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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
6,800 miles · Dec 24, 2019
Visibility/wiper

DEFECTED WINDSHIELD, WINDSHIELD CRACKED. WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ATTACHED PHOTOS ARE THE SAME TODAY AS THE DAY IT HAPPEN.

NHTSA ODI #11291100

9,000 miles · Dec 24, 2019
Visibility/wiper

VERY SMALL ROCK HIT WINDSHIELD WHILE ON HIGHWAY, CAUSING TINY CHIP NEAR THE DRIVER'S A PILLAR. WITHIN 24 HOURS THE WINDOW HAD CRACKED ACROSS THE LENGTH OF THE WINDSHIELD, NECESSITATING REPLACEMENT. I HAVE A PHOTO. I BELIEVE THE RESULTING DESTRUCTION OF THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD DUE TO A VERY SMALL CHIP IS PREPOSTEROUS AND SHOULD NOT…

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VERY SMALL ROCK HIT WINDSHIELD WHILE ON HIGHWAY, CAUSING TINY CHIP NEAR THE DRIVER'S A PILLAR. WITHIN 24 HOURS THE WINDOW HAD CRACKED ACROSS THE LENGTH OF THE WINDSHIELD, NECESSITATING REPLACEMENT. I HAVE A PHOTO. I BELIEVE THE RESULTING DESTRUCTION OF THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD DUE TO A VERY SMALL CHIP IS PREPOSTEROUS AND SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED.

NHTSA ODI #11291091

2,731 miles · Dec 24, 2019
Visibility/wiper

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CRACKING SOUND COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND FELT SOME ROUGH SPOTS THAT WERE CRACKS ON THE GLASS. THE CONTACT CALLED KEARNY MESA SUBARU (4797 CONVOY ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111, (858) 278-7100) AND WAS INFO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CRACKING SOUND COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND FELT SOME ROUGH SPOTS THAT WERE CRACKS ON THE GLASS. THE CONTACT CALLED KEARNY MESA SUBARU (4797 CONVOY ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111, (858) 278-7100) AND WAS INFORMED TO CALL HER INSURANCE COMPANY BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH A WINDOW REPAIR COMPANY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,731.

NHTSA ODI #11291049

2,900 miles · Dec 24, 2019
Visibility/wiper

NOTICED A HALF INCH CRACK ON FAR PASSENGER SIDE OF WINDSHIELD. NO IDEA HOW IT HAPPENED. NO MEMORY OF A STONE HITTING THE CAR. REPAIRED AT SAFELITE. TOLD LIKELY WILL NEED REPLACEMENT DUE TO LOCATION OF CRACK (CLOSE TO FRAME) TOLD TO MONITOR. SINCE THEN MULTIPLE CHIPS/NICKS TO WINDSHIELD. AGAIN, NO ROCKS/STONES. JUST TINY NICKS…

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NOTICED A HALF INCH CRACK ON FAR PASSENGER SIDE OF WINDSHIELD. NO IDEA HOW IT HAPPENED. NO MEMORY OF A STONE HITTING THE CAR. REPAIRED AT SAFELITE. TOLD LIKELY WILL NEED REPLACEMENT DUE TO LOCATION OF CRACK (CLOSE TO FRAME) TOLD TO MONITOR. SINCE THEN MULTIPLE CHIPS/NICKS TO WINDSHIELD. AGAIN, NO ROCKS/STONES. JUST TINY NICKS IN GLASS THAT ARE SOMETIMES VISIBLE AND SOMETIMES NOT. CONCERNED OVER LONGEVITY OVER WINDSHIELD. 11 YEAR OLD CAR WINDSHIELD IN BETTER SHAPE.

NHTSA ODI #11291047

3,356 miles · Dec 23, 2019
Visibility/wiper

WHILE DRIVING A SMALL STONE FLEW UP HIT THE WINDSHIELD & IT CRACKED NOT A CHIP A CRACK.

NHTSA ODI #11290968

1,600 miles · Dec 23, 2019
Visibility/wiper

THE WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CHIPPED WHEN DRIVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT (35MPH).

NHTSA ODI #11290948

8,200 miles · Dec 23, 2019
Visibility/wiper

OVER 8,200 MILES OF DRIVING MY 2019 FORESTER, MY WINDSHIELD HAS EXPERIENCED THREE STONE CHIPS, ONE REQUIRING THE COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF MY WINDSHIELD. ONE CHIP (AND ONE DAY LATER, A CRACKED WINDSHIELD) WAS WHILE SITTING STATIONARY ON A HIGHWAY; A SECOND WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON A LOCAL CITY ROAD; AND THE THIRD WHILE DRIVING AB…

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OVER 8,200 MILES OF DRIVING MY 2019 FORESTER, MY WINDSHIELD HAS EXPERIENCED THREE STONE CHIPS, ONE REQUIRING THE COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF MY WINDSHIELD. ONE CHIP (AND ONE DAY LATER, A CRACKED WINDSHIELD) WAS WHILE SITTING STATIONARY ON A HIGHWAY; A SECOND WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON A LOCAL CITY ROAD; AND THE THIRD WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH ON A HIGHWAY. COMPARE THIS TO ONE STONE CHIP WHILE IN MOTION, ON MY 2009 FORESTER, COVERING OVER 80,000 MILES AND TEN YEARS OF DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #11290895

20 miles · Dec 23, 2019
Electrical System

THE HOMELINK GARAGE DOOR OPENER DOES NOT FUNCTION WHEN THE IGNITION IS OFF. THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR A WOMAN, DRIVING INTO HER GARAGE, SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE, THEN GETTING OUT OF THE CAR TO WALK TO THE FRONT OF THE GARAGE WHERE THE WALL BUTTON IS LOCATED. THE DRIVER, KNOWING THAT THE OPENER IS INOPERATIVE WITHOUT…

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THE HOMELINK GARAGE DOOR OPENER DOES NOT FUNCTION WHEN THE IGNITION IS OFF. THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR A WOMAN, DRIVING INTO HER GARAGE, SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE, THEN GETTING OUT OF THE CAR TO WALK TO THE FRONT OF THE GARAGE WHERE THE WALL BUTTON IS LOCATED. THE DRIVER, KNOWING THAT THE OPENER IS INOPERATIVE WITHOUT THE IGNITION ON, CAN HIT THE HOMELINK BUTTON WHILE THE CAR IS STILL ON. HOWEVER, WHAT IF THE DRIVER IS DISTRACTED BEFORE SHUTTING THE CAR OFF BY SOME OTHER FACTOR, LIKE THE PHONE RINGING OR A FIRE TRUCK GOING BY? THE DRIVER NEGLECTS TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND GOES INTO THE HOUSE, WITH POSSIBLE DISASTROUS RESULTS. WITH EVERY OTHER CAR (AND OTHER SUBARU MODELS AS WELL) THE GARAGE DOOR OPENER IS ALWAYS POWERED, AND YOU PULL INTO THE GARAGE, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, THEN CLOSE THE GARAGE DOOR. THE FORESTER HAS IT ASS-BACKWARDS.

NHTSA ODI #11290875

14,000 miles · Dec 20, 2019
Electrical System

AUTOMATIC REAR LIFT GATE WILL NOT OPEN (WITH EITHER KEY FOB OR INSIDE AUTO RELEASE). BEEPS THREE TIMES AND STILL WILL NOT RELEASE. (THIS STARTED ON 12/15/19). ALSO, LOCKS APPEAR TO HAVE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT (I.E. SOMETIMES THEY WORK, SOMETIMES THEY WON'T). AT TIMES, TOUCHING THE DOOR HANDLE WILL NOT OPEN/LOCK THE DOORS AND UNL…

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AUTOMATIC REAR LIFT GATE WILL NOT OPEN (WITH EITHER KEY FOB OR INSIDE AUTO RELEASE). BEEPS THREE TIMES AND STILL WILL NOT RELEASE. (THIS STARTED ON 12/15/19). ALSO, LOCKS APPEAR TO HAVE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT (I.E. SOMETIMES THEY WORK, SOMETIMES THEY WON'T). AT TIMES, TOUCHING THE DOOR HANDLE WILL NOT OPEN/LOCK THE DOORS AND UNLOCK MUST BE PRESSED ON FOB INSTEAD. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR PAST 5-6 MONTHS. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY FOR ALL ISSUES.

NHTSA ODI #11290307

13,330 miles · Dec 20, 2019
Visibility/wiper

WHILE DRIVING FOR THE PAST 8 MONTHS I HAVE HAD 2 CHIPS IN MY WINDSHIELD FROM SMALL UNKNOWN OBJECTS STRIKING THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. BOTH INCIDENTS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AND UNDER 45 MPH. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE ON THE OFF RAMP OF AN INTERSTATE CAUSING A SMALL CHIP. SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE ON A STATE ROUTE AN…

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WHILE DRIVING FOR THE PAST 8 MONTHS I HAVE HAD 2 CHIPS IN MY WINDSHIELD FROM SMALL UNKNOWN OBJECTS STRIKING THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. BOTH INCIDENTS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AND UNDER 45 MPH. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE ON THE OFF RAMP OF AN INTERSTATE CAUSING A SMALL CHIP. SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE ON A STATE ROUTE AND IN THE PASSING LANE. SMALL UNKNOWN OBJECT STRUCK WINDSHIELD CAUSING QUARTER INCH CHIP.

NHTSA ODI #11290275

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