Subaru’s Forester has set the standard for the compact SUV class. However, even this Goliath has some years that are best avoided.
In 1997, Subaru announced an Impreza-based crossover that would be named the Forester. The trademark for the Forester in the years to come was its boxy exterior and rugged design.
A key difference between the Forester and its competitors is its low design. In fact, the Forester was so low that it did not need the “risk of rollover” warning on the visor. This meant the Forester had the capabilities of an SUV, but essentially drove like a car.
Subaru described this trait as “SUV tough, Car Easy.” Upon release, the new Forester had fit comfortably between the smaller Impreza and larger Legacy. Undeniably, it’s a road legend.
However, even legends have their flaws. Let’s check out its history of raves, recalls, and crash tests to find the Forester years that are best avoided.
First-generation Forester (1998-2002)
The Subaru Forester rolled into showrooms for the 1998 model year. Although it shared many similarities with the Impreza, there were key differences between the two.
Of course, the Forester was taller and came equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). However, what made the Forester so attractive was that it had the best of both the SUV and car worlds. From the SUV world, the Subaru Forester received 7.5-inches of ground clearance and a spacious interior.
From the car world, the Forester received its sporty handling and on-road capability. This crossbreed meant that it was easy to get in and out of, but also easy to load cargo since it was slightly lower than rival SUVs of its time.
The first-ever Forester received a 2.5L H4 dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine. However, for the 1999 model year, this DOHC engine was scrapped for a 2.5L H4 single overhead camshaft (SOHC) engine.
Both engines were problematic and came coupled with a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The standard AWD system used a 60/40 split for power between the front and rear wheels, respectively.
However, the AWD system dynamically adjusted the power split as needed. When going up-hill, the AWD system would put more power to the rear. When the weight shifted forward, such as going down a hill, the Forester would add more power to the front.
First-gen. Forester: Years to Avoid & Better Alternatives
- Years to Avoid: 1998-2002
As is normal for the Subaru brand, the Forester was exceptionally safe. The IIHS gave the Forester an overall evaluation of good. According to the NHTSA, the Forester received one recall and just over 100 complaints on average per model year.
Common problems on the first-generation Forester were the vehicle not shifting into drive, rear-wheel bearings failing, and the common Subaru problem of a head gasket blowing.
Unfortunately, Subaru never fixed the blown head gasket on either of the Forester’s engines. The original DOHC EJ25D engine’s (1998) head gasket leaked internally.
Whereas the SOHC EJ251 engine (1999-2002) leaked externally, which could alert drivers to the problem. However, a leaky head gasket is a leaky head gasket, so all years are best avoided.
Second-generation Forester (2003-2008)
The second-generation Forester bore a striking resemblance to the previous model. Similar to the previous generation, it shared the Impreza’s platform, came standard with AWD, and the 2.5L H4 engine returned.
However, there were many refinements made to the latest generation. It was even larger than the previous generation, increasing cargo space.
Also, the new Forester weighed 100 lbs less than the previous generation. This is thanks to an aluminum hood, perforated rails, and a hydro-formed sub-frame. Other changes included a reshuffled trim lineup and turbo engine offerings for the later model years.
Second-gen. Forester: Years to Avoid & Better Alternatives
- Years to Avoid: 2003-2008
Like its predecessor, the new Forester was exceptionally safe. It received top marks from the IIHS for every model year and even attained a Top Safety Pick for the 2007 and 2008 model years.
Also, like the last generation, it averaged about 100 complaints to the NHTSA per model year. Common problems included a smell of fuel inside the cabin, rust on the subframe, and airbags that do not deploy. It should be noted that these problems were mostly resolved for the later model years (2005-2008).
A problem that Subaru never resolved was the head gasket issue. So, the second-generation Forester should be avoided entirely as well. It appears to affect about 15% of these Foresters and is a very costly fix, costing between $1,600 and $1,700.
Third-generation Forester (2009-2013)
Sporting a more rounded and less boxy design, the third-generation Forester hit showrooms for the 2009 model year. Here is where the Forester shifted from being a wagon to just another small SUV.
The Forester grew yet again. Subaru made the Forester 3 inches longer, 1.8 inches wider, 4.3 inches taller, and added 3.5 inches to the wheelbase.
Incredibly, although the Forester got “larger” the interior and cargo space decreased. AWD remained standard and drivers still had the choice between a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.
However, a new 170 hp 2.5L H4 engine was fitted to the Forester.
Third-gen. Forester: Years to Avoid & Better Alternatives
- Years to Avoid: 2009-2010
When it came to safety, the third-generation Forester did not disappoint. It received an IIHS Top Safety Pick for every model year. This is unsurprising because it received top marks across the board.
However, when it came to reliability, the Forester’s character can only be described as questionable. The Forester received about 140 complaints per model year according to the NHTSA. Common complaints included a faulty weld on the driver’s seat causing it to detach and oil leaking from the valve seals.
However, the biggest problem with the third-generation Forester was the airbags. The airbags have been recalled nine times by Takata. When the airbag inflated it propelled shrapnel with it, essentially sending a fragmentation grenade straight to the face.
The headline for this generation is that Subaru finally fixed the leaky head gasket issue. Originally, the Forester came with the same EJ25 engine Subaru had put in the previous Foresters.
However, in 2011 they replaced the engine with a modern FB25B engine. Not only did this increase fuel economy and performance, but it also fixed the head gasket problem that plagued the Foresters of the past.
Due to the expensive repair costs of a blown head gasket, the 2009-2010 model years are best avoided. Note that the turbo engine was never replaced, so turbocharged third-generation Foresters are still prone to head gasket failure.
Fourth-generation Forester (2014-2018)
The fourth-generation Forester was released for the 2014 model year. With the release of a new Forester came massive changes. As usual, the Forester grew, it received a one-inch longer wheelbase, .6 more inches of width, and got 1.4-inches longer.
Rationally, since the Forester grew on the outside, the cargo room and rear-seat legroom also increased. Subaru also added their EyeSight Driver Assist System as an option to the Touring trim Forester. EyeSight Driver Assist System is Subaru’s suite of driving assists.
Also, X mode was added to the Forester for the fourth generation. This is used to keep drivers from getting stuck in inclement weather. However, the most important update is that a continuously variable transmission (CVT) was added to the lineup.
Although the CVT marginally improved fuel economy, it cut the old 3,000 lb. max towing capacity in half. Although the 2.5i and 2.5i Premium trims came standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Every other model came standard with the new CVT.
Fourth-gen. Forester: Years to Avoid & Better Alternatives
- Years to Avoid: 2014-2018
The theme of safety for the Forester is further reinforced by the fourth generation. The IIHS awarded the Forester the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ for the 2014-2017 model years, receiving the Top Safety Pick for the 2018 model year.
However, there is a catch. These awards were only awarded to the Foresters equipped with Subaru Eyesight and specific headlights. The only area the Forester struggled for the safety test was the small overlap front test on the passenger side.
As for reliability, the Forester received around 300 complaints per model year on average according to the NHTSA. Common problems included faulty ignitions, excessive oil consumption, passenger seat airbags not deploying, a frail windshield, and defective lower control arms.
Although the fourth generation does not suffer from the same problems as the previous generations, it’s not a reliable vehicle and thus should be avoided.
Fifth-generation Forester (2019-Present)
The fifth-generation Forester landed in showrooms for the 2019 model year. Like its predecessor, the fifth generation grew yet again adding additional cargo space and extra room in the cabin.
Importantly, the new Forester made EyeSight and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto standard. Also, only one engine and transmission are offered on the new Forester, a 2.5L H4 mated to a CVT.
To maintain the status quo, the Forester comes equipped with standard AWD. However, there are three trim-dependent AWD systems for the fifth-generation Forester.
Fifth-gen. Forester: Years to Avoid & Better Alternatives
- Years to Avoid: 2019-Present
The fifth-generation Subaru Forester is hands down the safest Forester yet. It received an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for every model year, 2019-2021. The only black mark on the Foresters safety sheet is the headlights equipped on the Sports trim for the 2019-2020 model year.
This can be chalked up to the fact that it was not equipped with curve-adaptive headlights like the rest of the lot. When it comes to reliability, the new Forester is on par with the previous generations.
For the 2019 model year, the Forester received 420 complaints according to the NHTSA. The most common problem is once more the fragile windshield, which seems to be single-handedly keeping the windshield repair industry in business. This rather expensive problem has yet to be recalled, however, it accounted for most complaints for the 2019-2021 model years.
Subaru Forester Reliability: Pros & Cons
Unfortunately, we found almost all Subaru Foresters are best avoided. While the Forester is exceptionally safe, it is all for not because it is seriously unreliable.
In the first three generations (1998-2010), the biggest problem was a blown head gasket. This repair can cost somewhere between $1,600-$1,700 or $2,300-$2,400 if you also need to replace the timing belt, water pump, idlers, tensioners, and seals. The only bright spot comes from the 2011-2013 model years because they did not have the head gasket problems of their predecessors.
Finally, the fourth and fifth generations fall victim to cracked windshields. Windshields are usually relatively cheap to fix. However, because of Subaru’s Eyesight technology, it can cost owners over $1,000.
If you’re in the market for a CUV, we recommend you check out something more reliable, like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V.
Cheat Sheet
Subaru Forester: Model Years to Avoid
- 2019-Present: Fifth-generation Forester
- 2014-2018: Fourth-generation Forester
- 2009-2010: Third-generation Forester
- 2003-2008: Second-generation Forester
- 1998-2002: First-generation Forester
Subaru Forester: Model Years that are Best Buys
- 2011-2013: Third-generation Forester
Photos: Subaru, Wikicommons