Maintenance & repair cost
Subaru Forester Maintenance & Repair Cost
The Subaru Forester averages $632 a year in repair and maintenance costs, which is 21% above the typical compact SUVs. Here is what that covers, how it ranks, and the problem areas most likely to drive the bill.
Data updated June 2026
- Avg. annual cost
- $632
- compact SUVs average
- $521
- Reliability rating
- medium
- Segment rank
- #21 of 26
Repairs + maintenance, per year
21% pricier
RepairPal rating
compact SUVs
Cost of ownership
How much does a Subaru Forester cost to maintain?
Independent repair data puts the Subaru Forester at about $632 per year in combined repair and maintenance spending. The average compact SUVs runs about $521, so the Subaru Forester is 21% more expensive than a typical rival to keep on the road.
RepairPal rates the Subaru Forester's overall reliability medium and ranks it #21 of 26 in the compact SUVs class. A lower cost usually tracks with fewer and less severe repairs, but it is an average across every model year.
What drives the cost
The problems most likely to show up on a repair bill
Across the model years we track, these are the most frequently reported Subaru Forester problem areas — the categories most likely to turn into a real expense:
Visibility Wiper
- Complaints
- 819
- Years affected
- 8
- Worst year
- 2019
Unknown Or Other
- Complaints
- 327
- Years affected
- 8
- Worst year
- 2019
Electrical System
- Complaints
- 307
- Years affected
- 7
- Worst year
- 2019
Visibility
- Complaints
- 107
- Years affected
- 4
- Worst year
- 2020
How to read this
Averages describe the model — the VIN describes the car
Annual-cost and reliability figures come from independent repair data aggregated across many vehicles. They are a strong way to compare one model against another, but a single Subaru Forester can cost far more if it was neglected, wrecked, or has an open recall. Use the estimate to shortlist, then confirm the specific car with its VIN.
Source trail
Where this Subaru Forester data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Subaru Forester research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Subaru Forester research FAQ
How much does it cost to maintain a Subaru Forester per year?
A Subaru Forester averages about $632 per year in repair and maintenance costs across parts and labor, versus roughly $521 for a typical compact SUVs. Actual cost depends on the year, mileage, condition and where it is serviced.
Is the Subaru Forester expensive to repair?
Compared with similar vehicles, the Subaru Forester is 21% more expensive to maintain than the compact SUVs average, and its overall reliability is rated "medium".
Does a low maintenance cost mean a specific Subaru Forester is a safe buy?
No. A segment average describes the model, not one car. A cheap-to-maintain model can still hide a salvage title, odometer rollback, flood damage or unfinished recall work. Always run the VIN before you buy.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Subaru Forester you are considering.