Subaru Forester Years to Avoid – Subaru Forester is a popular compact crossover SUV that has been in production since 1997. It is known for its reliability, versatility, and performance, making it a great choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and commuters alike.
However, not all Subaru Forester models are created equal, and there are some years that are best avoided due to various issues.
In this article, we will explore the Subaru Forester years to avoid, why these years should be avoided, and what alternatives are available.
Overview of Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester has been in production for over two decades and has undergone several generations.
The first generation was produced from 1997 to 2002, followed by the second generation from 2003 to 2008, the third generation from 2009 to 2013, the fourth generation from 2014 to 2018, and the fifth generation from 2019 to present.
The Forester is known for its symmetrical all-wheel drive system, which provides exceptional traction and stability on any terrain. It also features a boxer engine, which provides a lower center of gravity and better balance.
The Forester has earned a reputation for reliability and safety, receiving high ratings from organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
It also has ample cargo space and a spacious cabin, making it a practical and comfortable vehicle for everyday use.
Subaru Forester Years to Avoid
While the Subaru Forester is generally a reliable vehicle, there are some years that should be avoided due to various issues.
Here are the years that are best avoided:
2014 Subaru Forester
The 2014 Subaru Forester is one of the years to avoid due to various issues, including excessive oil consumption, engine problems, and transmission issues. Excessive oil consumption can lead to engine failure, which can be expensive to repair.
The engine problems can also cause stalling, loss of power, and other issues.
The transmission issues on the 2014 Forester are also a cause for concern, with some owners reporting difficulty shifting gears and rough shifting. These issues can be expensive to repair and can cause safety concerns.
2015 Subaru Forester
The 2015 Subaru Forester is another year to avoid due to similar issues as the 2014 model. It also has excessive oil consumption, engine problems, and transmission issues. Some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system and electrical problems.
Excessive oil consumption on the 2015 Forester can lead to engine damage, and transmission issues can cause safety concerns. The infotainment system issues and electrical problems can also be expensive to repair.
2016 Subaru Forester
The 2016 Subaru Forester is another year to avoid due to similar issues as the 2014 and 2015 models. It also has excessive oil consumption, engine problems, and transmission issues. Some owners have also reported issues with the suspension system and steering.
The suspension system issues on the 2016 Forester can cause a rough ride and poor handling, while the steering issues can cause safety concerns.
Excessive oil consumption and engine problems can also lead to costly repairs.
Alternatives to Avoided Years
If you’re looking to buy a Subaru Forester but want to avoid the years listed above, there are some alternatives available.
Here are some suggested years to look into:
2017 Subaru Forester
The 2017 Subaru Forester is a great alternative to the avoided years, with improved reliability and fewer issues reported. It features a comfortable and spacious cabin, ample cargo space, and excellent safety ratings.
The 2017 Forester also has a more powerful engine and improved fuel efficiency, making it a great choice for those who want a more powerful and efficient SUV.
It comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
2018 Subaru Forester
The 2018 Subaru Forester is another great alternative to the avoided years, with improved reliability and fewer reported issues. It features a spacious and practical cabin, with ample cargo space and comfortable seating for up to five passengers.
The 2018 Forester also has a suite of advanced safety features, including Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance system and rear cross-traffic alert.
It also comes with a more powerful engine and improved fuel efficiency, making it a great choice for those who want a reliable and efficient SUV.
2019 Subaru Forester
The 2019 Subaru Forester is the most recent model and a great alternative to the avoided years. It features a spacious and practical cabin, with comfortable seating for up to five passengers and ample cargo space.
It also comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
The 2019 Forester also has improved fuel efficiency and a more powerful engine than previous models, making it a great choice for those who want a reliable and efficient SUV.
It also has excellent safety ratings and comes with standard all-wheel drive, providing excellent traction and stability on any terrain.
How to Avoid Bad Deals
When buying a used Subaru Forester, it’s important to do your research and avoid bad deals. Here are some tips for car buying to help you make an informed decision:
1. Research the Vehicle
Before buying a used Subaru Forester, research the vehicle’s history and any reported issues. You can check for recalls and service bulletins online, as well as read reviews from other owners.
You should also get a vehicle history report to check for any accidents, title issues, or other problems.
2. Test Drive the Vehicle
Before buying a used Subaru Forester, take it for a test drive to see how it handles and to check for any issues.
Pay attention to how it shifts gears, brakes, and handles on different types of terrain. You should also listen for any unusual noises and check the interior and exterior for any damage.
3. Have the Vehicle Inspected
Before buying a used Subaru Forester, have it inspected by a qualified mechanic? This will help you identify any issues that may not be immediately visible and give you a better idea of the vehicle’s overall condition.
You should also get a written report detailing any issues found and the estimated cost of repairs.
What is the most reliable year for Subaru Forester?
The 2003-2005 Subaru Forester models are generally considered to be the most reliable years for this SUV.
What is the best year for a used Subaru Forester?
The best year for a used Subaru Forester depends on personal preferences and priorities. However, some of the most popular and highly-rated models include the 2011 through 2013 Forester, which has improved reliability, safety, and technology features.
At what mileage do Subaru Foresters have problems?
Subaru Foresters can experience problems at any mileage, as with any vehicle. However, some common issues reported by Forester owners include excessive oil consumption, engine problems, and transmission issues, which may occur at around 60,000 miles or more.
Which is more reliable Honda CR V or Subaru Forester?
Both the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester are generally considered to be reliable SUVs, with similar ratings and rankings in various studies and reports. Some reviewers and owners may have personal preferences for one over the other based on factors such as design, features, and driving experience.
Which is bigger Outback or Forester?
The Subaru Outback is generally larger than the Forester in terms of overall length and cargo space. The Outback is a wagon-style SUV that offers up to 75.7 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Forester is a more compact SUV with up to 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
Is a Forester a reliable car?
The Subaru Forester is generally considered to be a reliable car, with high ratings and rankings in various studies and reports. As with any vehicle, it may experience problems or require maintenance and repairs over time.
Does Subaru Forester have good resale value?
Yes, the Subaru Forester has a reputation for having good resale value, according to various sources such as Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds. This is due to factors such as its reliability, safety features, and popularity among buyers.
Are Subaru Foresters expensive to repair?
The cost of repairs for a Subaru Forester can vary depending on the type and extent of the issue, as well as the location and labor rates of the repair shop. In general, Subaru vehicles may have higher repair costs than some other brands due to factors such as their all-wheel-drive system and unique boxer engine design.
It’s recommended to compare repair costs and shop around for reputable repair shops to avoid overpaying for services.
Conclusion
The Subaru Forester is a popular compact crossover SUV known for its reliability, versatility, and performance. However, not all models are created equal, and there are some years that should be avoided due to various issues.
The 2014, 2015, and 2016 Subaru Forester models are best avoided due to excessive oil consumption, engine problems, transmission issues, and other problems.
If you’re looking to buy a Subaru Forester but want to avoid these years, there are some alternatives available, including the 2017, 2018, and 2019 models.
When buying a used Subaru Forester, it’s important to do your research, test drive the vehicle, and have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to avoid bad deals.