Subaru Forester Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2011-2025 model years · Based on 7,080+ owner reports · Last updated March 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 7,080+ owner reports, the 2011-2025 Subaru Forester has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical by the Au7o research team. The most serious are FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption ($0-$4,500 repair) and CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure ($0-$8,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption with 3,200 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $8,000. Full technical analysis and DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 4 Known Issues
The 2.5L FB25 engine in 2011-2018 Foresters is widely reported for excessive oil consumption, often burning 1 quart every 1,000-1,500 miles. The root cause is defective piston rings that fail to maintain proper oil control. Subaru acknowledged the issue with TSB 02-157-14R and extended the powertrain warranty to 8 years/100,000 miles for affected vehicles. A class-action settlement (Oakes v. Subaru) covered ring replacement for qualifying owners. The oil consumption test (OCT) required by Subaru involves monitoring oil usage over 3,000 miles at the dealership.
Common Symptoms
- Oil level drops significantly between changes
- Low oil pressure warning light
- Blue or grey smoke from exhaust on startup
- Need to add 1+ quart of oil every 1,000-1,500 miles
- Burning oil smell from engine bay
How to Fix
Request an oil consumption test (OCT) at a Subaru dealer. If consumption exceeds 1 qt per 3,000 miles, piston ring replacement is warranted. The fix involves replacing all piston rings and sometimes pistons (Subaru part 12006-AB270 short block assembly for severe cases). Check warranty extension and class-action settlement eligibility. Use Subaru 0W-20 synthetic oil and change at 3,000-mile intervals while monitoring.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 3,200+ owners who fixed this issue
- Tip
- Tip
- Tip
The Lineartronic CVT (TR690) in 2014-2021 Foresters can develop shuddering, hesitation, and in severe cases, complete failure. Symptoms typically begin around 60,000-100,000 miles. The CVT chain can stretch, causing slippage and shudder during light acceleration. The torque converter can also develop issues. Subaru extended CVT warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles under Customer Satisfaction Program WTY-72. Multiple software updates have been released to address shifting behavior.
Common Symptoms
- Shuddering during light acceleration at 15-40 mph
- Hesitation or delay when accelerating from a stop
- CVT whining or droning noise
- Rough engagement into Drive or Reverse
- Transmission warning light on dashboard
How to Fix
Have the dealer check for and apply the latest CVT software updates (TSB 16-103-17R). Perform CVT fluid change with Subaru CVT Fluid Lineartronic II (SOA427V1700). If shuddering persists, torque converter replacement or complete CVT replacement may be needed. Verify coverage under Subaru's 10-year/100,000-mile CVT warranty extension.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 1,800+ owners who fixed this issue
- Tip
- Tip
5th generation Foresters (2019+) have widespread reports of windshield cracks initiating near the EyeSight camera housing area or from the edges with no impact. The windshield design incorporates an acoustic interlayer and EyeSight camera calibration zone that creates stress concentrations. Temperature changes commonly trigger cracks. Replacement windshields must be EyeSight-compatible and require camera recalibration. Subaru has not issued a recall but dealerships have handled some replacements under goodwill.
Common Symptoms
- Crack appearing near EyeSight camera housing without impact
- Crack starting from windshield edge and spreading
- EyeSight system disabled due to cracked windshield
- Crack appearing after temperature changes
- Multiple cracks developing in short period
How to Fix
Document the crack with photos immediately. Contact Subaru customer service (1-800-782-2783) to request goodwill coverage. Replacement requires Subaru-approved EyeSight-compatible windshield and dealer calibration of EyeSight cameras ($200-400 for calibration alone). Aftermarket windshields from Pilkington or Mopar are available but must be EyeSight-rated. Some owners have had success with Subaru covering costs under goodwill after persistent complaints.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 1,400+ owners who fixed this issue
- Tip
- Tip
Foresters with the 2.5L FB25 engine experience premature A/C compressor failures, often with a noisy clutch or complete seizure. The compressor clutch bearing fails first, creating a grinding or squealing noise when the A/C is engaged. If not addressed, the compressor can seize and send metal debris through the entire A/C system, requiring replacement of the condenser, receiver/drier, and expansion valve in addition to the compressor. The issue is common between 60,000-120,000 miles.
Common Symptoms
- Grinding or squealing noise when A/C is turned on
- A/C blowing warm air intermittently
- A/C clutch clicking on and off rapidly
- Complete loss of cold air from vents
- Burning rubber smell from engine bay when A/C is on
How to Fix
Replace A/C compressor assembly (Denso 471-6050 or Subaru OEM 73111SG010). If compressor seized and sent debris, flush the entire system and replace condenser, receiver/drier (Subaru 73520FJ001), and expansion valve. Use PAG 46 oil and charge with R-134a to factory spec (15.5 oz). A/C clutch relay and pressure switch should be tested before assuming compressor failure.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 680+ owners who fixed this issue
- Tip
- Tip
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 7,080+ owner reports, the 2011-2025 Subaru Forester has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption, CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure, Windshield Spontaneous Cracking Near EyeSight Camera. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Subaru Forester reliable?
The 2011-2025 Subaru Forester has 4 known issues documented across 7,080+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption and CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Forester problems?
Repair costs for known Subaru Forester issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption, typically costs $0-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Subaru Forester is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Subaru Forester. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2011-2025 Subaru Forester with 4 documented issues from 7,080+ owner reports.
Get DIY Repair Guides for Your Subaru Forester
AI-powered step-by-step repair and maintenance guides tailored to your exact vehicle. Enter your year, make, and model to get started.
Get Started Free