Subaru Forester common problems
Owners of 2015–2025 Subaru Forester vehicles have filed 3,993 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is visibility (48% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 3,993
- Owner complaints
- 20
- Recall campaigns
- 262
- Crash-related reports
- 147
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 11 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
- Visibility1,095
- Engine & cooling685
- Airbags462
- Suspension62
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Recall2025 forester
An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Recall2025 forester
A loose child seat anchor bolt increases the risk of injury to a child during a crash.
- Recall2025 forester
A loss of vehicle stability increases the risk of a crash.
- Recall2022 forester
An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Recall2023 forester
A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Recall2024 forester
A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Frequently asked
- What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?
- Across 3,993 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015–2025 Subaru Forester vehicles, the most reported systems are visibility (48%), engine & cooling (30%), airbags (20%).
- Which Subaru Forester model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2019 Subaru Forester has the most owner complaints, with 831 filed.
- Are Subaru Forester problems dangerous?
- Of the 3,993 complaints on record, 262 mention a crash, 47 mention a fire and 147 mention an injury, and 2 involve a death. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2019 accounts for the most complaints (831). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.