Subaru Outback vs Subaru Forester: which has more problems
Subaru Outback and Subaru Forester side by side: owner complaints by component, problem years, service bulletins and engines. Same data as on each model page.
More complaints often just means more cars sold, so compare the pattern of problems and the years, not only the total.
At a glance
Components: owner complaints
| Component | Subaru Outback | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 2,084 21% | 1,263 19% |
| Electrical system | 2,288 23% | 806 12% |
| Engine | 723 7% | 832 13% |
| Air bags | 695 7% | 821 13% |
| Powertrain | 992 10% | 559 9% |
| Vehicle speed control | 532 5% | 532 8% |
| Service brakes | 579 6% | 384 6% |
| Suspension | 320 3% | 416 6% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 271 3% | 351 5% |
| Steering | 369 4% | 181 3% |
| Structure | 296 3% | 215 3% |
| Engine and cooling | 282 3% | 189 3% |
Which is more reliable: Subaru Outback or Subaru Forester?
This data alone can't settle it: complaint counts depend on sales. Compare which components draw the most complaints (visibility, electrical system, engine) and which years are worst, then check the specific car by VIN and photos.