The Lemon Index2025 Subaru Forester.
The 2025 Subaru Forester is so far about average by owner complaints: 98 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 92, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about automatic emergency braking, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 26 to 35 mpg combined. The best Subaru Forester year is 2013.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 98 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Forester year. 2025 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 1K to 5K miles on the car (11 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 3
- equipment 2026
These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label.
- child seat 2025
The child seat anchor bolts may have been improperly tightened, allowing the bolts to come loose.
- wheels 2025
The wheels may have been manufactured with an incorrectly specified lug seat surface, which can result in the wheel being improperly attached and cause a loss of vehicle stability.
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 188 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut
- This announcement provides information for retailers to install the latest infotainment system…
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 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| SUBARU FORESTER HYBRID SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1850–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Vehicle suddenly lurched forward while vehicle was pulling into a parking space, causing a collision with a building.
2025 Subaru Forester owner · NHTSA complaint 11695238
More owner reports
The rear window spontaneously shattered. There was no extreme temperature or temperature change. The vehicle was parked when it happened. The entire rear window is gone to pieces.
NHTSA complaint 11644338
I believe there are some issues related to the reliability of the windshield of this vehicle. My windshield cracked by itself from the bottom without hitting anything, which is similar to other complainant.
NHTSA complaint 11634958
Quick answers
Is the 2025 Subaru Forester reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn about average per car sold, against other 2025 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 92; 100 is average). The best Subaru Forester year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2025 Subaru Forester problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (20%), wipers & visibility (13%) and fuel or ev drive system (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2025 Subaru Forester have?
3 safety recalls (latest: equipment). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2025 Subaru Forester get?
26 to 35 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2025 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.
Does the 2025 Subaru Forester have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2025 Subaru Forester cost in fuel a year?
About $1850 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2025 Subaru Forester have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Forester year is better than the 2025?
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