Is the 2021 Subaru Forester reliable?

Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2021 Subaru Forester 7.5/10 — Recommended. It has 0 NHTSA recalls on record and about 207 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Forester?

The most frequently reported area is Visibility/Wiper. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.

How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Forester have?

The 2021 Subaru Forester has 0 NHTSA safety recalls on record. Check that any open recalls have been addressed before you buy.

What is a fair price for a used 2021 Subaru Forester?

A used 2021 Subaru Forester typically sells for $20,000–$27,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.

Is the 2021 Subaru Forester expensive to maintain?

Subaru is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.

How many miles is too many for a 2021 Subaru Forester?

Well-maintained Subaru Foresters frequently pass 200,000 miles. Treat 150k+ as higher-mileage but not disqualifying if the service history is clean.

Research carefully

Some documented issues. Review the data below before purchasing.

2021 Subaru Forester

Solid reliability record continues — one of the best AWD buys in this segment.

Typical price: $20,000–$27,000
Recalls: 0
Owner complaints: 207

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Get a free instant score for this model — recalls, known issues, and a fair-price estimate — then add your VIN, mileage, and price for a listing-specific result. No account needed.

NHTSA Recalls

0 recalls

No recalls on record with NHTSA.

Owner Complaints

(207 total)

Visibility/Wiper67
Unknown Or Other20
Electrical System16
Visibility13
Engine11
Speed Control6
Transmission & Drivetrain5
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Engine4

Known Issues

No known issues found for the 2021 Subaru Forester in our database.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Subaru Forester reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2021 Subaru Forester 7.5/10 — Recommended. It has 0 NHTSA recalls on record and about 207 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Forester?: The most frequently reported area is Visibility/Wiper. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Forester have?: The 2021 Subaru Forester has 0 NHTSA safety recalls on record. Check that any open recalls have been addressed before you buy.
What is a fair price for a used 2021 Subaru Forester?: A used 2021 Subaru Forester typically sells for $20,000–$27,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2021 Subaru Forester expensive to maintain?: Subaru is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.
How many miles is too many for a 2021 Subaru Forester?: Well-maintained Subaru Foresters frequently pass 200,000 miles. Treat 150k+ as higher-mileage but not disqualifying if the service history is clean.

Find a 2021 Subaru Forester for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

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Accessories & exterior protection

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Floor mats, running boards, fender flares, tonneau covers & more

Suspension & performance

Wheel spacers, leveling & lift kits, suspension

KSP Performance — 5% off site-wide with code KSPAF

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Also consider

2019 Honda CR-V

$16,000–$23,000

2018 Toyota RAV4

$16,000–$22,000

2019 Nissan Rogue

$13,000–$19,000

Score any used car listing in 2 minutes

CarScorer pulls NHTSA data, checks known issues, and compares the asking price against market value — all in one score. Free, no account required for a basic check.

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Research carefully

Some documented issues. Review the data below before purchasing.

2021 Subaru Forester

Solid reliability record continues — one of the best AWD buys in this segment.

Typical price: $20,000–$27,000
Recalls: 0
Owner complaints: 207

ShareX f

Have a specific 2021 Subaru Forester to check?

Get a free instant score for this model — recalls, known issues, and a fair-price estimate — then add your VIN, mileage, and price for a listing-specific result. No account needed.

Score this vehicle free

NHTSA Recalls

0 recalls

No recalls on record with NHTSA.

Owner Complaints

(207 total)

Visibility/Wiper67
Unknown Or Other20
Electrical System16
Visibility13
Engine11
Speed Control6
Transmission & Drivetrain5
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Engine4

Known Issues

No known issues found for the 2021 Subaru Forester in our database.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Subaru Forester reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2021 Subaru Forester 7.5/10 — Recommended. It has 0 NHTSA recalls on record and about 207 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Forester?: The most frequently reported area is Visibility/Wiper. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Forester have?: The 2021 Subaru Forester has 0 NHTSA safety recalls on record. Check that any open recalls have been addressed before you buy.
What is a fair price for a used 2021 Subaru Forester?: A used 2021 Subaru Forester typically sells for $20,000–$27,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2021 Subaru Forester expensive to maintain?: Subaru is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.
How many miles is too many for a 2021 Subaru Forester?: Well-maintained Subaru Foresters frequently pass 200,000 miles. Treat 150k+ as higher-mileage but not disqualifying if the service history is clean.

Find a 2021 Subaru Forester for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

CarGurus AutoTrader Cars.com Edmunds

Financing

Compare auto loan offers before you buy

One application, up to 4 loan offers in minutes

Accessories & exterior protection

Shop accessories & exterior protection

Floor mats, running boards, fender flares, tonneau covers & more

Suspension & performance

Wheel spacers, leveling & lift kits, suspension

KSP Performance — 5% off site-wide with code KSPAF

Need a rental while you shop?

Browse rental cars from $9/day

CarScorer may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you.

Compare the 2021 Subaru Forester

Featured in

Also consider

2019 Honda CR-V

$16,000–$23,000

2018 Toyota RAV4

$16,000–$22,000

2019 Nissan Rogue

$13,000–$19,000

Score any used car listing in 2 minutes

CarScorer pulls NHTSA data, checks known issues, and compares the asking price against market value — all in one score. Free, no account required for a basic check.

Try CarScorer free