The Lemon Index2021 Subaru Forester.
The 2021 Subaru Forester is about average by owner complaints: 157 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 100, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about wipers & visibility, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 29 mpg combined. The best Subaru Forester year is 2013.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 210 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Forester year. 2021 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 23K miles on the car (37 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
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 371 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Event Data Recorder (EDR) Function of Airbag Module
- This bulletin provides important information regarding diagnosis and replacement of the…
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
My Subaru Forester 2021 windshield cracked spontaneously with no contact of an object (rock, etc.) Previous known issues and class action suits related to Subaru model windshields cracking spontaneously with no contact.
2021 Subaru Forester owner · NHTSA complaint 11516016
More owner reports
Cracked Front Windshield location is bottom passanger side by wiper up left to towards the rear view mirror. Car is a new 2021 Subaru Forester.
NHTSA complaint 11421150
Windshield started cracking for no reason from bottom left, spreading to about 22inches across to the driver side
NHTSA complaint 11472242
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Subaru Forester reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 100; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Forester year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2021 Subaru Forester problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (48%), automatic emergency braking (10%) and electrical (9%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Forester have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Subaru Forester get?
29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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 2021 Subaru Forester problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 3,200 and 23,200 miles. The middle report was at 8,000 miles, from 37 complaints.
Does the 2021 Subaru Forester have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Subaru Forester cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Subaru Forester have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Forester year is better than the 2021?
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