Subaru Forester Common Problems

The most common Subaru Forester problems, based on 2972 NHTSA owner complaints (2017–2026), are visibility/wiper, unknown or other, electrical system, engine. The 2019 model year has the most complaints (831). Complaints are owner-reported and differ from official recalls — check a specific VIN's recalls and history at vincheck.it.com.

Most-reported Subaru Forester problem areas
VISIBILITY/WIPER	986 reports
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	532 reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	465 reports
ENGINE	303 reports
AIR BAGS	262 reports
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	139 reports
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	137 reports
POWER TRAIN	127 reports
VISIBILITY	110 reports
SEATS	59 reports

Subaru Forester best & worst years (by complaint volume)

Ranked by NHTSA owner-complaint count per model year — a leading reliability signal. The highest-complaint years are worth extra scrutiny; the lowest are the safer bets. Always confirm with a specific VIN's history.

Model year	Complaints
2019 Subaru Forester	831
2020 Subaru Forester	591
2017 Subaru Forester	577
2018 Subaru Forester	487
2021 Subaru Forester	207
2022 Subaru Forester	93
2025 Subaru Forester	78
2023 Subaru Forester	69
2024 Subaru Forester	28
2026 Subaru Forester	11

Worst year: 2019 (831 complaints). Best year: 2026 (11).

Complaints by year: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024 · 2025 · 2026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?

Across 2972 NHTSA owner complaints (2017–2026), the most-reported Subaru Forester problem areas are visibility/wiper, unknown or other, electrical system, engine.

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

NHTSA owner complaints are one reliability signal. The Subaru Forester has 2972 on record, most concentrated in the 2019 model year (831). Cross-check recalls and a specific VIN's history before buying.

Which Subaru Forester years should you avoid?

By NHTSA complaint volume, the 2019 Subaru Forester draws the most owner complaints (831), while the 2026 has the fewest (11). Complaint counts are one signal — always check a specific VIN's history too.

Which is the most reliable Subaru Forester year?

Among the years we track, the 2026 Subaru Forester has the fewest NHTSA complaints (11), a positive reliability signal. Confirm with recalls and the specific vehicle's history before buying.

Do complaints mean the Subaru Forester was recalled?

Not necessarily. Complaints are individual owner reports; recalls are official safety actions. Check open recalls for a specific Subaru Forester VIN with our free recall lookup.

Subaru Forester recalls · Subaru Forester overview · Full Subaru Forester VIN history — from $5.12/report