ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Issue: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.
Subaru Forester — Specs, Problems & Recalls
Subaru Forester: The Subaru Forester is a suv sold in the U.S. market. Enter its 17-character VIN below to pull the exact build from NHTSA vPIC: model year, trim, engine, drivetrain and assembly plant, plus any open safety recalls filed for that model year. Decode a specific VIN below to confirm the exact year, trim and equipment, and to check for open safety recalls.
Research any Subaru Forester model year
Specs, engines, MPG and open safety recalls for each production year.
2026
Forester
2025
Forester
2024
Forester
2023
Forester
2022
Forester
2021
Forester
2020
Forester
2019
Forester
2018
Forester
2017
Forester
2016
Forester
2015
Forester
2014
Forester
2013
Forester
2012
Forester
2011
Forester
2010
Forester
2005
Forester
2000
Forester
1998
Forester
1995
Forester
1990
Forester
Each year page has that year's specific specs, EPA MPG, NHTSA crash-test ratings and every open recall campaign filed for that year and model.
| Make | Subaru |
|---|---|
| Model | Forester |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Production Years | Multiple model years |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
NHTSA Safety Ratings (2024 Subaru Forester)
Official NHTSA crash-test star ratings (5 = best).
Source: NHTSA NCAP.
Subaru Forester generations
Model-line generations with their production years. Each generation hub lists every model year with its data.
| First gen (SF) | 1997–2002 |
|---|---|
| Second gen (SG) | 2002–2008 |
| Third gen (SH) | 2008–2013 |
| Fourth gen (SJ) | 2013–2018 |
| Fifth gen (SK) | 2018–2023 |
| Sixth gen | 2023–2026 |
Why Buyers Choose the Subaru Forester
- Verify the exact build with a free VIN decode
- Check open NHTSA recalls in seconds
- Confirm the listing matches the factory specification
Common Problems to Check
Known issues reported for the Subaru Forester. Always inspect the specific vehicle and decode its VIN for recall status.
- Wear items (brakes, suspension bushings, tires) at a rate set by mileage and prior care
- Electronics and infotainment faults reported on some model years
- Any open recall: verify by VIN, since repairs are free at the dealer
Reliability: How long a used Subaru Forester lasts depends mostly on its maintenance history, not the badge. Pull the recall list for the model year, read the service records and pay for an independent inspection before you commit.
Check engine light on your Subaru Forester?
Every 1996-and-newer car uses the OBD-II standard. Enter any stored code, then P0300, P0420, or search our full database of over 2,000 codes, to see what it means and how serious it is.
Recent Recalls (2024 Subaru Forester)
A sample of NHTSA recalls for a recent model year. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. See all recalls →
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Issue: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I decode a Subaru Forester VIN?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the box above. VinSpecs returns the exact year, trim, engine, drivetrain and assembly plant for your Subaru Forester, plus any open recalls, free.
Is the Subaru Forester reliable?
How long a used Subaru Forester lasts depends mostly on its maintenance history, not the badge. Pull the recall list for the model year, read the service records and pay for an independent inspection before you commit.
How do I check the Subaru Forester for recalls?
Use our free recall checker by year, make and model, or decode a specific VIN for its exact recall status.
What should I check before buying a used Subaru Forester?
Run a VIN decode + recall check here, get a NMVTIS-backed title history report to catch salvage/flood brands, then have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle on a lift. Cross-reference the seller's mileage claim against the odometer history on record.
Where is the VIN located on a Subaru Forester?
The 17-character VIN is stamped in several places: visible through the windshield on the driver's-side dashboard, on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, and on the vehicle registration and insurance card. All should match, mismatched VINs are a fraud red flag.