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Subaru Forester: common problems & condition

46
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections
56/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/100
50%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 56%



Across 46 used Subaru Foresters we inspected, this model scores noticeably below average — average condition 56/100 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
72%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
46%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
28%
Signs of recent repair · Engine
26%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
22%

Share of inspected Subaru Foresters where each item was flagged.

How they score

Excellent 17% Good 33% Mediocre 24% Poor 26%
Hidden history

What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.

70%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
2%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
37%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 24%
How long does a Forester stay good?
Good cars by mileage
0 25 50 75 100 40–60k mi: 60% in good shape (5 cars) 60–80k mi: 100% in good shape (5 cars) 80–100k mi: 83% in good shape (6 cars) 100–120k mi: 50% in good shape (8 cars) 120–140k mi: 14% in good shape (7 cars) 140–160k mi: 20% in good shape (10 cars) 40k 80k 120k 160k 200k mileage when we inspected it

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.

What else does ~$13k buy? A used Subaru Forester typically sells for around $12,678 — compare the odds of getting a good SUV across every make at that budget. Compare →
More on Subaru
Outback 41 cars · 61% good

Other Subaru models we've inspected — or see the full Subaru profile.

Straight from recent Subaru Forester reports

2017 Subaru Forester · 143k mi — flagged: abnormal noise, oil leaks, oil sludge. Inspected Oct 9.
2024 Subaru Forester · 66k mi — flagged: oil leaks, anti-lock braking system. Inspected Oct 2.
The bottom line

This Forester is an engine-first gamble: oil leaks show on 72 percent of them, often traveling with cooling trouble, recent engine work, and fuel-trim problems. Start under the car and at the coolant reservoir, then scan before anyone turns the key—cleared codes hit 37 percent, so a quiet dash is not a clean bill of health. Cracked suspension bushings are the other regular, so load the corners and look. If you find wet oil plus a freshly reset computer, treat the asking price as unfinished repair and either get it discounted or walk.

FAQ
?
Is the Subaru Forester reliable?
50% of the 46 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 56/100 — it scores noticeably below average.
?
What are the most common problems on a used Subaru Forester?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (72%), cracked or torn suspension bushings (46%), low coolant / cooling system issues (28%). Have these checked before buying.
?
Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 37% 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 46 inspections · updated Oct 11, 2026