Vehicle 1

Subaru Forester

2,366 complaints · 13 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Honda CR V

4,775 complaints · 19 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Subaru Forester vs Honda CR V: The Forester averages 236.6 complaints per year with 13 recalls, while the CR-V averages 477.5 complaints per year with 19 recalls. The Forester's top issue is visibility/wiper (734), and the CR-V's top is steering (952). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Subaru Forester
wins all 4 categories
0
Honda CR V
no category wins
CategorySubaru ForesterHonda CR V
Total Complaints
All years combined
2,366
✓ lower
4,775
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
13
✓ lower
19
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
143
✓ lower
187
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
236.6
✓ lower
477.5

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Subaru Forester

1. VISIBILITY/WIPER734
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER426
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM365
4. AIR BAGS284
5. ENGINE232

Honda CR V

1. STEERING952
2. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE892
3. ENGINE754
4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM722
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER601
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Subaru Forester has fewer complaints per year (236.6 vs 477.5), suggesting it may have fewer reported issues overall. However, the Forester has a high number of visibility/wiper complaints, which could be a practical concern for daily driving.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer overall complaints and lower recall count, choose the Subaru Forester. If you are concerned about steering or forward collision avoidance issues, the Honda CR-V has more complaints in those areas, so you might prefer the Forester.

Key Differences
  • Forester has 236.6 complaints/year vs CR-V's 477.5/year.
  • Forester has 13 recalls; CR-V has 19 recalls.
  • Forester's top issue is visibility/wiper (734); CR-V's top is steering (952).
  • CR-V has 892 forward collision avoidance complaints; Forester has none listed.
⚠ Watch on Subaru Forester
  • Check for visibility/wiper problems, as there are 734 complaints.
  • Air bag issues (284 complaints) should be inspected.
⚠ Watch on Honda CR V
  • Steering complaints (952) are the most common; test steering responsiveness.
  • Forward collision avoidance system (892 complaints) may have false activations or failures.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles.
  • Test windshield wipers and visibility on the Forester.
  • Test steering feel and check for any warning lights on the CR-V.
  • Inspect air bag system and ensure no open recalls.
  • Review service history for engine and electrical system repairs.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Subaru ForesterHonda CR V
2026
10
86
2025
74
218
2024
28
359
2023
69
499
2022
92
220
2021
204
299
2020
0
324
2019
831
1047
2018
484
0
2017
574
1723
Subaru Forester vs Honda CR V — comparison facts
Comparison
Subaru Forester vs Honda CR V
Subaru Forester total complaints
2,366
Honda CR V total complaints
4,775
Subaru Forester total recalls
13
Honda CR V total recalls
19
Subaru Forester avg complaints/year
236.6
Honda CR V avg complaints/year
477.5
More reliable overall
Subaru Forester
Subaru Forester top complaint area
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Honda CR V top complaint area
STEERING
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Subaru Forester Reliability & Problems

2,366 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Honda CR V Reliability & Problems

4,775 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Subaru Forester or Honda CR V?

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