--- title: "Subaru Forester Problems and Years to Avoid" description: "How the Subaru Forester problems and recalls specification changed from 2012 to 2026, compared generation by generation. 1 documented problems with the Subaru Forester, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 1 carry a recall or TSB number." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/common-problems" updated: "2026-08-21" --- # Subaru Forester Common Problems and Years to Avoid The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes. ## Has the Subaru Forester problems and recalls specification changed by year? | Model years | Documented issues | Serious | With a recall or TSB | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [2025-2026](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2025-2026/common-problems) | 1 | 0 | 1 | | [2019-2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019-2024/common-problems) | 5 | 0 | 4 | | [2014-2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/common-problems) | 6 | 3 | 4 | | [2012-2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2012-2013/common-problems) | 5 | 2 | 3 | ## Full specifications by generation The problems and recalls on a Subaru Forester is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers. - [2025-2026 Subaru Forester Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2025-2026/common-problems) - [2019-2024 Subaru Forester Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019-2024/common-problems) - [2014-2018 Subaru Forester Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/common-problems) - [2012-2013 Subaru Forester Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2012-2013/common-problems) ## Subaru Forester problems and recalls: common questions ### What are the most common problems with the Subaru Forester? The recurring ones are: parasitic battery drain (ongoing litigation, may extend to this generation). Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost. ### Are there recalls on the Subaru Forester? 1 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: Taylor, et al. v. Subaru of America, Inc., No. 2:26-cv-4935 (D.N.J.), pending as of 2026 (parasitic battery drain (ongoing litigation, may extend to this generation)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding. ### How much do Subaru Forester repairs typically cost? Typical figures for the issues above: parasitic battery drain (ongoing litigation, may extend to this generation), Unclear pending litigation outcome; a $150-$300 battery swap resolves symptoms without addressing a root-cause drain if one exists. ## Sources - [Wikipedia, Subaru Forester generations (SL)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Forester) - [Subaru Media, Subaru debuts all-new 2025 Forester SUV (press release)](https://media.subaru.com/pressrelease/2123/1/subaru-debuts-all-new-2025-forester-suv-new) - [Car and Driver, Tested: 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid (specs, mpg, curb weight, tire size)](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a64352235/2025-subaru-forester-hybrid-drive/) - [AMSOIL lookup, 2025 Forester 2.5L FB25D oil spec/capacity (0W-16, 4.6 qt)](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2025/subaru/forester/2-5l-4-cyl-engine-code-fb25d-1/) - [sportsubarusouth.com, Subaru Forester oil type by model year (2025, incl. S:HEV hybrid)](https://www.sportsubarusouth.com/subaru-research/subaru-forester-oil-type/) - [KBB, 2025 Subaru Forester specs (180 hp across trims)](https://www.kbb.com/subaru/forester/2025/specs/) - [Subaru.com, 2025 Forester Hybrid Edition (194 combined hp, e-CVT)](https://www.subaru.com/vehicles/forester/hybrid/2025.html) - [classaction.org, Subaru lawsuit: 2019-2025 vehicles, parasitic battery drain (Taylor v. Subaru)](https://www.classaction.org/news/subaru-lawsuit-says-2019-2025-vehicles-plagued-by-electrical-system-defect-causing-parasitic-battery-drain) - [Conley Subaru, Forester lug nut torque by model year](https://www.conleysubaru.com/subaru-research/subaru-forester-lug-nut-torque/) ## Find your exact Forester - [2026](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2026) - [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2025) - [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2024) - [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2023) - [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2022) - [2021](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2021) - [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2020) - [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019) - [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2018) - [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2017) - [2016](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2016) - [2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2015) - [2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014) - [2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2013) - [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2012) More Subaru Forester guides: - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/service-schedule) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.