Is the 2015 Subaru Forester a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B7.5/10
A solid choice if you're seeking a reliable, family-friendly SUV with all-wheel drive, but make sure to check for excessive oil consumption before buying.
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Pros
- Excellent safety ratings
- Spacious interior
- Standard all-wheel drive
Cons
- Potential oil burning issue
- Average fuel economy for segment
- Limited towing capacity
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy (combined)
27 mpg
Maintenance cost
$600/yr
Expected lifespan
225,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Oil consumption
- CVT transmission issues
- Touchscreen glitches
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (3)
The 2015 Subaru Forester has 3 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Engine And Engine Cooling — Engine — Gasoline — Turbo/Supercharger (campaign 16V162000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights — Switch — Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to c…
- Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification — Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.…
- Engine And Engine Cooling — Engine — Gasoline — Turbo/Supercharger — Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The…
Recall data: NHTSA. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.