2025 Subaru Forester: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2025 Subaru Forester? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 65 complaints, with Visibility/Wiper as the top reported area.
2025 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2025 Subaru Forester trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2025 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2025 Subaru Forester has 65 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Visibility/Wiper. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Forester
- Model year
- 2025
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 65
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Visibility/Wiper
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 29
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 26 / 33
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2025 Subaru Forester Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Visibility/Wiper
Uncategorized Issues
Fuel/Propulsion System
Complaint patterns center on Visibility/Wiper, Uncategorized Issues, Fuel/Propulsion System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2025 Subaru Forester?
The 2025 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2025 Subaru Forester
Inspection Focus
- Inspect windshield wipers and visibility systems for proper operation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially lighting and AEB systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's forward collision avoidance system and headlights before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect windshield wipers and visibility systems for proper operation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially lighting and AEB systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's forward collision avoidance system and headlights before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2025 Subaru Forester, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2025 Subaru Forester are concentrated in visibility and wiper issues, with a notable number of reports related to forward collision avoidance and headlight/taillight failures. The data suggests potential concerns with driver-assistance systems and lighting, though the low confidence level and limited year range caution against strong conclusions.
- Visibility/Wiper complaints are the most reported component issue with 12 complaints.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB accounts for 7 complaints, indicating possible system performance concerns.
- Headlight/Taillight Failures and Fuel/Propulsion System each have 8 complaints, tying for the second most reported category.
- Visibility/Wiper: 12 complaints suggest potential issues with windshield wipers or visibility systems.
- Headlight/Taillight Failures: 8 complaints indicate possible lighting system problems.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB: 7 complaints point to concerns with automatic emergency braking performance.
All 2025 Subaru Forester Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2025 Subaru Forester. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 11 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2025 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Forester. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V106000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for…
I was involved in a front-end motor vehicle collision while driving straight through an intersection. Another vehicle entered perpendicular to my path and stopped directly in front of me, resulting in a collision primarily impacting the front-left (driver’s side) of my vehicle. …
Dealer says initial batch of repair parts was used on vehicles in inventory, not on vehicles already sold to consumers. Supposedly Subaru instructions to dealer. That is a foolish policy decision that doesn't protect drivers of cars already sold and on the road. NHTSA should cons…
Significant issues with adaptive headlights having a large shadow in middle of beam as well as two smaller dark shadows at end of beam that are very distracting. It also dims very low at times severely reducing my visibility especially at different grades of the road. The headlig…
I experienced a false emergency braking event twice at the same area near my home. The vehicle falsely identified a stopped car ahead of me and slammed on the brakes, with a loud beeping noise and flashing lights. Fortunately, there was no one behind me, or they would have prob…
Vehicle: Subaru Forester 2025. Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026, between 1530 and 1630. Situation: I just completed a 3-hour drive from [XXX] , to [XXX] , arriving around 1440. There was no warning. The rear windshield spontaneously shattered while parked in a suburban neighborho…
On 12/4/25, I was pulling into a space in a parking deck, was approximately one quarter of the way into the spot and the vehicle suddenly accelerated and struck a cement wall. I did not have my feet on the pedals at the time and was going at approximately 5 miles per hour. The ai…
Navigation system gives incorrect directions including wrong freeway exits and and incorrect home location ( off by about 300-500 feet ) . This creates a safety hazard while driving. Vehicle has been taken for repair about six times , but the issue remains unsolved. Dealer com bi…
On March 12, 2026, my 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, owned for less than 1 month at the time and purchased on 2/14/2026, sustained a star chip to the windshield during normal driving conditions. While the physical damage itself was minor, the vehicle is equipped with Subaru EyeSigh…
Exhaust gas smell from the engine compartment when parked after driving. Garage smells like exhaust gases when left in enclosed garage - ongoing problem. Smell dissipates overnight. It has been inspected by Subaru dealers in Albuquerque and Santa Fe New Mexico. They report no err…
The vehicle will move from park to drive and reverse while the engine is off. It moves an good distance and only flashes a red light on the dash with a sound that the engine is not on. It is a huge safety concern and has happened multiple times. Also when moving it into park and …
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Forester. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V106000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had ex…
I purchased a 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid VIN [XXX] on July 26, 2025 from Schumacher Subaru, 3031 Okeechobee Blvd. West Palm Beach, Florida 33409. On March 11, 2026 I filled the gas tank to 100% capacity. The ambient temperature was 72 degrees Fahrenheit. I parked the vehicle i…
I have a urgent fire safety recall regarding the fuel tank exploding due to sone gasket leak. Inwas told to park outside of my garage with half tank minimum. I just bought my car, and now I don’t know if my car is going to blow up? I mean I get a chip issue takes a minute but whe…
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware there were paint bubbles near the fuel cap and near the bumper below, where the paint was also tarnished. Additionally, there was condensation found under the f…
My gas tank leaks out the top when filled. Currently, all check engine lights are on and all of the safety features of the vehicle have been disabled. When I took it to Subaru, they said there is an open recall with no remedy. This is ridiculous. My car has every check engine li…
Windshield crack started under windshield wiper and then within 12 hours spread from center of car to the passenger side. Took it to dealer then said there was an impact spot under the wipers. Based on other automobiles I have owned this should not have happened.
I am submitting this complaint to report a potential safety defect with the windshield glass on my 2025 Subaru Forester. Since purchasing the vehicle in May 2025, I have experienced repeated windshield damage that seems excessive and abnormal for a new vehicle. Within the first …
I bought a Subaru Forrester 2025 in March of 2025. I drove this car for almost 9 months to the day. On 12-19 -25 I was driving down the aisle in the Walmart parking lot at less than 10 mph. I turned right into a handicap parking lot and applied my brake as I was settling into the…
While driving (vehicle NOT parked), a message advertising popped up on the in-dash display, blocking other information and not dismissible - making it impossible to use the screen. This distracted me from driving.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2025 Subaru Forester.
2025 Subaru Forester Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2025 Subaru Forester. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2025 Subaru Forester Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2025 Subaru Forester reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 65 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2025 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Subaru Forester?▾
#1: Visibility/Wiper (12 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (11 complaints). #3: Fuel/Propulsion System (8 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2025 Subaru Forester?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2025 Subaru Forester?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2025 Subaru Forester, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 65 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2025 Subaru Forester have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2025 Subaru Forester. A major recall area is WHEELS. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2025 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2025 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Visibility/Wiper during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Forester reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2025 Subaru Forester based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.