2015 Subaru Forester problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 613 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Subaru Forester, filed between 2014-05-30 and 2026-07-13. The most common problem areas are the engine (131, 21%), air bags (101, 16%) and power train (95, 15%). Owners reported 53 crashes, 7 fires and 34 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2015 Subaru Forester complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 131 | 21% | 10 | 3 | 7 |
| Air bags | 101 | 16% | 17 | 0 | 12 |
| Power train | 95 | 15% | 6 | 0 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 82 | 13% | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 73 | 12% | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 70 | 11% | 26 | 0 | 10 |
| Suspension | 66 | 11% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 55 | 9% | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| Service brakes | 34 | 6% | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Visibility/wiper | 23 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 22 | 4% | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Structure | 20 | 3% | 8 | 2 | 5 |
| Wheels | 20 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 19 | 3% | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 15 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 131 complaints
- 131 complaints of 613 (21%) name the engine.
- 29 of them also name the power train; owners reported 10 crashes, 3 fires and 7 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 Subaru Forester; the recall, campaign 16V162000, says: “The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.”
Air bags: 101 complaints
- 101 complaints of 613 (16%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 19 of them also name the seats; owners reported 17 crashes and 12 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 Subaru Forester; the recall, campaign 19V701000, says: “An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.”
Power train: 95 complaints
- 95 complaints of 613 (15%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 29 of them also name the engine; owners reported 6 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Subaru Forester covers this system.
Electrical system: 82 complaints
- 82 complaints of 613 (13%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 11 of them also name the fuel/propulsion system; owners reported 1 crash and 3 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Subaru Forester covers this system.
Vehicle speed control: 70 complaints
- 70 complaints of 613 (11%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 15 of them also name the power train; owners reported 26 crashes and 10 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Subaru Forester covers this system.
Suspension: 66 complaints
- 66 complaints of 613 (11%) name the suspension — springs, shocks and struts, control arms and ball joints.
- 2 of them also name the steering; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Subaru Forester covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2015 | 47 |
| 2016 | 45 |
| 2017 | 42 |
| 2018 | 53 |
| 2019 | 131 |
| 2020 | 81 |
| 2021 | 57 |
| 2022 | 49 |
| 2023 | 46 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 13 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names FORESTER, model year 2015. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2015 Subaru Forester recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Subaru Forester?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2015 Subaru Forester's most common problem areas are the engine (131 of 613 complaints), air bags (101 of 613 complaints) and power train (95 of 613 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2015 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA has 613 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Subaru Forester, including 53 reported crashes and 7 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Subaru Forester's problems?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 Subaru Forester; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.