Subaru Forester problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The most significant documented Forester problems are recalls for corrosion and safety parts: front control arms on 2003–2008 models in salt states, Takata passenger air bags and brake lines on 2009–2013 models, and a brake light switch on 2014–2016 models. The 2011–2014 Forester 2.5L was also covered by a court-approved oil-consumption settlement.

CarWhere lists 15 documented Forester issues, including 12 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

Forester generations at a glance

Subaru Forester generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
Second generation2003–2008Front lower control arms may break from corrosion (recall 11V464)
Third generation2009–2013Brake lines may corrode in salt-belt states (recall 14V311) · Takata passenger air bag inflator may explode (recall 18V012) · Rear center seat belt may not lock for child seats (recall 12V099) · Oil consumption: 2.5L FB engine class settlement
Fourth generation2014–2018Turbo air intake duct may crack and stall the engine (recall 16V162) · Brake light switch may fail (recall 19V149) · Passenger air bag sensor connection may loosen (heated seats) (recall 19V701) · Battery drain: class settlement for 2015–2020 Foresters
Fifth generation2019–2024PCV valve can break apart inside the engine (recall 19V856) · Electric power steering may lose assist (recall 19V065) · Rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen (recall 21V263) · Windshield cracking: class settlement for 2019–2022 Foresters
Sixth generation2025 onwardWheels may have incorrect lug seats (18-inch alloys) (recall 25V033) · Moonroof glass may detach (recall 26V346)

Second generation Forester problems (2003–2008)

Front lower control arms may break from corrosion (recall 11V464) (2003–2008)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2003–2008)
Years:
2003–2008
Powertrain:
All

In salt-belt states, the front lower control arm hanger brackets on 2003–2008 Foresters (and 2002–2007 Imprezas) can corrode until the arm breaks, which can cause a loss of control. Dealers inspect the arms and rustproof or replace them free of charge. The 318,215 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 11V464, not just the Forester.

Symptoms

  • Clunking from the front suspension
  • Car pulls or wanders over bumps

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the front lower control arm inspection
  • Look at the control arm brackets for heavy rust

NHTSA recall: 11V464 (2011-09-06) · 318,215 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

Third generation Forester problems (2009–2013)

Brake lines may corrode in salt-belt states (recall 14V311) (2009–2013)

Safety recall
Generation:
Third generation (2009–2013)
Years:
2009–2013
Powertrain:
All

In salt-belt states (and on request elsewhere), road salt can splash onto the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector and corrode them until brake fluid leaks, lengthening stopping distances. Dealers check for leaks, apply anti-corrosion wax and replace lines that seep, free of charge. Follow-up campaign 14V830 added more anti-corrosion wax to cars already repaired. The 461,338 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 14V311, not just the Forester.

Symptoms

  • Brake pedal sinks or feels soft
  • Brake fluid spots near the fuel tank

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the brake line inspection and anti-corrosion treatment

NHTSA recall: 14V311 (2014-06-10) · 461,338 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [2][3]

Takata passenger air bag inflator may explode (recall 18V012) (2009–2013)

Safety recall
Generation:
Third generation (2009–2013)
Years:
2009–2013
Powertrain:
All

Later Takata passenger-inflator campaigns, split by climate zone, cover more model years; the hot-humid 'Zone A' states were recalled first, with matching campaigns for the other zones. The inflator propellant can degrade with long-term heat and humidity and the inflator may rupture in a crash. Dealers replace the passenger inflator free of charge. Foresters from 2009–2013 are included across campaigns 16V358, 18V012, 19V007 and their other-zone counterparts, and 20V001 replaced earlier replacement inflators. The 64,179 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 18V012, not just the Forester.

Symptoms

  • No warning signs before a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the passenger air bag inflator replacement
  • If the car lived in a hot, humid state, check that every Takata campaign on the VIN is closed, including the 2020 re-replacement

NHTSA recall: 18V012 (2018-01-09) · 64,179 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4][5][6][7][8]

Rear center seat belt may not lock for child seats (recall 12V099) (2009–2012)

Safety recall
Generation:
Third generation (2009–2013)
Years:
2009–2012
Powertrain:
All

The automatic locking retractor in the rear center seat belt of 2009–2012 Foresters may not lock as required, so a child seat may not be held securely in that position. Dealers replace the belt assembly free of charge. NHTSA lists 326,014 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Belt will not lock when fully pulled out to install a child seat

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the rear center seat belt replacement

NHTSA recall: 12V099 (2012-03-13) · 326,014 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [9]

Oil consumption: 2.5L FB engine class settlement (2011–2015)

Moderate
Generation:
Third generation (2009–2013) and fourth generation (2014–2018)
Years:
2011–2015
Powertrain:
2.5L FB25 (non-turbo)

A federal court approved a class settlement in 2016 over excessive oil consumption in early FB-series engines. Covered Foresters were 2011–2014 automatic models and 2011–2015 manual models with the 2.5L, up to specified VINs. Subaru agreed to cover oil-consumption repairs for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, with free oil-consumption testing; a car failed if it used more than one-third of a quart in 1,200 miles. Subaru denied the claims.

Symptoms

  • Oil level low between changes
  • Low-oil warning light

Check before buying

  • Ask a Subaru retailer whether oil-consumption bulletin repairs (including any short block replacement) were done on the VIN
  • Check the oil level at the inspection

Sources: [18]

Fourth generation Forester problems (2014–2018)

Turbo air intake duct may crack and stall the engine (recall 16V162) (2015–2016)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fourth generation (2014–2018)
Years:
2015–2016
Powertrain:
2.0L turbo (2.0XT)

On 2015–2016 Forester 2.0XT and WRX models built April–October 2015, the turbocharger air intake duct can crack, which may stall the engine. Dealers check the duct lot number and replace it as needed, free of charge. The 18,187 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 16V162, not just the Forester.

Symptoms

  • Engine stalls or loses boost
  • Check-engine light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the turbocharger intake duct inspection

NHTSA recall: 16V162 (2016-03-21) · 18,187 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [10]

Brake light switch may fail (recall 19V149) (2014–2016)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fourth generation (2014–2018)
Years:
2014–2016
Powertrain:
All

On 2014–2016 Foresters (and many Impreza, WRX and Crosstrek models), contamination can make the brake light switch malfunction, so the brake lights may not come on, push-button cars may not start and the transmission may not shift out of Park. Dealers replace the switch free of charge. The 1,303,530 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 19V149, not just the Forester.

Symptoms

  • Brake lights not working
  • Car will not start or shift out of Park

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the brake light switch replacement
  • Have someone watch the brake lights while you press the pedal

NHTSA recall: 19V149 (2019-02-28) · 1,303,530 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [11]

Passenger air bag sensor connection may loosen (heated seats) (recall 19V701) (2015–2018)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fourth generation (2014–2018)
Years:
2015–2018
Powertrain:
All

On 2015–2018 Foresters with heated seats, an electrical connection for the front passenger occupant detection system can loosen, so the passenger air bag may switch off even with someone in the seat. Dealers inspect and replace the sensor mat harness as needed, free of charge. NHTSA lists 366,282 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Passenger air bag OFF light on with an adult seated

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the ODS sensor mat harness inspection

NHTSA recall: 19V701 (2019-10-03) · 366,282 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [12]

Battery drain: class settlement for 2015–2020 Foresters (2015–2020)

Minor
Generation:
Fourth generation (2014–2018) and fifth generation (2019–2024)
Years:
2015–2020
Powertrain:
All

A class action alleged that the electrical system in 2015–2020 Foresters (and Outback, Legacy, WRX and 2019–2020 Ascent) could keep drawing current after shutdown and drain the battery. The court approved a settlement in January 2023 that extended warranty coverage for qualifying battery failures and reimbursed some past costs. Subaru denied the claims.

Symptoms

  • Dead battery after the car sits
  • Repeated jump starts

Check before buying

  • Have the battery and parasitic draw tested before buying

Sources: [19][20]

Fifth generation Forester problems (2019–2024)

PCV valve can break apart inside the engine (recall 19V856) (2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fifth generation (2019–2024)
Years:
2019
Powertrain:
2.5L

The aluminum PCV valve on certain 2019 Foresters (and Crosstrek and Ascent models) can separate and its pieces can enter the engine, causing a loss of power while driving. Dealers replace the valve, and replace the short block if the pieces cannot be found, free of charge. The 51,613 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 19V856, not just the Forester.

Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of power
  • Check-engine light or rough running

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the PCV valve replacement

NHTSA recall: 19V856 (2019-12-02) · 51,613 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [13]

Electric power steering may lose assist (recall 19V065) (2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fifth generation (2019–2024)
Years:
2019
Powertrain:
All

A connector inside the electric power steering unit on certain 2019 Foresters and Crosstreks could short circuit and cut power assist. Subaru said none of the affected cars had been sold when the recall was filed; dealers inspected and replaced steering gearboxes as needed. The 10,417 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 19V065, not just the Forester.

Symptoms

  • Steering suddenly becomes heavy
  • Power steering warning light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the steering gearbox inspection

NHTSA recall: 19V065 (2019-02-06) · 10,417 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [14]

Rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen (recall 21V263) (2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fifth generation (2019–2024)
Years:
2019
Powertrain:
All

Rear stabilizer bar bracket bolts on 2019 Foresters and 2018–2019 Crosstreks can loosen and fall out, letting the bracket shift and affecting handling. Dealers retighten the bolts and replace missing ones free of charge. The 408,271 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 21V263, not just the Forester.

Symptoms

  • Clunk or rattle from the rear over bumps

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the rear stabilizer bracket retorque

NHTSA recall: 21V263 (2021-04-15) · 408,271 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [15]

Windshield cracking: class settlement for 2019–2022 Foresters (2019–2022)

Minor
Generation:
Fifth generation (2019–2024)
Years:
2019–2022
Powertrain:
All

A class action alleged that windshields on 2019–2022 Foresters (and Ascent, Legacy and Outback models) could crack without a clear impact. In October 2024 a federal court preliminarily approved a settlement offering reimbursement of certain past costs and an 8-year/100,000-mile extended warranty for a one-time replacement with an updated windshield. Subaru denied the claims.

Symptoms

  • Crack spreading from the edge of the windshield

Check before buying

  • Ask whether the windshield was replaced and EyeSight recalibrated

Sources: [21]

Sixth generation Forester problems (2025 onward)

Wheels may have incorrect lug seats (18-inch alloys) (recall 25V033) (2025)

Safety recall
Generation:
Sixth generation (2025 onward)
Years:
2025
Powertrain:
All

Certain 2025 Foresters with 18-inch alloy wheels may have wheels made with an incorrectly specified lug seat, so the wheel may not be attached properly and stability can suffer. Dealers inspect and replace wheels as needed, free of charge. NHTSA lists 20,366 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Vibration or wobble from a wheel
  • Lug nuts that will not stay tight

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the wheel inspection

NHTSA recall: 25V033 (2025-01-23) · 20,366 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [16]

Moonroof glass may detach (recall 26V346) (2026)

Safety recall
Generation:
Sixth generation (2025 onward)
Years:
2026
Powertrain:
All

The sliding glass panel of the power moonroof on certain 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid models may be poorly bonded to its frame and could detach from the vehicle. Dealers inspect the bond and replace the glass panel as needed, free of charge. NHTSA lists 69,663 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Wind noise or movement at the moonroof glass

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the moonroof glass adhesion inspection

NHTSA recall: 26V346 (2026-05-28) · 69,663 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [17]

Related Forester research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a Forester was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Subaru build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Subaru build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What year Forester has oil consumption problems?

The 2011–2014 automatic and 2011–2015 manual Forester 2.5L, up to specified VINs, were covered by a 2016 court-approved oil-consumption settlement. Subaru agreed to cover oil-consumption repairs for 8 years or 100,000 miles and to provide free oil-consumption testing.

Which Forester years have Takata air bag recalls?

2009–2013 Foresters are included in Takata passenger inflator recalls such as 16V358, 18V012 and 19V007, split by climate zone, and 20V001 replaced earlier replacement inflators. Dealers replace the inflator free of charge.

Is there a brake light switch recall on the Forester?

Yes. Recall 19V149 covers 2014–2016 Foresters whose brake light switch can fail from contamination, leaving the brake lights off and possibly preventing push-button starting or shifting out of Park. Dealers replace the switch free of charge.

Do older Foresters have rust recalls?

Yes. Recall 11V464 covers 2003–2008 Foresters in salt-belt states whose front lower control arm brackets can corrode and break, and 14V311 covers 2009–2013 Foresters whose brake lines can corrode near the fuel tank.

Does the 2019 Forester have engine recalls?

Recall 19V856 covers certain 2019 Foresters whose aluminum PCV valve can break apart and get into the engine, causing a loss of power. Dealers replace the valve, and the short block if the pieces cannot be found, free of charge.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. Recall 11V464: Suspension — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  2. Recall 14V311: Service Brakes, Hydraulic — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  3. Recall 14V830: Service Brakes, Hydraulic — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  4. Recall 18V012: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  5. Recall 16V358: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  6. Recall 19V007: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  7. Recall 19V008: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  8. Recall 20V001: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  9. Recall 12V099: Seat Belts — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  10. Recall 16V162: Engine And Engine Cooling — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  11. Recall 19V149: Exterior Lighting — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  12. Recall 19V701: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  13. Recall 19V856: Engine And Engine Cooling — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  14. Recall 19V065: Steering — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  15. Recall 21V263: Suspension — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  16. Recall 25V033: Wheels — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  17. Recall 26V346: Visibility — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  18. Yaeger v. Subaru of America, No. 1:14-cv-04490 (D.N.J.), opinion granting final approval of oil-consumption settlement (Aug. 31, 2016) — U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (via GovInfo)
  19. In re Subaru Battery Drain Products Liability Litigation, No. 1:20-cv-03095 (D.N.J.): official settlement website — JND Legal Administration (court-appointed settlement administrator)
  20. Subaru Battery Settlement: frequently asked questions — JND Legal Administration (court-appointed settlement administrator)
  21. Powell v. Subaru of America, No. 1:19-cv-19114 (D.N.J.), order granting preliminary approval of windshield settlement (Oct. 3, 2024) — U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (via GovInfo)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Subaru of America, Inc. or Subaru Corporation. Subaru and the model names are trademarks of their owners.