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Subaru Forester (3rd Gen)

09-13 · Subaru Forester

79out of 100

The 3rd gen Forester finally got standard ESC and 5-star NHTSA, still the EJ253 and its head gasket tendencies, but the safety package is now complete.

Score breakdown

70/ 100Reliability×2.574/ 100True Annual Cost×2.095/ 100Safety×2.565/ 100Practicality×2.0100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

Standard ESC across all trims from 2009. 5-star NHTSA. The EJ253 still needs head gasket monitoring. Subaru improved the seal but didn't eliminate the issue entirely on 09-11 production. The 12-13 is better. Good cargo expansion over 2nd gen. Manual transmission still available.

Why it's on this list

Standard ESC, 5-star NHTSA, and AWD at $10k–$14k. A clean 12-13 with good service history is a legitimate buy for snow-country commuters.

The honest trade-offs

Head gasket risk reduced but not eliminated on 09-11. Timing belt every 60k. RepairPal $652/yr. No EyeSight (that's 5th gen). Manual transmission dropped after 2013.

What to buy and what to avoid

12-13 2.5X Limited with ESC (standard). Head gasket check required. Timing belt verification. 2012+ has the improved sealing that reduced (not eliminated) gasket failures.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,705 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$652 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$180 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$1,860 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,420 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$3,037 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$2,597 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
24[5]
MPG city / hwy
21 / 28[5]
Engine
2.5L flat-4 (EJ253)
Horsepower
170 hp
Torque
174 lb-ft
Seats
5
Cargo max
68.3 cu ft
Stock tires
215/65R16
Body
SUV
Rear seats
60/40 split

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
18%[2]
IIHS rating
Good[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Low
Frame rust risk
Low

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
3.5/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.4[1]
Severe issue probability
13%[1]
250k-mile survival
44%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$22 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Subaru Forester?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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