2025 Subaru Forester Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.
Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize inspection of exterior lighting, especially low-beam performance, and the windshield for any signs of damage or spontaneous cracking.
- Be aware of potential issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, including false activations.
- Confirm that both open recalls, concerning wheel attachment and child seat anchors, have been completed by a dealer.
- The Forester's average reliability means that a thorough pre-purchase inspection is crucial to identify any potential early-life failures.
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester presents itself as a practical all-wheel-drive SUV with a strong emphasis on safety, earning a perfect 5-star overall NHTSA rating. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an AV-S8 automatic transmission delivers an EPA-estimated 26 MPG combined. However, used-car shoppers should be aware of a significant number of complaints, particularly those related to visibility, including exterior lighting and windshield integrity. While Subaru has issued two recalls—one for potential wheel attachment issues and another for child seat anchor bolts—these are classified as low severity. The vehicle's reliability is rated as average, but specific component issues warrant careful pre-purchase inspection.
Critical Failure Risk
Reports indicate poor low-beam performance, shadows, and limited projection from headlights. This can significantly impair nighttime visibility and driver awareness.
Early detection can help you avoid a $500-$1,000 repair.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
The score is dragged down by its weaker day-to-day practicality signals.
Who This Car Is For
Best for
Budget-conscious buyers seeking a safe, all-wheel-drive vehicle for daily commuting and light adventuring.
+1 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Drivers who prioritize flawless mechanicals or are unwilling to meticulously inspect a used vehicle for potential visibility and safety system quirks.
+1 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2025 Subaru Forester Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2025 Subaru Forester.
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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Most Common Issues
1. Visibility
Most reportedUsage: 9 reports
2. EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Usage: 7 reports
First Service Interval
- Engine Oil and Filter Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection
Est. shop cost: $75 - $120
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FAQ
Is the 2025 Subaru Forester reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2025 Subaru Forester is 7.7/10. Reliability score is 7.7/10. NHTSA recalls: 2. Owner complaints: 61.
How practical is the 2025 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 2025 Subaru Forester?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2025 Subaru Forester is 7.4/10. Overall score is 7.4/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 7.3/10. Tuning 2.0/10. Practicality 4.7/10.
What does it cost to own and maintain a 2025 Subaru Forester?
Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Engine Oil and Filter Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $1,000 - $1,500. Repair prediction highlight: Headlight Assembly (typical at 50,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $400 • Max: $500).
What engine is in the 2025 Subaru Forester?
Engine specs list 4 • 2.5.
What transmission does the 2025 Subaru Forester use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Subaru Forester, transmission is Automatic (AV-S8). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2025 Subaru Forester?
EPA combined estimate is 26 MPG.
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2025 Subaru Forester?
12 standard and 1 optional driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.
How many people fit in a 2025 Subaru Forester?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Subaru Forester, seating capacity is 5.
What body style is the 2025 Subaru Forester?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Subaru Forester, body style is suv.
What drivetrain does the 2025 Subaru Forester use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Subaru Forester, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (AV-S8).
What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2025 Subaru Forester?
NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.
Is the 2025 Subaru Forester good for tuning?
Tuning potential is rated 2/10. The 2025 Subaru Forester, while a capable and practical SUV, offers limited avenues for significant engine tuning. Its 2.
What are the most common visibility/wiper problems on the 2025 Subaru Forester?
Top complaint category: visibility/wiper (9 reports, 14.8% of complaints).
Are there open safety recalls on the 2025 Subaru Forester?
This model year has 2 official safety campaigns listed.