Subaru Forester owners have had many complaints about their compact SUVs. To address those complaints, today we’ll be providing a list of all of the most common problems surrounding the Subaru Forester and the simplest solutions to solving these problems. Here is a list of the most common problems that can occur with the Subaru Forester.
One of the most common problems Subaru Forester owners face is their AC not working properly, which makes the inside of the car very hot. Other common problems might include sensor failure, excessive fluid leaks, oil usage issues, air issues, transmission issues, battery issues, beeping issues, and tailgate issues.
Below, we’ll be providing a list of the most common solutions to the many occurring problems with the Subaru Forester. We encourage you to read the following section and use it as a resource when troubleshooting any problems that might occur with your car. It might also be a good idea to bookmark this information on your phone or computer for future reference.
What Is Wrong With Your Subaru Forester
There may be a lot of issues with your compact SUV Subaru Forester. Some potential problems include AC issues, sensor failures, and loose gas caps. Today, we’re going to list some of the most common issues that might occur with your compact SUV Subaru Forester, and potential solutions to help address them.
Most Common Issues With the Subaru Forester Explained
AC Problems
The popular compact SUV Subaru Forester has been known to have some issues with its air conditioning system. Some owners have reported that their AC blows warm air, while others say that it doesn’t blow cold enough. There have also been reports of the AC not working at all.
If you’re having issues with your Forester’s AC, there are a few things that you can try. First, check to see if the air filter is dirty. If it is, replace it with a new one. You may also want to have the AC system checked by a professional to make sure that there isn’t anything else wrong with it.
Sensor Failures
The Subaru Forester is a great little SUV, but it’s not without its issues. One problem that seems to plague a lot of owners is sensor failures, which can cause the engine light to come on. This can be caused by anything from a loose gas cap to something more serious like an electrical issue. If you’re experiencing this problem, check out these potential causes and fixes.
Loose Gas Cap: The most common cause of the engine light coming on in the Forester is a loose or missing gas cap. Make sure that your gas cap is tightened securely before driving anywhere. If it’s still giving you problems, try replacing it with a new one.
Electrical Issues: Another potential cause of sensor failures is electrical issues within the vehicle itself. This could be anything from faulty wiring to bad sensors themselves. If you suspect that there might be an electrical issue causing your foresters engine light to come on, the best bet would be to take it to your nearest dealership or service center for diagnosis and repairs.
Excessive Fluid Leaks
The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that has been known to have significant fluid leaks. In some cases, these leaks are so bad that they can cause the vehicle to stall or even catch fire. There have been reports of fires caused by leaking transmission fluid on the Forester and stalling due to loss of power steering fluid.
These problems can be extremely dangerous, and drivers need to be aware of them. If you own a Subaru Forester, keep an eye out for any signs of excessive fluids leaking from your car.
If you are experiencing excessive fluid leaks from your Subaru Forester, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem yourself. First, make sure that all of the fluids in your car are at the correct levels. If any of them are low, topped them off and see if that helps to stop the leaks.
If not, then you may need to take your car to a mechanic for further diagnosis. There could be an issue with one of the seals or gaskets in your vehicle which is causing the fluids to leak out. A professional will be able to identify and fix this problem quickly so that you can get back on the road without worry.
Oil Usage
The Subaru Forester is a popular choice for a compact SUV, but it’s not the most fuel-efficient option out there. So if you’re looking to save money at the pump, you’ll want to avoid this vehicle. So why is the Forester so inefficient?
Well, part of it has to do with its engine size – it’s a 2.5-liter four-cylinder which isn’t particularly small for an SUV. But even more responsible for its poor mileage are its all-wheel-drive system and lack of any sort of aerodynamic design; both of these factors make the Forester less efficient than front-wheel drive SUVs with smaller engines.
Air problems
The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that has been plagued with air problems. The main problem seems to be with the automatic climate control system, which often doesn’t work properly. This can lead to the car feeling stuffy and uncomfortable, even in mild weather.
Additionally, many owners have reported strange smells coming from the ventilation system. In some cases, this smell has been linked to mold or other allergens growing inside the ducts.
While these air issues are certainly annoying, they don’t seem to pose any serious safety risks. However, they are potential deal-breakers for anyone considering buying a Forester. If you’re in the market for a small SUV and air quality is important to you, there are better options out there than the Forester.
Transmission Issues
Transmission issues are one of the main reasons why drivers shy away from compact SUVs such as the Subaru Forester. The main transmission issue that Subaru Forester owners have complained about is a jerking sensation when accelerating. This can be extremely annoying and even dangerous, as it makes the vehicle difficult to control.
There are a few possible causes of this problem, but the most likely cause is a faulty torque converter.
The torque converter is what transfers power from the engine to the wheels, and if it’s not working properly then it can cause all sorts of problems including jerky acceleration.
If you’re experiencing this problem with your Subaru Forester, then we recommend taking it to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
One possible solution to the transmission issue is to have the torque converter replaced. This can be a costly repair, but it’s often the only way to fix the problem.
If you’re lucky, then you might be able to get away with just having the fluid flushed and refilled. This will sometimes solve the problem, but if not then you’ll need to bite the bullet and get that new torque converter installed.
Battery Issues
The Subaru Forester is a great SUV, but it does have its fair share of battery issues. These problems can stem from several different things, ranging from the design of the car to how you drive it.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common battery issues with the Forester and what you can do to avoid them. One issue that tends to crop up is that the voltage regulator isn’t very good at regulating voltage. This results in batteries dying prematurely or not charging properly.
You can usually tell if this is happening if your headlights are dimming regularly or your stereo cuts out while driving. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s worth taking your Forester to the dealership for a check-up.
Another solution to this problem is to get an aftermarket voltage regulator. This will give you better voltage regulation and hopefully extend the life of your battery. Another solution is to simply avoid using high-powered electronics when driving, which can put a strain on the electrical system.
Beeping
We’ve all been there. You’re driving along, minding your own business, when suddenly you hear a beep or loud clicking noise from your car. It’s annoying, and it can be hard to figure out what the problem is. But if you’re driving a Subaru Forester, that beeping could be trying to tell you something important about your vehicle.
Tailgate Issues
A compact SUV, the Subaru Forester has some tailgate issues that have been noted by drivers. The main issue is that the rear gate can be difficult to open and close, especially when trying to do so with one hand.
This can be frustrating when loading or unloading cargo. These frustrations may cause some drivers to look elsewhere for a vehicle that better suits their needs.
One possible solution to the tailgate problem is to make sure that both hands are used when opening and closing it. This will give you more leverage and should help the gate open and close more smoothly. With a little care and attention, these issues with the Subaru Forester can be resolved.
What Years Did the Subaru Forester Have Problems
Each year, Subaru Forester has had different problems that may be due to a variety of factors such as design changes, manufacturing issues, or component failures. These issues happen sometimes and it’s hard to say for certain why these problems exist.
However, it seems that the most problematic years are those in which there have been major design changes or manufacturing issues. If you own a Subaru Forester, it’s important to stay up-to-date on recall information and be aware of any potential problems that may arise.
The Subaru Forester has had problems in the years 2003, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2017. The most problematic year is 2015, and 2017 followed by 2019 and 2020. The least problematic years are 2001, 2002, and 2006 with only a few reports of problems.
Since there are so many different years that have had problems, it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly is causing these issues. However, if you own a Subaru Forester, make sure to stay up-to-date on recall information and be aware of any potential problems that may arise. You can check for recalls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website or contact your local dealership for more information.
| Subaru Forester All Problem Years | Subaru Forester Most Problematic Years | Subaru Forester Least Problematic Years |
| 2003 | 2015 | 2001 |
| 2006 | 2017 | 2002 |
| 2009 | 2019 | 2006 |
| 2010 | 2020 | |
| 2011 | ||
| 2014 | ||
| 2015 | ||
| 2017 |
Best Years to Buy Used With Little Complaints
The best years to buy a used Subaru Forester is 2014 to 2019. Those are the best years the Forester has been in production because there have been several changes and improvements to the Forester over the years, but the 2014-2019 model years are generally considered to be the best. The main reasons for this are that these models come with more powerful and efficient engines, as well as newer and better safety features.
What is a Recall Number
A recall number for a vehicle is usually issued by the manufacturer when there is an issue with the safety or performance of the vehicle. For example, if a car has been recalled because the brakes are not working properly, then the recall number would be listed on any recalls issued by the manufacturer alongside the reason for why it was recalled.
Recent Recall Numbers
Here is a list of the most recent recall numbers for Subaru Forester: 21V263000, 19V856000, and 19V065000. If you want to see more of Subaru Forester recall numbers, you can simply do an easy search on www.cars.com as well, as well as contact your local dealership since recall numbers may vary depending on where the car was recently purchased.
Check To See Whether Your Vehicle Has an Open Recall
You can check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall or not by checking out this website called: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls. It’s a simple website to use. All you need to do is enter your 17-digit VIN and it will show up if your vehicle has an open recall.
How Reliable Is the Subaru Forester
When it comes to compact SUVs, the Subaru Forester is a pretty reliable option. It has a score of 3.5 out of 5 stars on reliability, which puts it above average. One of the reasons why the Subaru Forester is so reliable is because it has a low rate of problems.
Its owners barely reported any problems. That means that out of every Subaru Forester on the road, only a few will have a problem out of them all. Another reason for its above-average reliability score is its competent safety record. So if you’re looking for a compact SUV that’s both reliable and safe, then consider the Subaru Forester.
How Is It Compared To Similar Cars
The Subaru Forester has a reliability score above average, which means that compared to other compact SUVs, it is slightly better. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be constantly keeping up with tune-ups and other maintenance.
You will never get many issues from Subaru, but as you can guess from any automotive manufacturer there are bound to be some problems every now in then, and whilst perfect reliability is impossible for most automotive, the Forester is above average.
The construction of all Subaru’s is simple, as they utilize unibody chassis that are welded together with high-end materials. It also has different grades or thicknesses depending on how strong it needs to be in specific parts of the engine block and framework unique to each model lineup.
Most owner reviews agree that there have not been too many odd rattles from the floor panels, which can usually occur after driving for some time in vehicles made by other manufacturers.
What Is the Life Expectancy
The Subaru Forester has a reputation for being a reliable and tough little SUV. But how long does it last? On average, the Forester has a life expectancy of about 200,000 to 250,000 miles, which gives it an average of 13 to 17 years. However, many owners have reported that their Foresters have lasted much longer than that.
One owner even claimed to have driven his Forester for over 20 years with no major problems! So if you’re looking for a compact SUV that will give you many years of trouble-free service, the Subaru Forester is worth considering.
Why Is the Subaru Forester So Popular
There are a few reasons why the Subaru Forester has become so popular in recent years. First, it’s a compact SUV that offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo. Second, it comes with standard all-wheel drive, which is perfect for those who live in snowy or rainy climates. Third, its base price is very reasonable compared to other SUVs on the market.
And finally, its reliability rating is above average in the industry. All of these factors make the Forester an appealing choice for families and individuals alike.
What Is Good and Bad About the Car
The Subaru Forester is a popular choice for a compact SUV, and there are both good and bad aspects to consider before making your purchase. It’s important to consider both the pros and cons of the Subaru Forester before making a final purchase because there are plenty of other choices that might be better for you.
You know you’re getting a good deal if there are more pros than cons when you’re making a purchase. Below, we’ve come up with a list of the pros and cons of buying a Subaru Forester.
Here are some of the pros:
● Spacious interior
● Generous cargo space
And here are some of the cons:
● boring design
● lackluster acceleration
What Do Owners Say About the Car
The Subaru Forester is a great choice for anyone looking for a small, but capable SUV. Owners love Forester’s standard all-wheel drive and its excellent visibility from the driver seat. The vehicle also gets high marks for its comfort, fuel economy, and off-road capability.
There are some complaints about its acceleration and rough ride quality on certain models, but overall, owners are very happy with their Foresters because it’s a great all-around vehicle. And the compact SUV also has a loyal following, with many owners sticking with the brand when they purchase their next vehicle.
In conclusion, there are pros and cons to buying a Subaru Forester, so customers are advised to analyze all of their options before making a decision. Potential cons for Subaru Forester include problems such as AC issues, sensor failures, and loose gas caps.
One potential pro is that the Subaru Forester has a reliability score above average, which means that compared to most of the other compact SUVs, it is still slightly better overall. Make sure to consider all of these points before making a purchase!