Problems · by component

2010 Subaru Forester seats problems

76 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2010 Subaru Forester cite seats, 29% of all 262 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
76
29% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the seats

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The bracket on the front right side of the drivers seat (if you're looking at the seat from the sunroof) that connects the seat (where you sit) to the seat frame (which moves the seat forward and back) has separated from the seat frame. The two tack welds have failed so the seat can move freely up and down on the right side of the seat. This issue seems to particularly affect the 2010 model year Subaru Forester as documented by the forum thread: [XXX]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 24, 2023SeatsODI 11551717
“Left front of drivers seat collapsed while driving 60mph on freeway. This caused a surprise that could have resulted in an accident. This has been reported numerous times as can be referenced here: [XXX] and appears it will be an expensive replacement at my cost for a known issue. This should be considered a major safety issue and deserving of a recall.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 23, 2023SeatsODI 11540254
“My 2010 Subaru Forester's driver seat does not raise up on with the power buttons. I can hear the motor but the front of the seat will not move. Last week, the right side was not moving and now both sides are not. I can physically move the front half of the seat up and down. I can see that the welds on the front arms are off of the frame of the seat rails. If I was in a collision, the whole seat might come off if it is not secured and my safety would be compromised. I called Subaru of America and received a case number. I also plan on taking the car into dealer for an inspection. No warning lights appeared. When I move the seats with the buttons, I sometimes hear a grinding noise. This collapsing seat issue with 2010 Foresters has been found on internet sites. The car was not involved in an accident and I am the primary driver and weigh under 160 lbs.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 1, 2023SeatsODI 11519886
“The weld on the left side of the seat broken causing the seat cushion to be loose. After quick internet searching, this seems to a be a somewhat common occurrence. I weight 170 Lbs and the car has 140K miles. This issue makes it lean far left causing an unsafe seating position and does not allow for adjustment of the seat up and down.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 2, 2023SeatsODI 11509812
“Power adjustment of Driver's seat front left corner does not raise in synch with right side. This causes the seat to be uneven, resulting in an unsafe driving position. Apparently the weld of the adjustment arm breaking is a well known and documented issue based on even a cursory internet search.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 10, 2022SeatsODI 11473187
“The left side of drivers seat collapsed. Upon inspection, the metal tab that was spot welded to the seat frame failed. The metal tab connects the left front of the seat to the power seat motor components and rail. The power seat no longer works and the seat sags noticeably to the front left. This failure occurred during normal driving conditions, and is typically not overloaded (the primary driver weighs approximately 105lbs). The car has low mileage - 65,380 miles at last service in August.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 30, 2021SeatsODI 11445634

Showing 6 of 76 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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

Other 2010 Forester problem areas