Free used car buyer guide / SK fifth generation / 2019-2024
Subaru Forester common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
7.2/10
1 walk-away risk, 2 serious faults, 5 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 2019 pcv valve separation and engine damage risk. Score methodology.
The SK Forester is a sensible used SUV, but the best car is not the cheapest 2019 with a clean interior; it is the one with thermo-control-valve, battery, windshield and recall paperwork already settled. The expensive traps are 2019-2021 thermo control valve failure on the FB25D, repeat 12V battery drain on power-tailgate and telematics cars, EyeSight windshield replacement, 2019 PCV valve recall engine-risk cases, and 2023-2024 front driveshaft recall exposure. The safest buy is a 2022-2024 2.5i with the updated TCV part, no repeated battery history, no windshield crack pattern, and Subaru recall printout showing WRD-21/WRP-23/WRO-23 status where relevant. Current owners should treat warning-light clusters and repeated jump starts as diagnostic jobs, not normal Subaru character.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
2019 PCV valve separation
Best years
2022-2024
Best buys
- 2022-2024 2.5i Premium/Limited with updated TCV and no battery drain record.
- 2021-2022 certified car where Subaru warranty extension paperwork follows the VIN.
- Base or Premium trims without power rear gate if long airport-parking use matters.
Inspect hard
- 2019-2021 Foresters: TCV fault codes and PCV recall WUW-08 are first-pass checks.
- Touring/Sport with EyeSight: inspect windshield edges and price camera calibration.
- 2023-2024 cars: run the VIN for WRP-23 front driveshaft recall.
Avoid
- 2019 car with open PCV recall and unexplained power-loss history.
- Any Forester needing annual batteries without a measured dark-current report.
- Windshield-cracked cars where the seller says calibration is optional.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Subaru Forester viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Subaru Forester should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
FB25D 2.5L naturally aspirated petrol, early TCV build
2019-2021
BUY ONLY WITH TCV COVERAGE CONFIRMED
This is the core SK Forester engine. The engine itself is generally durable, but the electronic thermo control valve can fail and light the dash like a Christmas tree because coolant temperature control is tied into emissions and EyeSight disable logic. Subaru later issued warranty-extension coverage on affected cars, so the buyer question is whether the VIN is covered and whether the part has already been updated.
FB25D 2.5L with revised service parts
2022-2024
BEST OVERALL SPEC
Later SK Foresters keep the simple engine/CVT recipe while moving away from the worst early TCV population. They still need checks for driveshaft recall, battery condition, windshield cracks and infotainment quirks, but the engine risk is lower than on the launch years.
FB25D 2.5L Sport/Touring with power rear gate and high electrical load
2019-2024
GOOD ONLY IF THE 12V SYSTEM TESTS CLEAN
The drivetrain is the same, but trim content changes ownership risk. Power tailgate modules, telematics wake-ups and short-trip use can turn a reliable engine into a car that strands the owner with a flat battery. A battery-load test and parasitic draw check are more useful than a cosmetic trim inspection.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2019
SK generation launch. New platform, standard EyeSight in many markets, FB25D 2.5L and Lineartronic CVT. Recall exposure includes EPS WUC-88, PCV WUW-08 and later rear stabilizer WRD-21.
Buyer: This is the highest-scrutiny year. Check PCV recall completion, early TCV symptoms, windshield history and battery replacements before caring about trim.
Owner: If you still have the original TCV or repeated battery failures, get Subaru to document both now while class-action and warranty-extension trails are still useful.
2020
Second production year with fewer launch recalls but still inside the early TCV and windshield complaint population.
Buyer: A 2020 can be a strong value if the TCV has been replaced or warranty coverage is confirmed. Inspect the windshield lower edge and ask for battery test results.
Owner: Do not accept annual battery replacement as the fix; ask for dark-current testing and module sleep verification.
2021
Same basic drivetrain, with rear stabilizer recall WRD-21 affecting 2019 Forester and related platform cars rather than every 2021.
Buyer: Treat 2021 as the last of the higher TCV-risk Foresters. A clean scan and Subaru service printout make this year much easier to buy.
Owner: Warning lights plus poor cabin heat deserve a TCV diagnosis before winter, not just a battery reset.
2022
Facelift year with revised front styling and later service parts. Some Subaru platform inhibitor-switch recall language overlaps related models.
Buyer: Usually the sweet spot: newer body updates without 2024 pricing. Still verify battery age, windshield replacement quality and module updates.
Owner: Keep software updates current because infotainment and driver-assist behaviour improved through service campaigns.
2023
Mature SK production, but certain 2023-2024 Foresters enter WRP-23 front driveshaft recall.
Buyer: Run the VIN for WRP-23. A mature-year Forester with open driveline recall should be fixed before delivery.
Owner: Clicking, vibration or grease near front axles should be inspected against the recall, not treated as ordinary tire noise.
2024
Final SK year before the next Forester. NHTSA lists WRO-23 coolant water-pipe bolt recall on certain unsold vehicles and WRP-23 driveshaft recall on affected cars.
Buyer: Good final-year buy if recalls are closed and there is no windshield or battery story. Do not pay a final-year premium for an unresolved VIN.
Owner: Keep recall completion screenshots because final-year cars are often resold as "sorted" even when campaign work was never checked.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
Thermo control valve warning-light cascade
Affects
Mainly 2019-2021 Forester 2.5L, with related Subaru TCV coverage into early 2022 platform cars.
Symptoms
Check-engine light, EyeSight disabled, no cruise, reverse braking disabled, poor heat, coolant-temperature codes or limp behaviour.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under warranty extension; EUR 900-1,600 dealer retail.
Codes / scan clues
P26A3, P26A5, P26A6, P0128 and coolant-temperature correlation codes.
Root cause: The electronic coolant-routing valve sticks or reports bad position, so the ECU cannot manage warm-up and coolant flow correctly.
Quick check
- Scan all modules, not only generic engine OBD.
- Ask Subaru whether TSB 09-80-21R / warranty extension 09-119-24 applies.
- Check cabin heat from cold start.
- Look for coolant service records after replacement.
- Reject cars with recently cleared codes and no invoice.
Buyer note
A repaired early Forester is much less scary than one waiting for its first TCV failure.
Owner note
Photograph the warning stack before cycling the ignition; intermittent evidence helps Subaru approve coverage.
Fault 2
Repeat dead battery and dark-current draw
Affects
2019-2024 Forester, most visible on power rear gate / telematics / short-trip cars.
Symptoms
No-start after sitting, repeated battery replacements, rear gate not behaving, low-voltage warnings or auto stop-start complaints.
Typical repair cost
EUR 150-350 for battery; EUR 200-700 for draw diagnosis/module repair.
Codes / scan clues
Low-voltage history in body/VDC modules; draw may exist with no powertrain code.
Root cause: Undersized or weakened 12V battery plus modules that do not sleep correctly; Subaru dark-current testing is needed to separate battery age from parasitic load.
Quick check
- Load-test the fitted battery.
- Ask for Subaru dark-current test results.
- Check rear gate module behaviour.
- Measure resting current after modules sleep.
- Look for repeated battery warranty claims.
Buyer note
A Forester that needs yearly batteries should be priced like an electrical diagnosis, not like normal maintenance.
Owner note
Replace the battery once; if it happens again, push for parasitic-draw testing before buying another one.
Fault 3
Cracked windshield and EyeSight calibration cost
Affects
2019-2022 most discussed; all 2019-2024 EyeSight cars need careful glass inspection.
Symptoms
Edge cracks, cracks starting under wiper area, repaired chips spreading quickly, EyeSight calibration warning after replacement.
Typical repair cost
EUR 700-1,800 including EyeSight calibration.
Codes / scan clues
EyeSight/camera calibration faults after poor glass work.
Root cause: Thin/acoustic windshield design and camera calibration requirements make glass damage more expensive than on older Foresters.
Quick check
- Inspect lower edge under the wipers.
- Look for non-OEM glass marks.
- Confirm EyeSight calibration invoice after replacement.
- Road-test adaptive cruise and lane functions.
- Check settlement or goodwill eligibility by market.
Buyer note
A cracked SK Forester windshield is not a simple glass-shop errand when EyeSight is fitted.
Owner note
Use a shop that can document camera calibration; resale buyers will ask.
Fault 4
2019 PCV valve separation and engine damage risk
Affects
Certain 2019 Forester under Subaru WUW-08 / NHTSA 19V856.
Symptoms
Often no symptom before recall; possible rough running, oil consumption, loss of power or engine damage if PCV pieces enter the engine.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; engine short-block cost can exceed EUR 5,000 if unsupported.
Codes / scan clues
Misfire and crankcase/air-metering codes if damage occurs.
Root cause: Aluminum PCV valve can separate internally; loose components may be ingested by the engine.
Quick check
- Run the VIN for 19V856 / WUW-08.
- Ask whether the PCV was inspected or replaced.
- Check for short-block replacement record.
- Listen cold for rough idle.
- Reject unexplained engine work on an unrepaired VIN.
Buyer note
This recall is rare compared with TCV chatter, but the downside is much larger.
Owner note
Keep WUW-08 completion proof; it answers a future buyer's first engine question.
Fault 5
Front driveshaft outer-race cracking
Affects
Certain 2023-2024 Forester under WRP-23 / NHTSA 23V754.
Symptoms
Clicking, vibration, front axle noise, loss of drive power, or recall notice before symptoms.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 600-1,400 for both front driveshafts retail.
Codes / scan clues
Usually mechanical; no code expected.
Root cause: Front driveshaft outer race may develop cracks and break.
Quick check
- Run VIN for WRP-23.
- Inspect front CV boots and axle ends.
- Listen on full-lock turns.
- Check for recall replacement stickers/invoice.
- Do not ignore vibration on an affected VIN.
Buyer note
A late Forester is attractive, but an open driveline recall must be closed before handover.
Owner note
If the car is in the population, complete WRP-23 even if it drives normally.
Fault 6
Rear stabilizer bracket bolt recall
Affects
2019 Forester under WRD-21 / NHTSA 21V263.
Symptoms
Rear clunk, loose handling feel, missing bracket bolt or recall notice.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 100-300 if inspected outside warranty.
Codes / scan clues
None.
Root cause: Rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Quick check
- Run VIN for WRD-21.
- Inspect rear stabilizer brackets.
- Listen over low-speed bumps.
- Ask for retorque/replacement paperwork.
- Check rear suspension after off-road use.
Buyer note
This should be a solved recall, so missing paperwork says more about the seller than the car.
Owner note
If rear clunks remain after recall work, inspect links and bushings separately.
Fault 7
Infotainment lockups and Harman diagnostic codes
Affects
2019-2024 Forester with Starlink/Harman head unit.
Symptoms
Blank screen, frozen audio, CarPlay dropouts, USB errors, Bluetooth refusal or B2255-style communication code.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0-250 for software/diagnosis; EUR 800-1,500 for head unit replacement.
Codes / scan clues
B2255 and related infotainment communication codes.
Root cause: Head-unit software and USB/communication faults can be misdiagnosed as failed hardware.
Quick check
- Pair a phone and use wired CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Cycle ignition twice.
- Check software version.
- Scan body/infotainment modules.
- Ask whether TSB 18-225-22R diagnostics were followed.
Buyer note
A glitchy screen is negotiable; a dealer throwing parts at it without TSB diagnostics is not.
Owner note
Record the freeze on video before the next service visit.
Fault 8
2024 coolant water-pipe bolt recall
Affects
Certain 2024 Forester under WRO-23 / NHTSA 23V723.
Symptoms
Coolant smell, coolant loss, overheating warning, visible leak near engine water pipe or recall notice.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 200-800 retail leak diagnosis/repair.
Codes / scan clues
Coolant-temperature codes if overheating begins.
Root cause: Engine water-pipe attachment bolts may be loose, allowing the pipe seal to leak.
Quick check
- Run VIN for WRO-23.
- Inspect coolant level cold.
- Look for pink/blue residue around water pipe.
- Check undertray for dried coolant.
- Do not confuse this with TCV failure without inspection.
Buyer note
On a nearly new 2024, any coolant smell deserves recall verification before delivery.
Owner note
Keep the bolt-tightening record; later coolant questions will otherwise point back at you.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- Subaru VIN recall printout for WUC-88, WUW-08, WRD-21, WRP-23 and WRO-23 where applicable.
- TCV warranty-extension status and replacement invoice if done.
- Battery replacement history plus any dark-current test report.
- Windshield replacement invoice with EyeSight calibration record.
Walk around
- Inspect windshield lower edge, A-pillars and wiper area for cracks.
- Check coolant level and smell around the front of the engine.
- Look at front CV boots and rear stabilizer brackets.
- Open and close the power rear gate several times.
In the car
- Confirm EyeSight, cruise and reverse braking have no disabled warnings.
- Test infotainment, USB and phone projection.
- Check heater output from cold.
- Review warning history on a scan tool.
Test drive
- Cold start, idle and short acceleration for roughness.
- Full-lock turns for axle click.
- Bumpy road for rear clunks.
- Use auto stop-start if equipped and watch voltage behaviour.
Scan tool
- Read engine coolant and TCV codes.
- Read body/VDC low-voltage history.
- Scan EyeSight/camera calibration status.
- Check infotainment/body communication codes.
Bottom line
Buy: A 2022-2024 Premium or Limited with updated TCV status, clean battery behaviour, uncracked calibrated windshield and a closed recall sheet is the easiest SK Forester to own.
Avoid: A 2019-2021 car with warning lights recently cleared, annual battery replacements, open PCV recall or cracked EyeSight glass can erase the Forester's low-running-cost appeal quickly.
Quick answers
Subaru Forester buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Subaru Forester 2019-2024 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: Thermo control valve warning-light cascade; Repeat dead battery and dark-current draw; Cracked windshield and EyeSight calibration cost. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Subaru Forester years are the best to buy?
2022-2024 stand out in this generation. A 2022-2024 Premium or Limited with updated TCV status, clean battery behaviour, uncracked calibrated windshield and a closed recall sheet is the easiest SK Forester to own.
Which Subaru Forester should I avoid?
A 2019-2021 car with warning lights recently cleared, annual battery replacements, open PCV recall or cracked EyeSight glass can erase the Forester's low-running-cost appeal quickly.
Is the Subaru Forester 2019-2024 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 7.2/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 2 serious faults, 5 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 2019 pcv valve separation and engine damage risk.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Subaru Forester guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- subaruoutback.org: tsb-09-80-21r-thermo-control-valve-20-21-outback-2-5l.558308
- subaruforester.org: 2019-repeated-dead-battery-merged-thread.805125
- subaruwindshieldsettlement.com
- carcomplaints.com: subaru-cracked-windshield-lawsuit-settlement.shtml
- Subaru TCV warranty extension 09-119-24 discussion
- Subaru Forester owner TCV cases
- Subaru dark current thread
- SubaruComplaints battery drain overview
- ClassAction.org Subaru windshield update
- SubaruComplaints Forester generation recalls
- CarComplaints 2024 Forester recalls
- Subaru recall WRD-21 owner discussion
- CarComplaints 2019 Forester recalls
- Go-Parts Forester B2255 / TSB 18-225-22R guide
- NHTSA TSB search portal
- Subaru Forester forum infotainment discussions