NHTSA Data Explorer
Subaru Forester
Data refreshed October 26, 2026
Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Subaru Forester.
Complaints
5,475
Active records
Recalls
42
Active records
TSBs
1,589
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
259
Crashes
463
Fires
93
Top reported issues — Subaru Forester
Click a category to expand its values.
Condition issue
Operating state
Safety restraint issue
Reporting mechanism
Driver assistance issue
Fluid issue
Engine behavior
Performance issue
Braking behavior
Electrical issue
Smell
Noise
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Safety restraint behavior
Thermal issue
Vibration/harshness
Access/entry issue
Starting behavior
Steering behavior
Recent change
Infotainment behavior
Lighting behavior
HVAC behavior
Ride/handling behavior
Powering on/off behavior
Wiper/washer behavior
Communication/network issue
Electrified system issue
Recent filings
The 10 most recent filings for each type.
2021 SUBARU FORESTER
Filed Oct 21, 2026
There’s two brackets that are at the top of the tailgate, and also at the top of the body where they meet to match up, The bracket on the right sits flush, the bracket on the left since indented about a 1/4” give or take. Because it’s painted by the factory, there’s no cracks around the bracket and the paint, meaning it happened at the factory. I’ve looked at other cars that are in that same model year bracket between 2018 and 2025, and they’re all variations of the Subaru Forrester. Didn’t…
2017 SUBARU FORESTER
Filed Oct 20, 2026
After replacement of the passenger ODS harness under recall WUM-98, the system still fails to detect a passenger in the seat, making it impossible for me to safely drive with a passenger. Subaru will not fairly cover the defect and would have to install a new seat and recode the new seat to the airbag module. The repair would cost me at least $1500. The capacitive passenger sensor is a major engineering flaw in Subarus, and a very good reason to never buy from them again.
2024 SUBARU FORESTER
Filed Oct 20, 2026
Driving in stop and go traffic. Cruise control wouldn't work. Forward collision warning didn't work. Auto braking didn't work.
2017 SUBARU FORESTER
Filed Oct 19, 2026
I am filing a formal complaint regarding repeated, costly, and premature failures on my 2017 Subaru Forester, as well as the outright refusal by Subaru Consumer Advocacy to provide financial relief or goodwill reimbursement. Between 2024 and 2026, reaching under 90,000 miles, I was forced to pay out-of-pocket for over $6,200 in major repairs: Rear Wheel Bearings (2024): $2,000+ for premature bearing failure. A/C Evaporator Repair (Feb 2025, ~87,000 miles): $2,000 A/C Compressor Replacement…
2022 SUBARU FORESTER
Filed Oct 19, 2026
Head gasket failure. Caused oil in coolant. Caused coolant hose to break while driving. Subaru dealership says need to replace head gaskets, radiator, all hoses, cvt cooler(?), and will cost about $6400. My car has about 130000 miles. This seems to be rather unusual at this mileage.
2025 SUBARU FORESTER
Filed Oct 16, 2026
my car came to a sudden and immediate stop, causing the car behind me to collide with my rear end. in researching this, i have discovered that my car make and model are subject to a class action suit for what is called phantom braking. I was not injured but the driver of the other car claimed that his son in the back seat was injured. There were no warning indicators going off, either visual or audio. the vehicle's condition was observed by a XXX Police Officer at the scene, and an accident…
2022 SUBARU FORESTER
Filed Oct 16, 2026
On [XXX], my [XXX] son was driving our Forester on [XXX] at [XXX]. At red light, Auto Start-Stop shut off engine as designed. On green, releasing brake triggered restart attempt. Dash lights cycled continuously, engine failed to restart. Brake pedal pushed back firmly and would not depress. Simultaneously, Electronic Parking Brake auto-engaged and would NOT disengage, preventing shift to neutral or pushing to safety. We were stranded in active lane off high-speed artery until flatbed tow…
2020 SUBARU FORESTER
Filed Oct 14, 2026
Experience a total engine stall while stopped/accelerating at an intersection. The stall triggered immediate 'EyeSight Disabled' and 'Engine Oil' dashboard warnings, requiring a manual button restart in traffic. Had concerns of permanently being stalled in intersection. Taking to dealer for inspection.
2017 SUBARU FORESTER
Filed Oct 13, 2026
Valve control assembly failure. A known TSB. Disables safety features of the car. Should be a recall.
2017 SUBARU FORESTER
Filed Oct 13, 2026
TRANSMISSION LIGHT OVER HEATING COMES ON