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.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Forward collision avoidance5
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Steering1
- Electrical system1
- Back over prevention1
- Lane departure1
- Seat belts1
- Engine1
- Structure1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Forward collision avoidance
“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…”
Fuel/propulsion system
“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.”
Steering
“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.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- 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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester Wilderness AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 28 | 26 | $2,450 | 338 |
- 26mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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
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).