r/SubaruForester

We’ve had Crosstreks for years (got a great lease years ago). The last Forester I leased was well over a decade ago. Does anybody currently have one of each or came from one to another recently? I am trying to figure out if we should give it a shot.

I’m looking at new Forester premium hybrids. Are any ad ons worth paying for? One dealership had theft protection in their quote for like $400.

Hey everyone, looking for some advice on a frustrating ongoing AC issue with my 2022 Subaru Forester.

​Timeline & Symptoms:

​Initial Failure: AC stopped working out of nowhere. Took it to a mechanic, who said the condenser was bad and replaced it.

​First "Fix": Worked fine for about 2 weeks, then completely died and blew warm air again.

​Second Visit: Took it back. They checked the compressor, claimed there was no leak, but blamed a "faulty O-ring/gasket" and replaced it, then recharged the system.

​Second "Fix": Worked for about 1 week, then died again.

​Current State: Charged it up this morning, and by evening it was completely dead again.

The shop keeps telling me "no leak found" during their quick checks, recharging it for free, and sending me on my way, but it's bleeding out its entire charge within hours now.

Has anyone run into this specific issue on this generation of Forester? Could it be a missed connection on the new condenser lines, a failing expansion valve, or something else entirely? Any advice on what to force the mechanic to check next would be huge.

I’m starting to look at cars. I drive a 2013 subaru forester now it has over 200k miles. I’ve had another subaru before (2001 was already over 200k and had issues to start with but was a great starter car).

I am looking into buying a 2020-2023 subaru forester or honda crv. Im getting mixed information about reliability of both. They are about the same gas mileage. Very similar body styles and from what i know they both have music controls on the steering wheel (which is important to me tbh).

I want to get another Subaru just because i have experience with them but I’ve heard the inside can be a bit noisier than a honda would?

Edit to fix typo.

Helping family member with some maintainence. Have done brakes, oil changes and cabin/engine air filters. Bit overdue for plugs apparently (almost 100k). I've heard the boxer engine can be a bit tight given the cylinder orientation next to the inner fenders/beams/whatever. Dealer wants $650 and I really couldn't believe what I was hearing, let along that the parts alone was $150 - FOR (4) SPARK PLUGS! And that was with a coupon. Is this for real? I've seen the various Youtubes on doing this and while it doesn't look that bad, most of those guys usually leave out some step you wish you knew when you were half way through the job.

Also, I've changed plugs in cars with 120k that never had plugs changed and had to change my underwear a few times when I first heard that "snap" breaking them loose. Seems not too ideal to try this with an awkward angle too. Just interested in hearing from those who have done this and what parts you used if not Subaru OEM.

After 3 Outbacks and 16+ years, my disdain for Subaru's new Outback design has me returning the lease on the '24 Outback Limited for a go with the '26 Forester Premier (Canada)/Touring(usa).

The kids are off, so open to something smaller, and the Forester seemed to meet the bill. Has anyone else downsized their Subbie wagon? Anything they've missed? And tips on how the Forester drives, or nuances that differ from the Outback.

Based on the reviews I read and watched, it doesn't seem I'll miss much (they did away with my favorite roof rail system anyway!). The infotainment is the same, engine, etc.

I need to bring home a screen door (36”x80”) using my 2025 Forester and find myself in need of ski rails to go across the existing roof rails. Prices vary widely with the Subaru brand accessory being exorbitant. I probably won’t use them for skis ever and maybe only a half dozen times in my life so I’m looking for something on the cheap side.

Suggestions and recommendations?

I do love my Forester Limited and wanted to get a third one. This 2018 I want to give to my son to drive (18) and then get a new one for myself. However, I'm starting to wonder if a Forester is a wise choice anymore.

My first one, 2009, Premium, was great until about 100k miles, when the oil was leaking somehow and couldn't be fixed. i guess maybe a recall/known issue? But the dealer tried fixing it 3x, and it couldn't be fixed, so they gave me a spectacular trade-in and a new 2018 Forester.

But here's the issue. i already put $6k into this car. was rarely driven, paid off 2 years ago, and it only had 80k miles on it until he started driving and working. all 4 wheel bearings went. some chain/pulley thing (sorry i don't remember; i know it was near the belts), my splash shield decided to come loose while driving on the expressway and dragged across at 75mph until i put tons of flex tape to fix. The trunk hydraulic arms busted. Auto sensor for trunk liftgate broke (leaving it). moonroof had to be replaced for a leak. Of course, maintenance things like battery, spark plugs, air conditioner freon. i just changed out my cvt fluid at 95k miles. now it occassionally has acceleration issues but the rpm does move at least when i floor it to pass. it just doesn't zoom like it used to/should and the dealer couldn't find what was wrong.

I'm going to take it to a Subaru specialist to get an inspection to see what major things might break soon (in 2 years). we only have 1 car and i need the car for my job so we share it. And of course, 1 car does suck, but I can't afford to get another right now. I am looking to see what is out there and what to do.

I was researching, and it seems that Toyotas last longer than Subarus. I'm debating either getting a RAV4 for myself (1-2 years old) or an older, cheaper Camry that can be his eventually when I can afford to get my own RAV4.

So are Subarus known to have multiple issues once 100k mi hit? i can't really compare it to my first one since that was a major oil issue that wasn't worth fixing and i got a good deal. I keep cars until catastrophic issues, so I want something that will last, esp for my son. i love that subarus give you everything in the cost depending on model and they are affordable. and of course esp for my adhd son, the safety of it. if i switch models, i need ALL safty features such as lane passing, blind spot, etc. beeps just to be sure. he's not a danger but i also drove with him during his permit and see that he definately needs these reminders. plus he's 18 and a new driver.

how long did your subaru last where it wasn't a money pit. i think $6k in a year and a half is a lot to put into a car and i'm afraid if it's going to start to keep having major things break.

thoughts?

If you have 60k or more miles on your Forester and haven’t changed your CVT/ Transmission fluids, I HIGHLY recommend doing so. My 2015 Forester 2.5i Touring is a couple miles shy of 76k and I checked my CVT fluid a couple months ago &it was like a reddish brown and I should’ve done it than but than today I had enough of the way it was riding so I changed it and now knowing it’s supposed to be GREEN, I should’ve done it awhile ago. But all this to say, my car now rides sooo much smoother since I changed the fluid.