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2019 Subaru Forester

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Forester years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Subaru Forester are substantially higher than the model-year median of 131.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

468 reports with mileage · 365 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Visibility/wiper. Review the 370 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 134 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 106 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

37 crash reports11 fire reports16 injury reports

What owners actually said

833 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2023
Forward Collision Avoidance

We were driving our vehicle westbound on U.S. Route 24, between Fairbury, IL and Chenoa, IL on Saturday, July 15, 2023 around 7:00 PM. We were travelling at approximately 55 to 60 mph when the brakes engaged suddenly and brought us to an almost immediate stop. This happened so quickly that it destroyed out transmission, cv joi…

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We were driving our vehicle westbound on U.S. Route 24, between Fairbury, IL and Chenoa, IL on Saturday, July 15, 2023 around 7:00 PM. We were travelling at approximately 55 to 60 mph when the brakes engaged suddenly and brought us to an almost immediate stop. This happened so quickly that it destroyed out transmission, cv joints and brakes. Had we not had out seat belts on, I feel certain that we would have been ejected. If a vehicle had ben behind us, I have no doubt that it would have collided with us. Immediately following the incident, the vehicle, which was now immobile, displayed the Eyesight warning on the instrument panel.

NHTSA ODI #11534336

Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2023
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

My wife was driving her 2019 Subaru Forester (purchased new) and the Eyesight disabled and the check engine light came on. The car was still running, but not as it normally would. It had less power but would still maintain the speed limit. At home the car idled differently, like it was running too rich or too lean. The exhau…

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My wife was driving her 2019 Subaru Forester (purchased new) and the Eyesight disabled and the check engine light came on. The car was still running, but not as it normally would. It had less power but would still maintain the speed limit. At home the car idled differently, like it was running too rich or too lean. The exhaust also smelled funny.

NHTSA ODI #11534263

Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2023
Forward Collision Avoidance

As a result of code P26A3 (engine coolant bypass valve), the cars Eye Sight system is turned off as well as lane departure, reverse automatic braking, and pre-collision braking system. While code P26A3 may in fact refer to a serious problem with then engine, there is no reason why a safety system should be shut off!

NHTSA ODI #11533948

Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2023
Electrical System

Sun roof malfunction. Would not open. Once open, went on highway and had to close it. This was distracting to me, driver, and put us all at risk for no weather protection or debris on highway. The sunroof malfunctioned again by not responded and would not close. No warning for any errors. Has not been inspected by insurance. It …

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Sun roof malfunction. Would not open. Once open, went on highway and had to close it. This was distracting to me, driver, and put us all at risk for no weather protection or debris on highway. The sunroof malfunctioned again by not responded and would not close. No warning for any errors. Has not been inspected by insurance. It is available for inspection. Online forums show multiple people are having this issue!

NHTSA ODI #11533425

Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2023
Unknown Or Other

All side windows and the sun roof have become scratched. This vehicle is garaged, has 28,000 miles and never goes off road. The scratches extend into the door gasket area thus reaching to very top of the glass. Scratching of the windshield and rear window do not show this. We use a touchless auto wash. The paint is near fla…

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All side windows and the sun roof have become scratched. This vehicle is garaged, has 28,000 miles and never goes off road. The scratches extend into the door gasket area thus reaching to very top of the glass. Scratching of the windshield and rear window do not show this. We use a touchless auto wash. The paint is near flawless. There are no such scratches. I believe the glass is defective. We also own a 2015 Subaru Forester. it does go into dirt and grit. The side windows have no such tendency to scratch.

NHTSA ODI #11533023

Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2023
Engine

My thermo control valve went out while I was on the highway. My car lost power and all safety features. It’s been replaced but should be a recall.

NHTSA ODI #11532995

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2023
EngineForward Collision Avoidance

Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am writing to report a safety issue with my 2019 Subaru Forester, which I believe may affect many other Subaru vehicles as well. Specifically, I have experienced a problem with the thermo control valve, which has caused the EyeSight safety features to be disabled and potent…

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Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am writing to report a safety issue with my 2019 Subaru Forester, which I believe may affect many other Subaru vehicles as well. Specifically, I have experienced a problem with the thermo control valve, which has caused the EyeSight safety features to be disabled and potentially poses a safety risk. I first became aware of this issue when the EyeSight safety features on my vehicle were automatically disabled due to a malfunction. I brought my vehicle to a Subaru dealership for an inspection, and they determined that the thermo control valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. It was alarming to learn that many other Subaru owners had experienced the same issue, and some had even experienced engine failure as a result. The EyeSight system is a driver assistance technology developed by Subaru that uses cameras and sensors to monitor the road and surrounding environment, alerting drivers to potential hazards and providing automatic braking support if necessary. This technology has been recognized as one of the most advanced driver assistance technologies available, and is designed to help prevent accidents and reduce the severity of collisions. The EyeSight system includes features such as adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and sway warning, which work together to provide a comprehensive safety package for drivers and passengers. These features are critical in keeping drivers safe. I am concerned that this issue may be more widespread than initially thought, and that it may pose a safety risk to drivers and passengers of affected Subaru vehicles. The faulty thermo control valve can cause the EyeSight safety features to be disabled, which can lead to reduced safety performance, accidents, and potentially harm to drivers and passengers. Sincerely, Davide Alves

NHTSA ODI #11531679

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine

Over a dozen times now, when at a traffic light, the automatic on/off feature turns the cars engine off. When you take your foot off the brake to reactivate the engine, there is an EyeSight Disabled warning and the car stalls and fails to turn off. You have to turn the car completely off to restart it. I have previously brought …

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Over a dozen times now, when at a traffic light, the automatic on/off feature turns the cars engine off. When you take your foot off the brake to reactivate the engine, there is an EyeSight Disabled warning and the car stalls and fails to turn off. You have to turn the car completely off to restart it. I have previously brought the car into a Subaru dealer for servicing after this happened. It has continued happening since then.

NHTSA ODI #11531636

Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2023
Engine

The TCV Thermostat Control Valve has failed which is a known issue and Subaru is very aware. The vehicle will ultimately believe it is overheating and shut itself down. This is a very well known incident and should be a proactive recall but instead subaru insists on waiting for customers to fail and hope its outside of warranty …

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The TCV Thermostat Control Valve has failed which is a known issue and Subaru is very aware. The vehicle will ultimately believe it is overheating and shut itself down. This is a very well known incident and should be a proactive recall but instead subaru insists on waiting for customers to fail and hope its outside of warranty so they can charge them $2k to replace a known faulty design and part.

NHTSA ODI #11531333

Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2023
EngineForward Collision Avoidance

When I turn the car on it flashes check engine eyesite failure which then turns off the ability to use cruise control, crash detection, lane assist, ext. we called Dick Hannah Subaru and the code came up as P26A5 engine coolant bypass valve A position sensor. They said a thermo valve needs replaced and they’ve seen that happen a…

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When I turn the car on it flashes check engine eyesite failure which then turns off the ability to use cruise control, crash detection, lane assist, ext. we called Dick Hannah Subaru and the code came up as P26A5 engine coolant bypass valve A position sensor. They said a thermo valve needs replaced and they’ve seen that happen a lot in 2019/2020 Subarus

NHTSA ODI #11530470

Official recalls

3

21V263000 · Suspension:rear

Apr 15, 2021

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 & remedy

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.

19V856000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Dec 2, 2019

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 & remedy

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 at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.

19V065000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Feb 6, 2019

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 & remedy

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 WUC-88.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Subaru Forester problems