Is the Subaru Forester reliable?
51% of the 39 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 57/100 — it scores a little below average.
39
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections57/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10051%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 55%Across 39 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
69%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
46%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
31%
Signs of recent repair · Engine
26%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
23%
Share of inspected Subaru Foresters where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 18%
Good 33%
Mediocre 26%
Poor 23%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
67%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
3%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
33%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
2013 Subaru Forester · 142k mi — flagged: abnormal noise, smoke, excessive vapor in exhaust, low coolant / cooling system issues. Inspected Aug 7.
2005 Subaru Forester · 50k mi — flagged: dirty or low engine oil, fault codes recently cleared, smoothness. Inspected Apr 30.
The bottom line
Oil leaks show up on 69 percent of these Foresters, so begin every look under the hood for seepage and low coolant before you waste time on cosmetics. Those engine issues often come with cracked suspension bushings that will need attention soon, giving you solid ground to negotiate. Cleared codes hit 33 percent, so sellers may have erased trouble signs—demand a fresh scan and receipts for any recent work. Spot active leaks or unexplained repairs and either walk or cut the price sharply; the powertrain decides whether this one is worth it.
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 (69%), cracked or torn suspension bushings (46%), low coolant / cooling system issues (31%). Have these checked before buying.
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Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 33% 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 39 inspections · updated Aug 12, 2026
