Subaru Forester Reviews

Purchased a 2023 Forester new. Vehicle developed an oil leak at 30,000 miles. Took it to the dealer and was told that 3 of 4 spark plug tube seals were torn and causing the leak. Had to waste a day off to get the repair done. Completely unacceptable!! No vehicle should have that issue at only 30,000 miles. Also had a 2018 outback that had two rear wheel bearings fail. I will never purchase another Subaru ever!!! Poor quality. Never had these issues with the Toyotas and Shondas I’ve owned.

Had issues with the brakes locking up as I enter a car wash. They lock up as soon I am in and put the car in neutral. Before I enter, I turn off the pre collision braking system, the Auto Start, and Auto Vehicle Hold. Also, the TomTom maps that came installed has a few issues. The speed limit displayed on the dash is wrong a fair amount of the times, gives wrong route info, for example, going around the wrong way on traffic circle on Babcock Ranch. I talked to the dealer, Subaru Corporate Headquarters in Camden, NJ, no help at all.

I was so excited to purchase my 2021 Subaru Forester in October 2024. I performed all of the research and thought I was buying a reputable, safe vehicle for my family to have for many years. Over the past year, I have greatly changed my opinion on this vehicle. I cannot simply get into my car and drive. As one gets in and checks their mirrors and puts their seatbelt on there are also other tasks that I must do in order to not be frustrated on my drive.

Please be aware of Subaru`s engine issues!!! I bought a Subaru Forester five years ago and have had engine issues twice already. Subaru of America declines to fix it for the second one, which cost me thousands. The warranty covered only up to five years and expected more engine issues as time goes on. Engine issues cost you more than you expect. Stay away from this kind of car.

I've been the sole owner of a 2016 Subaru Forester. I'm currently having a continuous CVT parking brake switch problem where my Subaru key cannot be removed from the ignition when the vehicle is in park. I was told by the Subaru dealership that's been seen a lot and by my mechanic on Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Crosstrek, WRX, and Forester models. I was told today that my vehicle is not under warranty to have this work done.

As someone who chose Subaru for their reputation of reliability and customer care, I’m extremely disappointed by how I’ve been treated throughout my recent experience. My vehicle has had a recurring issue with the auto start/stop function stalling in heavy traffic – a serious safety concern. I’ve had this issue “fixed” three separate times, and yet the problem persists. Each time, I hoped it would be resolved, but it’s clear this is a deeper issue that Subaru is either unable or unwilling to properly address. What’s worse is the response I received from Subaru’s corporate office. Instead of offering any real help, they dismissed my concerns and offered only a “goodwill voucher” – but this voucher can only be used toward purchasing or leasing a new vehicle. That’s not a solution; it’s a sales pitch.

So disappointed in Subaru. Had such a good feeling about the company but they still can't make a decent windshield (even after settling the previous lawsuit regarding windshields). I've had my 2025 Subaru Forester Touring Hybrid less than 2 months and it has a crack on the driver's side all the way to the rear view mirror. Sewell Subaru said they see an impact mark and so it's not covered and they want $3,170 to replace the windshield and re-calibrate the mirrors. I don't see an impact mark. I called the Subaru line and they took down my information and will supposedly contact me within 2 days. Also, there is NO ETA on an actual replacement windshield. I've tried glass shops and they can't get one either. I wish I had kept her estimate paper so I could add it here but I didn't. SO disappointed!

2014 Forester Limited. *Engine uses oil. This has been a trend with this entire model year. Subaru has no remedy. 2 to 3 quarts between changes. (140000 miles) It has been this way since purchase. *Rear wheel bearing failed at (49500 miles), Replaced by Subaru. It again failed at (130000 miles). *Loose parts vibrating/rattling since shortly after purchase.

I purchased a Subaru Forester Wilderness in 2022 and have absolutely loved it up until last month. The very delicate windshield has several cracks in it and after several failed attempts at the dealership and a customer service call today in which I was informed that there are no windshield anywhere in the country… There is nothing that they can do. I was advised not to drive my car when I expressed concern about the safety. I’m pretty sure Subaru can do better than this.

I just learned that my touchscreen, which Subaru calls a radio, is dead. Only 40,000 km on my 2021 Forester. No warranty & new replacement cost in the thousands. I called the ‘escalated complaints’ line and person was non-helpful and condescending. The dealer is trying to help. This is NOT a dealer issue. There is already a class action lawsuit in the USA because Subaru not addressing this problem. One would expect that Subaru Canada would address the issue before a class action is launched here. Not happening (yet).