← All Subaru Forester years

2025 Subaru Forester VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2025 Subaru Forester has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 48 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Subaru Forester. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (9), Exterior Lighting (7), Visibility Wiper (7).

Forester reliability snapshot

79/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$632
Avg annual repair cost vs $521 category avg
#21/26
Ranking in compact SUVs · better than 19% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Subaru Forester before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2025 Subaru Forester issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Unknown Or Other9
  • Exterior Lighting7
  • Visibility Wiper7
  • Visibility7
  • Forward Collision Avoidance4
  • Electrical System2

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2025 Subaru Forester

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Test forward collision avoidance system for unexpected braking
  • Inspect windshield for cracks and check replacement availability
  • Check driver-side mirror for vibration at highway speeds
  • Verify low beam headlights for adequate road illumination
  • Test seat heaters for unexpected activation
  • Ensure airbag system activates for all passengers
  • Test paddle shifters for correct upshifting

2025 Forester recalls (2)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2025 Forester. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. CHILD SEATNHTSA 25V419000Jun 19, 2025

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles. The child seat anchor bolts may have been improperly tightened, allowing the bolts to come loose.

    Consequence: A loose child seat anchor bolt increases the risk of injury to a child during a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will inspect the child seat anchor bolts and, if necessary, tighten the bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-25.

  2. WHEELSNHTSA 25V033000Jan 23, 2025

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles equipped with 18" aluminum alloy wheels. The wheels may have been manufactured with an incorrectly specified lug seat surface, which can result in the wheel being improperly attached and cause a loss of vehicle stability.

    Consequence: A loss of vehicle stability increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will inspect and replace the wheels, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRB-25.

Used-market value

2025 Subaru Forester resale snapshot

75%estimated value retained after 5 years
600listings in the model-level benchmark

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2025 Subaru Forester on the road

175,070 2025 Subaru Forester units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2025 Subaru Forester stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2025 Subaru Forester

With an 80/100 score against an 82/100 segment average, the 2025 Subaru Forester lands slightly below the class norm. That points to generally solid reliability, but not a standout result, with a modestly higher likelihood of owner-reported problems than the typical competitor.

Complaints are not concentrated in a single system. They spread across several areas, led by broad “unknown/other” reports and multiple visibility-related categories, alongside exterior lighting and forward collision avoidance. That distribution suggests the risk profile is more about varied, smaller problem areas than one dominant failure point. Recall activity is limited, indicating few factory-corrected issues on record. As the final year of its generation, the data still reads as stable rather than exceptional.

Overall risk level: moderate, slightly higher than segment average.

What you get in a 2025 Subaru Forester report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

Check a 2025 Subaru Forester now

Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.

2025 Subaru Forester — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2025 Subaru Forester reliable?

With an 80/100 score against an 82/100 segment average, the 2025 Subaru Forester lands slightly below the class norm. That points to generally solid reliability, but not a standout result, with a modestly higher likelihood of owner-reported problems than the typical competitor.

How many recalls does the 2025 Subaru Forester have?

2 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2025 Subaru Forester. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2025 Subaru Forester problems?

The most-reported 2025 Subaru Forester problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (9), Exterior Lighting (7), Visibility Wiper (7).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2025 Subaru Forester?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2025 Subaru Forester, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.