NHTSA Data Explorer

Subaru Forester

Data refreshed July 24, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Subaru Forester.

Complaints

6,424

Active records

Recalls

45

Active records

TSBs

1,644

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

9

Injuries

303

Crashes

543

Fires

99

Top reported issues — Subaru Forester

Click a category to expand its values.

Condition issue

2,505

Operating state

1,567

Safety restraint issue

980

Reporting mechanism

904

Driver assistance issue

505

Fluid issue

478

Engine behavior

451

Performance issue

428

Electrical issue

346

Braking behavior

329

Noise

295

Smell

252

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

242

Vibration/harshness

209

Thermal issue

199

Safety restraint behavior

196

Access/entry issue

153

Starting behavior

147

Steering behavior

123

Lighting behavior

91

Recent change

90

HVAC behavior

82

Infotainment behavior

76

Ride/handling behavior

69

Powering on/off behavior

52

Wiper/washer behavior

18

Communication/network issue

12

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2025 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Jul 19, 2026


the gas cap O ring recall was repaired previously by Casey Subaru of Newport News, VA. (I live in [XXX], purchased the vehicle in [XXX] at Ourisman Subaru) I filled my gas tank the night before this leak occurred. I noticed the smell of gasoline in my car at approximately 08 AM on the way to work. It was mild No obvious exterior leak. I drove my 25 commute to Williamsburg, Va. Upon leaving work I noticed a strong smell of gasoline inside the vehicle. Inspection of the exterior revealed an…

2023 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Jul 19, 2026


Tires are wearing badly on the inside edge only. Suspension and drive train components make noise during normal operation.

2018 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Jul 19, 2026


I brought my vehicle to an authorized Subaru dealership (Byers Imports, LLC in Columbus, Ohio) to diagnose the reason for the airbag warning lamp illuminating. The dealer had the manufacturer's WUM-98 Safety Recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V701000) performed to remedy a defective Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensor harness.Despite the recall remedy being completed, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag warning light re-illuminated on the dashboard, completely disabling the front…

2025 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Jul 18, 2026


I have been having problems with my 2025 Subaru Forester since I purchased it. It has failed multiple times to alert me of people and cars when I am backing up. I have RCTW on my vehicle .Sometimes it alerts me when there is a car or person is coming behind me ,sometimes it doesn't. I have a video dated June 4th 2026. Three times people walked right behind my car when I was backing up. I almost hit them! I decided to video tape it. The back up camera also doesn't always work and did not go off…

2017 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Jul 18, 2026


My 2017 Subaru Forester is experiencing the exact component failure and severe safety hazard outlined in NHTSA Recall 19V-701 (Subaru Campaign WUM-98R). The front passenger seat Occupant Detection System (ODS) is failing continuously, which illuminates the Passenger Airbag Off indicator and completely deactivates the front passenger airbag safety restraint system even when an adult is securely seated. Because my specific VIN was omitted from the recall population list, my local Subaru…

2025 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Jul 18, 2026


I have been having problems with my 2025 Subaru Forester since I purchased it. It has failed multiple times to alert me of people and cars when I am backing up. I have RCTW on my vehicle .Sometimes it alerts me when there is a car or person is coming behind me ,sometimes it doesn't. I have a video dated June 4th 2026. Three times people walked right behind my car when I was backing up. I almost hit them! I decided to video tape it. The back up camera also doesn't always work and did not go off…

2025 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Jul 17, 2026


Rear hatch glass shattered on April 16th while parked in carport after my wife opened the right rear passenger door, had it replaced by Safelite on April 29th, on July 9th while driving it shattered again, Safelite says that this is a Subaru issue, Subaru says they will not warranty a replacement even if they do the replacement since the car does have a rebuilt title. So we can neither use the car nor sell it in good faith if we're just passing a problem and potential danger on to someone else.

2020 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Jul 17, 2026


My 2020 Subaru Forester Sport suffered catastrophic engine failure on 6/19/2026 at 156,322 miles, 15 days and 1,031 miles after a thermo control valve (TCV) repair performed at an authorized Subaru dealer on 6/4/2026. The TCV is a known defect covered under Subaru TSB 09-119-24 (extended coverage to 150,000 miles/15 years). I never received mailed notification of this TSB and therefore did not seek repair within the covered window; Subaru approved the repair as a goodwill exception. While…

2026 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Jul 14, 2026


I was merging into a road in Windsor, Ontario on July 3/4. I was nowhere near another vehicle. There was a LARGE gap between myself in any other cars. I am always extra cautious being out of country and driving. The automatic brakes kicked on and told me I had an obstruction ahead and would not let me control the vehicle. I was stopped turning into the middle of a five-lane road without control of my vehicle. This was incredibly dangerous. Luckily, it was only a few seconds and I had time to…

2018 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Jul 14, 2026


I am filing a formal complaint against Subaru of America for refusing to remedy an active federal safety recall (NHTSA Campaign 19V701000 / Subaru Recall WUM98). My passenger airbag is currently disabled (DTC B1760). SRS light goes on and off and visit to the Sheehy Fredericksburg Subaru location confirmed that the occupant detection system is failing and I need a cushion assembly replacement. Subaru Customer Advocacy Department claims they already performed the initial wire harness…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated July 24, 2026. Refreshed nightly.