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    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Forester will be much more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from the 2025 model.

    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 Subaru Forester owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Cracked windshield"

    Anonymous, WV (2021 Subaru Forester Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Battery died after 30 months satellite sensor malfunction after 36 months."

    Anonymous, ME (2021 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "SIDEWALL TIRE PUNCTURE REQUIRED 4 NEW TIRES BECAUSE CAR IS AWD WITH NARROW RANGE OF ACCEPTABLE"

    Anonymous, HI (2021 Subaru Forester Standard 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Battery died 3 times in the cold. Had to replace battery 3 times but was under warranty. Subaru said problem was I didnt drive it enough in winter"

    Anonymous, BC (2021 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "There was a rattling at slow speed in the left front tire. I felt the vibration in the steering wheel."

    Anonymous, TX (2021 Subaru Forester Standard 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Fender-bender accident"

    Anonymous, VA (2021 Subaru Forester Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "I'm about to replace the windshield for the 2nd time in three years. Seems like the materials used in this windshield may be faulty or fragile. Driving for 50 years. Replace one windshield prior in a car prior to replacing this one twice. It's a concern."

    Anonymous, TX (2021 Subaru Forester Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Thermal control valve failure"

    Anonymous A., IN (2021 Subaru Forester Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "tail gate hinge"

    Anonymous, NH (2021 Subaru Forester Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "AM radio faded in and out. Antenna was replaced but problem never resolved"

    Anonymous A., ON (2021 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Android Auto

    "While driving the android auto cuts off on its own. I go over a bump in the road and it goes out. I have to pull over and turn off the car and restart for android auto to work again. Sometimes, most times it does the same thing again and the Android auto app goes out on the screen and doesn't come back so I can't use it at all. I have had the car dealership look into it. They said I needed an update to the app. The update they did actually made things worse. So I am about to take the car to the dealership again for the same problem"

    Anonymous A., VA (2021 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Android auto drops out for no apparent reason, and will not pair at all via bluetooth."

    Anonymous, MI (2021 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Sometimes Android Auto does not connect or it connects then disconnects."

    Anonymous A., NJ (2021 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Display screen freezes up

    "From time of purchase the display periodically freezes and requires a hard reset to reboot"

    Anonymous A., TX (2021 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Display screen goes blank

    "The display screen went blank and I could not control anything electronic in the vehicle. The vehicle did continue to operate. I shut down and restarted and the problem remained. After getting home I shut down and restarted about 30 minutes later and the problem had fixed itself. This has happened 3 times since owning the vehicle. The last time was probably about 9 months ago."

    Anonymous, GA (2021 Subaru Forester Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

    "Even when hardwired using a USB cable connected to my phone it will not connect. I have bout at least 10 new cables in the last year and they work ok for about a week or so then stop connecting. I buy apple cords and not the cheap ones. I like to use Waze on my phone and connect it to the screen somedays I have to just rely on my phone because it refuses to show. This is particulary annoying because I drive a lot for work and use it often. Sometimes it I shut off the car and start it again it will connect. If I connect my phone before I start the car it will never connect, I either have to shut off the car or umplug my phone from the USB and recoonect. Sometimes that will fix it but sometimes not. I asked the Subaru dealer and was told "I have never heard of that and do not know what the problem could be"!"

    Anonymous A., TX (2021 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    "Phone will only pair with cable attachment, not by bluetooth."

    Anonymous, MI (2021 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Simply won't connect some days, wired or bluetooth"

    Anonymous A., TX (2021 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Radio

    "Fades in and out"

    Anonymous A., ON (2021 Subaru Forester Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Radio has regular AM/FM plus SiriusXM. Driving around town where I do most of my driving, the radio loses its signal and cuts out. If I hit the touchscreen it often comes back, sometimes for a short time only. Its annoying because in the first year of ownership it was a rare problem, now it happens daily. I cant even switch to AM/FM because everything seems to go through the state kite system as XM. I asked Subaru about it on a recent service call and they couldnt help, so I will live with it. If I drive out of the city , the reception is much better."

    Anonymous A., CA (2021 Subaru Forester Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Antilock braking system (ABS)

    "Brakes would activate when i was trying to maneuver out of the way and almost caused an accident instead of avoiding one. This happened twice."

    Anonymous, CA (2021 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Premature brake wear

    "All brake pads and rotors wore out at 32000 miles such that vehicle failed state inspection."

    Anonymous, VT (2021 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "The Brake Rotors all needed replacing before 30000 miles. So did the calipers (brake pads), this is not unusual, but needing all four brake rotors to be replaced before 30000 miles is crazy!"

    Anonymous, NY (2021 Subaru Forester Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Rotors

    "Not catastrophic at all. 58k miles. Routine wear n tear. Had a couple of months to act. No danger at all"

    Anonymous A., FL (2021 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Rotors needed replacing before 30000 miles"

    Anonymous, NY (2021 Subaru Forester Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    "After 3 weeks of not driving, battery died and COULD NOT BE CHARGED IN SPITE OF SEVERAL ATTENMPTS. Had to replace at outrageous cost of $500."

    Anonymous, QC (2021 Subaru Forester Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Car turned off at intersection and had took 2 tries to restart. Dealer replaced battery with one that had a greater amount of power indicating that the original battery was underpowered."

    Anonymous, TX (2021 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Keyless entry

    "On a number of occasions, the Key Fob did not work until numerous tries. After review at the dealer, the problem seems to have been resolved."

    Anonymous, VA (2021 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "dead battery in key fob. Replaced by Subaru dealer at no charge."

    Anonymous A., MI (2021 Subaru Forester Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Other electrical system problem

    "The auto start/stop. Car would not restart at intersections. Then after putting in park and pressing ignition button it would restart. We replaced the battery ourselves and it corrected the problem."

    Anonymous, DE (2021 Subaru Forester Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other noises & leaks problem

    "I think it has faulty door gaskets/seals."

    Anonymous A., NY (2021 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Its just start one month ago . I just have change oil last 3 weeks and they say they did 27 inspections but they did not hear the noise or squeak sound . When I told them they say its not cover by warrantys. So I have to pay 280 . I told them it just 28,000 miles only ."

    Anonymous A., (2021 Subaru Forester Standard 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Squeaks or rattles

    "Sounds like the wheel is making a bad bumping noise irregularly. Dealer has not been able to identify or recreate"

    Anonymous A., OH (2021 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Only have had car for 1 month. Some rattle located between left dash and front door."

    Anonymous, CO (2021 Subaru Forester Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Not sure why it rattles so bad when going over a surface that is slightly irregular (not pot holes but cracks in the road)"

    Anonymous, MO (2021 Subaru Forester Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Other steering/suspension problem

    "Original tire blew out on freeway. Was able to safely stoop vehicle on shoulder. Dealer replaced tire under warrantee."

    Anonymous A., CA (2021 Subaru Forester Standard 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Wheel bearings

    "Rear wheel bearings went out at about 75,000 miles. These are not covered under warranty and is a common problem. It did cost less than conventional wheel bearings to replace. It was evident by the increased noise coming from the rear wheels."

    Anonymous, IN (2021 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Loud growling noise and rear vibration caused by defective bearings on both sides of the rear axle. Replaced bearings at 29000 miles."

    Anonymous, VT (2021 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Right rear wheel bearing noise at 52000 miles, replaced under warranty."

    Anonymous, NY (2021 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Other body problem

    "The driver's seat was uneven. It leaned to the right slightly. After a few months I took it to the dealership and they said it was fine. I took it back two more times and they finally replaced the seat. It is okay now but be careful replacing a seat. I was without a car for two days"

    Anonymous A., VA (2021 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "The fake leather trim on the outer cushion of the Driver's Seat on my Forester Sport split open at 32000 miles. I spoke with Dealership who sent the photo and estimate to Subaru America. The seat replacement was estimated at $1830. Subaru America informed me that they were able to lower the cost to $1500 and I would only need to cover $250 of the cost. This is for a seat that I can purchase from Subaru for $450.00! After much back and forth, Subaru America remained firm and would fully cover the cost to repair/replace the seat tear. I refused to have it fixed as this is not a consumer abuse issue but rather a defect in the materials Subaru is using for the seats now. As I told Subaru America, I've owned 8 Subarus during my time driving, with the first being a 1979 Subaru Brat, and this is the first time I ever had a seat tear. I love Subarus and have been a loyal owner over the years, but this colored my view of them going forward. Not sure I will buy another even though I like the Forester so much for its visability, versatility, and ease in getting in and out."

    Anonymous, FL (2021 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Seat controls - power

    "The panel that holds the power seat buttons keeps coming detached from the side of the seat. We had it fixed 2 times already but it happened again."

    Anonymous, PA (2021 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Tailgate, hatch or trunk

    "It does not open all the way automatically and when I manually open it it keeps beeping obnoxiously at me."

    Anonymous A., NJ (2021 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Blower (fan) motor

    "Approx. 2 months ago, the blower motor started making a clicking noise and surging, sometimes unable to reach max speed"

    Anonymous, OK (2021 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Condenser

    "A/C stopped working, replaced a gasket and replaced the refrigerant, 1 week later the a/c stopped working and this time replaced the condenser replaced the refrigerant and now Im hoping that the problem is resolved."

    Anonymous, QC (2021 Subaru Forester Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Other climate system problem

    "Not other climate system other entirely. The starter has failed to auto start the vehicle approx 3-4 times since purchase of the vehicle, requiring the vehicle to be placed in park and restarted. It also often acts as if it is going to fail and then the vehicle starts at seemingly the last second. It is now in the shop for warranty replacement."

    Anonymous, OK (2021 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "AC Fluid was leaking into the dash. The whole dash had to be removed to repair."

    Anonymous A., MN (2021 Subaru Forester Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Other major transmission & clutch problem

    "It just seems like sometimes the automatic transmission system doesn't catch or something? Like I Push the button and shift from parking to reverse But the car won't move and I have to shift back into park and then try again to get into reverse. Happens about 1% of the time"

    Anonymous A., CA (2021 Subaru Forester Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "Transmission had to be replaced at 36900 miles with a new transmission, but Subaru is not providing a new warranty for the new transmission"

    Anonymous, TX (2021 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Car began making a noise at approximately 33000. I brought it to dealer who determined it was the transmission. They replaced it with a new one. No problem since."

    Anonymous A., NJ (2021 Subaru Forester Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Other engine cooling problem

    "Transmission monitor guage or control, malfunctioned causing many warning lights to come on and issues with changing gears."

    Anonymous, ME (2021 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Thermostat

    "There is a faulty temperature sensor for the Subaru models now cover by extended warranty however, Subaru has not notified people and the car just left me stranded in the middle of the road"

    Anonymous, CT (2021 Subaru Forester Standard 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "There is a factory defect requiring Subaru to extend warranty period due to defect. They are not replacing with redesigned part."

    Anonymous, FL (2021 Subaru Forester Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "The trim in the wheel well on both sides has warn and hangs down rubbing the tire. The dealer says its a bad design and nothing holds it in place. I had to glue it so it doesnt flop around causing a huge distraction."

    Anonymous A., OH (2021 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Loose interior trim or moldings

    "Chrome trim on window control has chipped/peeled off to reveal the white plastic underneath. Dealership said was due to using hand sanitizer. With that said, also have a 2020 Hyundai that we use more and had longer that doesn't have that issue. I believe it's a quality control issue."

    Anonymous, FL (2021 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "The engine broke a piston rod while driving uphill on I-80 near Donner Pass and the engine was not operable. It took Subaru almost 4 months to replace the engine with a new one. I was not informed why the engine broke, but I suspect it was the transmission allowing the engine to reverse over 4,500 rpm when it slipped."

    Anonymous, CA (2021 Subaru Forester Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Alternator

    "I just dont know if the ultimatum needed to be replaced or the shop did figure out what the issue was with the major breakdown"

    Anonymous, CT (2021 Subaru Forester Standard 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2021 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    09*
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    NA
    NA

    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
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