2019 Subaru Forester
2019 Subaru Forester
Overview
The 2019 Subaru Forester, a popular compact SUV known for its standard all-wheel drive and practical design, generally exhibits good reliability. This generation, the fifth, introduced updated styling and technology. Owners often praise its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and capability in various weather conditions. While most owners report a positive ownership experience, like any vehicle, there are specific areas that have seen more attention from a reliability standpoint. This analysis focuses on documented technical issues beyond routine maintenance, providing insights into potential concerns for prospective and current owners.
Engine
2.5L Boxer (FB25)
Oil Consumption
- Symptoms: Increased oil level checks required, potential for low oil warning lights.
- Solution: Monitor oil levels regularly. In some cases, internal engine repairs or component replacement may be necessary.
- Cost: $500 - $2000+
Coolant Leaks
- Symptoms: Visible coolant puddles under the vehicle, low coolant warning, overheating.
- Solution: Inspection and replacement of leaking hoses, seals, or radiator.
- Cost: $200 - $600
Transmission
CVT (Lineartronic)
Hesitation/Jerking
- Symptoms: Noticeable delay or rough shifting during acceleration or at low speeds.
- Solution: Software updates for the transmission control module, or in severe cases, transmission fluid flush or internal repair.
- Cost: $150 - $700
Overheating
- Symptoms: Transmission warning light, reduced performance, burning smell.
- Solution: Transmission fluid cooler inspection and potential replacement, transmission fluid flush.
- Cost: $300 - $800
Suspension
Standard Chassis
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Electrical
Infotainment System
Screen Freezing/Unresponsiveness
- Symptoms: Touchscreen becomes unresponsive, system freezes or reboots randomly.
- Solution: Software updates, infotainment unit reset, or replacement of the head unit.
- Cost: $100 - $1200
Battery Drain
No major issues reported for this configuration.
Exterior
Body Panels & Seals
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Interior
Upholstery & Trim
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Summary Verdict
The 2019 Subaru Forester is generally a reliable vehicle, with its standard AWD and practical features making it a strong contender in its segment. The most commonly reported technical concerns revolve around the 2.5L engine’s potential for oil consumption and coolant leaks, and the CVT transmission experiencing occasional hesitation or overheating. Electrical issues, particularly with the infotainment system’s responsiveness and battery drain, have also been noted. However, these issues are not universal and often manageable with timely diagnosis and repair. Suspension, exterior, and interior components have shown good durability. Overall, with proactive maintenance and awareness of these potential weak points, the 2019 Forester offers a dependable ownership experience.