Subaru
Forester
Subaru Forester: official NHTSA recalls, fault code help and maintenance guides.
Licensed photo · Photo creditMakeSubaru
ClassSmall SUV
Model years (US)2000–2027
New registrations (EU)2000–2026
Recall dataNHTSA (United States)
Generations and technical specifications
Subaru Forester – Sixth generation2024–present
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | SL |
| Production | 2024–present |
| Model years | 2025–present |
| Platform | Subaru Global Platform |
| Engines | Gasoline 1.8 L CB18 turbo H4 2.5 L FB25 DI H4 Gasoline hybrid 2.0 L FB20D e-Boxer H4 (MHEV) 2.5 L FB25D e-Boxer H4 (S:HEV/Hybrid) |
| Electric motor | 12.3 kW (e-Boxer) 88 kW AC synchronous (S:HEV/Hybrid) |
| Transmissions | Lineartronic CVT eCVT (S:HEV/Hybrid) |
| Drivetrain | e-Boxer MHEV Power-split (S:HEV/Hybrid) |
| Battery | 13.5 kw/118.4V/4.8Ah lithium-ion (MHEV) 1.1 kWh (S:HEV/Hybrid) |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm |
| Length | 4,655 mm |
| Width | 1,828 mm |
| Height | 1,730 mm |
| Assembly | Japan: Ōta, Gunma United States: Lafayette, Indiana (SIA; since October 2025) |
Subaru Forester – Fifth generation2018–2025
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | SK |
| Production | 2018–2025 |
| Model years | 2019–2025 (North America) |
| Platform | Subaru Global Platform |
| Engines | Gasoline 1.8 L CB18 turbo H4 2.0 L FB20 H4 2.5 L FB25 DI H4 Gasoline hybrid 2.0 L FB20D e-Boxer H4 |
| Electric motor | 12.3 kW (e-Boxer) |
| Transmissions | Lineartronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | e-Boxer MHEV |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm |
| Length | 4,625 mm 4,655 mm (Forester STI Sport) |
| Width | 1,815 mm |
| Height | 1,730 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,564–1,627 kg |
| Assembly | Japan: Ōta, Gunma Thailand: Bangkok (TCSAT) |
Subaru Forester – Fourth generation2012–2018
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | SJ |
| Production | 2012–2018 |
| Model years | 2014–2018 |
| Engines | Gasoline 2.0 L FB20 H4 2.5 L FB25 H4 2.0 L FA20F H4 Diesel 2.0 L EE20 H4 turbo |
| Transmissions | 6-speed manual Lineartronic CVT |
| Wheelbase | 2,640 mm |
| Length | 4,595 mm |
| Width | 1,796 mm |
| Height | 1,732 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,495–1,686 kg |
| Assembly | Japan: Ōta, Gunma Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur (TCMA) |
Subaru Forester – Third generation2008–2013
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | SH |
| Production | 2008–2013 |
| Model years | 2009–2013 |
| Engines | Gasoline 2.0 L EJ20 H4 2.0 L EJ20 H4 turbo 2.0 L FB20 H4 2.5 L EJ25 H4 2.5 L FB25 H4 2.5 L EJ25 H4 turbo Diesel 2.0 L EE20 H4 turbo |
| Transmissions | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual (diesel) 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic (S-edition) |
| Wheelbase | 2,616 mm |
| Length | 4,559 mm |
| Width | 1,781 mm |
| Height | 1,674 mm 1,742 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,474 kg |
| Assembly | Japan: Ōta, Gunma |
Subaru Forester – Second generation2002–2008
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | SG |
| Production | 2002–2008 |
| Model years | 2003–2008 |
| Engines | 2.0 L EJ20 H4 2.0 L EJ20 turbo H4 2.5 L EJ253 H4 2.5 L EJ255 turbo H4 2.5 L EJ25 turbo H4 (JDM Forester STi) |
| Transmissions | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 6-speed manual (STI) |
| Wheelbase | 2,525 mm |
| Length | 2003–2005: 4,450 mm 2006–2008: 4,485 mm |
| Width | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,650 mm Sports 2.5X: 1,590 mm Sports 2.5XT: 1,585 mm |
| Kerb weight | 2.0 L: 1,320 kg 2.0 L turbo: 1,410 kg 2.5 L: 1,424 kg 2.5 L turbo: 1,474 kg |
| Assembly | Japan: Ōta, Gunma |
Subaru Forester – First generation1997–2002
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | SF |
| Production | 1997–2002 |
| Model years | 1998–2002 |
| Engines | 2.0 L EJ20 DOHC H4 2.0 L EJ20T DOHC turbo H4 2.5 L EJ25D DOHC H4 (1997-1998) 2.5 L EJ251 SOHC (1998-2002) |
| Transmissions | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,525 mm |
| Length | 1997–2000: 4,450 mm 2000–2002: 4,460 mm |
| Width | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,650 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,430 kg |
| Assembly | Japan: Ōta, Gunma |
Engines and transmissions
| Model years | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2026 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl | CVT (continuously variable) | All-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| 2025–2026 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl hybrid | CVT (continuously variable) | All-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| 2014–2018 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl | CVT (continuously variable) | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2014–2018 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl | 6-speed manual | All-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| 2010–2013 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl | 4-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2010–2013 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl | 4-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| 2010–2013 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl | 5-speed manual | All-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| 2004–2009 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl | 4-speed automatic | Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2000–2009 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl | 4-speed automatic | Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| 2000–2009 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl | 5-speed manual | Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| 2004–2008 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl | 5-speed manual | Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
Fuel economy (EPA)
| Model years | Configuration | Combined | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2026 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl · CVT (continuously variable) · All-wheel drive | 8.1–9.0 L/100 km | 9.0–9.8 L/100 km | 7.1–8.4 L/100 km |
| 2025–2026 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl hybrid · CVT (continuously variable) · All-wheel drive | 6.7 L/100 km | 6.7 L/100 km | 6.9 L/100 km |
| 2014–2018 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl · CVT (continuously variable) · All-wheel drive | 9.4 L/100 km | 10.2 L/100 km | 8.7 L/100 km |
| 2014–2018 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl · 6-speed manual · All-wheel drive | 9.4–9.8 L/100 km | 10.7 L/100 km | 8.4 L/100 km |
| 2010–2013 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl · 4-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 10.2–11.2 L/100 km | 11.2–12.4 L/100 km | 9.0–10.2 L/100 km |
| 2010–2013 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl · 5-speed manual · All-wheel drive | 10.2–10.7 L/100 km | 11.2–11.8 L/100 km | 8.7 L/100 km |
| 2000–2009 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl · 4-speed automatic · Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | 10.7–12.4 L/100 km | 11.8–13.8 L/100 km | 9.0–11.2 L/100 km |
| 2000–2009 | 2.5 L, 4 cyl · 5-speed manual · Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | 10.2–13.1 L/100 km | 11.8–14.7 L/100 km | 8.7–10.7 L/100 km |
Values are the official EPA label figures for each model year, shown as the lowest and highest value for the configuration. Electric models show energy use per 100 km. Real-world consumption depends on driving style, weather and load. Luggage and passenger volumes follow the EPA measuring method and can differ from the VDA figures used in Europe.
EU type-approval data
| Years | Powertrain | Engine | Power | Mass | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–2025 | Petrol hybrid | 1995 cm³ | 100 kW (136 PS) | 1768–1792 kg | 183 g/km (WLTP) |
| 2019–2025 | Petrol hybrid | 1995 cm³ | 110 kW (150 PS) | 1727–1760 kg | 185 g/km (WLTP) |
| 2011–2021 | Petrol | 1995 cm³ | 110 kW (150 PS) | 1553–1627 kg | 185–199 g/km (WLTP) |
| 2013–2019 | Petrol | 1998 cm³ | 177 kW (241 PS) | 1682–1711 kg | 197 g/km (NEDC) |
| 2011–2019 | LPG (bi-fuel) | 1995 cm³ | 110 kW (150 PS) | 1581–1675 kg | 199 g/km (WLTP) |
| 2011–2018 | Diesel | 1998 cm³ | 108 kW (147 PS) | 1615–1710 kg | 150–163 g/km (NEDC) |
| 2011–2013 | Petrol | 1994 cm³ | 110 kW (150 PS) | 1540–1600 kg | 198–199 g/km (NEDC) |
| 2010 | LPG (bi-fuel) | 1994 cm³ | – | 1635–1645 kg | 181–182 g/km (NEDC) |
Years are registration years. Each range runs from the 10th to the 90th percentile of the values reported for new registrations; it is not an average. Mass is the mass in running order. For electric cars the power is the type-approval net power, which can be lower than the peak power in brochures.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| EPA size class | Small SUV, SUV |
| Model years in EPA data | 2000–2026 |
| Powertrains | Petrol, Hybrid |
| Engine displacement | 2.0–2.5 L |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission types | CVT, Manual, Automatic |
| Drive | All-wheel drive, Four-wheel or all-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Petrol (regular), Petrol (premium) |
| Configurations listed | 75 |
| Forced induction | Turbocharged (on some versions) |
| Start-stop system | On some versions |
| Luggage volume (EPA) | 878–963 L |
| Passenger volume (EPA) | 2,662–3,058 L |
| Powertrains (EU) | Petrol, Petrol hybrid, Diesel |
| Engine displacement (EU) | 1,995–1,998 cm³ |
| Power (EU) | 100–177 kW (136–241 PS) |
| Mass in running order (EU) | 1,553–1,792 kg |
| Wheelbase (EU) | 2,615–2,670 mm |
Years and markets
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model years (US) | 2000–2027 |
| New registrations (EU) | 2000–2026 |
Owner complaints (NHTSA)
| Component | Complaints | Most reported model years |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility and wipers | 1246 | 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| Engine and cooling | 976 | 2015, 2019, 2020 |
| Airbags | 810 | 2015, 2016, 2017 |
| Electrical system | 782 | 2017, 2019, 2020 |
| Speed control and cruise | 513 | 2014, 2015, 2016 |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 501 | 2015, 2016, 2017 |
| Fuel and propulsion | 499 | 2003, 2004, 2015 |
| Suspension | 375 | 2004, 2014, 2015 |
| Brakes | 349 | 2010, 2014, 2015 |
| Seats | 246 | 2010, 2017, 2018 |
Source: complaints filed by owners with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2000–2025: 6268 complaints, 542 with a crash and 97 with a fire. Complaints are owner reports that NHTSA has not verified, and one complaint can name more than one component. More complaints can also mean more cars sold.