general problems of the 2015 Subaru Forester - part 2

62 problems related to air bag have been reported for the 2015 Subaru Forester. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2015 Subaru Forester based on all problems reported for the 2015 Forester.

36 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 12/10/2021

The srs warning light came on, indicating that the car be taken to the dealer for inspection. The light was not on by the time the car arrived at the dealer, but they were able to find code dtc b1760, indicting that the occupant detection sensor mat on the passenger side was not working properly. This is the system used to determine whether the air bag should deploy in an accident and at what force it should deploy. After following a diagnostic tree, they suggested replacing the passenger seat bottom. I called Subaru of America on 12/13/2021 to discuss the issue before telling the dealer to proceed and after being on hold for 23 minutes I left a number for callback. I then sent an email using their online contact form. As of 12/15/2021, I have not received any response from Subaru. This was obviously a safety issue that had to be fixed immediately, regardless of cost, so I told the dealer to complete the repair while I waited to hear back from Subaru. No passenger was in the seat when the warning light came on. After doing some research , it appears that I am not the only Subaru owner with this exact issue and I even found recalls for other Subarus made the same year as my vehicle.

37 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2021

Subaru dealership in rockvile, MD diagnosed a defective airbags' occupant detection system (ods) mat harness on my 2015 Subaru Forester. Recommend replacing part for $1200. Subaru America issued a recall wum-98 (NHTSA 19v-701) on oct 3, 2019 to adress this very issue on 2015-2018 vehicles. Dealer states my vehicle not covered by this recall. . . This is a very serious safety issue and I question whether Subaru has recalled a sufficient number of vehicles beyound the stated 336,282 .

38 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2021

Front passenger seat doesn't detect passenger. Airbags off and come up with warning signs stating that they are off. "srs airbag system needs to be checked. ".

39 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 10/02/2021

The passenger airbag light switches to on when no one is in the seat, and switches to off when I have a passenger. The seat is completely stock (no back support pads or cushions or baggy clothing) and my passengers sit in the seat normally. Restarting the vehicle does not fix the issue. There is an associated recall for this specific issue, but my Forester is a few months outside of the covered range. The listed fix for this is replacing the entire seat bottom, and is incredibly expensive, especially for such a crucial design flaw regarding passenger safety in the event of an accident.

40 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2021

The passenger airbag light has been on and has been disabled whether there is someone in the passenger seat or not. This is due to the sensor in the passenger seat malfunctioning. Because of this malfunction, there is no access to the passenger airbag which poses a risk to the passenger in the vehicle in the event of an accident. The problem has been confirmed by charlie's Subaru in augusta, maine. The airbag light came on in September 2021. It went on and off for a few weeks and has been on since.

41 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 08/25/2021

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 19v701000 (air bags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

42 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 08/13/2021

The passenger side airbag warning light goes on and off. It came on when I went for a state inspection and caused a rejection. Computer reading listed 3 possible codes for repair investigation. When I took it to a repair center, the light did not come on and stay on and was told that it should pass inspection. I took it back to the inspection station, and the previous 3 codes did not come on the computer, but a different one did suggesting it may be in the sensor in the passenger seat. (the front driver and passenger seats have independent seat heating elements--not in use at this time, but was listed in Subaru recall information for 2015-2018 Forester's.

43 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 08/10/2021

1) oil consumption. My 2015 Subaru was purchased used in 2017 with approx 56k on engine. From the first oil change I had done one month later the car’s computer would say that the oil level was low. I would check the dip and it would be at least a quart low. From that point on the car would burn oil that I would keep the 5 gallon oil container in my car. 2) my Subaru is and has been driven consistently until one week I did not use it for a few days not more than 3. The battery completely drained water and all. Filled the battery with appropriate water and trickle charged it for about 5 days. I then was able to jump start the car just to drive to the auto parts store to buy a new one. Noticed the signal lights would not work but the car was driving fine. I thought it may be a fuse so I pulled the proper fuse out and replaced it with the proper fuse. I started the car and every single light on the dash board lit up. Oil temp, check engine light, the up hill etc. I drove the car back home from the auto parts store and it was jerking, revving, stumbling all over the place. Nearly drove into the car in front of me and just about made it home without it stalling. I was scheduled to have two recalls fixed but I had to have my insurance company tow it to the dealer. They said it could be a number of things. I paid them 149 to do a diagnostics check but said they needed an additional 500 to do a thorough check and it would not go towards any fix of any issue. He printed me a list of items that needed to be done but none would fix that issue. He said maybe the wire harness but not sure. I was just basically screwed. So I have a 2015 Subaru Forester that I have no idea what is wrong with the engine. 3) seat belt warning on the passenger side will not stop alerting to fasten seat belts even though no one is in the seat. I have to keep it buckled at all times. I have notified the dealer the day the recalls were done but he said he didn’t know why it was doing that.

44 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 07/10/2021

Airbag warning light comes on when passenger is in seat. Information panel indicates that the passenger airbag is deactivated. This issue appears the same as NHTSA 19v701, but the VIN for my car does not appear to be included. When this occurs it is necessary for the passenger to move to the back seat. Currently this issue only happens occasionally. An appointment for the car has been made on Aug. 9 and a call has been made to Subaru of America.

45 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2021

Passenger seat airbag is disabled even when there is a passenger present. The passenger seat occupant sensor system appears to be faulty. Check airbag system warning light comes on even if the passenger seat is occupied. The problem is persistent.

46 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2021

I have the airbag sensor heated passenger seat problem and for some reason, my VIN is not listed in the recall for this problem. I have had this problem for over a year and thought it was from the clock spring, a costly repair I had just done. Clock spring repair fixed my horn not working problem but not my passenger airbag not working problem. Subaru dealer cost estimate is nearly $1500 for what should be covered in the recall. I am requesting Subaru fix this problem at no charge since it is a listed problem addressed in a recall for a 2015 Forester with heated seats. Thank you.

47 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 01/18/2021

I have continually been having the srs light coming on telling me that someone is sitting in my passenger seat when there is no on there or when my 15 year old sits in the front seat it does not register that anyone is sitting in the front seat. I took it to our local dealership as I am the original owner and they want over 1600 to fix this issue.

48 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 12/15/2020

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the instrument panel showed that the front passenger's air bag was off. The contact became aware that other Subaru vehicles with heated seats were known to experience the failure. The contact called Subaru of morristown (175 ridgedale Ave, morristown, NJ 07960; (866) 910-3466) and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

49 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 08/07/2020

When the vehicle is in motion, the passenger airbag does not accurately sense when a passenger is in the seat. It sometimes senses a passenger when the passenger is present and sometimes it does not. The airbag turns off randomly when it should be on. There is an active recall, wum-98, which outlines the exact issue and shows my vehicle description (2015 Subaru Forester with heated seats), however, my VIN does not show it being affected by wum-98. I believe this is a severe safety issue and it needs to be included in the recall. I have called two Subaru dealerships and Subaru. No help. In addition, the passenger seat belt randomly dings when no passenger is in the seat. Please let me know what I should do.

50 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 06/05/2020

Tl the contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the srs air bag off light illuminated while driving at various speeds. The dealer was not called. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

51 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2020

I believe my car should be subject to the wum-98 recall but is not listed as one on your website.

52 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 03/19/2020

The passenger airbag does not accurately sense when a passenger is in the seat. It sometimes senses a passenger when no passenger is present, and other times it will not sense a passenger when a passenger is present and will turn off the airbag when it should be on. There is an active recall, wum-98, which outlines the exact issue and fits my vehicle description (2015 Subaru Forester with heated seats), however, my VIN does not show it being affected by wum-98. I believe this is a severe safety issue and it needs to be included in the recall and resolved by Subaru.

53 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2020

My Subaru just failed inspection for a defective airbag sensor in the front passenger side. We had this repaired at a Subaru dealer in Jan 2020, to the tune of $1500. There was a recall in 2020 for this exact problem, and our vehicle fell with the guidelines (2015-2018 Foresters equipped with heated seats), but for some reason our vehicle wasn't included in the recall. So we paid for our fix out of pocket. Now 2 years later we are seeing the same problem. This is unacceptable on Subaru's part. Why is our vehicle excluded from the recall when it is obviously having the same problem?.

54 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 11/20/2019

Tl- the contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact discovered a recall under NHTSA recall number :19v701000(air bags) and also discovered that the parts for the remedy were unavailable. The contact spoke with gregoris Subaru 575 w merrick rd, valley stream, NY 11580 (516) 825-8700 where she was informed that a representative would call back; she had yet hear from the dealer. The manufacturer had not been notified of the recall. A failure had not occurred on the vehicle. The VIN tool confirmed that the parts are not available. Jo.

55 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 10/06/2019

"srs airbag needs to be checked" and "passenger airbag off" messages 95% of time when operating car, regardless of whether a passenger is present or not. Seat has never been damaged or dampened, as some folks online report. Disconcerting to say the least. Disappointing that someone might die while Subaru is unable/unwilling to recall and repair this commonly reported concern.

56 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 09/26/2019

Our 2015 Subaru Forester was in an accident. We were turning left at an intersection. The SUV was hit on the passenger side door and front fender by another SUV. No side or curtain airbag was deployed.

57 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 02/17/2019

First the sensor for the passenger seat failed and I had to keep the seat belt buckled even when no one was in the seat because the alarm would sound. Then the air bag light came on and says it is not operational. When I checked with Subaru I was told we must have spilled a drink on it. Once the airbag light came on and stayed on the seat belt alarm stopped going off. The interior seats are also frayed and I do not know if that is part of the problem??.

58 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 08/25/2018

Car started and backed out of parking space in a parking garage. When gear shift was placed in drive the car lurched forward 50 feet and drove thru an aluminum rail and mesh over head electric activated door. At 81 more feet the car hit a 4 x 4 steel column holding up two 27 foot steel beams of a carport roof structure and collapsed the column. The southerly beam fell on top of the car and pulled the northerly beam with it. The car continued forward 9 feet striking the first parked car in the rear quarter. The car continued about 4 feet more and struck a second parked car in its hind quarter and pushed it until it was against the next carport support column. The two occupants in the car were able to exit from the car at each of the front doors which opened without problem. Experiencing limited bruising on their legs below the knee. A miracle. The car traveled about 145 feet not under the control of the driver. The car dealer had been questioned on why the car did not move frequently during a stop at a stop light or stop sign every time it was taken in for service at the dealer who sold us the car. The service review was five times and nothing could be found. I was told 'it was the way the car worked'. I was not provided with test results for this condition. The car had the eyesight device and did not stop the car at either at the door or the column. The air bags did not implode on either impact location. One recall wta-62 for Subaru Forester 2015 and 2016. Engine, March 21, 2016. Turbocharger air intake duct crack stalls engine (16v162000). I was not informed about this recall. I think the car was defective from the beginning and a fix was not initiated to correct a faulty condition. Fortunately it did not happen on a busy street or highway. This accident should not have happened. I have pictures that I can forward for your use on jpg format.

59 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 01/20/2017

Takata recall notice in newspaper.

60 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 08/24/2016

The contact owned a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while his wife was driving at approximately 25 mph, and moving into an intersection following a traffic sign stop, the contact's vehicle was crashed into by another vehicle that ran a stop sign. The other vehicle hit the contact's vehicle on the passenger side front door. The contact stated that all the air bags had deployed. The contact stated that his wife had broken her right thigh and right ankle. The contact stated he suffered severe whiplash and concussion. The contact stated that he and his wife were transported to the emergency room. The contact stated that he later had to undergo a fusion of several neck vertebrae. The contact stated that the air bag on the passenger side had exploded and he had burns and abrasions on the right side of his face due to the exploding air bag. The contact stated that the exploding air bag fragments had penetrated the right side of his face and neck. The vehicle had been towed away and later declared a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,000.

61 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2015

2015 Subaru Forester. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle air bag system problems. The consumer stated if a passenger is not a certain weight, the air bag system does not register the person sitting in the seat and there air bag is not activated.

62 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 07/19/2014

The vehicle was driven several miles with the passenger sitting on a thin pillow. When arriving at the destination it was noticed that the passenger airbag off light was illuminated. The light is very difficult if even possible to see in the sunshine, so it is unknown how long it had been illuminated. There was no audible indication that was noticed. The vehicle's manual was later read where it was discovered that this is as the vehicle is built, that a passenger needing a pillow must use the back seat. Without that knowledge beforehand and a non-noticeable light, a life was endangered. The secondary complaint is that the manual states to write to "contact the vehicle manufacturer concerning modifications for persons with disabilities that may affect the advanced airbag system. " I propose that may have been put in the manual as a legal sidestep and that handicapped persons rights are abused with this design. I recommend writing to that address to see if there is a response. (100 mileage is estimate).



Forester Service Bulletins
Forester Safety Recalls
Forester Defect Investigations