Warnings problems of the 2021 Subaru Forester

My Subaru Forester has a significant safety defect. If my web searches are representative this software problem affects multiple models and years of Subaru. I have addressed this problem with the local dealer, Subaru America, and Subaru japan and have been told "that is the way it was designed and it is supposed to do that. " as you may imagine that is not a satisfactory answer to a significant safety issue; I can only imagine Ford saying the pinto was designed with a gas tank that explodes in a collision or a more recent takata claiming that their seatbelts were designed that way. So here is the problem in a nutshell (and I have a host of emails from various levels of Subaru if you want the details of how I have attempted to get them to address the issue. ) there is a sensor on the gas cap that detects if it is not fully closed since that is a pollution control issue. (more on that later) when that sensor is activated, it disables the Subaru eyesight system and when the eyesight system is disabled it disables every safety feature except the seatbelt and it lights up the dash with a dozen alarms none of which have anything to do with the gas cap. That takes down collision avoidance, lane changing, and autodim headlights among others. It also wants you to check the engine and consult the users manual. None of that has anything to do with the actual situation. Now I have taken the car to the dealer who assures me it is operating as designed and there is no fault in the sensor. When you close the gas cap there are audible clicks and as a 190 pound man I can assure you that the cap is fully closed when I close it. But on a random basis the dashboard lights up despite the fact that the gas cap is fully engaged and the safety systems become disabled. Usually it stays lit up until I refill the tank, but its behavior is not predictable - occasionally it just resets as I drive. Besides the obvious hazard of having safety systems which do not work, havi.

I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding repeated, severe, and dangerous malfunctions of the vehicle's engine start/stop (idle stop) feature. The system is failing to operate as intended, resulting in the engine stalling while the vehicle is in motion or under crucial driving circumstances, creating significant safety hazards. History of incidents I have experienced four separate incidents where the engine unexpectedly stalled or shut down, creating extreme risk: incident 1 (railroad tracks): the engine stopped while I was actively driving over railroad tracks. The car stalled on the tracks, and within seconds of the engine restarting, the crossing gates came down and a train passed. I narrowly avoided being hit by the train, missing the impact by approximately ten seconds. Incident 2 (heavy traffic/bridge): during heavy, back-to-back traffic as a bridge (pga bridge) was opening, the car momentarily stopped and then resumed movement. The unpredictable stopping motion created a severe risk of being rear-ended, as the following vehicle would have had difficulty anticipating the sudden, unintended stop. Incident 3 (December 2025): while taking a right turn, the engine stopped suddenly, with dash lights blinking, during only a slight pause in vehicle movement. This occurred while the vehicle was still maneuvering. Incident 4 (the following day): the engine stopping malfunction described in incident 3 occurred again the next day. Attempted repair and ongoing concern two years ago, the dealership installed a new battery following the first two incidents. However, the problem has now recurred this week (December 2025). The dealership has informed me that using a third-party device to permanently disable the start/stop function would void the powertrain warranty. Causing mechanical stress: I believe the continuous, potentially faulty activation is putting unnecessary stress on the battery, electrical system, and engine components, which may ultimately shor.

Was stopped at traffic light. Start stop system was engaged. Engine turned off as normal. When I took my foot off the brake the engine did not engage and the eyesight warning light came on that the eyesight system was not functioning. Put the car in park and engaged the ignition button and the engine started. Turned off the start stop system and the car functioned normally after that. Have read postings on Subaru forum that this has happened to others.

I’ve owned the vehicle under a year and am already on my second window replacement. I drive the same route everyday and ever experienced windows cracking in any other vehicle before this vehicle.