Across the 29 model years we’ve synced, NHTSA lists 117 recall campaigns and 6,545 owner complaints for the Subaru Forester. The 2019 model year has the most complaints (834).
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | NCAP overall | MPG comb. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 34 | 0 | 5 of 5 | 29 | |
| 2025 | 3 | 100 | 13 | 5 of 5 | 29 | |
| 2024 | 2 | 31 | 5 | 5 of 5 | 29 | |
| 2023 | 1 | 74 | 8 | 5 of 5 | 29 | |
| 2022 | 1 | 100 | 8 | 5 of 5 | 28 | |
| 2021 | 0 | 214 | 16 | 5 of 5 | 29 | |
| 2020 | 0 | 603 | 26 | 5 of 5 | 29 | |
| 2019 | 3 | 834 | 37 | 5 of 5 | 29 | |
| 2018 | 3 | 498 | 26 | 5 of 5 | 25 | |
| 2017 | 1 | 592 | 40 | 5 of 5 | 25 | |
| 2016 | 3 | 416 | 40 | 5 of 5 | 25 | |
| 2015 | 3 | 616 | 53 | 5 of 5 | 25 | |
| 2014 | 2 | 403 | 48 | 5 of 5 | 25 | |
| 2013 | 12 | 78 | 13 | 4 of 5 | 23 | |
| 2012 | 15 | 106 | 15 | 4 of 5 | 23 | |
| 2011 | 16 | 147 | 21 | 4 of 5 | 23 | |
| 2010 | 17 | 262 | 21 | Not rated | 22 | |
| 2009 | 18 | 178 | 19 | Not rated | 22 | |
| 2008 | 1 | 50 | 5 | Not rated | 22 | |
| 2007 | 1 | 74 | 13 | Not rated | 22 | |
| 2006 | 2 | 88 | 12 | Not rated | 21 | |
| 2005 | 1 | 93 | 15 | Not rated | 21 | |
| 2004 | 2 | 219 | 13 | Not rated | 20 | |
| 2003 | 3 | 191 | 17 | Not rated | 21 | |
| 2002 | 1 | 92 | 22 | Not rated | 21 | |
| 2001 | 0 | 142 | 32 | Not rated | 21 | |
| 2000 | 0 | 75 | 7 | Not rated | 21 | |
| 1999 | 1 | 134 | 5 | Not rated | 21 | |
| 1998 | 1 | 101 | 7 | Not rated | 21 |
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 101 |
| 1999 | 134 |
| 2000 | 75 |
| 2001 | 142 |
| 2002 | 92 |
| 2003 | 191 |
| 2004 | 219 |
| 2005 | 93 |
| 2006 | 88 |
| 2007 | 74 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 178 |
| 2010 | 262 |
| 2011 | 147 |
| 2012 | 106 |
| 2013 | 78 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 616 |
| 2016 | 416 |
| 2017 | 592 |
| 2018 | 498 |
| 2019 | 834 |
| 2020 | 603 |
| 2021 | 214 |
| 2022 | 100 |
| 2023 | 74 |
| 2024 | 31 |
| 2025 | 100 |
| 2026 | 34 |
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles. The castle nut on the left-front lower control arm ball joint may be improperly fastened, which can lead to the ball joint separating from the lower control arm.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid vehicles. The sliding glass panel of the power moonroof assembly may have been improperly bonded to the sliding frame, allowing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.