NHTSA Data Explorer

Subaru Forester

Data refreshed August 8, 2026

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

Complaints

6,434

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

544

Fires

99

Top reported issues — Subaru Forester

Click a category to expand its values.

Condition issue

2,507

Operating state

1,567

Safety restraint issue

985

Reporting mechanism

908

Driver assistance issue

506

Fluid issue

478

Engine behavior

453

Performance issue

429

Electrical issue

346

Braking behavior

331

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

70

Powering on/off behavior

52

Wiper/washer behavior

18

Communication/network issue

12

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2023 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Aug 5, 2026


I am writing to formally report a critical safety defect regarding the driver-side footwell design in my 2023 Subaru Forester Sport, which poses an immediate and severe risk of a crash. A hard plastic lower extension for the HVAC air duct sits dangerously low directly above the brake and accelerator pedals. For drivers with larger or longer feet, this duct extension acts as a physical obstruction that interferes with safe pedal operation in two specific, highly dangerous ways: Delayed…

2025 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Aug 4, 2026


Two occurences of rear hatch window shattering spontaneously while vehicle was parked, powered off. No symptoms, warning lamps, or messages were present. First incident, six months after production/purchase, factory-installed window shattered spontaneously while owner was seated in the car, parked, and engine turned off. Second incident, two months later, OEE replacement window shattered while vehicle was parked, powered off, unattended. Currently having third window installed by dealer…

2025 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Aug 3, 2026


Engine is misfiring, causing in ability to accelerate properly and loads multiple error codes. Upon taking it to the dealership for services, we were told that there is a significant amount of carbon built-up inside the engine. The car has only 6,800 miles on it. The dealership stated that it is an issue that Subaru engineering is aware of but has yet to figure a way to resolve it. The dealership informed us that hybrid engines have had severe carbon build-up on the in-take valves that causes…

2016 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Aug 3, 2026


When I drove the car, All most all light on the dashboard are on onthe road, and when I stop and tried to go, the car is somewhat not controled. I immidieatly went to dealership and dignosed P2764 CVT balve problem. And they add wheel bearing is problem. Subaru noticed these problems but my 88,278 mile 2016 forester has all the lights on and it was very scared and it took 4400 dollars for fixing.

2017 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Aug 1, 2026


Airbag sensor does not work. It is not activated when someone sits in the passenger seat. This was recalled in other Subaru Foresters but for some reason our specific vin number is not eligible for repair.

2016 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Jul 29, 2026


2016 Subaru Forester – Replacement of Air-conditioning Condenser – July 2026 A/C was demonstrating signs of failure in early July. While researching for issues with the 2016 A/C failing, it was uncovered that the compressor on the vehicle would be subject to a replacement upon failure (Subaru Service Information Number 10-84-16). The vehicle was equipped with a compressor that reflected a recalled part number, but per Subaru the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) was not included in the…

2025 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Jul 28, 2026


Crash

The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space, the brake pedal was slightly released to move the vehicle forward; however, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated, failed to respond upon depression of the brake pedal, and crashed into a brick wall. The impact resulted in damages to the front bumper and caused a body panel to detach. No warning light was illuminated before or after the crash. The air bags did not deploy. There was no property…

2023 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Jul 27, 2026


Eyesight collision braking system engaged as I was rolling up my driveway to go into garage. Garage door was rolling up and was about 5 feet off the ground when Anti Collision system engaged and slammed the brakes on. I was going under 1 mph and would not have hit the door. It beeped right before brakes engaged. This is the second time it has engaged when it shouldn't have. The first time was in a right lane, a car about 6 car lengths in front of me was and did turn right as I was driving…

2016 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Jul 26, 2026


SRS airbag error warning appears randomly when driving. It turns off passenger side airbags with a passenger in the seat and makes it unsafe to drive. Narrowing it down to the wiring harness seems to be an issue with a loose connection in the airbag seat sensor. Unplugging and re-plugging plus restarting the car seems to fix it at least temporarily. Others have posted about this issue online as well. No liquid has been spilled on the seat (some dealerships have accused others of this and…

2018 SUBARU FORESTER

Filed Jul 24, 2026


- The passenger-side Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensor, which is part of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag system, has failed. This component was previously replaced under a Subaru safety recall completed in May 2020. The SRS airbag warning light is now illuminated again, indicating a failure of the same system. The vehicle and failed component are available for inspection upon request. - The failure of the ODS sensor directly impacts the functionality of the passenger airbag…

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

Updated August 8, 2026. Refreshed nightly.