Jeep Wrangler vs Subaru Forester
For 2005–2022 models, the Subaru Forester has 24.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 42.9 for the Jeep Wrangler. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Jeep Wrangler
42.9 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.8× the Subaru Forester’s rate
- Complaints
- 11,938
- Sold
- 2,785,194
- Recall campaigns
- 54
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 5
Most complaints: 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2018. Fewest: 2015–2017 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 55,000 mi
-
Tie rods, linkage, shaft and column
Typically around 6,600 mi · repair $270–$510
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 65,437 mi
-
Tank, lines and filler
Typically around 45,000 mi
-
Shocks and struts
Typically around 17,000 mi · repair $280–$1,440
Subaru Forester
24.4 complaints per 10,000 sold
43% fewer than the Jeep Wrangler
- Complaints
- 5,219
- Sold
- 2,141,990
- Recall campaigns
- 30
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2015, 2017 and 2019–2020. Fewest: 2006, 2008, 2013 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 39,634 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 16,850 mi
-
Water leaks and seals
Typically around 9,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 30,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 38,530 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Jeep Wrangler or the Subaru Forester?
For 2005–2022 models, the Subaru Forester has 24.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Jeep Wrangler has 42.9, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Jeep Wrangler?
The most-reported problem on the Jeep Wrangler is body control and other modules, typically around 55,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Subaru Forester?
The most-reported problem on the Subaru Forester is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 39,634 miles.
Which Jeep Wrangler and Subaru Forester years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Jeep Wrangler: 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2018; Subaru Forester: 2015, 2017 and 2019–2020.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.