2019 SUBARU FORESTER

3 recalls, 1,084 complaints - 729 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

SUSPENSION:REAR

Defect Description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.

Consequence

Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.

408,271 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

Defect Description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.

Consequence

An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service ... Read more

51,613 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Defect Description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.

Consequence

Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is... Read more

10,417 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

1,084 total complaints 55 crashes 23 fires 27 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
VISIBILITY/WIPER	355
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	133
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	130
ENGINE	88
POWER TRAIN	43
SERVICE BRAKES	32
STRUCTURE:BODY	31
AIR BAGS	30
STEERING	28
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	26

Incident date: May 12, 2026

My car has under 100k miles and has regularly been serviced throughout its life. The head gasket failed due a known design flaw.

Incident date: Apr 21, 2026

I recently discovered that the brake light does not activate when applying the front brake lever. I became aware of the issue only after noticing that the motorcycle’s cruise control system would no longer engage. Upon researching the cruise control malfunction, I found numerous reports from owne... Read more

Incident date: Apr 3, 2026

The driver side door lock actuator makes a long click noise. Also when I unlock my car it makes the same sound

Incident date: Mar 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failu... Read more

Incident date: Mar 6, 2026

I have just purchased this truck to replace an old truck lost due to a total loss . I picked up the truck in South dakota and drove back to Pennsylvania. When setting the parking brakes parked on a small incline with the truck empty the parking brake hold on the front drive axle and it skids those t... Read more

Incident date: Nov 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the engine was knocking at startup. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); and the VIN was included in the recall; however, the manufacturer declined to honor the recall because the original own... Read more

Incident date: Nov 7, 2025

The vehicle has a feature that puts a message on the dashboard that reads “Consider taking a break “ that is not able to be adjusted by the consumer or the dealer. This message can come up repeatedly and has an audio portion that overrides the audio in the vehicle. Weather conditions, back roa... Read more

Incident date: Nov 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated the infotainment system turned off intermittently while driving, and occasionally failed to turn off when the vehicle was turned off. The dealer was contacted and informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed... Read more

Incident date: Feb 2, 2026

After driving the vehicle for a few hours during a very cold day, as we got off an exit ramp. We then turned onto the next road in our travels and the check engine light went off and blinked. The vehicle went into limp mode. Pulled the vehicle over, turn the car off and then back on and everythin... Read more

Incident date: Jun 11, 2025

Vehicle: 2022 Hyundai N Line Mileage at Initial Incident: ~17,000 miles Components Involved: Engine and Engine Cooling; Exhaust System / Emissions; Air Bags (SRS) I am submitting this complaint to document unresolved emissions system and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safety concerns involving... Read more

Incident date: Jun 11, 2025

Incident date: Jan 4, 2026

While driving back into town on the interstate, my oil plug fell out of my car. It was not known at the time the oil plug was what fell out. I remember hearing a clunk underneath my car. About 5-10 minutes after I heard the noise, my oil light flashed, and I could feel my car unable to accelerate fu... Read more

Incident date: Jan 3, 2026

Driver heated seat shorted out and caused burn to leg. System has not been repaired, will wait to hear from Kia Customer Affairs prior to decision to repair. I was injured by this and have concerns about the safety of the vehicle, will this happen again if a new grid is installed. Kia dealership con... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Jan 3, 2026

Car is making a clunking/whirring noise that speeds up with acceleration and slows with deceleration. Also beginning to have a vibration. No warning lights on the dashboard. Dealer states an entire new transmission is needed, more than $11,000. This is a large financial burden. I see reports onlin... Read more

Incident date: Dec 11, 2025

* Primary Component: Forward Collision Avoidance * Secondary Component (if available): Electrical System / Lane Departure Step 3: The Incident Description (Copy & Paste below) > Summary of Safety Defect: > The vehicle is experiencing a critical, recurring failure of the Advanced Driver Assistance S... Read more

Incident date: Dec 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the convertible top support were fraying. The contact stated the parts were almost the thickness of a shoelace and enabled the convertible top to fold correctly when the top was folding down. The contact stated that the Part Number ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 30, 2025

On 11/29/25, my vehicle stalled in the middle of the expressway during high speed traffic. This has happened multiple times but this is the first time this has happened while I am on the expressway. An error message came across the dash “engine malfunction” and I was unable to accelerate. I had ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 21, 2020

While driving my car to Virginia to see my daughter, the oil light came on in the middle of a highway, where the speed limit was 70, The car slowed down and I had to pull off to the shoulder as the car lost all acceleration, making it very dangerous on a highway I waited for about 2 hours fo... Read more

Incident date: Nov 17, 2025

After only 76K miles the ADAS stopped working. Honda Sense safety features no longer work. Honda dealership diagnosed the problem and said the ADAS camera needed to be replaced. The car is in excellent condition. It was never in an accident, windshield in perfect condition. Up to date with its sched... Read more

Incident date: Nov 17, 2025

Incident date: Aug 21, 2025

Transmission shifted into 1st gear while doing 65 mph on the freeway. The rear tires locked up as a result and the truck spun out in front of on coming traffic putting myself and my 6 month old nephew in a life threatening situation. This is not okay. I was told the most recent recall done on this... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under Manufacturer Recall Number: C4B, but the failure occurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the ABS warning light and traction control warning lig... Read more

Incident date: Oct 5, 2025

COOLANT INTRUSION TO ENGINE

Incident date: Oct 5, 2025

My Jeep has 43,213 miles and my mechanic who I have used for over 30 years showed me that all 4 shocks are severely leaking and need replacing. I’m am 69 and only use this Jeep on the highway and zero off roading. This is most unusual for all 4 shocks to need replacing at such low miles

Incident date: Oct 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH with his son seated in the second-row middle seat, there was an abnormal sound coming from under the hood of the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was tow... Read more

Incident date: Oct 4, 2025

PTC auxiliary heater core failure causing near fire event. The failure causes the main power input to melt causing a burning plastic smell and smoke. The problem has been reproduced by multiple vehicle owners and happens during cold conditions as it supplies heat to the cabin prior to the engine hit... Read more

Incident date: Sep 11, 2025

Driving on highway, check engine light went on and car lost all power would not go over 5 mph scared for my life as I was almost hit by other vehicles traveling at hi rates of speed . I managed to get the car to the shoulder. I turned the car off and restarted, and the car went back to operating n... Read more

Incident date: Sep 11, 2025

I need to report an issue. After bringing my Jeep in for a minor muffler noise, the dealership contacted me and informed me that the vehicle would not start. They suggested it could be related to the diesel fuel, but they were unable to identify the exact cause. To rule this out, I contacted the cit... Read more

Incident date: Sep 15, 2025

Vehicle stalling at low speeds Oil pressure solenoid stuck fault and P0011 camshaft fault.

Incident date: Sep 17, 2025

Took car to dealership to charge. Got home and an hour later the battery ignited into a fire. Car was engulfed with smoke ,fire in front of our house. After 4 hours with fire dept trying to put out the fire within battery... it still continued to smoke. Hazmat team came out as well. Total loss after... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Sep 17, 2025

The dashboard in the affected vehicles may suddenly go blank, leaving the driver without vital information, such as speed and turn signals’ status. The driver will not be able to get the cluster working after failure. There is a recall on this (and my Jeep model and year is within the criteria bu... Read more

Incident date: Sep 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 6 MPH, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of automotive power and all electrical components shut off, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle w... Read more

Incident date: Sep 30, 2024

All warning lights and audible alarms started going off at the same time. EPS, ABS, Auto Hold, Collision warning, Air bags, All wheel drive, brake system, and more.1st time it happened was [XXX], while driving. The car was drivable but I did notice a difference in braking and acceleration. I parked ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2018

Sunroof failure, spontaneously exploded. Fortunately I was not driving the car when it happened or could have caused an accident. Went to my car one morning and the sunroof looked like an earthquake for no reason. No damage, car was parked my driveway and was definitely not vandalism. Dealer said t... Read more

Incident date: Jul 27, 2025

On August 11, 2025, at about 2:52pm, my vehicle was at a complete stop at an intersection awaiting the traffic light to turn green. There was a slight downgrade slope towards the intersection. The vehicle one-pedal driving was enabled. Weather was sunny with no wind or rain. Suddenly, the vehicle s... Read more

Incident date: Jul 27, 2025

On June 3, 2024, a CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the 2015 Lexus NX 200T (VIN: [XXX] ) reflected an odometer reading of 37,783 miles as of August 14, 2021, and 26,148 miles as of May 9, 2023, when the vehicle was offered for sale . A subsequent CARFAX report dated August 19, 2025, altered the Aug... Read more

Incident date: May 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the "Service Steering" warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the steering ass... Read more

Incident date: Jul 9, 2025

I was driving this car on Highway 99 on 7/11/2025. The dashboard flashed the message " Stop safely The vehicle will stop Propulsion system failure." I cut the lane and stopped my car on the Highway 99 shoulder. Just right, my car stopped on the Highway shoulder; it disabled itself and couldn't move ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 13, 2025

2/24/2025 Safety Recall work performed at Honda Marin; change Fuel Pump per recall. 4/28/2025 I reported vehicle stalling/misfiring, decelerating on its own and all lights keep coming on as a result of Fuel Pump change. Marin Honda performed cleaning of battery cables; technician claims nothing is ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 3, 2025

While driving the engine dropped to 10 mph and would not respond to the pedal inputs. It is available for inspection. Dropping to 10 mph in traffic on a roadway doing 70 mph or even 35 puts everyone on the roadway in danger. The problem was not reproduced but was comfirmed by the dealer who inspecte... Read more

Incident date: Jun 13, 2025

The dealer, Toyota of Chula Vista insists that i pay for the recall of the battery they had my car all day yesterday first they lied battery not available then they quoted me $337

Incident date: Mar 31, 2025

“Front passenger Safety restraint system fault, service required” RCM2_a636 message keeps appearing on the screen. It happened right after I bought the car, so I took it to Tesla to fix. It went away for a few months and now it’s back again. According to Tesla, this fault, “ Based on the air... Read more

Incident date: Jun 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and then signaled that the transmission was shifting into second gear; and the contact depresses the brake pedal, and the transmission shifted back into tenth gear. Several unknown ... Read more

Incident date: May 19, 2025

We just purchased this vehicle for my daughter and when I called the manufacturer about scheduling to perform Recall # 24V834 they said the parts were on back order. I asked when they may have the parts and they claimed they didn't know, but the recall wasn't something I would have to worry about un... Read more

Incident date: May 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started, and the engine revved abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while stopped at a stopped sign, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the ... Read more

Incident date: May 24, 2025

Multiple system warnings lights on dash appear indicating multiple systems issues including possible loss of power. See video First occurrence- August 2024 - Dealer said it was due to software that needed to be updated. The repair was completed. Second occurrence - May 2025 - dealer has car for o... Read more

Incident date: May 24, 2025

The fuel injectors are failing at 55 to 62k miles. The car experiences a loss of steering wheel functioning components related to the driver assist, and multiple warning lights appear on the dash for a period of a few days, then they suddenly disappear. There are slight hesitations in the automobile... Read more

Incident date: May 24, 2025

The frame of my trailer sustained damage due to flexing from poor design. I was lucky and noticed some loud noises when transitioning weight to the king pin on the truck. A lot of creaking and groaning. Because of all of these noises and what I had read online, I had the trailer inspected. The inspe... Read more

Showing 50 of 1,084 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2019 SUBARU FORESTER

2019 Subaru Forester SUV AWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	16.9%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Standard
Lane Departure Warning	Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2019 SUBARU FORESTER

729 manufacturer communications from 230 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	223
350000 EQUIPMENT	185
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	44
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	27
100000 POWER TRAIN	27
160000 STRUCTURE	20
170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES	18
220000 SEATS	17

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the design change made to the front drive axle shaft assemblies to address cases of a clicking/cracking-type sound heard when driving with the steering wheel in the fully locked (left or right) position.

100000 POWER TRAIN

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed. The coverage will be extended to (15) fifteen years / 150,000 miles.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed. The coverage will be extended to (15) fifteen years / 150,000 miles.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed. The coverage will be extended to (15) fifteen years / 150,000 miles.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces availability of a new thermo control valve assembly. The new valve contains an enhanced stainless steel internal shaft for optimized durability along with advanced water proofing for the sensor portion.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

To satisfy current supply demands, a new Subaru alternative replacement battery is now available.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

To satisfy current supply demands, a new Subaru alternative replacement battery is now available.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin addresses the reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

"This Bulletin provides insight in response to both customer and retailer feedback resulting from the use of OBD-II port connected devices. These devices are often employed by insurance companies to monitor driver activity for premium calc

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin has been developed for use as a quick reference tool to aid in diagnosing operational concerns of the Gen 2 Telematics systema??s remote access features.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin addresses an error code 202 and or 204 when attempting to complete the STARLINK telematics subsription process.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin addresses an error code 202 and or 204 when attempting to complete the STARLINK telematics subsription process.

350000 EQUIPMENT

"The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure. "

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

"The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure. "

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

This bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for Harman Infotainment Systems when DTC B2255 is detected. This update should prevent unnecessary replacement of the head unit or USB cable.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for Harman Infotainment Systems when DTC B2255 is detected. This update should prevent unnecessary replacement of the head unit or USB cable.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for Harman Infotainment Systems when DTC B2255 is detected. This update should prevent unnecessary replacement of the head unit or USB cable.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin addresses limited cases of engine speed drop when the engine is restarted with the auto start/stop function. Updated software available for the Transmission Control Module (TCM), will optimize the engine cranking speed monitor

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin addresses rare cases of engine surg or jolting when the operator releases the accelerator from half-throttle.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin addresses rare cases of engine surg or jolting when the operator releases the accelerator from half-throttle.

081100 FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

This bulletin announces design changes made to the fuel injector assembly in response to the DTCs listed.

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

This bulletin announces design changes made to the fuel injector assembly in response to the DTCs listed.

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

This bulletin announces diagnostic procedures and availability of new Engine Control Module (ECM) reprogramming files to address DTC P2404 (Evap System Leak Detection Pump Sense Circuit Range/Performance) detection.

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Service Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

100000 POWER TRAIN

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

"This bulletin announces availability of new reprograming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) developed to remedy engine DTCs."

350000 EQUIPMENT

"This bulletin announces availability of new reprograming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) developed to remedy engine DTCs."

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

"This bulletin announces availability of new reprograming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) developed to remedy engine DTCs."

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery introduced to satisfy current supply demands.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery introduced to satisfy current supply demands.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery introduced to satisfy current supply demands.

350000 EQUIPMENT

The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is extending the New Car Basic Warranty coverage for the 12 Volt batteries used in the above listed models and model years beyond the original three (3) years or thirty six t

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces the initialization service procedures to be followed when diagnosing and/or repairing Power Rear Gate (PRG) systems.

162600 STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

This bulletin announces the initialization service procedures to be followed when diagnosing and/or repairing Power Rear Gate (PRG) systems.

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

This bulletin announces the initialization service procedures to be followed when diagnosing and/or repairing Power Rear Gate (PRG) systems.

010000 STEERING

This bulletin announces the design change made to the leather wrapped steering wheels.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the design change made to the leather wrapped steering wheels.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Service Information Bulletin announces diagnostic service procedures to be followed when DTC P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1) is detected by the Engine Control Module (ECM).

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

346000 COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS

This Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to the operation of their Gen 2/Gen 3 Telematics system equipped Subaru.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to the operation of their Gen 2/Gen 3 Telematics system equipped Subaru.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to the operation of their Gen 2/Gen 3 Telematics system equipped Subaru.

160000 STRUCTURE

This Bulletin announces the repair procedure developed to address rattle-type sounds heard from the left and/or right B-Pillar area.

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

This Service Bulletin is to inform you of the diagnosis procedure of the Harman Infotainment System when DTC B2255 is detected.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Service Bulletin is to inform you of the diagnosis procedure of the Harman Infotainment System when DTC B2255 is detected.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Bulletin is to inform you of the diagnosis procedure of the Harman Infotainment System when DTC B2255 is detected.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery introduced to satisfy current supply demands.

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

This Bulletin is to inform you of the availability of the new auxiliary USB terminal and adapter cord designed to address cases of intermittent communication loss when using Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto application connected via the au

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

220000 SEATS

This bulletin announces a design change made to the outer hinge cover on the drivera??s 10-way adjustable power seats.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces a design change made to the outer hinge cover on the drivera??s 10-way adjustable power seats.

160000 STRUCTURE

This Service Information Bulletin announces the repair procedure developed to address rattle-type sounds heard from the left and/or right B-Pillar area.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announced a design change made to the power rear gate drive unit assemblies.

162600 STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

This bulletin announced a design change made to the power rear gate drive unit assemblies.

160000 STRUCTURE

This bulletin announced a design change made to the power rear gate drive unit assemblies.

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

This Bulletin announces additional information regarding error codes 1403- 1407 encountered when attempting an adjustment/calibration of the EyeSightA? system after body repair procedures have been performed.

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces the repair procedures when corrosion is encountered within the instrument panel wiring harness and the rear wiring harness connectors.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Service Information Bulletin announces additional diagnostic procedures and a detailed flow chart to be used when diagnosing customer concerns regarding the operation of the STARLINK Remote Engine Start (RES) feature.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the repair procedures when corrosion is encountered within the instrument panel wiring harness and the rear wiring harness connectors.

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This bulletin announces the design changes to the headlights.

220000 SEATS

"This bulletin announces a design change made to the outer hinge cover on the drivera??s 10-way adjustable power seats."

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the design changes to the headlights.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery introduced to satisfy current supply demands.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery introduced to satisfy current supply demands.

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

Showing 100 of 729 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU FORESTER

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2016

Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19-009 to investigate 51 complaints and additional Early Warning Report (EWR) data related to allegations of front passenger seat Occupant Detection System (ODS) malfunctions in model year (MY) 2016 through 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. These vehic... les use a capacitive type ODS, which is intended to classify the occupant of the passenger seat as either full-sized, small stature, a child seat or other object. The complaints reported the ODS failed to operate properly, the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) warning light illuminated, and/or the ODS incorrectly suppressed (turned off) the front passenger air bag when the seat was occupied by a full-sized passenger. In a frontal crash that is sufficient to warrant deployment, a suppressed air bag may increase the risk of injury to the occupant of the seat.On August 14, 2019 ODI sent an Information Request (IR) to Subaru requesting information on the subject vehicles and MY 2014-2015 Subaru Forester vehicles.On October 3, 2019, Subaru submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect in the passenger-side front airbag Occupant Detection System (ODS) harness of 366,282 MY 2015-2018 Subaru Forester vehicles equipped with seat heaters.The DIR stated that over time, due to a decrease in contact pressure between the terminals in the ODS sensor mat harness, a temporarily unstable electrical connection may be possible. If the connection is temporarily unstable, the ODS may not properly determine the status of the right front seat occupant. If the ODS is unable to correctly determine the status of the front occupant, the airbag warning light may illuminate, and the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.Using vehicle production data and field occurrence frequency, Subaru determined the potentially affected vehicle production range to be between January 20, 2015 ?and August 1, 2017.In addition, Subaru indicated that over 99 percent of the related MY 2015-2018 field reports with vehicles in the production range involved vehicles with seat heaters.NHTSA's analysis of complaint and warranty claim data showed 1,440 of the complaints and 11,672 of the claims involve vehicles with seat heaters that were built within the production range covered by Subaru's recall.In addition, NHTSA's analysis showed a complaint rate of 393.1 per hundred thousand vehicles for the recalled population and 89.0 for MY 2014 through 2018 vehicles that are not included in the recall. Analysis of warranty claim data found a claim rate of 3.2 percent for the recalled population and 0.3 percent for MY 2014 through 2018 vehicles that are not included in the recall.Subaru will instruct owners with Subaru Forester vehicles produced in the affected vehicle production range, to bring their vehicles to a dealer to have the sensor mat harness, inspected and replaced with a new part, including the seat cushion assembly, if necessary.Based on ODI's analysis, the actions taken by Subaru mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by ODS sensor mat failures in the subject vehicles. For subject and peer vehicles outside the recall population and those equipped without seat heaters, ODI's analysis indicates that there is currently no safety-related defect trend. Given these circumstances, further use of the agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999

SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE SEPARATION

ODI HAS ONE COMPLAINT ALLEGING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE, LOCATED BETWEEN THE SEAT AND CENTER CONSOLE, BECAME DETACHED WHILE DRIVING.IN ADDITION, THE OWNER INSPECTED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE AND FOUND THAT THE BOLT WAS PARTIALLY BACKED-OUT.THE COMPLAINT VEHICLE WAS EQ... Read more

SUBARU FORESTER - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the SUBARU FORESTER across all model years (1998, 2026).

114 Total Recalls

8,633 Total Complaints

2 Investigations

784 Reported Crashes

135 Reported Fires

10 Reported Deaths

SUBARU FORESTER - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	2	17	View
2025	2	108	View
2024	2	38	View
2023	1	102	View
2022	1	137	View
2021	0	285	View
2020	0	798	View
2019 (current)	3	1,084
2018	3	669	View
2017	1	789	View
2016	3	609	View
2015	3	894	View
2014	2	576	View
2013	12	94	View
2012	15	140	View
2011	16	195	View
2010	17	307	View
2009	18	228	View
2008	1	67	View
2007	1	89	View
2006	2	121	View
2005	1	105	View
2004	2	270	View
2003	3	238	View
2002	1	109	View
2001	0	169	View
2000	0	95	View
1999	1	156	View
1998	1	138	View

Other SUBARU Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
IMPREZA	321	3,425	View
LEGACY	307	4,132	View
OUTBACK	288	12,131	View
SOLTERRA	259	109	View
WRX	190	1,208	View
ASCENT	112	1,248	View
TRIBECA	70	51	View
CROSSTREK	42	1,453	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2019 SUBARU FORESTER

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2019 SUBARU FORESTER

Safety Technology

Technical Service Bulletins, 2019 SUBARU FORESTER

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU FORESTER

SUBARU FORESTER - All Years Overview

SUBARU FORESTER - Year by Year

Other SUBARU Models