WHAT'S THE BEST MODEL YEAR FOR THE SUBARU FORESTER?

When it comes to compact SUVs, the Subaru Forester has long been a favorite among drivers who value practicality, safety, and dependability. Known for its ruggedness, the Forester competes against other popular models like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5. However, while all Foresters share the brand's commitment to reliability, not all model years are created equal. In this article, we'll explore the best Subaru Forester years for reliability, highlighting key model years that have proven to stand the test of time. We'll also touch on a few Subaru Forester years to avoid, based on common issues and owner complaints.

Subaru Forester History

The Subaru Forester made its debut in 1997, positioned between the compact Impreza and the larger Legacy, enhancing Subaru's diverse lineup that also includes the sporty WRX, the versatile Crosstrek, and the family-friendly Outback. Subaru has always been known for its all-wheel-drive prowess, and the Forester quickly became a standout with its rugged capability, spacious interior, and reliable performance. Over the years, the Forester has evolved through multiple generations, consistently improving in technology, safety, and overall driving experience, making it a top choice for both families and adventurers.

As of the end of 2023, Subaru has sold over 2.6 million Foresters in the United States alone. Worldwide, the Forester's popularity has contributed significantly to Subaru's global sales, with the model surpassing over four million units sold since its introduction in 1997. These numbers are just a notch under the most popular Subaru nameplate; the Subaru Outback is the best-selling and most popular Subaru vehicle, with over six million units sold globally. The Forester's popularity is wide-ranging, appealing to everyone from outdoor enthusiasts to families looking for a versatile and reliable vehicle.

The Best Subaru Forester Model Years

When it comes to choosing the best Subaru Forester model years, reliability and overall performance stand out as key factors. Over the years, certain Forester models have gained a reputation for their exceptional durability, advanced safety features, and robust all-wheel-drive systems. These models have consistently delivered on Subaru's promise of reliability, making them the top picks for anyone seeking a vehicle that can handle both everyday commutes and weekend adventures with confidence. Here are three Forester years that truly shine in terms of ownership experience and long-term dependability.

2008 Subaru Forester

Despite being an older model, the 2008 Subaru Forester remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and affordable vehicle and represents one of the best Forester years for dependability. As the last model of the second generation, the 2008 Forester was well-sorted with few owner complaints and only one recall. This model year is particularly noted for its durability, with many owners reporting trouble-free experiences even after years of ownership.

2008 Subaru Forester Key Details:

• Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder or 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder
• Horsepower: 173-224 hp
• Fuel Economy: 22 mpg combined (2.5L)
• Notable Features: Practical, AWD, spacious interior with generous cargo volume, good visibility through large windows

2016 Subaru Forester

Of all the fourth-generation Subaru Foresters, the 2016 model has the lowest number of complaints logged on Car Complaints. This model year hit a sweet spot between performance, comfort, and dependability, especially if you have found one with a six-speed manual transmission. Powered by either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four, the 2016 Forester offers a balanced mix of power and fuel efficiency, achieving up to 31 mpg on the highway.

One of the standout features of the 2016 Forester is its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Off-Pavement Control Systems. Also, there is the inclusion of Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This advanced safety suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking, helped the Forester earn top safety ratings from the IIHS. Additionally, the 2016 model has fewer complaints compared to its predecessors, with owners reporting minimal issues related to engine or transmission reliability.

2016 Subaru Forester Key Details:

• Engines: 2.5L or 2.0L turbo four-cylinder
• Horsepower: 170-250 hp
• Fuel Economy: 27 mpg combined (2.5L automatic)
• Notable Features: EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, AWD, spacious interior

2002 Subaru Forester

Although it's now over two decades old, the first-generation Subaru Forester stands out with a low number of overall complaints relative to its successors. It may not be as advanced or sophisticated as newer variants, but perhaps because of this simplicity, these Foresters have a low number of complaints. The 2002 model has only ten issues logged on Car Complaints and only a single recall on the NHTSA. Back then, the flat-four engine made 165 hp, not far behind far newer non-turbo Foresters; its output is better than many rivals from the same period. Even in 2002, the Forester impressed with better-than-average crash test scores, but you won't find features like adaptive cruise control that have become commonplace. If you can find a well-kept example with low miles, this is a very affordable and reliable SUV.

2002 Subaru Forester Key Details:

• Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder
• Horsepower: 165 hp
• Fuel Economy: 21 mpg combined
• Notable Features: Fully independent suspension, standard AWD, high crash test scores

Other Reliable Subaru Forester Years To Consider

Besides the three models covered above, the following Subaru Forester model years also have a low number of overall complaints:

• 19982007
• 20122013*
• 20212022

*2012 and 2013 models have a low number of complaints but a high number of recalls. We recommend investigating whether these recall-related issues have been resolved if you are interested in a 2012 or 2013 Forester.

Subaru Forester Years To Avoid

The following Subaru Forester model years have a poorer reliability record with a higher number of issues faced by owners. Let's take a closer look at what these issues are.

2009 Subaru Forester

The 2009 Subaru Forester marked the beginning of the third generation, and while it introduced a more refined design, it also came with its fair share of issues. Notably, this model has 18 recalls, more than any other Forester model year in the SUV's history; nine of these recalls relate to airbag issues that affected numerous Subaru models, including the Impreza and Legacy. The most common complaints about the 2009 model relate to head gasket failures, a problem that has plagued Subaru vehicles for years. Additionally, the 2009 Forester was known for its faulty air conditioning system and frequent issues with the engine's cooling system, leading to overheating.

2009 Subaru Forester Common Issues:

• Head gasket failures
• Cooling system problems
• Faulty air conditioning
• Airbag-related recalls

2014 Subaru Forester

While the fourth generation brought many improvements to the Forester lineup, the first-year 2014 production model of the fourth generation is one to avoid. Most of the vehicles were equipped with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which owners of the 2014 Forester have reported numerous issues with. Problems with the CVT often led to expensive repairs or even complete transmission replacements. Additionally, the 2014 model had a higher-than-average number of complaints regarding excessive oil consumption, which could lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.

2014 Subaru Forester Common Issues:

• CVT failures
• Excessive oil consumption
• Engine problems

2015 Subaru Forester

The 2015 Subaru Forester, though part of the same fourth-generation lineup as the more reliable 2016 model, is another year to be cautious about. The 2015 model year experienced many of the same problems as the 2014 version and is frequently cited for its issues with excessive oil consumption and problems with the CVT. Owners have reported that the CVT in the 2015 Forester often requires costly repairs or replacement, and excessive oil consumption can lead to significant engine damage if not closely monitored.

2015 Subaru Forester Common Issues:

• Excessive oil consumption
• CVT problems
• Engine reliability concerns

Other Subaru Forester Model Years To Avoid

On the NHTSA specifically, the 2019 Forester has racked up almost 800 complaints, which is more than any other model year. We recommend steering clear of this early fifth-generation Forester.

Summary

The Subaru Forester has earned its stripes as a reliable and capable vehicle, with certain years shining brighter than others. While models like the 2002, 2008, and 2016 Foresters have set the standard for reliability, some years are better left in the rearview mirror. If you're shopping for a used Forester, doing a little bit of homework, checking up on previous owners' reports and complaints, and identifying the bad apples of the bunch will help make well informed. Choosing wisely can lead to a driving experience that's as smooth as the trails this SUV loves to tackle. And remember, with the right Forester, you're not just getting a car—you are getting a trusty companion ready to take on your next adventure, whether it's a cross-country road trip or a spontaneous weekend in the mountains. After all, the best journeys start with a reliable ride.

2024-09-07T13:03:25Z dg43tfdfdgfd