Is the 2024 Subaru FORESTER reliable?

The 2024 Subaru FORESTER has 38 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2024 Subaru FORESTER?

Top problems: OTHER (9 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (7 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (6 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2024 Subaru FORESTER?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT. Contact any Subaru dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2024 Subaru FORESTER?

The 2024 Subaru FORESTER gets 29 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1655. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2024 Subaru FORESTER often stolen?

Theft risk tier for the Subaru FORESTER: very-low. HLDI insurance loss data suggests lower-than-average theft claims for this model.

How much does it cost to insure a 2024 Subaru FORESTER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2024 Subaru FORESTER is approximately $1,718/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2024 Subaru FORESTER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2024 Subaru FORESTER has 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.1x the segment average of 307. The most common issue is other problems (24% of all complaints), specifically: cracked windshield. happened out of nowhere overnight.. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

2 crash reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

9 complaints

24%

• Cracked windshield. Happened out of nowhere overnight.
• Vehicle: 2024 Subaru Forester Touring Date of Report: [July 3, 2024] What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? On June 19th, 2024 I noticed the side mirror of my 2024 Subaru Forester Touring has melted. This component is available for inspe
• This is the second windshield crack on my new 2024 Subaru Forester. I have only had the car 4 months. The first crack happened after I only had the car about 3 weeks, it was small and repairable. When I got in my car on 7/4/24, I noticed another crack, this one was good size, about 3 in long. I mark

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“Cracked windshield. Happened out of nowhere overnight.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (2)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING26/10/2023

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.

Risk: Leaking coolant can contact a hot exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Subarus independent distributor processing facilities will tighten the water pipe attachment bolts. The affected vehicles have not been delivered to dealers or sold to owners and therefore, no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRO-23.

Very low theft risk

Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2024 Subaru FORESTER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,656

Per month

$138

Per mile

13.8¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,847/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,455/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2024 Subaru FORESTER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,718

Full coverage / month

$143

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

+3%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk0.85x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.15x

= Full coverage estimate$1718

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Subaru FORESTER Service Intervals

Oil change

6K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

6K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

138K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 38 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: Cracked windshield. Happened out of nowhere overnight.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: My backup camera would not operate after washing my car. When I was backing up, I got an alert that something was in my way. There was no picture, so I could not see what it was. I had to stop and get out to see. This could lead to serious problems, like getting hit by other vehicles while have to g
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: The passenger air bag remains off per the indicator when my 5'3" 100lb wife sits in the seat. The system was inspected at Peoria Subaru in Peoria, AZ and no problem was found. The service manager told me the factory design is 105 lbs minimum before the air bag is on. I find no warning labels in th
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: I was driving down the road and a bottle was thrown out of a vehicle going the opposite direction as me. Upon impact my windshield shattered and sent shards of glass flying into the cabin of my vehicle. The shards of glass were thrown into my face and would have gone into my eyes had I not been wear
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)