Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2025 Subaru Forester WildernessRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 15 owner complaints for the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (5) and fuel/propulsion system (2). The EPA rates it 26 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
26mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
15
Top: forward collision avoidance
Fuel cost / yr
$2,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

15 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2026 – Oct 2026
  1. Forward collision avoidance5
  2. Fuel/propulsion system2
  3. Steering1
  4. Electrical system1
  5. Back over prevention1
  6. Lane departure1
  7. Seat belts1
  8. Engine1
  9. Structure1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Forester Wilderness model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20234
202431
202515
202624
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Forward collision avoidance

5 reports1 crash
“my car came to a sudden and immediate stop, causing the car behind me to collide with my rear end. in researching this, i have discovered that my car make and model are subject to a class action suit for what is called "phantom braking." I was not injured but the driver of the other car claimed that his son in the back seat was injured. There were no warning indicators going off, either visual or audio. the vehicle's condition was observed by a XXX Police Officer at the scene, and an accident report (XXX) was filed, to be available sometime next week. I contacted my insurance company, State Farm, about 8 PM, after having been directed by an officer to pull around the corner to a side road. they issued a claim # XXX and told me to have the car towed to their approved body shop Bucci's Auto Body in [XXX]. [XXX], the principal at Bucci's inspected the car the following morning and provided an estimate for repairs which State Farm accepted and I authorized to begin. He has not touched any of the electronic data system modules, nor disconnected the battery, and has been instructed in writing not to, so that the forensic evidence can be retrieved. Therefore, there is…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2026Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11771699

Fuel/propulsion system

2 reports
“I recently noticed that the metal lip and outer cap area of my fuel filler neck is rusting. This isn't just a cosmetic issue this is the exact surface where the gas cap needs to seal to keep the fuel system airtight. Because it’s rusting it’s going to ruin that seal, cause fuel vapor leaks, and trigger a check engine light. In addition to the fuel neck, both my front driver and passenger side windows screech and vibrate heavily whenever they get wet from rain or a car wash. The glass binds up in the wet run channels, which is putting unnecessary strain on the window regulators and motors and makes it difficult to see out of my windows and view my side mirrors properly. Dealership admitted that there are four other vehicles I have within the same make, model,year and similar mileage that have the exact same issue which is a need for there to be a safety recall. They got a bad batch of vehicles with a defect that is affected multiple other vehicles that are like mine.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 10, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11763329

Steering

1 report1 crash
“There have been intermittent failures of numerous vehicle systems over the last 4 months. Some of these systems have impacted the cars safety systems including but not limited to steering, braking, collision avoidance, inability to enter vehicle in an unfamiliar location and stranding owner hundreds of miles from home.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 23, 2026Steering, Electrical system, Back over preventionCrash reportedODI 11773146
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (AV-S8)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Forester Wilderness AWD
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
252826$2,450338
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 20208
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2025 Forester Wilderness questions

How many recalls does the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.

What are the most common 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness problems?

Owners filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (5), fuel/propulsion system (2), steering (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness get?

The EPA rates the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness at 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026