2024 SUBARU FORESTER

2 recalls, 38 complaints - 76 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Defect Description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.

Consequence

A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.

4,701 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Defect Description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.

Consequence

Leaking coolant can contact a hot exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Subarus independent distributor processing facilities will tighten the water pipe attachment bolts. The affected vehicles have not been delivered to dealers or sold to owners and therefore, no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614... Read more

49 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

38 total complaints 2 crashes

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	4
STEERING	3
POWER TRAIN	3
SERVICE BRAKES	3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS	3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC	2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL	2

Incident date: Apr 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle intermittently started jerking. The vehicle shifted into another gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 13, 2026

My low beam headlights for the past year burn out every 4 to 6 weeks. In the past 3 months, they began to burn out every 2 to 3 weeks. Recently I went to have my headlight changed once again and they told me that the headlight assembly kits were actually burnt/melted and would need replaced on bot... Read more

Incident date: Feb 13, 2026

This 2024 Kia soul, 2 issues 1. the instrument cluster does not show, when turning the vehicle on the instrument cluster is blank, meaning I cannot see the speed limit, how much fuel or use any adaptive features, braking, lane departure, cruise control, etc ****this creates a dangerous situ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 13, 2026

Incident date: Feb 2, 2026

I have noticed that when the battery is lower than 85% available power sensor effectiveness is greatly reduced. This is noticed with vehicle going into remote battery saver mode and the Auto Start/Stop function ceases to function. This also greatly reduces front collision, rear cross traffic and pe... Read more

Incident date: Dec 13, 2025

I am submitting this formal complaint to report a serious and dangerous safety defect involving the auxiliary battery system in the 2019 Jeep Compass. Without sufficient warning, my vehicle suddenly lost power and shut down while driving in traffic due to auxiliary battery failure. This failure cau... Read more

Incident date: Dec 13, 2025

Horns assemblies are Failing repeatedly. Since ownership of the vehicle (2023 and a CPO Platinum Wrap), I have had to replace a single horn, or both horns three times with local Hyundai dealerships. mostly the right horn would fail, then the left. I am currently making efforts to have my vehicle’s... Read more

Incident date: Dec 13, 2025

Incident date: Jan 10, 2026

The ac and or heat goes out and I have to press the fuse under the hood and it comes back on other Kia k5 owners have had the same problem was told to report here for recall so fuse box doesn’t get burned out.

Incident date: Dec 17, 2025

I was travelling East in the left kane on the southern state parkway in Long Island, NY. The car in fron of me stopped short. I had plenty of time to slow down, then my car brakes locked up and I was almost rearended. Fortunately the driver behind me was alert and moved to the shoulder to avoid cont... Read more

Incident date: Dec 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, after completing an Over-the-Air software update, the vehicle failed to start and became inoperable for two days. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undis... Read more

Incident date: Dec 17, 2025

Incident date: Aug 1, 2024

On 9/2/25 all the engine lights came on on the dash. I replaced the battery and it was fine the rest of the day. Then 9/3/25 once again all the lights are on and none of the ADAS work.

Incident date: Jul 25, 2025

2021 Dodg Durango Daytime Running Light (DRL-driver side) failure. Daytime safety lighting affected. Thousands of reported issues (forums, etc.). Happening within only a couple years of purchase/low miles. Light (bulb or LED) cannot be replaced, only $1300 entire headlight assembly.

Incident date: Jun 10, 2025

Rear suspension shocks were blown and started leaking causing the vehicle to become very bumpy and unstable. The blown shocks were confirmed by a brake shop and ultimately replaced at the manufacturer dealership.

Incident date: Mar 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle stalled; the contact stated that the vehicle was jumpstarted and the vehicle to returned to normal operation; however, the failure reoccurred on several occasions. The check engine warning light was ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

Towards the end of January, my car computer was reset because the car was telling me that I needed an oil change early and the dealership told me it could just be a computer issue. I then took my car to get an oil change and full vehicle inspection on February 24th, 2 days after that on the 26th I w... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Feb 16, 2025

We experienced a loss of motive power while on the interstate in busy high speed traffic [XXX] . We had to attempt to maneuver the constantly slowing vehicle to the shoulder while being passed by tractor trailer drivers who were driving at full speed. Luckily 2 of them in the right lane were payin... Read more

Incident date: Feb 11, 2025

Identical paint peeling of the roof as Service Bulletin 21-087 from Honda. I also have peeling with both front fenders.

Incident date: Feb 1, 2025

Wife is RN at a trauma hospital going to work in the morning on a busy highway. While in front of Hospital truck started to indicate to hit starter button. Truck was already running! Wife stopped at red light. Truck stopped running would not start. Stuck in middle of morning rush hour traffic h... Read more

Incident date: Nov 30, 2024

On [XXX], in the middle of a 600 mile road trip from Idaho to Southern Nevada, the engine failed in our 2023 GMC Sierra with just 23,060 miles on the odometer. We stopped for fuel and upon restarting the engine to continue on our trip, the engine was making a harsh metal on metal knocking. We call... Read more

Incident date: Nov 30, 2024

I was involved in a rear-end collision caused by a vehicle abruptly moving into my lane while traveling at a slower speed. From the time the vehicle entered my lane to the time of the collision was approximately one second. Despite this timeframe, the anti-collision warning system and automatic emer... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Dec 28, 2024

My vehicle had a previous recall done concerning the steering - recall #24V022000 of 2024-01-17. That corrected a problem I was having with a 'notchy' feeling in the steering when going down a relatively straight road. The problem I am having now with the steering is different and IMO is more dang... Read more

Incident date: Nov 30, 2024

1. Remote start will engage when initiated then turn off after 10 seconds. 2. Gear shift leveler not all the way in park when at park.

Incident date: Nov 25, 2023

every since i got this $22,000 car, my backup camera has not worked. when i back up, the screen turns blue. first time i went to the nissan dealership they said there was a recall on the camera but because the one time it works, its at the dealership so they didn’t fix it. i bring it back a few mo... Read more

Incident date: Nov 12, 2023

The contact's employer owns a 2019 Ford F-450. The contact stated while his boss was driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 11, 2024

My incident report is a non accident report, I am trying to be proactive and report problems I’ve experienced with this vehicle since I purchased this vehicle 2 years ago. The vehicle has been problematic since I purchased brand new in 2022. I’ve been reporting this issue for two years and the m... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2024

numerous times while emergency braking my foot pushed on accelerator and brake at the same time called Ford and they said take to dealer Called dealer and discussed the problem I said it is a design problem and they said if designed that way nothing they can do Accelerator is 5/8" wider than my car... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2024

Cam phasers in engine have failed for the second time. Potential safety issue is if not repaired, could lead to catastrophic, unexpected engine failure as the cam phaser is part of the engine timing system. Prolonged driving with this issue would inevitably cause major mechanical problems which... Read more

Incident date: Aug 10, 2024

The ABS warning light and alarm come on while driving. Loss of ABS and cruise control, near rear end collision by following vehicles on the freeway while using cruise control. Ram knows they have a problem with 2017 and 2018 2500 pickups. Why no recall? Safety problem!

Incident date: Jul 4, 2024

The engine began having a misfire around 58k miles and low coolant levels. No coolant drips or leaks were detected on the exterior. After some research I found that the 2.0 Ecoboost used in these vehicles is prone to coolant intrusion due to a defective engine block. After a trip the car unexpected... Read more

Incident date: Jun 19, 2024

The rubber casing that circles the gear knob gave way and when the wheel came down once car was turned off. That rubber casing made gear wheel get stuck in the down position and now wheel won’t come up automatically like it’s supposed to when car is turned on. The cost is $1500 for a Reverse G... Read more

Incident date: Jun 19, 2024

The transmission doesn't respond several times and could not picking up speed up hill. There were twice the transmission stopped working, the car could not move and stopped in intersection at traffic light. The problem was first reported to Lincoln during 6 years/70,000 miles powertrain warranty Li... Read more

Incident date: Jun 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonabl... Read more

Incident date: Apr 5, 2024

We’ve had issues with the electrical system/brake lights when we hook any trailer (horse/boat/utility) to the truck. One issue is that the system shows unconnected and the trailer lights blink or do not work. We’ve brought this in to the dealer 3 times and they have yet to resolve the issue. The... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated that after the battery was replaced, the headlight and low brake fluid warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 29, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the power steering assist warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stopped the vehicle. The contact had not turned the vehicle off however, the po... Read more

Incident date: Jan 7, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle jerked while accelerating before the vehicle lost motive power. The traction control and impact warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the warning lights had illuminated while stopped. The ... Read more

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2024 SUBARU FORESTER

2024 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, 2024 SUBARU FORESTER

76 manufacturer communications from 23 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	29
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	23
100000 POWER TRAIN	4
353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)	3
353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT	3
260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	3
160000 STRUCTURE	2
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	2

270000 LANE DEPARTURE

This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files developed to address cases were a halt code E5 and or DTC b28C7 is detected by the EyeSight Stereo Camera assembly.

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files developed to address cases were a halt code E5 and or DTC b28C7 is detected by the EyeSight Stereo Camera assembly.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files developed to address cases were a halt code E5 and or DTC b28C7 is detected by the EyeSight Stereo Camera assembly.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files developed to address cases were a halt code E5 and or DTC b28C7 is detected by the EyeSight Stereo Camera assembly.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

350000 EQUIPMENT

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

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 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 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.

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information for all Gen 3 Telematics and Cp 1.5 infotainment equipped vehicles, starting with 2023MY, allowing access to valet mode through the head unit.

350000 EQUIPMENT

The bulletin contains information for exchange components, their manufacturer, as well as the proper exchange procedure.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The bulletin contains information for exchange components, their manufacturer, as well as the proper exchange procedure.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides information for all Gen 3 Telematics and Cp 1.5 infotainment equipped vehicles, starting with 2023MY, allowing access to valet mode through the head unit.

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

This bulletin addresses two symptoms related to EyeSight. The first to address 2022 and 2023 model year Foresters with DTC B28C7, for the camera being exposed to high humidity/temperature conditions without operation. The cooling fans may b

350000 EQUIPMENT

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.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

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 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

350000 EQUIPMENT

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 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.

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 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.

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.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Information Bulletin outlines a new required procedure to follow when performing immobilizer-related repairs.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Service Information Bulletin outlines a new required procedure to follow when performing immobilizer-related repairs.

116320 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:SENSOR

This Service Information Bulletin outlines a new required procedure to follow when performing immobilizer-related repairs.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files developed to address two symptoms: Cooling fans inoperable with EyeSight camera exposed to high humidity/temperature conditions; Temporary halt mode detected by the EyeSigh

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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.

100000 POWER TRAIN

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated a safety recall for certain 2023 model year WRX vehicles, certain 2024 model year Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles, and certain 2023-2024 model year Forester vehicles.

350000 EQUIPMENT

100000 POWER TRAIN

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

350000 EQUIPMENT

100000 POWER TRAIN

350000 EQUIPMENT

100000 POWER TRAIN

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.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated a safety recall for certain 2024 model year Forester vehicles.

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.

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.

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.

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

160000 STRUCTURE

This bulletin announces SOA paint codes to help eliminate possible confusion.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces SOA paint codes to help eliminate possible confusion.

353640 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:AUX AUDIO JACK/PLUG

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

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

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

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.

350000 EQUIPMENT

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

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 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 Service Information Bulletin outlines a new required procedure to follow when performing immobilizer-related repairs.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Information Bulletin outlines a new required procedure to follow when performing immobilizer-related repairs.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Map Data Update Procedure for Harman Gen 3.1 Navigation Equipped Head Units (H/U).

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

Map Data Update Procedure for Harman Gen 3.1 Navigation Equipped Head Units (H/U).

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Map Data Update Procedure for Harman Gen 3.1 Navigation Equipped Head Units (H/U).

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 (current)	2	38
2023	1	102	View
2022	1	137	View
2021	0	285	View
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

2024 SUBARU FORESTER

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2024 SUBARU FORESTER

Safety Technology

Technical Service Bulletins, 2024 SUBARU FORESTER

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU FORESTER

SUBARU FORESTER - All Years Overview

SUBARU FORESTER - Year by Year

Other SUBARU Models