Subaru Forester problems by year
6,477 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across 29 Subaru Forester model years. Last verified Sep 21, 2026. Complaint totals are lifetime counts — years that have been on the road longer accumulate more reports.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most reported problem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Limited reporting history | 21 | 3 | Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| 2025 Limited reporting history | 93 | 3 | Unknown / Other | |
| 2024 Limited reporting history | 29 | 2 | Unknown / Other | |
| 2023 Limited reporting history | 73 | 1 | Unknown / Other | |
| 2022 | 98 | 1 | Visibility/wiper | |
| 2021 | 207 | 0 | Visibility/wiper | |
| 2020 Most complained | 600 | 0 | Visibility/wiper | |
| 2019 Most complained | 833 | 3 | Visibility/wiper | |
| 2018 | 494 | 3 | Visibility/wiper | |
| 2017 Most complained | 586 | 1 | Air Bags | |
| 2016 | 413 | 3 | Air Bags | |
| 2015 Most complained | 613 | 3 | Engine | |
| 2014 | 403 | 2 | Suspension | |
| 2013 | 77 | 12 | Engine | |
| 2012 | 105 | 15 | Engine | |
| 2011 | 147 | 16 | Engine | |
| 2010 | 262 | 17 | Seats | |
| 2009 | 178 | 17 | Air Bags | |
| 2008 | 50 | 1 | Suspension | |
| 2007 | 72 | 1 | Power Train | |
| 2006 | 88 | 2 | Vehicle Speed Control | |
| 2005 | 93 | 1 | Suspension | |
| 2004 | 219 | 2 | Fuel/propulsion System | |
| 2003 | 189 | 3 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2002 | 88 | 1 | Vehicle Speed Control | |
| 2001 | 139 | 0 | Vehicle Speed Control | |
| 2000 | 75 | 0 | Power Train | |
| 1999 | 131 | 0 | Power Train | |
| 1998 | 101 | 0 | Power Train |
How to read this. Complaints are unverified reports owners file with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, counted once per case number. Raw totals are not adjusted for sales volume, and recent model years have had less time on the road. “Most complained” flags years well above the model’s median; treat it as a signal for deeper research, not a verdict. This page is not affiliated with Subaru.