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2021 Subaru Forester: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Forester years.
207 owner complaints, most about visibility/wiper. No recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Forester?The 2021 Subaru Forester has 207 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Subaru Forester vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Forester years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Forester?
Across the 29 Forester model years we track, complaint volume runs from 50 (2008) to 833 (2019). With 207 complaints, the 2021 Forester sits above the model's median of 141.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment across multiple generations, with the Forester consistently praised for its practicality, safety, all-weather capability, and long-term reliability when properly maintained.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Forester. See the full Forester owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Forester listings typically run $15,000–$24,194.
Other Forester model years
Compare every Forester year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Forester against its rivals
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