2020 Subaru Forester
2020 model shown · Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0

Compact SUVs · SK generation

2021 Subaru Forester: reliability, problems and cost to own

Good choice About average

It scores 58 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact and small SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $12,499 to own, including $2,165 in repairs.

Reliability

58/100

About average

Repairs, 5 years

$2,165

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$7,034

29 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$17,883

$15,737 – $20,029, estimate

Recalls

0

on record

Owner complaints

213

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$1,094
Transmission & drivetrain$429
Electrical system$169
Driver-assist & stability$168
Body, glass & interior$154
Steering$49

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Before you buy

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Other years of the Subaru Forester

Of the years we rate, the 2024 scores best (92/100) and the 2019 worst (24/100).

YearReliability
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
202492/100
202385/100
202286/100
202158/100
202028/100
201924/100
201867/100
201751/100
201653/100
201531/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2021 Subaru Forester a year to avoid?

Not especially. It scores 58 out of 100, about average for compact and small SUVs; the 2022, 2023 and 2024 scored better.

Is the 2021 Subaru Forester reliable?

It scores 58 out of 100 against other compact and small SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is about average. Based on 213 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $2,165 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2021 Subaru Forester cost to own?

About $12,499 over 5 years: $3,300 in lost value, $2,165 in repairs and $7,034 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $17,883 today.

What are the best years of the Subaru Forester?

Of the years we rate, the 2024 scores best (92/100) and the 2019 worst (24/100).

How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Forester have?

None on record with NHTSA.