Subaru Forester — All Years

Reviewed by the 247VehicleCheck Data Team — automotive data reviewers

We have Subaru Forester specifications on file for 17 model years, 2010–2026, covering suv trims. Across those years EPA data lists 3 different engines. Combined fuel economy runs from 25 to 35 mpg (UK) depending on year, engine and transmission. 13 of the 16 rated model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating. Select a year below for full engine, fuel economy, dimensions and safety data.

YearEngine(s)FuelMPG (UK)CO₂ g/kmNHTSARecallsComplaints
20262.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline35–421935★024
20252.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline35–421935★395
20242.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline351935★229
20232.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline31–351935★174
20222.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline31–351935★198
20212.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline351925★0208
20202.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline351925★0600
20192.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline351935★3833
20182L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline29–341965★3498
20172L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline29–341965★1586
20162L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline30–322065★3415
20152L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline30–322065★3614
20142L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 4-cylRegular Gasoline29–322065★2403
20132.5L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline25–282404★1277
20122.5L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline25–282404★15105
20112.5L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline25–282404★16147
20102.5L 4-cyl / 2.5L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline25–26251—17262

Best and Worst Subaru Forester Years: What the NHTSA Data Shows

Across the 13 Subaru Forester model years from 2010 to 2022 that have NHTSA data, the typical year has about 403 owner complaints on file. These are the extremes:

Fewest owner complaints

  • 2013 — 77 complaints, 12 recall campaigns, 4★ NHTSA
  • 2022 — 98 complaints, 1 recall campaign, 5★ NHTSA
  • 2012 — 105 complaints, 15 recall campaigns, 4★ NHTSA

Most owner complaints

  • 2019 — 833 complaints, 3 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA
  • 2015 — 614 complaints, 3 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA
  • 2020 — 600 complaints, 0 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA

Complaint counts are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and rise with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road, so treat them as a pointer for what to inspect, not a reliability score. Model years after 2022 are left out because they have had little time to accumulate reports. Always check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Engine History

Engines are those EPA lists for each model year; the MPG (UK) column shows the range across configurations where more than one exists.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What years is the Subaru Forester covered on this site?

We have data for 17 model years of the Subaru Forester, from 2010 to 2026.

What engines does the Subaru Forester come with?

EPA data lists: 2.5L 4-cyl (2010–2026); 2.5L 4-cyl turbo (2010–2013); 2L 4-cyl turbo (2014–2018).

Which Subaru Forester year has the best fuel economy?

The 2026 model returns the highest combined MPG (UK) on record here, at 35 mpg on its most efficient configuration.

Does the Subaru Forester have a 5-star NHTSA safety rating?

Yes — the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating on record here.

Which Subaru Forester model years have the most recalls and complaints?

The 2010 model year has the most NHTSA recall campaigns on record (17), and the 2019 has the most owner complaints (833). NHTSA lists no recalls for 2020–2021 and 2026. Counts are from NHTSA as of 6 October 2026 and change over time; complaints are unverified owner reports.

What body style is the Subaru Forester?

The Subaru Forester is classed as an SUV on this site.

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