2024 Subaru Forester: common problems and reliability

The 2024 Subaru Forester has 56 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and visibility/wiper. Owners most often flag cvt transmission longevity concerns — concerns about long-term reliability beyond 100,000 miles, with strong owner consensus recommending proactive fluid changes every 30,000-60,000 miles despite some manufacturer guidance. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2024 model year

56
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
6
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2024 Subaru Forester vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
12
visibility/wiper
10
forward collision avoidance
6
exterior lighting
4
engine
2

Recalls affecting the 2024 Forester

engine and engine cooling

Campaign 23V723000

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.

power train:driveline:driveshaft

Campaign 23V754000

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.

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. Owners express deep satisfaction with the vehicle's

  • CVT transmission longevity concerns — Concerns about long-term reliability beyond 100,000 miles, with strong owner consensus recommending proactive fluid changes every 30,000-60,000 miles despite some manufacturer guidance. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Infotainment system glitches — Occasional screen freezes, slow response, or connectivity issues. Noted as an annoyance but not a dealbreaker. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Windshield/glass cracking — Described as an "Achilles' heel"; prone to cracks and chips, necessitating comprehensive glass insurance. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Front control arm bushing wear — Bushings reported to fail relatively early, sometimes between 60,000-100,000 miles, affecting ride quality. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Oil consumption — Some models, particularly older generations, noted to consume more oil than average, requiring monitoring between changes. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Forester.

Typical used price

Used Forester listings typically run $14,131–$28,173 across 2012 to 2026 model years.

Other Forester model years

2025 Forester2021 Forester2018 Forester2016 Forester2012 Forester2011 Forester2010 Forester2007 Forester2005 Forester2002 Forester1998 Forester
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