Subaru Forester recalls and complaints, 2015–2016, 2019, 2021, 2024
Every tracked model year in one table: NHTSA recalls, owner complaints and what they are about.
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 2,096 owner complaints for the Subaru Forester model years VinSnap tracks (2015–2016, 2019, 2021, 2024). The most-recalled systems are engine and engine cooling (3), air bags (1) and exterior lighting (1). Owners complain most about the visibility/wiper (494), electrical system (343) and engine (330). The 2019 model year has the most complaints (833, next is 2015 with 613); raw counts are not adjusted for sales or years on the road. Complaints report 150 crashes, 27 fires, 81 injuries and 1 death.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints databases
Subaru Forester recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 3 | 613 | 53 | 7 | 34 | 0 |
| 2016 | 3 | 414 | 40 | 3 | 17 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 | 833 | 37 | 11 | 21 | 1 |
| 2021 | 0 | 207 | 16 | 5 | 8 | 0 |
| 2024 | 2 | 29 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Recall and complaint counts per model year from NHTSA. Crash, fire, injury and death figures are what owners reported in their complaints, not confirmed findings. Year links open that year's specs, recall list and complaint breakdown.
Most-recalled systems
| System | Recall campaigns | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 2015–2016, 2019, 2024 |
| Air bags | 1 | 2015–2016 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 2015–2016 |
| Power train | 1 | 2024 |
| Steering | 1 | 2019 |
| Suspension | 1 | 2019 |
Most-complained-about components
| Component | Complaints | Share | Year with most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 494 | 24% | 2019 (370) |
| Electrical system | 343 | 16% | 2019 (134) |
| Unknown or other | 336 | 16% | 2019 (144) |
| Engine | 330 | 16% | 2015 (131) |
| Air bags | 226 | 11% | 2015 (101) |
| Power train | 198 | 9% | 2015 (95) |
| Vehicle speed control | 147 | 7% | 2015 (70) |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 107 | 5% | 2015 (55) |
| Service brakes | 93 | 4% | 2015 (34) |
| Suspension | 90 | 4% | 2015 (66) |
A complaint can name more than one component, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Which NHTSA model names are counted
NHTSA files recalls and complaints under exact model names. This page adds up: FORESTER, FORESTER WILDERNESS.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns across the Subaru Forester model years 2015–2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, most often for the engine and engine cooling (3), air bags (1) and exterior lighting (1).
Which Subaru Forester year has the most complaints?
Of the years VinSnap tracks, the 2019 Subaru Forester has the most NHTSA complaints (833), ahead of the 2015 (613). Counts are not adjusted for how many were sold or how long they have been on the road.
What do Subaru Forester owners complain about most?
Across 2015–2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, NHTSA complaints most often name the visibility/wiper (494 complaints), electrical system (343 complaints) and engine (330 complaints).
Are Subaru Forester recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are done free of charge by franchised Subaru dealers. Recalls apply to specific build ranges, so check your VIN to see which campaigns cover your vehicle.