2021 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 520 — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $8,000–$11,500. This is one of the more reliable vehicles in its class — here's what to watch for anyway.
Kestrel Take
The Foreman Rubicon 520 with DCT is Honda's utilitarian masterpiece — automatic transmission that never needs a belt changed, reliable Honda engine, and build quality that laughs at neglect. It's not exciting but it'll outlast everything else in the shed. For farm work, hunting access, and light trail riding, nothing beats it for long-term reliability.
Known Issues for the 2021 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 520
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.
The Foreman's Honda DCT requires fluid service every 100 hours or annually. Most owners service the engine oil but skip the DCT fluid, causing shift quality degradation.
Repair cost range: $150–$300 DCT fluid service
The IRS version accumulates mud in the rear suspension components more than solid-axle versions. Heavy mud packing can restrict suspension travel and stress linkage components.
Repair cost range: $0 — rinse after use; $200–$400 if bearings damaged from neglect
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗DCT service history absent on a unit over 150 hours
- ✗IRS model heavily used in thick mud without cleaning evidence
- ✗Any front differential noise under power — indicates water intrusion or abuse
Good Signs
- ✓Honda dealer service stamps
- ✓DCT fluid change in service records
- ✓Used primarily for farm/trail work rather than aggressive mud riding
Found a specific Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 520?
This page covers what goes wrong on the 2021 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 520 in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
Get My Verdict — $7.99No account required. Delivered to your inbox, usually within minutes.
Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
More from Honda
Similar atvs & utvs