Many car buyers cite reliability as the most important consideration in their buying journey. However, not everyone weighs the factors equally. Depending on your situation, you may be most concerned with longevity, durability, safety, consistency, or maintenance costs. How reliable is the Subaru Forester? First introduced in 1997, this crossover SUV has earned a well-deserved reputation for providing owners with excellent value through low total ownership costs and a recognized safety record. Over the years, the Forester has grown in size and expanded its configurations from entry-level models to top-of-the-line versions such as the 2025 Forester Wilderness, specially designed for off-roading. Our sales and service experts at John Kennedy Subaru in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, have gathered information to help you avoid common Forester problems and decide which of these iconic vehicles is right for you. more New Forester Inventory Historical Reliability The Subaru Forester offers excellent value to buyers both as a new and used vehicle. Many automotive writers and other experts have offered opinions about the most reliable Subaru Forester model years. Here's our round-up of some of the leading views on the Subaru Forester's reliability by generation. AutoTrader Saying that "it's tough to go wrong with any Subaru Forester," Autotrader gave high marks to the Subaru Forester for the model years 2020 to 2023. "All three years posted solid scores for reliability and owner satisfaction," the specialty news publication wrote. Reviewers also identified the Forester models from 2018, 2012, and 2003 as reliable. Autotrader also noted that the Forester has consistently earned Top Pick honors from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. AutoDNA blog After examining details on powertrain, fuel efficiency, safety ratings, and other variables across all five generations of Subaru Forester vehicles, the AutoDNA blog identified three periods that offer the highest reliability returns. Their picks in an October 2024 article are: 2016 to 2018 model years, known for their "balance of performance, reliability, and modern features" 2021 to present model years, highlighted for "advanced safety technologies and comfort" 2014 to 2016 model years, featuring a "great combination of safety, efficiency, and capability" CarBuzz After reviewing J.D. Power rankings along with other published Subaru Forester consumer reviews, CarBuzz in 2025 also produced its answer to the question "Are Subaru Foresters reliable?" Noting the popularity of the Forester on the secondary market, CarBuzz wanted to look at model ages, common mechanical issues, and other concerns. Their review spotlighted these generations as the Subaru Forester's most reliable model years: 2009 to 2013: CarBuzz mentioned this generation “based on "glowing owner reviews and few complaints. Third-gen Forester models are among the most enjoyable and reliable to own, which should provide prospective buyers with some peace of mind." 2019 to 2024: The publication cited the platform's updated engine with direct fuel injection, which provided greater power, torque, and fuel economy. 2014 to 2018: This generation featured new transmissions, interior upgrades, and a more robust, "sports-oriented" suspension. Comparing the Forester's Reliability to Competitors When considering buying a used Forester, you'll probably encounter similar vehicles from other manufacturers, and you might wonder how the Forester compares. Other options in this class include the Ford Bronco, Chevrolet Equinox, and Toyota RAV4. Depending on which variable you're concerned with, the Forester compares favorably to all of these vehicles based on initial reliability estimates in 2025 models from U.S. News & World Report. The 2025 Forester scores 8.6/10 from U.S. News, based on an 83/100 rating in reliability from J.D. Power. The magazine cites the Forester's "practical and rugged nature." The take on comparable vehicles is as follows: Ford Bronco (8.6): Based on a reliability score of 7.7 from J.D. Power, U.S. News hails the Bronco's off-road performance. Chevrolet Equinox (8.5): J.D. Power scores Equinox at 86 for reliability, but U.S. News notes that "performance remains somewhat disappointing." Ford Escape (8.5): Highlighting a model that "lags" the competition, U.S. News reports that the 2025 Escape registers an 85 on the J.D. Power scale. Let our sales team at John Kennedy Subaru help you sort through the competition for the Forester to find the perfect vehicle match for you. New vs. Used: Reliability Considerations When considering car options, you might wonder whether to buy a used Subaru Forester. Here are some reliability variables to think about when debating whether to buy a new or used Forester. Maintenance costs: Reliability ratings aside, older model years are likely to come with a higher total cost of maintenance. Used Foresters generally require more frequent repairs, whereas with a new vehicle, you can expect to spend only on routine maintenance. Safety considerations: As technology evolves, cars offer new electronic safety features. The Forester will likely come with more relevant safety features and other technology in a new or more recent model year. Depreciation: Buying new means shouldering the most significant part of the depreciation curve. Generally speaking, used models with good reliability ratings offer more value to owners in the end. Warranty coverage: New Foresters usually have factory warranties that cover unexpected defects or surprise repairs. Used vehicles may have some warranty coverage, but generally, you're on your own. Known versus unknown: Used cars have an established track record of reliability; the newest vehicles have not yet proven themselves. Is a Subaru Forester the Right Choice for You? While longevity isn't a guarantee of reliability, it certainly is an important indicator. The Subaru Forester has a proud track record of providing value over the years. The best way to determine if it's right for you is to take one for a test drive. Our John Kennedy Subaru team in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, is ready to answer your questions about Subaru and its reliability. We're a full-service dealership near Philadelphia that sells new and used cars and offers high-quality maintenance and repair support. Call or contact us today for a test-drive and a consultation.

Whenever you're in the market for a new vehicle, one of the top considerations is reliability. After all, you don't want to spend thousands of dollars on repairs or find that you need to go car shopping again soon. Reliability is especially important for SUVs, as many owners want them to be long-term family vehicles or offroading companions. One SUV you may be curious about is the Subaru Crosstrek, a popular SUV known for its affordability and practicality. Below, we'll dive further into the Crosstrek's reliability to help you decide if it's the SUV for you. more New Crosstrek Inventory Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Ratings and Metrics Several key ratings and metrics can help you understand how well a car performs over time. These indicators come from consumer surveys, industry studies, and expert reviews. Common reliability metrics include: Consumer Reports reliability score: Consumer Reports gathers data from thousands of vehicle owners to rate reliability based on 17 problem areas, including engine, transmission, electronics, and climate control. Scores range from 0 to 100, with 100 being the most reliable. J.D. Power vehicle reliability rating: J.D. Power has thousands of vehicle reviews from customers, giving you a better idea of a model's reliability. RepairPal reliability rating: RepairPal rates dependability based on annual repair costs, frequency of unscheduled repairs, and severity. Scores range from one to five, with five being the most reliable. Annual repair costs and average maintenance costs: Sites such as Edmunds and CarEdge estimate yearly maintenance and repair costs, helping you to anticipate long-term expenses. Manufacturer's warranty coverage: A longer factory warranty often suggests confidence in a vehicle's durability. Common warranties include three years/36,000 miles for bumper-to-bumper and five years/60,000 miles for powertrain coverage. Subaru Crosstrek: Year-By-Year Reliability Analysis Overall, RepairPal ranks the Subaru Crosstrek first out of 26 compact SUVs, with a reliability rating of 4.5. It also reports the Crosstrek's average annual repair cost as $492, which means it has lower than average ownership costs and is less prone to repairs than other vehicles. Let's look at how the Subaru Crosstrek has performed over the years. 2013-2015 Models Subaru Crosstrek reviews for the 2013 to 2015 model years have been generally positive in terms of reliability. On J.D. Power, the 2015 model earned an average rating of 80/100 for reliability from previous owners. Common praise includes the Crosstrek's fuel efficiency and durable all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, making it a solid choice if you want an affordable, rugged compact SUV. However, a few owners have reported minor issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and infotainment system glitches. 2016-2017 Models The 2016 and 2017 Subaru Crosstrek models performed similarly to the earlier models, with the 2017 model receiving an average reliability score of 78/100 on J.D. Power. Some improvements were made over the previous models, including upgrades to ride comfort and interior quality. However, suspension problems and minor electrical malfunctions have been noted, such as issues with the backup camera and infotainment system. 2018-2019 Models Reliability improved with the next generation of the Subaru Crosstrek. For the 2018 to 2019 models, the Crosstrek received an average rating of 81/100 from J.D. Power. This generation brought significant upgrades, including a more refined design and the addition of Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology as standard on most trim levels. This tech improvement contributed to an increase in both safety and overall performance. Owners generally report fewer issues with oil consumption and transmission compared to previous years. Additionally, Subaru focused on enhanced build quality, leading to fewer interior squeaks and electrical problems. 2020-2023 Models Once again, the reliability of the Crosstrek improved. With the 2020-2023 models, the J.D. Power rating rose, reaching 82/100 for the 2020 model year. Owners have reported fewer long-term issues, and the Crosstrek is now widely acknowledged for its ruggedness and low maintenance needs. The 2020-2023 models show fewer CVT problems and continue to impress with their comfort and off-road capabilities, making them a solid choice for urban and rural driving. Latest 2024 Model Assessment The latest Crosstrek models have the highest reliability ratings. On J.D. Power, the 2024 model has earned an average score of 85/100. Notable improvements include enhanced fuel efficiency and a more refined infotainment system, which addresses previous concerns with tech glitches. The 2024 model also benefits from advanced safety technologies, making it a top choice if you're seeking reliability and innovation. Frequently Reported Issues While the Subaru Crosstrek is widely regarded as a dependable compact SUV, like any vehicle, it has its share of reported issues. One common complaint involves the CVT, with some owners experiencing shuddering, delayed acceleration, or premature wear. Subaru has extended warranties for certain CVT issues but some drivers have faced costly repairs. Excessive oil consumption has been another concern in older models, requiring more frequent top-offs or potential engine repairs. Lastly, electrical problems, such as infotainment system glitches or backup camera malfunctions, have also been noted in some models. Reliability of the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, which was discontinued after the 2023 model year, was a popular choice among eco-conscious drivers. Built with Subaru's Symmetrical AWD and a plug-in hybrid powertrain, it offered a dependable and efficient ride. While earlier hybrid models had limited electric range, newer versions had improved battery technology, allowing for better performance and longevity. With the Crosstrek Hybrid, most owners reported minimal mechanical issues. Some drivers have mentioned battery replacement costs as a long-term consideration, as hybrid batteries can degrade over time and be expensive to replace. Like the standard Crosstrek, the hybrid version may experience infotainment system glitches or occasional transmission concerns. Despite these minor drawbacks, routine maintenance and careful driving habits can extend the hybrid's life span, making it a solid investment if you want a reliable, fuel-efficient SUV. Find Your Subaru Crosstrek at John Kennedy Subaru The Subaru Crosstrek is a reliable vehicle, no matter the model year. As with any preowned SUV, you should conduct a thorough investigation and receive a vehicle history report before making a decision. For help finding the perfect Subaru Crosstrek for your needs, contact our friendly team at John Kennedy Subaru in Plymouth Meeting. We have the latest Crosstrek models in stock, along with a wide selection of high-quality used models to explore.

If you're interested in finding out more about whether Subaru is a reliable brand, we're here to help you with our comprehensive guide from our specialists at John Kennedy Subaru in Plymouth, Pennsylvania. There's a wealth of information available online, but we decided to do the work for you and asked our vehicle experts to provide their insight on Subaru cars' reliability. We'll explain why Subaru cars run strong for many years so you can make an informed decision. more New Subaru Inventory Understanding Car Reliability You rely on your car to take you to work, get the kids to school, make routine grocery store trips, take weekend getaways, and so much more. When you turn the engine on, it needs to start. But there's more to reliability than simply starting an engine. Experts determine reliability by how well a car performs without needing frequent repairs. We measure this reliability using time and mileage as benchmarks. The industry also uses safety and reliability testing done by impartial organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Other factors that affect a car's reliability include its build quality, component durability, and the manufacturer's commitment to quality. The manufacturer determines the quality of the engineering and parts used. As you shop, you should look for brands that have earned high praise in the industry and with their customers. You can find this information from companies such as J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. If you're considering a 2025 vehicle, reliability ratings may not be available yet. In this case, you should look at the model's history for previous years. While this won't guarantee a 2025 model will perform up to prior years' standards, it's a good indicator. Evaluating Subaru's Reliability Subaru has a long history of good reliability ratings and a dedicated customer base, unlike many other brands. However, this reputation doesn't preclude Subaru from having problems with its vehicles. According to RepairPal.com, the Subaru brand has an overall 3.5 out of five reliability rating, ranking it 14th out of 32 car brands. Average annual repairs cost Subaru owners $617, compared to $652 across all brands. Delving deeper, we know that Subaru owners need unscheduled repairs 0.3 times per year compared to the 0.4 times per year average for all brands. Analyzing Specific Subaru Models The website Carcomplaints.com has data available on every Subaru model so that we can compare Subaru reliability ratings. The Subaru Forester and Outback have the most customer complaints. As these are two of the most popular Subaru vehicles, more complaints can be expected as Subaru has sold more of these vehicles than other models. The most important factor is to understand what the complaint is about. Let's take a look at the Subaru Forester and the complaints that were registered for this model. Carcomplaints.com reports that the Forester has 1,054 complaints, most of which occurred in 2014 and 2015. From 2021-2024, the Forester only had nine complaints, most of which were minor electrical problems and window issues. The Subaru Outback has the most complaints — 1,561. Like the Forester, most of these complaints happened from 2014 to 2019. Since then, there have been only 13 complaints for the 2023 and 2024 model years, and they're mainly related to windows and electrical problems. Subaru's popular Ascent SUV has had its share of complaints. In its first year, 2019, it had 68 complaints on wide-ranging issues. The most frequent complaint was that Ascent's open tailgate drained the battery. Since 2021, the Ascent has had only nine complaints. Another long-running model, the Subaru Impreza, has had only had 330 complaints since 1993. The 2012 and 2018 models have the most complaints in recent years. However, since 2020, the Impreza has only had four complaints. The Subaru Crosstrek was first built in 2016 and experienced some growing pains. From 2016 to 2019, the Crosstrek had 122 complaints on various systems. Since then, only 20 complaints have emerged, signaling a shift in quality. Subaru's sporty WRX model had 41 complaints in 2015, its first year, and 24 the following year. However, from 2017 to 2025, the WRX has only 29 complaints. Overview of Subaru's Reliability Subaru vehicles have excellent reliability ratings and consistently cost less to own than competing brands. No manufacturer can guarantee a vehicle won't have issues. What they can do is stand behind their cars with warranty protection and a commitment to delivering the highest quality service after the sale. The Subaru warranty plan includes a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty that covers defects in materials or craftsmanship on all parts bumper to bumper. You also get a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty that protects you against failure of the engine, transmission, and other powertrain systems. Every new Subaru has a rust perforation warranty that protects you for five years with unlimited miles. If you purchase a hybrid vehicle, you receive added protection of eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Of course, Subaru knows that problems can occur. That's why they provide 24-7 roadside assistance on all new vehicle purchases. This protection runs alongside the limited warranty so you can be sure you'll have help available if needed. FAQ About Subaru's Reliability If you want to know more about Subaru cars' reliability, check out the questions below. Why Are Subarus Known for Their Reliability? Subaru's commitment to robust engineering, quality workmanship, and the use of durable materials make its vehicles some of the most reliable on the market. Which Are the Most Reliable Subaru Models? Despite the complaints mentioned, the Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek remain the most reliable Subaru cars offered based on their overall performance. How Does Subaru Compare to Other Brands in Terms of Reliability? Subaru continues to focus on quality builds, safety, and durability, resulting in consistently high rankings from outside sources such as J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book. Subaru ranks highest in the SUV and crossover segments thanks to its dedication to improving safety and technology. You Can Rely on Us at John Kennedy Subaru When you purchase a Subaru, you aren't just buying a vehicle. You're investing in a car backed by a company that cares about delivering a quality product you can trust. At John Kennedy Subaru Plymouth, Pennsylvania, we know how important reliability is to our customers. When you purchase a new Subaru from us, you can count on our assistance with routine maintenance and warranty support if needed. If you have questions regarding a particular model, please contact us. Our friendly and professional staff will be happy to help you.