2021 SUBARU FORESTER

0 recalls, 285 complaints - 383 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

No recalls found for this vehicle.

Complaint Statistics

285 total complaints 17 crashes 2 fires 7 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
VISIBILITY/WIPER	60
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	26
ENGINE	24
POWER TRAIN	18
STEERING	12
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	10
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	9
SERVICE BRAKES	9
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD	8

Incident date: Jun 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while trying to roll up vehicle windows from driver sits and passenger sit they would roll up to 3/4th all the way up and they would roll back down after. The contact stated this was a recurring event. The dealer was aware of failur... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

My 2021 Subaru Forester has a recurring, worsening defect in the Idle Stop/Start (ISS) system that creates a stalling hazard. When ISS shuts the engine off at a stop, the engine intermittently fails to restart when I try to move again. It cranks progressively slower, warning lights illuminate, a con... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

Incident date: Oct 24, 2025

Persistent Battery Drain on a 2021 Subaru Forester Limited. Problems began in year 4 of ownership (~17,000 mileage), after Subaru Starlink Subscription services expired. Red (Error) Starlink SOS indicator light was evident, where a normal light would show green. Battery would fully drain after about... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2026

Driving along and various system warnings came on, then started losing power, then the engine died and the car was completely dead. Got a jump start and the car ran for a couple of minutes and died again. Had it towed to a repair shop and when they checked it the next morning, they couldn't find a p... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

The Pre-Collision Assist false-triggers on turns daily, flashing the red collision warning and actively applying autonomous emergency braking without any obstruction present. This phantom braking is a severe safety hazard. The vehicle has been serviced before for this issue - and is going back to th... Read more

Incident date: May 14, 2026

I currently own and am driving a 2014 Lincoln MKS, my fourth such vehicle over the past several years. Lincolns have been one of my favorite vehicles however, I am writing to bring to your attention a recurring issue with the climate control system that may warrant further review as a potential saf... Read more

Incident date: May 14, 2026

My Subaru Forester has a significant safety defect. If my web searches are representative this software problem affects multiple models and years of Subaru. I have addressed this problem with the local dealer, Subaru America, and Subaru Japan and have been told "that is the way it was designed and... Read more

Incident date: May 14, 2026

Incident date: May 3, 2026

Driving using cruise control on interstate. Car in front of me exited. My car began to slow even though there was nothing in front of me but a slight incline. I pressed on the accelerator and the car continued to slow. I turned off the A/C and cruise, but the car continued to slow and came to a comp... Read more

Incident date: Apr 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V953000 (VISIBILITY), 25V337000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT), 26V165000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) and 25V691000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE), and the veh... Read more

Incident date: Apr 5, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Power steering / steering wheel responsiveness steering wheel "stuck" in position. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? On curved roads or roads at highway speeds, small steering ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the instrument panel became inoperable when starting the vehicle. The contact stated that the instrument panel was blank. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The man... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

The onboard navigation and entertainment system, including both the primary dashboard/driver interface and the center console, went fully black for over 1 minute while driving on the highway. When the screen is blank, no input is available from the vehicle as to speeds, behavior of cruise control,... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled unexpectedly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine wa... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

My 2020 Ram 2500 Mega Cab truck Dash Leather Covering is coming loose from it base and may interfere with the passenger Air Bag deployment that is under the loose material. My truck has only 36,000 miles on it and has been garaged kept since I purchased it new. *I found this information online... Read more

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

Right side rear passenger seat belt malfunction as it won't retract and when pulling it around your body there is no resistance as it just hangs loose.

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

APIM module has failed. very common on these models and should be recalled!

Incident date: Jan 6, 2026

Vehicle has widespread software/electronic failures affecting driving and safety systems. Failures cause erratic, loss of information while driving, unintended systems activation, and loss of emergency services. While operating the vehicle during routine driving, multiple safety-related electronic... Read more

Incident date: Jan 6, 2026

On 1/15/2026, my 2025 Ionic 5 Limited AWD car with 11K miles on it suddenly lost power about 1/2 mile from my home. I pulled over to the side of the road and within seconds the car was totally dead (nothing worked). After waiting 1 1/2 hours (in an unheated car with outside temperatures in the 30'... Read more

Incident date: Jan 6, 2026

Incident date: Jan 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V454000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted several times. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a re... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

The car has a strange thump when driving around 70-75. This is always and the dealer says it’s normal, which is not true! This weird thump is now happening at lower speeds and also a weird shuddering at speeds around 25-40. Shudders are more random Also starting at about 8-10,000 miles randomly wh... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

My CV Axles or joints make a clicking sound when turning both left and right. It happens more on left turns. It appears that this is a common issue with Honda Prologes and Blazer EV.

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

Chrome around shifter knob is peeling up causing gashes in drivers fingers. A key function to adjust gears that is causing bodily harm. Chrome tips were addressed on Window nobs due to Sharp Chrome peeling up. Vehicle was inspected by Ford dealership and I was informed it was not included in the rec... Read more

2 injured

Incident date: Oct 29, 2025

Total loss of power while driving 2021 CRV hybrid on interstate. Check engine light came on and immediately started flashing and significant engine noise heard.Vehicle taken to Honda dealership and diagnostic test completed which stated fuel injector failed which then caused spark plug damage and en... Read more

Incident date: Oct 29, 2025

October 6th 2025, I was leaving my place of work and started to here a slight banging/knocking sound, the vehicle lost instant power and I the engine quit running, I have taken the vehicle to the Toyota dealer and they have confirmed a internal bearing failure in the engine. The vehicle is not part... Read more

Incident date: Oct 29, 2025

Monday, November 3rd, 2025 In electric mode - I drove the vehicle forward out of a parking spot. The vehicle made three very large lurches over a 200 foot length of parking lot, enough to bang drivers and passengers heads hard against the head rests each with a loud clunk. Within seconds after the... Read more

Incident date: Oct 23, 2025

Because I bought the car used in June of this year, around July, the driver's and passenger's side airbag warning lights on the display panel started flashing, then disappeared after a few days. After August, they kept flashing and then stopped altogether. I took it to an Infiniti dealership for ins... Read more

Incident date: Oct 23, 2025

The car started to have issues shifting when driving- automatic transmission. It would jolt or shudder to try to shift. I was at a light intersection attempting to turn left to go on the on ramp of a highway, it attempted to shift as I sped up from a stop and it got stuck and started making a sound ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION), 24V031000 (STRUCTURE), and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera disp... Read more

Incident date: May 19, 2025

There was a rear camera recall in 2022 which I had fixed they did a software upgrade. The EXACT same issue has returned . It’s really dangerous when backing out of spaces and I can’t see. I took to dealership and they claim my license plate cover is the issue however even without the cover the e... Read more

Incident date: Sep 17, 2025

Service brakes because the brakes engaged on their own while reversing, with no obstruction present. Power Train because the transmission downshifting unexpectedly in traffic, forcing us to pull over on the highway and restart the engine. Electrical because the rear camera blackouts while reversing ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 20, 2025

On [XXX], my 2023 Tesla Model 3 (VIN: [XXX] ) suddenly accelerated on its own and the brakes failed to respond despite repeated pressing. To avoid hitting other vehicles, I turned into a property driveway and struck a tree. The airbags deployed. This was a case of sudden unintended acceleration comb... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Aug 1, 2025

1. engine/transmission 2. while driving and acceleration vehicle stalls/hard shifts. The truck was running just fine one day then the next day upon starting the truck, Vehicle warnings for "service" Parking brake system and ECS started showing up and the truck started running rough, smoking exhaust,... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2025

On August 3rd, while driving on the freeway at 55mph, my vehicle's brakes became extremely stiff, and I could not press them down to engage the braking system. I was about to collide with the vehicle in front of me, so I quickly veered right without looking because I had no time. After moving to the... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2025

A mechanic confirmed the truck has an issue with the speed sensor. On the daily, the truck will experience shifting issues, gets stuck in 3rd, and will not go past 5th. I have to turn off the vehicle and restart and it resets. I've read this is a known issue, and F150s for model years prior to and... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear, and the rear wheels locked up, causing the vehicle to stop in a ditch. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and de... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2025

The seatbelt sensor kept going off even though seatbelt appears to be buckled. Dealership identified that seatbelt buckle was not operating correctly and not clicking all the way. This put my kids unknowingly at risk.

Incident date: Aug 12, 2025

I am experiencing symptoms, consistent with excessive frame movement and structural failure in my 42 foot fifth wheel toy hauler RV. We have been monitoring this for the time we have owned it just over six weeks and have noticed an increase and symptoms that research shows indicate there is a probl... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while the vehicle was shifted to park(P), the message to “Shift to Park” remained displayed. The contact was unable to turn off the vehicle. The contact stated that for approximately 10 minutes, the gear shifter was shifted out of a... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at a slower speed than 60 MPH or attempting to make a left or right turn, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the driver’s side rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was diagnosed t... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2025

In April of 2025 I got my normal oil change and I mentioned to the technician that the car seems to be jerking more than usual when I start trying to accelerate. They mentioned that the car needed the coolant flushed out and that could be contributing to the issue. I had it done in June. It was not ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2025

Telematics module stopped working out of nowhere and drains my battery to my vehicle. Had to have the vehicle towed to nearby dealship. Huge safety hazard as it is essentially the brains to my computer. App doesn't work without it, battery doesn't work and can't even get inside vehicle with key fob.... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2025

The hinges for the rear door/hatch broke. The door became unaligned and would not close and I had to drive my vehicle to a repair shop with the rear door ajar. This has not been inspected by manufacturer, no police or insurance inspection either. There is no reason these hinges should be worn and l... Read more

Incident date: Jul 18, 2025

As I was driving, the car slowed down and wouldn’t go past 20mph. It also lost power to the radio more than a few times and I just purchased the vehicle on 06/26/25.

Showing 50 of 285 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2021 SUBARU FORESTER

2021 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, 2021 SUBARU FORESTER

383 manufacturer communications from 119 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	121
350000 EQUIPMENT	114
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	32
100000 POWER TRAIN	18
160000 STRUCTURE	7
170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES	7
353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)	7
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	6

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.

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

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.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

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.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

350000 EQUIPMENT

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

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.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

160000 STRUCTURE

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.

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

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

350000 EQUIPMENT

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.

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

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.

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.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

350000 EQUIPMENT

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

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

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

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

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

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces availability of new Harman audio unit amplifier units with revised internal logic designed to optimize efficiency while addressing customer concerns.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The purpose of this Bulletin is to provide procedures for the diagnosis and repair of oil seepage which may be coming from the timing chain cover, front camshaft cap, camshaft carrier and / or upper oil pan.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces availability of new Harman audio unit amplifier units with revised internal logic designed to optimize efficiency while addressing customer concerns.

100000 POWER TRAIN

This Service Information Bulletin provides updated diagnostic procedures to follow and a brief questionnaire to complete when diagnosing an alleged Chain Slip condition on the TR580 and TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models liste

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Showing 100 of 383 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 (current)	0	285
2020	0	798	View
2019	3	1,084	View
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

2021 SUBARU FORESTER

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2021 SUBARU FORESTER

Safety Technology

Technical Service Bulletins, 2021 SUBARU FORESTER

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU FORESTER

SUBARU FORESTER - All Years Overview

SUBARU FORESTER - Year by Year

Other SUBARU Models