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2022 Subaru Forester Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Daniel Wilson
2022 Subaru Forester Report

Overall Score

7.8/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • Windshield Durability is a major concern, with many owners reporting cracks and chips at low mileage, suggesting potential material or installation defects.
  • Engine Reliability issues, including oil leaks and even fires, are reported, indicating potential manufacturing or component quality problems.
  • Forward Collision Avoidance systems have also been a source of complaints, raising questions about the reliability of its advanced driver-assistance features.
  • A recall for the transmission park/neutral start interlock switch has been issued, highlighting potential manufacturing process variability.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2022 Subaru Forester

The 2022 Subaru Forester is a practical SUV with standard All-Wheel Drive and a 5-star NHTSA safety rating. However, its 'Below Average' reliability verdict, driven by numerous owner complaints about windshields and engines, warrants careful consideration for used car buyers. It achieves a combined 26 MPG with its 2.5-liter engine and 8-speed automatic transmission.

Critical Failure Risk

Numerous owners report spontaneous windshield cracking and chipping, often at very low mileage. This suggests potential issues with glass durability or installation.

Early detection can help you avoid a repair of about $1,500.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls1
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

118
Visibility/Wiper19
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
26
MPG
City
25
MPG
Highway
28
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

8.2/ 10

Practicality

4.7/ 10

The score is dragged down by its weaker day-to-day practicality signals.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Buyers prioritizing safety and all-weather capability.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Buyers seeking a completely trouble-free ownership experience.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2022 Subaru Forester Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2022 Subaru Forester.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Seating Capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic (AV-S8)
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Suv
EPA Combined MPG
26

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Unlock the complete checklist, maintenance outlook, and buyer verdict in one place.

Most Common Issues

1. Visibility

Most reported

Usage: 19 reports

2. ENGINE

Usage: 10 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (Parts: 0W-20 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspection (Parts: Drive Belt(s), Fuel Systems, Lines, and Connections, Cooling System, Hoses, and Connections, Clutch Operation, Brake Lines and Brake System Operation, Disc Brake Pads and Discs, Front and Rear Axle Boots and Joints, Steering and Suspension Components) - Lubrication (Parts: All Latches, Hinges, and Locks)

Est. shop cost: $50 - $70

6,000 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
1 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2022 Subaru Forester reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2022 Subaru Forester is 8.2/10. Reliability score is 8.2/10. NHTSA recalls: 1. Owner complaints: 118.

How practical is the 2022 Subaru Forester for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 4.7/10. The score is dragged down by its weaker day-to-day practicality signals. EPA combined economy is 26 MPG. Seating capacity is 5.

What is the overall score for the 2022 Subaru Forester?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2022 Subaru Forester is 7.8/10. Overall score is 7.8/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.6/10. Tuning 2.0/10. Practicality 4.7/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2022 Subaru Forester?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (Parts: 0W-20 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspection (Parts: Drive Belt(s), Fuel Systems, Lines, and Connections, Cooling System, Hoses, and Connections, Clutch Operation, Brake Lines and Brake System Operation, Disc Brake Pads and Discs, Front and Rear Axle Boots and Joints, Steering and Suspension Components) - Lubrication (Parts: All Latches, Hinges, and Locks) at 6,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $500 - $800. Repair prediction highlight: Windshield (typical at 2,500 miles, estimated cost Min: $500 • Max: $1000).

What engine is in the 2022 Subaru Forester?▾

Engine specs list 4 • 2.5.

What transmission does the 2022 Subaru Forester use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2022 Subaru Forester, transmission is Automatic (AV-S8). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2022 Subaru Forester?▾

EPA combined estimate is 26 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2022 Subaru Forester?▾

12 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

How many people fit in a 2022 Subaru Forester?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2022 Subaru Forester, seating capacity is 5.

What body style is the 2022 Subaru Forester?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2022 Subaru Forester, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2022 Subaru Forester use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2022 Subaru Forester, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (AV-S8).

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2022 Subaru Forester?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

Is the 2022 Subaru Forester good for tuning?▾

Tuning potential is rated 2/10. The 2022 Subaru Forester is a practical SUV with limited potential for traditional engine tuning. Its 2.

What are the most common visibility/wiper problems on the 2022 Subaru Forester?▾

Top complaint category: visibility/wiper (19 reports, 16.1% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2022 Subaru Forester?▾

This model year has 1 official safety campaigns listed.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

Tuning guide

Potential + upgrade path

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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