Subaru Forester Years to Avoid and Best Years to Buy

The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV produced since 1998 that earns praise for its standard all-wheel drive and boxer engine — but three model years have oil consumption and CVT problems severe enough to avoid entirely.

Not every Subaru Forester model year is worth buying. The years to avoid are 2011, 2014, and 2015.

NHTSA complaint data shows the 2011 and 2014 Forester have the highest complaint rates of any model years, primarily due to a piston ring defect that burns through oil. Subaru settled a class action lawsuit over this issue.

I’ve reviewed the complaint data on every Forester model year, and here’s what the numbers actually show. The FB25 engine’s oil consumption problem defines the worst Subaru Forester years.

This guide covers which Subaru Forester years to avoid, the specific problems per model year, common Forester issues, reliability ratings, recall history, and the best years to buy instead.

Which Subaru Forester Years Should You Avoid?

The 2011, 2014, and 2015 Subaru Forester are the three model years to avoid, based on NHTSA complaint density and the severity of oil consumption and CVT transmission issues.

The 2011 Forester burns through oil at an alarming rate due to the FB25 engine’s piston ring defect. The 2014 combines the same oil consumption problem with new CVT complaints.

The 2015 Subaru Forester carries forward CVT hesitation and shudder problems starting as early as 15,000 miles. A CVT replacement costs $6,000-$8,000.

Subaru settled a class action lawsuit over the oil consumption issue — that should tell you how widespread it was.

Let’s start with the worst offender — the 2011 Forester.

What Problems Does the 2011 Subaru Forester Have?

The 2011 Subaru Forester has the worst oil consumption problem of any model year, with owners reporting their FB25 2.5L boxer engine burning through a quart of oil every 1,000-1,500 miles.

Oil burning starts at 30,000-60,000 miles on the 2011 Forester. That’s far too early for an engine that should run 200,000+ miles.

Catalytic converter failure follows at 70,000-100,000 miles. Oil contamination from the FB25 clogs the converter, costing $1,200-$2,500 to replace.

Subaru acknowledged this defect with a class action settlement covering piston ring replacement. The repair runs $2,500-$4,000 out of pocket if you’re not covered.

I see dealers list these at $8K+. With the oil consumption risk, you’re gambling on a $2,500-$4,000 engine repair.

A 2016+ Subaru Forester costs similar money with none of the oil consumption risk.

Frank’s Verdict: AVOID The 2011 Forester’s oil consumption problem is well-documented and expensive to fix. A 2016+ model costs similar money with none of the risk.

Does the 2011 Forester Burn Oil?

Yes, the 2011 Subaru Forester has a documented oil consumption defect in the FB25 2.5L boxer engine. Undersized piston ring drain holes allow oil to bypass into the combustion chamber.

The burn rate reaches 1 quart per 1,000-1,500 miles on affected vehicles. Normal oil consumption is 1 quart per 3,000-5,000 miles.

Catalytic converter failure is the secondary damage. Oil contamination destroys the converter, triggering a check engine light and emissions failure.

What Happens If You Ignore Forester Oil Consumption?

Ignoring oil consumption in the 2011 Forester leads to engine knocking at 40,000-80,000 miles, catalytic converter failure at 70,000-100,000 miles costing $1,200-$2,500, and potential complete engine failure.

The escalation path is predictable. Low oil triggers knocking, knocking accelerates bearing wear, bearing failure kills the engine.

Catalytic converter replacement alone costs $1,200-$2,500 on the Subaru Forester. Engine replacement runs $4,000-$6,000.

Checking the dipstick every 500 miles is not a maintenance plan. It’s a warning sign that the car needs a new engine.

What Problems Does the 2014 Subaru Forester Have?

The 2014 Subaru Forester combines the same FB25 oil consumption defect found in the 2011 with new CVT transmission complaints, making it the model year with the widest range of serious problems.

Oil consumption appears at 25,000-50,000 miles on the 2014 Forester. CVT hesitation and jerking start even earlier — at 20,000-40,000 miles.

The 2014 was the first year of Gen4 with CVT as standard equipment. First-year platform risk plus a known engine defect is a dangerous combination.

Windshield cracking and AC compressor failure at 50,000-80,000 miles round out the 2014 Forester’s complaint list. AC repair costs $800-$1,500.

Same oil-burning engine as the 2011, plus a brand-new CVT that hadn’t been proven yet.

The 2015 improved slightly but still has CVT concerns.

Frank’s Verdict: AVOID Same oil-burning engine as the 2011, plus a brand-new CVT that hadn’t been proven yet. The 2016 fixed both issues.

Does the 2014 Forester Have CVT Problems?

Yes, the 2014 Subaru Forester was the first Forester model year with a CVT as standard equipment. Owners report hesitation during acceleration and jerking at low speeds starting at 20,000-40,000 miles.

The CVT issue on the 2014 Forester splits into software and hardware categories. A software reflash costs $100-$300 at the dealer. Full CVT replacement runs $6,000-$8,000.

Telling the difference matters. Hesitation that a software update fixes is a $200 problem. Hesitation that persists after the reflash means hardware failure is coming.

What Problems Does the 2015 Subaru Forester Have?

The 2015 Subaru Forester carries forward the CVT hesitation and shudder problems from the 2014, with owners reporting the transmission stumbles in stop-and-go traffic starting as early as 15,000 miles.

Oil consumption improved over the 2011 and 2014 models. The CVT shudder became the 2015 Forester’s defining problem instead.

Windshield cracking complaints and Starlink infotainment freezing are secondary issues on the 2015 Subaru Forester. Neither is expensive, but both are annoying.

The 2015 is the least bad of the three avoid years. The CVT shudder is annoying enough and expensive enough to repair ($3,000-$5,000 if it fails) that I can’t recommend it when the 2016 exists.

The 2016-2018 models fixed this problem entirely.

Frank’s Verdict: AVOID CVT shudder at 15,000 miles on a new car is unacceptable. The 2016-2018 models fixed this.

What Problems Does the 2009 Subaru Forester Have?

The 2009 Subaru Forester was the first year of the Gen3 redesign and carries the older EJ25 engine’s head gasket vulnerability, with failures typically appearing between 80,000-120,000 miles.

Head gasket repair on the 2009 Forester costs $1,500-$2,500. The EJ25 boxer engine design makes this a labor-intensive job that most shops charge 8-10 hours for.

First-year platform issues on the Gen3 include AC system complaints and valve cover gasket leaks at 60,000+ miles. These are moderate costs, not dealbreakers.

The 2009 Subaru Forester isn’t terrible. The head gasket issue is well-known, and a good mechanic can spot the early signs — coolant seepage and sweet exhaust smell.

The 2004 Subaru Forester also carries CAUTION status. Same EJ25 head gasket failures at 80,000-120,000 miles on the Gen2 platform.

If records show the head gasket has been replaced, the 2009 can be a decent budget buy.

Frank’s Verdict: CAUTION Head gasket is the known risk. If records show it’s been replaced, this is a reasonable buy. If not, budget $1,500-$2,500 for the repair.

What About the 2012-2013 Subaru Forester?

The 2012 and 2013 Subaru Forester share the same FB25 engine as the problematic 2011, and while oil consumption reports are less severe, they still carry moderate risk.

Oil consumption appears at 40,000-70,000 miles on the 2012-2013 Forester. The burn rate is lower than the 2011 or 2014 but still above normal.

Bluetooth connectivity failures and minor electrical glitches round out the complaint list for these model years. Neither is expensive to fix.

The 2012-2013 aren’t as bad as the 2011 or 2014 Subaru Forester. The FB25 oil consumption concern is still present — just less severe.

If you’re shopping in this price range, the 2016-2018 is a much safer bet.

Frank’s Verdict: CAUTION Less oil consumption than 2011/2014, but the FB25 risk is still there. Budget for oil monitoring.

These individual year problems feed into larger patterns across the Subaru Forester lineup.

What Are the Most Common Subaru Forester Problems?

The most common Subaru Forester problems across all model years are excessive oil consumption, head gasket failure, CVT transmission issues, and AC compressor failure — though severity depends heavily on which generation you buy.

Subaru makes great AWD systems. The boxer engine and CVT have documented weak points you need to know about before buying any Forester.

These problem patterns map directly onto the year-by-year reliability picture.

Are Subaru Forester Head Gaskets Still a Problem?

Subaru Forester head gasket failures primarily affect the EJ25 engine used in 1999-2010 models, costing $1,500-$2,500 to repair. The FB25 engine used from 2011 onward largely eliminated this specific failure.

The good news: if you buy a 2011+ Subaru Forester, head gaskets aren’t your concern. The bad news: the FB25 replaced head gaskets with oil consumption as the primary engine problem.

The EJ25 head gasket fails because the gasket material degrades between the cylinders. External coolant leaks appear first, followed by internal leaks that mix coolant and oil.

How Serious Are Forester CVT Problems?

Subaru Forester CVT problems range from minor software-related hesitation fixable with a $100-$300 dealer reflash, to complete CVT failure requiring $6,000-$8,000 replacement — most common in 2014-2015 models.

The CVT is Subaru’s biggest reliability question mark on the Forester. When it works, it’s fine. When it fails, you’re looking at the most expensive repair on the car.

Software hesitation responds to a dealer reflash within an hour. Hardware shudder that persists after the reflash means the CVT is failing internally.

Does the Forester Have Electrical Issues?

Subaru Forester electrical issues are relatively minor compared to the engine and transmission problems. The most common complaints are Starlink infotainment freezing in 2015-2018 models and Bluetooth connectivity failures.

Starlink freezing on the Subaru Forester typically resolves with a software update at the dealer. Persistent freezing requires unit replacement at $800-$1,500.

Electrical problems on the Forester are annoyances, not safety risks. Focus your inspection on oil consumption and CVT health instead.

How Reliable Is the Subaru Forester by Year?

Subaru Forester reliability varies dramatically by generation — pre-2010 models risk head gaskets, 2011-2015 models risk oil consumption and CVT issues, and 2016+ models finally achieve the reliability Subaru’s reputation promises.

Consumer Reports gives the Forester high marks. They don’t weight a $4,000 piston ring replacement the same way I do.

The Subaru Forester earns its best reliability ratings in 2016+ model years. Before that, every generation has at least one serious concern.

Before buying, check the recall history on any used Forester.

Has the Subaru Forester Been Recalled?

The Subaru Forester has been subject to several NHTSA recalls, with the most significant being the oil consumption class action settlement covering 2011-2014 models and various safety recalls for 2009-2016 models.

Source: NHTSA recall database, verified March 2026.

A recall isn’t always bad news — it means Subaru acknowledged and fixed the problem for free. What matters is whether the recall work was actually completed.

Check any Forester’s recall status through the NHTSA recall database before purchase. Open recalls mean free repairs and negotiating leverage.

Now that you know what to avoid, here are the Subaru Forester years worth buying.

What Are the Best Subaru Forester Years to Buy?

The best Subaru Forester years to buy used are the 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020-2022 models — refined Gen4 and mature Gen5 vehicles with resolved oil consumption, proven CVT reliability, and Subaru’s excellent standard AWD.

If I were buying a used Subaru Forester today, I’d get the 2018. It’s the last year of Gen4, the oil and CVT issues were fixed, EyeSight safety was available, and prices have dropped.

For the price of a 2014 Forester, you can often find a 2016 — and the difference in reliability is dramatic. One burns oil, the other doesn’t.

The 2020-2022 Gen5 models ride on Subaru’s Global Platform with standard EyeSight and improved interior quality. Complaint rates dropped significantly.

For more on Subaru’s reliability track record, see our Subaru reliability guide.

Is the 2018 Subaru Forester Worth Buying Used?

Yes, the 2018 Subaru Forester is one of the best used compact SUVs for buyers who want AWD. The refined Gen4 platform offers resolved oil consumption issues, available EyeSight driver assist, and a proven CVT transmission.

The 2018 Forester earns a 9 out of 10 in Frank’s rating. That’s the highest score of any Subaru Forester model year.

Prices for the 2018 Subaru Forester sit in the $16,000-$20,000 range. That’s strong value for a reliable AWD SUV with modern safety tech.

Is the 2021 Subaru Forester a Good Used Buy?

Yes, the 2021 Subaru Forester is a mature Gen5 model on Subaru’s Global Platform with standard EyeSight, improved interior quality, and significantly lower complaint rates than any pre-2016 model.

The 2021 Forester benefits from two years of Gen5 refinement. The CVT, engine calibration, and infotainment are all proven at this point.

Prices for the 2021 Subaru Forester run $22,000-$26,000. Budget buyers get better value from the 2018 at $16,000-$20,000.

Is the Subaru Forester a Reliable SUV Overall?

The Subaru Forester is a reliable compact SUV when you buy the right year — the 2016+ models compete with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, but pre-2016 models have documented engine and transmission problems that drag down the nameplate’s average.

The Forester’s AWD system is the best in class. No other compact SUV matches it for winter driving and light off-road capability.

The Toyota RAV4 doesn’t have a generation-defining engine defect like the Forester’s oil consumption problem. See our Toyota RAV4 years to avoid guide for that comparison.

The Honda CR-V matches the Forester’s practicality but has its own 1.5T oil dilution issue. Our Honda CR-V years to avoid guide covers those concerns.

If you pick the right Subaru Forester year, reliability is comparable to a RAV4. If you pick the wrong year, it’s not even close.

How Do You Inspect a Used Subaru Forester Before Buying?

Check these seven items before buying any used Subaru Forester to catch the most common and expensive problems documented by owners.

1. Check oil level AND color on the dipstick. On 2011-2015 Forester models, dark oil or oil below the minimum mark between changes confirms active oil consumption.

2. Look for white exhaust smoke at startup. White or blue smoke from a cold Subaru Forester indicates oil burning past the piston rings — the FB25’s signature defect.

3. Inspect coolant for oily residue on pre-2010 Forester models. Oily coolant or a sweet exhaust smell signals EJ25 head gasket failure.

4. Test the CVT in stop-and-go traffic on 2014-2015 models. Drive for 15 minutes in city conditions and feel for hesitation, shudder, or jerking during acceleration.

5. Check for oil stains under valve covers. Gasket seepage on the boxer engine is visible from the top of the Subaru Forester’s engine bay.

6. Verify recall completion. Enter the Forester’s VIN through the NHTSA recall database. Open recalls mean free repairs and price negotiation leverage.

7. Request full service history with oil change intervals. Consistent 3,000-mile oil changes on a 2011-2015 Forester suggest the previous owner was managing oil consumption proactively.

These aren’t random suggestions. Each item targets a specific Subaru Forester problem documented in this guide.

For a complete pre-purchase inspection process, see our used car buying guide.