I’m seriously thinking about getting rid of my Forester. It’s a 2018, and honestly, it’s been way more repairs than I ever had with my ‘08 Corolla or ‘18 Tahoe. The timing cover and right-hand valve cover just started leaking oil at 66k miles. Before that, it was control arms and a new AC compressor.
To be fair, Subaru has helped with repair costs through their loyalty program, but now that they fixed the timing cover and valve, the engine suddenly sounds like it has a turbo—lots of whining and rattling. Took it back, and now they say the transmission mounts are worn down? I don’t even drive rough, just city and suburban roads.
It’s been well maintained and serviced at Subaru on schedule. Are these normal issues, or has quality gone downhill? They’re offering me $14k to trade it in for a new Forester or Outback, but at this point, I’m wondering if I should switch to another brand. I like my Forester, but I’m tired of all these repairs.
Yeah, I like Subaru, but this is getting frustrating.
I hear you. I’m on my second Forester, and honestly, I feel let down by Subaru and the dealerships. They denied every issue until I was out of warranty, and now I’m stuck paying for stuff that should’ve been fixed earlier. Done with Subaru after this one.
Alexander said: @Darcy
I was thinking about trading in my two Yukons for a Forester, but now I’m having second thoughts.
If you do, just be aware of the common issues—battery drain, control arms, brakes, catalytic converters. Do you drive on dirt roads a lot? I constantly get rocks stuck in my brakes, and the screeching is brutal.
@Darcy
I drive mostly on highways, but I’ve seen complaints about rocks in the brakes. I had no idea it was that bad. Maybe I’ll stick with Toyota or Honda.
Koa said: @Darcy
Was this a dealership issue or Subaru itself?
Subaru itself. My dealership actually tried to help me, but Subaru kept shutting down warranty claims. They basically told me, ‘We already gave you a goodwill repair before, so we’re not covering anything else.’ Never buying another Subaru.
I get it… my 2024 Forester is in the shop. Transmission failed at 3,500 miles. Subaru is replacing it, but now I’m wondering if I should just get rid of it.
I’m in the same boat. My 2017 Forester XT has 90k miles, and it’s been nothing but problems. Engine short block replaced at 40k, AC condenser, oil leaks, and now it won’t start half the time. I took care of it, always serviced at the dealer, and I’m still dealing with this. Subaru helped a little with the AC, but now they won’t cover anything else. I loved the car at first, but it’s not worth the headache anymore.
If your car is still making turbo noises, I’d be really surprised if it’s just the transmission mounts. I’d get a second opinion from a good independent mechanic. Dealers tend to charge way more than necessary.
I had a 2018 Forester and after 60k miles, it started falling apart—AC failure, suspension problems, random electrical issues. I gave up and traded it for a RAV4. Hoping for fewer problems this time.