Years to avoid
Subaru Forester Years to Avoid
The 2019, 2018 model years stand out as the weakest in this Subaru Forester dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated June 2026
- Weakest year
- 2019
- Model average
- 74/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 825
- Recalls, weakest year
- 3
63/100 reliability
16-point range
34 crash · 11 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2019 Subaru Forester ranks last
The 2019 scores 63/100, rated good, versus a model average of 74/100. NHTSA data contains 825 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Visibility Wiper (349), Unknown Or Other (117), Electrical System (115), Engine (55). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2019 Subaru Forester record →Evidence by year
The weakest Subaru Forester model years compared
2019 Subaru Forester
- Complaints
- 825
- Recalls
- 3
- Crash reports
- 34
- Fire reports
- 11
Top issues: Visibility Wiper (349), Unknown Or Other (117), Electrical System (115)
View 2019 details →2018 Subaru Forester
- Complaints
- 475
- Recalls
- 3
- Crash reports
- 25
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Visibility Wiper (126), Air Bags (79), Electrical System (64)
View 2018 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Subaru Forester years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
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
Which Subaru Forester years should I avoid?
2019, 2018 score materially below the strongest Subaru Forester years in this dataset. The 2019 is the weakest at 63/100, with 825 owner complaints and 3 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Subaru Forester year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Subaru Forester year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2025 (79/100), 2023 (79/100), 2024 (78/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
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.