Subaru Forester Lemon Law

Subaru recalled the 2025 Forester Hybrid because a fuel filler cap seal can let fuel spill when the tank is near full, raising a fire risk, with a park-outside and limit-fuel warning. Across model years, the Forester has also drawn complaints of continuously variable transmission (CVT) problems and excessive oil consumption on some engines.

Recurring transmission trouble or an engine that burns oil between changes can substantially impair your Forester's use and value.

A recall isn't automatically a lemon. But if a substantial defect can't be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, or your Forester is out of service for an extended time, California's Lemon Law may entitle you to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement — with Subaru paying your attorney fees.

A recall is not automatically a lemon — it's the manufacturer acknowledging a defect and offering a free repair. California's Lemon Law (the Song-Beverly Act) comes into play when a substantial defect can't be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, or when your Forester has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days.

If your Subaru Forester qualifies, you may be entitled to a buyback (a refund of what you've paid, minus a mileage offset), a replacement vehicle, or a cash-and-keep settlement — and Subaru pays your attorney fees on a successful claim, so pursuing your case costs you nothing out of pocket.