Cars · Top 10
Top 10 Used Subaru Forester Model Years in 2027
Direct answer
The 2024 Subaru Forester is the best used Forester model year, with 30 NHTSA complaints, ahead of the 2008 (50) and the 2023 (74). For a $12,000 budget, the 2008 is the best bet: KBB prices run from $5,050 to $6,650.
At a glance
| # | Pick | NHTSA complaints | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024 Subaru Forester (SK) | 30 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2024 Forester, the fewest of any Forester year here | Buyers who want the newest fifth-generation Forester with the fewest NHTSA complaints |
| 2 | 2008 Subaru Forester (SG) | 50 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Forester, the fewest of any pre-2020 year listed | Budget buyers who want the last second-generation Forester with a turbo XT still offered |
| 3 | 2023 Subaru Forester (SK) | 74 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Forester | Buyers who want the facelifted fifth generation with strong safety scores |
| 4 | 2007 Subaru Forester (SG) | 74 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2007 Forester | Budget buyers who want the facelifted second-generation look at a very low price |
| 5 | 2002 Subaru Forester (SF) | 93 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Forester | The lowest-price first-generation Forester, with owners rating reliability 4.6 on KBB |
| 6 | 2025 Subaru Forester (SL) | 97 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2025 Forester (the year is still collecting complaints) | Buyers who want the all-new sixth generation and have a much larger budget |
| 7 | 2022 Subaru Forester (SK) | 98 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2022 Forester | The lowest-priced facelifted fifth-generation Forester |
| 8 | 2012 Subaru Forester (SH) | 105 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Forester | Buyers who want the third-generation Forester under $12,000 and will check recalls |
| 9 | 2011 Subaru Forester (SH) | 147 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Forester | Buyers who want the cheapest facelifted third-generation Forester |
| 10 | 2014 Subaru Forester (SJ) | 403 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Forester | Buyers who want the redesigned fourth generation with the best mpg of the older years, under $12,000 |
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2024 Subaru Forester (SK)
Best under $12,000
2008 Subaru Forester (SG)
Best newest generation
2025 Subaru Forester (SL)
Cheapest
2002 Subaru Forester (SF)
Best third generation
2012 Subaru Forester (SH)
The ranking
1
2024 Subaru Forester (SK)
Answrs VerdictThe cleanest Forester year.
NHTSA complaints: 30 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2024 Forester, the fewest of any Forester year hereNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed (engine and engine cooling; driveshaft)KBB used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price from $22,300 (Forester Sport Utility 4D, $28,440 when new) to $28,300 (Touring, $38,740 when new)Power and economy: 182 hp (KBB); EPA 26 city / 33 highway / 29 combined mpg (2.5-liter, CVT)Awards: KBB credits it with its Lowest 5-Year Cost to Own Award and Best Resale Value Award; KBB expert rating 4.3, consumer rating 4.4
The 2024 is the fifth-generation Forester (SK) with the fewest NHTSA complaints here: 30, plus 2 recall campaigns. KBB lists 182 hp, 29 mpg combined and its Lowest 5-Year Cost to Own and Best Resale Value awards, from $22,300 used.
Go ifBuyers who want the newest fifth-generation Forester with the fewest NHTSA complaints
Skip ifYou need to stay under $12,000: KBB prices start at $22,300
Why #1 over #2: NHTSA lists 30 complaints for it versus 50 for the 2008.
2
2008 Subaru Forester (SG)
Photo: Bull-Doser / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best used Forester under $12,000.
NHTSA complaints: 50 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Forester, the fewest of any pre-2020 year listedNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed (front suspension lower control arm)KBB used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price from $5,050 (Forester X, $22,840 when new) to $6,650 (XT Limited, $29,540 when new)Power and economy: 173-243 hp across trims (KBB); EPA 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined mpg (2.5-liter, 4-speed automatic)2008 update: Forester Sport models get a revised front end, and turbo models with the automatic get Variable Torque Distribution all-wheel drive (KBB)
The 2008 is a late second-generation (SG) year, with 50 NHTSA complaints and 1 recall campaign. KBB prices run from $5,050 to $6,650, and the turbo XT was still offered.
Go ifBudget buyers who want the last second-generation Forester with a turbo XT still offered
Skip ifYou want a newer safety and tech package than a 2008 offers
Why #2 over #3: NHTSA lists 50 complaints for it versus 74 for the 2023.
3
2023 Subaru Forester (SK)
Answrs VerdictThe safe, sorted pick.
NHTSA complaints: 74 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 ForesterNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed (driveshaft)KBB used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price from $21,900 (Forester Sport Utility 4D, $27,620 when new) to $26,700 (Touring, $37,720 when new)Power and economy: 182 hp (KBB); EPA 26 city / 33 highway / 29 combined mpg (2.5-liter, CVT)Safety: KBB says the IIHS made it a Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA gave it a maximum five-star overall score; KBB expert rating 4.3
The 2023 is the facelifted SK, which KBB says earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star NHTSA overall score. NHTSA lists 74 complaints and 1 recall campaign; KBB prices start at $21,900.
Go ifBuyers who want the facelifted fifth generation with strong safety scores
Skip ifYou want the 2024 with fewer complaints (30 versus 74)
Why #3 over #4: It is rated 29 mpg combined versus 22 for the 2007, with the same 74 complaints.
4
2007 Subaru Forester (SG)
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheap facelift pick.
NHTSA complaints: 74 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2007 ForesterNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed (front suspension lower control arm)KBB used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price from $4,725 (Forester Sports X, $22,320 when new) to $6,025 (XT Limited, $29,320 when new)Power and economy: 173-224 hp across trims (KBB); EPA 20 city / 25 highway / 22 combined mpg (2.5-liter, 4-speed automatic)2006 facelift: The second generation was facelifted for 2006 with redesigned headlights, tail lights, hood, grille and front bumper; a Sports trim arrived for 2007
The 2007 carries the 2006 facelift with redesigned headlights and grille, and adds a Sports trim. NHTSA lists 74 complaints and 1 recall campaign; KBB prices run from $4,725 to $6,025.
Go ifBudget buyers who want the facelifted second-generation look at a very low price
Skip ifYou want the 2008, which lists fewer complaints (50 versus 74)
Why #4 over #5: NHTSA lists 74 complaints for it versus 93 for the 2002.
5
2002 Subaru Forester (SF)
Photo: OSX / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheapest classic Forester.
NHTSA complaints: 93 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 ForesterNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed (automatic transmission)KBB used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price from $2,525 (Forester L, $21,625 when new) to $2,850 (Forester S, $24,220 when new)Power and economy: 165 hp (KBB); EPA 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined mpg (2.5-liter, 4-speed automatic)Owner rating: KBB owners rate the 2002 Forester 4.5 out of 5 overall and 4.6 for reliability
The 2002 is the first generation (SF) with a 165 hp 2.5-liter. NHTSA lists 93 complaints and 1 recall campaign; KBB prices run from $2,525 to $2,850 and owners rate reliability 4.6 out of 5.
Go ifThe lowest-price first-generation Forester, with owners rating reliability 4.6 on KBB
Skip ifYou want modern safety equipment
Why #5 over #6: NHTSA lists 93 complaints for it versus 97 for the 2025.
6
2025 Subaru Forester (SL)
Answrs VerdictThe newest generation.
NHTSA complaints: 97 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2025 Forester (the year is still collecting complaints)NHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed (wheels; child seat; equipment labels)KBB price: Starting sticker price $31,415 and $43,015 for the Touring; KBB Fair Purchase Price $28,500 (Forester) to $39,000 (Touring)Power and economy: 180 hp (KBB); EPA 26 city / 33 highway / 29 combined mpg (2.5-liter, CVT)New generation: The sixth-generation Forester was revealed on November 16, 2023 and the 2025 model year was awarded IIHS Top Safety Pick
The 2025 is the all-new sixth generation (SL), revealed in November 2023 and an IIHS Top Safety Pick. NHTSA lists 97 complaints so far and 3 recall campaigns; KBB prices run from $28,500 to $39,000.
Go ifBuyers who want the all-new sixth generation and have a much larger budget
Skip ifYou need to stay under $12,000: KBB prices start at $28,500
Why #6 over #7: NHTSA lists 97 complaints for it versus 98 for the 2022.
7
2022 Subaru Forester (SK)
Answrs VerdictThe cheapest facelift year.
NHTSA complaints: 98 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2022 ForesterNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed (automatic transmission)KBB used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price from $20,500 (Forester Sport Utility 4D, $27,070 when new) to $23,800 (Touring, $37,170 when new)Power and economy: 182 hp (KBB); EPA 26 city / 33 highway / 29 combined mpg (2.5-liter, CVT)2022 changes: A restyled front end, the new Forester Wilderness model and Automatic Emergency Steering; KBB expert rating 4.3
The 2022 introduced the facelifted SK with a restyled front end, the Wilderness model and Automatic Emergency Steering. NHTSA lists 98 complaints and 1 recall campaign; KBB prices start at $20,500.
Go ifThe lowest-priced facelifted fifth-generation Forester
Skip ifYou want the 2023 or 2024, which list fewer complaints
Why #7 over #8: NHTSA lists 98 complaints for it versus 105 for the 2012.
8
2012 Subaru Forester (SH)
Answrs VerdictThe third-generation budget pick.
NHTSA complaints: 105 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 ForesterNHTSA recalls: 15 recall campaigns listed, 8 of them for the front passenger air bag inflatorKBB used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price from $7,100 (Forester 2.5X, $23,310 when new) to $9,275 (2.5XT Touring, $31,670 when new)Power and economy: 170-224 hp across trims (KBB); EPA 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined mpg (2.5-liter, 4-speed automatic)Ratings: KBB expert rating 3.6 and consumer rating 4.2; new for 2012 is a height-adjustable front passenger seat
The 2012 is the third-generation (SH) Forester with a height-adjustable passenger seat. NHTSA lists 105 complaints and 15 recall campaigns, 8 of them for the passenger air bag inflator; KBB prices run from $7,100 to $9,275.
Go ifBuyers who want the third-generation Forester under $12,000 and will check recalls
Skip ifYou want few open recalls: NHTSA lists 15 campaigns
Why #8 over #9: NHTSA lists 105 complaints for it versus 147 for the 2011.
9
2011 Subaru Forester (SH)
Answrs VerdictThe facelift on a budget.
NHTSA complaints: 147 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 ForesterNHTSA recalls: 16 recall campaigns listed, 9 of them for the front passenger air bag inflatorKBB used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price from $6,675 (Forester 2.5X, $23,152 when new) to $8,400 (2.5XT Touring, $32,320 when new)Power and economy: 170-224 hp across trims (KBB); EPA 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined mpg (2.5-liter, 4-speed automatic)Facelift: A minor facelift with a new grille insert and the all-new 2.5-liter FB25 engine in naturally aspirated models, still rated 170 hp
The 2011 got a minor SH facelift and the new 2.5-liter FB25. NHTSA lists 147 complaints and 16 recall campaigns, 9 of them for the passenger air bag inflator; KBB prices run from $6,675 to $8,400.
Go ifBuyers who want the cheapest facelifted third-generation Forester
Skip ifYou want fewer complaints: the 2012 lists 105 versus 147
Why #9 over #10: NHTSA lists 147 complaints for it versus 403 for the 2014.
10
2014 Subaru Forester (SJ)
Answrs VerdictThe award winner with a catch.
NHTSA complaints: 403 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 ForesterNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed (brake lights switch; equipment)KBB used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price from $8,400 (Forester 2.5i, $24,252 when new) to $11,050 (2.0XT Touring, $36,663 when new)Power and economy: 170-250 hp across trims (KBB); EPA 24 city / 31 highway / 27 combined mpg (2.5-liter, CVT)Reputation: Motor Trend SUV of the Year 2014; CarComplaints rates the 2014 as the worst Forester model year, citing high oil consumption
The 2014 is the redesigned fourth generation (SJ) and Motor Trend SUV of the Year 2014, rated 27 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 403 complaints, and CarComplaints rates it the worst Forester year; KBB prices run from $8,400 to $11,050.
Go ifBuyers who want the redesigned fourth generation with the best mpg of the older years, under $12,000
Skip ifYou want the fewest problems: NHTSA lists 403 complaints
How we ranked these
We ranked Forester model years by what they give a used buyer today: NHTSA owner complaint counts first, then recall campaigns, Kelley Blue Book used prices and ratings, power and EPA fuel economy. Counts were read from the NHTSA API and prices from KBB when we checked, and KBB updates prices weekly. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare years within a generation. We kept at least one year from each of the six generations. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best used Subaru Forester year?
By NHTSA records, the 2024: NHTSA lists 30 owner complaints for it, versus 50 for the 2008 and 74 for the 2023. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
Which used Subaru Forester fits a $12,000 budget?
On Kelley Blue Book prices, the 2002, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2014 all sit below $12,000, topping out at $11,050 for the 2014 2.0XT Touring. The 2008 has the fewest NHTSA complaints of those, with 50.
How many Subaru Forester generations are there?
Six: SF (first sold in the US as a 1998 model), SG (the 2003 model year), SH (unveiled in 2008), SJ (US 2014 model year), SK (US 2019 model year) and SL (revealed in November 2023 for 2025).
Which Subaru Forester year is the worst?
CarComplaints rates the 2014 as the worst Forester model year, and NHTSA lists 403 owner complaints for it; the 2015 lists 615.
NHTSA complaints by model year (as listed) at a glance
2024 Subaru Forester (SK)30 complaints
2008 Subaru Forester (SG)50 complaints
2023 Subaru Forester (SK)74 complaints
2007 Subaru Forester (SG)74 complaints
2002 Subaru Forester (SF)93 complaints
2025 Subaru Forester (SL)97 complaints
2022 Subaru Forester (SK)98 complaints
2012 Subaru Forester (SH)105 complaints
2011 Subaru Forester (SH)147 complaints
2014 Subaru Forester (SJ)403 complaints
Official sites
- 2024 Subaru Forester (SK) · kbb.com
- 2008 Subaru Forester (SG) · kbb.com
- 2023 Subaru Forester (SK) · kbb.com
- 2007 Subaru Forester (SG) · kbb.com
- 2002 Subaru Forester (SF) · kbb.com
- 2025 Subaru Forester (SL) · kbb.com
- 2022 Subaru Forester (SK) · kbb.com
- 2012 Subaru Forester (SH) · kbb.com
- 2011 Subaru Forester (SH) · kbb.com
- 2014 Subaru Forester (SJ) · kbb.com
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org
- carcomplaints.com
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.