recent engine work stacked on top, so open the hood first. Look for seepage, low coolant, and signs of fresh repairs. Demand a scan even if the lights are off—cleared codes are unusually common. Then check for cracked suspension bushings. A wet engine or unexplained repairs means walk or cut the price hard; a dry bay and intact bushings are the only real green lights.
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 (70%), cracked or torn suspension bushings (48%), low coolant / cooling system issues (30%). Have these checked before buying.
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Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 39% 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 44 inspections · updated Oct 1, 2026
