2019 Subaru Forester problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 833 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Subaru Forester, filed between 2018-12-27 and 2026-09-05. The most common problem areas are the visibility/wiper (370, 44%), electrical system (134, 16%) and engine (106, 13%). Owners reported 37 crashes, 11 fires, 21 injuries and 1 death in these complaints. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2019 Subaru Forester complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 370 | 44% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 144 | 17% | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 134 | 16% | 7 | 7 | 1 |
| Engine | 106 | 13% | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 43 | 5% | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 38 | 5% | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility | 38 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 27 | 3% | 6 | 0 | 5 |
| Structure | 25 | 3% | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 22 | 3% | 4 | 5 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 22 | 3% | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| Air bags | 17 | 2% | 11 | 2 | 13 |
| Lane departure | 16 | 2% | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Steering | 14 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 10 | 1% | 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.
Visibility/wiper: 370 complaints
- 370 complaints of 833 (44%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- 10 of them also name the unknown or other; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2019 Subaru Forester covers this system.
Electrical system: 134 complaints
- 134 complaints of 833 (16%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 32 of them also name the engine; owners reported 7 crashes, 7 fires and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2019 Subaru Forester covers this system.
Engine: 106 complaints
- 106 complaints of 833 (13%) name the engine.
- 32 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 7 crashes and 7 fires in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2019 Subaru Forester; the recall, campaign 19V856000, says: “The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.”
Forward collision avoidance: 43 complaints
- 43 complaints of 833 (5%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 17 of them also name the engine; owners reported 3 crashes in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2019 Subaru Forester covers this system.
Power train: 38 complaints
- 38 complaints of 833 (5%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 12 of them also name the engine; owners reported 5 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2019 Subaru Forester covers this system.
Visibility: 38 complaints
- 38 complaints of 833 (5%) name the visibility — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- 3 of them also name the unknown or other; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2019 Subaru Forester covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 185 |
| 2020 | 203 |
| 2021 | 136 |
| 2022 | 116 |
| 2023 | 96 |
| 2024 | 52 |
| 2025 | 32 |
| 2026 | 12 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names FORESTER, model year 2019. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2019 Subaru Forester recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru Forester?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2019 Subaru Forester's most common problem areas are the visibility/wiper (370 of 833 complaints), electrical system (134 of 833 complaints) and engine (106 of 833 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2019 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA has 833 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Subaru Forester, including 37 reported crashes and 11 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2019 Subaru Forester's problems?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 Subaru Forester; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.