2025 Subaru Forester
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 101 |
| 1999 | 131 |
| 2000 | 75 |
| 2001 | 139 |
| 2002 | 88 |
| 2003 | 189 |
| 2004 | 219 |
| 2005 | 93 |
| 2006 | 88 |
| 2007 | 72 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 178 |
| 2010 | 262 |
| 2011 | 147 |
| 2012 | 105 |
| 2013 | 77 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 613 |
| 2016 | 411 |
| 2017 | 586 |
| 2018 | 493 |
| 2019 | 832 |
| 2020 | 600 |
| 2021 | 207 |
| 2022 | 98 |
| 2023 | 73 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 93 |
| 2026 | 20 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
17% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
CRASH14% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 13 distinct reports on file.
14% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 8 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.
INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles equipped with 18" aluminum alloy wheels.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the wheels, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRB-25.
Campaign 25V033000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles. The child seat anchor bolts may have been improperly tightened, allowing the bolts to come loose.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the child seat anchor bolts and, if necessary, tighten the bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 25V419000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles.
Remedy: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed August 25, 2026.
Campaign 26V436000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2025 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 25V033000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V419000 (child seat) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V436000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2025 Subaru Forester reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2025 Subaru Forester is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Subaru Forester?
The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2025 Subaru Forester have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.