The Lemon Index2019 Subaru Forester.
The 2019 Subaru Forester is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 641 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 349, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about wipers & visibility, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 29 mpg combined. The best Subaru Forester year is 2013.
Lemon alert. 3.5× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2013
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 834 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Forester year. 2019 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 3K to 16K miles on the car (468 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- wipers & visibility complaints mostly came at 2K–13K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 1K–19K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 6K–45K miles
Recalls 3
- suspension 2021
The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
- engine 2019
The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
- steering 2019
A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 577 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Service Information Bulletin provides helpful tips and precautions to use whenever removing
- This bulletin announces part information for new Active Valve Control System (AVCS) oil…
- This Service Information bulletin provides helpful tips to use when removing or reinstalling…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Forester SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Normal highway driving, when a loud "pop" noise occurred. Pulled over and assessed the front end, which revealed a large crack on the windshield. Immediately reported to insurance for replacement claim.
2019 Subaru Forester owner · NHTSA complaint 11431272
More owner reports
Windshield defect. It just cracked by itself without any outside force. The crack started at the bottom of the windshield. The vehicle was not at motion. It was after being parked.
NHTSA complaint 11246594
Windshield seemingly cracked spontaneously (no observed impact with projectile like a stone). Vehicle was in motion at moderate speed (~45 mph) when crack "popped". No impact from projectile was heard.
NHTSA complaint 11353164
Quick answers
Is the 2019 Subaru Forester reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 3.5× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 349; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Forester year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2019 Subaru Forester problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (55%), electrical (13%) and engine (7%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Forester have?
3 safety recalls (latest: suspension). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Subaru Forester get?
29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 Subaru Forester safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2019 Subaru Forester problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 3,000 and 16,500 miles. The middle report was at 8,600 miles, from 468 complaints.
Does the 2019 Subaru Forester have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2019 Subaru Forester cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 Subaru Forester have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Forester year is better than the 2019?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2011 and 2012.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works