2019 Subaru Forester
The 2019 Subaru Forester is a popular compact SUV known for its standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and good safety ratings. The 2019 model came with a single engine option, a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder “FB25” engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It was exclusively paired with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). People generally like the Forester for its practicality, reliability, and off-road capability, while some dislike its somewhat bland styling and occasionally sluggish acceleration.
Engine
2.5L FB25
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than expected oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can manifest as the need to add a quart of oil every 1,000 to 3,000 miles.
- Solution: In some cases, Subaru has performed oil consumption tests and, if deemed excessive, replaced the engine short block or other engine components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $7,000+ for major engine work
- Recalls: None Found
- Faulty Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
- Description/Symptoms: The 2019 Subaru Forester can have issues with the MAF sensor becoming dirty, causing rough idling, stalling, poor acceleration, decreased fuel economy and a check engine light.
- Solution: Clean the MAF sensor or replace it with a new one.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
Lineartronic CVT
- CVT Hesitation/Jerking
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced hesitation or jerking during acceleration, particularly at lower speeds. This can feel like the transmission is struggling to find the right gear ratio.
- Solution: Some dealerships have performed CVT reprogramming or software updates to address this issue. In more severe cases, CVT replacement might be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ for reprogramming, $6,000 - $8,000+ for CVT replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Premature Wear of Rear Wheel Bearings
- Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported premature wear or failure of the rear wheel bearings, leading to a noticeable humming or grinding noise from the rear of the vehicle, especially at higher speeds.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected wheel bearings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per wheel.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported instances of the battery draining prematurely, especially if the vehicle is not driven frequently or if it’s left sitting for extended periods. This can result in difficulty starting the vehicle or needing to jump-start it.
- Solution: Replacing the battery with a higher-capacity AGM battery, or identifying parasitic drain sources such as aftermarket accessories or faulty electronics.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 for battery replacement, $100+ for diagnosis and repair of parasitic drain.
- Recalls: None Found
- Head Unit/Infotainment System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Freezing, Crashing, Bluetooth Connectivity problems.
- Solution: Software update or head unit replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $150 to update, $500 - $1500 to replace.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Windshield Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported that their windshields are prone to cracking easily, even from small impacts.
- Solution: Windshield Replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- No Issues Found
Summary
The 2019 Subaru Forester is a generally reliable vehicle, but owners have reported some notable issues. The most concerning issues appear to be excessive oil consumption and potential CVT problems, which can lead to significant repair costs. Electrical issues like battery drain and infotainment system malfunctions are also common frustrations. While the majority of Foresters are likely trouble-free, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and consider a pre-purchase inspection.