2021 Subaru Forester problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 207 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Subaru Forester, filed between 2021-01-21 and 2026-07-07. The most common problem areas are the visibility/wiper (76, 37%), electrical system (33, 16%) and engine (32, 15%). Owners reported 16 crashes, 5 fires and 8 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 0 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Subaru Forester complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 76 | 37% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 41 | 20% | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 33 | 16% | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Engine | 32 | 15% | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 17 | 8% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 14 | 7% | 5 | 0 | 4 |
| Visibility | 14 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 12 | 6% | 6 | 0 | 1 |
| Lane departure | 8 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 3% | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 3% | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 4 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Structure | 3 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 1% | 2 | 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: 76 complaints
- 76 complaints of 207 (37%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- 4 of them also name the unknown or other; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Subaru Forester covers this system.
Electrical system: 33 complaints
- 33 complaints of 207 (16%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 10 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Subaru Forester covers this system.
Engine: 32 complaints
- 32 complaints of 207 (15%) name the engine.
- 9 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 4 crashes, 3 fires and 6 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Subaru Forester covers this system.
Forward collision avoidance: 17 complaints
- 17 complaints of 207 (8%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 6 of them also name the lane departure; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Subaru Forester covers this system.
Power train: 14 complaints
- 14 complaints of 207 (7%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 7 of them also name the engine; owners reported 5 crashes and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Subaru Forester covers this system.
Visibility: 14 complaints
- 14 complaints of 207 (7%) name the visibility — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Subaru Forester covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 58 |
| 2022 | 49 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2025 | 37 |
| 2026 | 13 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names FORESTER, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Subaru Forester recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Forester?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Subaru Forester's most common problem areas are the visibility/wiper (76 of 207 complaints), electrical system (33 of 207 complaints) and engine (32 of 207 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA has 207 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Subaru Forester, including 16 reported crashes and 5 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Subaru Forester's problems?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2021 Subaru Forester. Complaints alone do not trigger a free repair.