Equipment Problems of Subaru Forester - part 1

We are experiencing the exact same problem as the recall under NHTSA campaign no. 23v755000 (Subaru recall code wrq-23) for an ineffective weld leading to moisture affecting the backup camera and dashboard lights. However, our VIN is not included in the recall.

See all problems of the 2022 Subaru Forester 🔎.

While driving my girfriend's 2020 Subaru Forester on August 11, 2026 at approximately 65 to 70 mph, I struck a deer on a highway. The airbags deployed immediately, and I temporarily lost all forward visibility due to the airbag deploy, and smoke or steam coming from the front of the vehicle as it decelerated to a stop. Within moments of stopping, smoke transitioned to visible flames coming from the engine compartment. The fire spread extremely quickly, and the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames within minutes. The specific component or system that failed is unknown, but based on the sequence of events, it appears that a front?end structural failure during the collision may have caused a rupture of one or more engine?bay components (oil system, coolant system, or other fluid lines), leading to a rapid fire. The vehicle was completely destroyed and is not available for inspection, but the incident was documented by emergency responders and my insurance company. This fire created a severe safety risk, as the vehicle ignited shortly after coming to rest and burned intensely. I had no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to the collision. The problem has not been reproduced, but I have since learned of multiple similar fires involving Subaru Foresters after front?end animal impacts, which raises concern about a potential design vulnerability.

See all problems of the 2020 Subaru Forester 🔎.

I am writing to formally report a critical safety defect regarding the driver-side footwell design in my 2023 Subaru Forester sport, which poses an immediate and severe risk of a crash. A hard plastic lower extension for the hvac air duct sits dangerously low directly above the brake and accelerator pedals. For drivers with larger or longer feet, this duct extension acts as a physical obstruction that interferes with safe pedal operation in two specific, highly dangerous ways: delayed braking: when attempting to transition from the accelerator to the brake pedal, the toe of the driver's shoe frequently catches on the lip of the air duct extension, delaying the ability to depress the brake pedal in time-sensitive or emergency situations. Pedal entrapment: when the brake pedal is depressed, the driver's foot can become completely wedged between the brake pedal arm and the air duct extension. This traps the foot, making it impossible to smoothly or quickly release the brake. The physical proximity of this hard plastic duct to the primary driving controls is a severe design flaw. The air duct should not protrude into the clearance space required for standard footwear, as it directly compromises the driver's ability to control the vehicle's speed and braking. I have photo and video documentation clearly demonstrating the lack of clearance and exactly how a shoe becomes caught and wedged during normal driving maneuvers. I am requesting that the NHTSA office of defects investigation (odi) review this hazard immediately, as this spatial interference requires a recall and physical redesign of the lower ductwork to prevent potential collisions, injuries, or fatalities. The component causing the issue is the physical hvac ductwork extension, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Because this is a physical design flaw rather than an breakdown, there were no warning lamps or dashboard messages. I have photo and video documentation.

See all problems of the 2023 Subaru Forester 🔎.

2016 Subaru Forester – replacement of air-conditioning condenser – July 2026 a/c was demonstrating signs of failure in early July. While researching for issues with the 2016 a/c failing, it was uncovered that the compressor on the vehicle would be subject to a replacement upon failure (Subaru service information number 10-84-16). The vehicle was equipped with a compressor that reflected a recalled part number, but per Subaru the vehicle identification number (VIN) was not included in the recall, the vehicle was brought in for service on July 2026. It was determined that the compressor was fine, that the issue was with the condenser. The vehicle was left for repair. More research was done on 2016 Subaru Forester condenser issues. Two issues were found, one spelled out in Subaru service bulletin number 15-222-18, dated 05/10/18, the other was spelled out in Subaru service program bulletin number wrb-21r, dated 02/17/21, revised on 04/30/21. The old condenser was requested, there was an intention to review the part number (p/n). There was a concern that since the compressor did not match the Subaru build report, perhaps the condenser was among the recalled group (wrb-21r). The old condenser was returned. Unfortunately, the label on the original condenser was no longer present. However, it was observed that the condenser on the vehicle was one of the original condensers identified in 15-222-18, identifying the condenser as being reengineered to correct an issue concerning leakage of the refrigerant. That was the issue with the condenser on this vehicle. Subaru was notified of this issue (case number 260724-1500361). Subaru reported that they could not act on the issue. The NHTSA is being contacted so to be notified about this issue, to determine if this is an issue that is currently a subject under investigation, or at the very least , to lodge a complaint as to why there was not a recall issued when it was determined that the part was prone to failure,.

See all problems of the 2016 Subaru Forester 🔎.

I was parking at the dentist office in their parking lot going slow, turned into a parking space and thought I was slowly braking but my car lunged forward and hit a tree. I would normally be minimally braking, so I'm not sure what happened but it was sudden. I could have hit the gas pedal but I would have pressed it a lot I think for the sudden lunge to happen.

See all problems of the 2015 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Got in the car around 8am. Sat down, shut the door and then boom! the rear hatch glass shattered into a thousand pieces. Nothing touched nothing hit it , it just shattered. Luckily no one was in the back seat. Brought it to the dealer. Interesting , at the exact time I pulled into the dealer another forestef arrived with the exact same problem!.

My 2020 Subaru Forester sport suffered catastrophic engine failure on 6/19/2026 at 156,322 miles, 15 days and 1,031 miles after a thermo control valve (tcv) repair performed at an authorized Subaru dealer on 6/4/2026. The tcv is a known defect covered under Subaru TSB 09-119-24 (extended coverage to 150,000 miles/15 years). I never received mailed notification of this TSB and therefore did not seek repair within the covered window; Subaru approved the repair as a goodwill exception. While driving on I-70 westbound near genesee, CO, on a sustained mountain grade with my family in the vehicle, I heard a loud noise. The oil temperature spiked to approximately 280°f, warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle lost all power in highway traffic. Losing propulsion on a steep grade in mountain traffic created a serious risk to my family and surrounding vehicles. Post-failure condition: empty coolant reservoir, coolant-contaminated (milky, green-tinted) oil, and metal debris on the dipstick, consistent with cooling-system failure causing engine seizure. I have timestamped photos. The engine is locked and the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the same authorized dealer on 7/9/2026. The dealer's technician confirmed the engine is seized and requires teardown ($3,302. 95) for full diagnosis; the dealer states teardown proceeds only on authorization from me or Subaru of America. I opened a case with Subaru of America on 5/26/2026 and formally requested in writing that Subaru authorize the teardown, with a stated deadline. As of 7/17/2026, the dealer confirms Subaru has sent no authorization or any communication during the week the vehicle has been on their lot. My written deadline, follow-up call, and final written notice went unanswered. The vehicle and all components are preserved at the dealer and available for inspection upon request.

The thermo control valve (tcv) failed on my Forester (2020 model year). The failure first manifested on 16 June, 2026, with two warning lights: eyesight off, and check engine. Next day a related failure occurred, described below. Based on my call to dealer, the service department told me the car could be driven if the check engine light was steady, not blinking. It was steady. I then attempted to drive 3 miles to a dental appointment, intending to take the Forester to the dealer next. During this trip, automatic front braking spontaneously began. I was able to cross one lane of city traffic and lurch into a parking lot. Tested around the parking lot the next day, the same automatic braking sequence spontaneously engaged. The word “brake” was constantly illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle could not be driven and was towed to the dealer. Replacement of the tcv led to the disappearance of the warning lights and ended the continuous automatic braking. The critical point is that, had I not had a dental appointment, I would have tried to drive the vehicle to the dealer in heavy freeway traffic when the automatic braking engaged. This would have put me at great risk of being rear-ended, or, if a vehicle stopped behind me, of that person being rear-ended. Subaru never notified me of the pattern of tcv failure, and, instead, internally extended a warranty on the part for affected vehicles for 15 years or 150,000 miles. A recall and replacement is needed to prevent a potentially highly serious accident.

I own a 2017 Subaru Forester with approximately 55,324 miles. The vehicle has experienced repeated rear wheel bearing failures at relatively low mileage. On October 1, 2024, at 48,877 miles, the passenger-side rear wheel hub assembly, including the wheel bearing, was replaced by a Subaru dealership. Subaru provided goodwill assistance for that repair. At approximately 55,324 miles, both rear wheel bearings were diagnosed as failed and required replacement. The failure was confirmed by a Subaru dealer and an independent repair facility. Manufacturer was contacted regarding assistance but declined coverage support. Consequently this most recent repair was performed by independent repair shop. Prior to replacement, the vehicle exhibited increasing humming, roaring, and grinding noises from the rear, which worsened with vehicle speed. No warning lights were illuminated. I am concerned about repeated premature rear wheel bearing failures and the potential safety risk associated with wheel bearing deterioration, including loss of wheel stability and vehicle control if the condition progresses while driving.

See all problems of the 2017 Subaru Forester 🔎.

A commercial advertisement for siriusxm took the entire infotainment screen until I could click the small x to close it. I was driving at about 35 mph on a road (this has happened at least twice since I bought the vehicle). It impacted my safety and others as it covered navigation information which is important to understand easily and quickly in unfamiliar areas. The annoyance and required fine motor skill reduce driver attention on the road and tie up one hand for an unimportant reason.

See all problems of the 2025 Subaru Forester 🔎.

I receive many distracting ad messages from Subaru on my screen advertising siriusxm while driving! I tried to get help from Subaru and the refuse to stop the ads. The messages are a dangerous, distracting safety issue. I almost had an accident.

While driving on freeway, the overhead console in my 2020 vw tiguan suddenly fell down. At highway speeds , I thought I had been hit or something. It immediately obstructed the view through my wind shield and rear view. I had to rapidly pull over, narrowly averting a collision. Very dangerous. I see that this is a common problem in this model of car supposedly caused by the factory over torquing the screws that secure it.

See all problems of the 2007 Subaru Forester 🔎.

My windshield cracked significantly after shutting the passenger side door. I chalked that up to maybe a possible chip was put under stress, until a few months later, my driver's side window burst spontaneously right in front of my eyes as I was shutting the trunk door. The pieces went half inside the car and half outside the car. Even though most of it was chunks of glass, I have been sliced and cut up trying to remove it from the driver's, passenger and rear seats, carpets, doors, etc. The entire thing shattered completely, like it almost exploded. The car was parked in the shade on a relatively cool day (it was about 75 degrees) and had not been running.

Ad for satellite radio covering screen. Popped up while driving. Requires taking eyes off road to dismiss.

Brand new 2026 Forester's factory amplifier system completely failed within a week from purchasing at approximately 570 miles, disabling hands-free communication. California law strictly requires drivers to use phones in a hands-free manner. Drivers are prohibited from holding or physically touching their phone for any reason while operating a vehicle.

Car swirving as if someone grabbed the steering and pulled right left quickly when applying breaks. First incident happened on interstate which nearly caused an accident. Carriage makes a “clunk” sound when moving forward or backwards and you feel the cabin continue in motion when first stopping. When taken to Subaru, “trailing arm” was not attached to vehicle. Car is currently being fixed at Subaru of olympia.

See all problems of the 2019 Subaru Forester 🔎.

I am filing this complaint regarding a recurring and dangerous safety issue with my 2021 Subaru Forester. The auto stop/start feature intermittently fails to restart the engine after it shuts off when stopped. When this occurs, multiple dashboard warning lights come on, an alarm sounds, and the vehicle requires putting the transmission into "park" and shutting it down completely before it will start again. This has happened multiple times at intersections, traffic lights, and freeways during rush hour (stopping and starting frequently), leaving me temporarily stranded in live traffic. The local Subaru dealership service department was unable to replicate the issue, however upon inspecting the vehicle's charging system, the battery was found unable to hold charge from the alternator and was replaced on June 9th, 2025. Now after less than 1 year of replacing the battery, the problem persists. I have been made aware of TSB 16-118-24r (tcm reprogramming for auto start/stop restart failure) and TSB 09-80-21 (thermostatic control valve failure) which appear directly related to this issue. This is a serious safety hazard. A vehicle that cannot restart in live traffic puts the driver and other motorists at significant risk of a crash. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue and consider a formal recall.

See all problems of the 2021 Subaru Forester 🔎.

I was pulling into a parking spot almost stopped when the vehicle suddenly surged forward. I slammed on the brake and put the car in reverse since it had driven upon the walkway. This happened earlier today and I plan to have it checked out as soon as possible . Never have had this problem before, no warning lights or messages.

Windshield cracks/chips very easily even when nothing has touched it. I have had 4 cracks in less than 6 months with no reason as to why they are occurring and they are all on the driver side, nothing on passenger side, which seems very odd. This car was bought brand new in February 2025 and this should not be happening. I believe the windshield is faulty. There is a settlement but my 2024 is not included as it cuts off at 2022. But this is not ok and I can't keep submitting comprehensive windshield repair claims to my insurance.

See all problems of the 2024 Subaru Forester 🔎.

I purchased the car Feb. 2026 from [xxx] in seagirt. There were no problems with it. In Saturday April 18 , 2026 I was driving on parkway north. As I paid toll at tinton falls toll I proceeded to go and the car made weird noises followed by a loud pop and black smoke and flames appeared under the hood. The car was engulfed in flames. I exited the car right away and starting walking away from it and called 911. They came and put out fire and towed it. I did not have comprehensive coverage therefore not getting anything back. The dealership sold it as is so they aren't doing anything about it. I do not understand why that happened to my car since it only had 73,000 miles information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2012 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Rear hatch glass shattered on April 16th while parked in carport after my wife opened the right rear passenger door, had it replaced by safelite on April 29th, on July 9th while driving it shattered again, safelite says that this is a Subaru issue, Subaru says they will not warranty a replacement even if they do the replacement since the car does have a rebuilt title. So we can neither use the car nor sell it in good faith if we're just passing a problem and potential danger on to someone else.

The 2010 Subaru Forester when the Subaru was in reverse while being parked it accelerated (lunged) forward at a high speed and I did not put the gear shift in forward! the 2010 Subaru Forester crashed into the back of a neighbor's Honda. My personal safety was put at risk due to without me doing so, the Subaru accelerated forward causing damage to both the Subaru and my neighbor's Honda. Had this happened if someone was walking by and there was not a car to block the Subaru, they would have likely been killed. Once the Subaru stopped, the gear shift was in park and I did not move it there. Then it was very challenging to put the gear shift in reverse to back the Subaru off the Honda. There are online ai generated reports of this happening to Subaru Foresters. The Subaru is now at a body shop for inspection. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

See all problems of the 2010 Subaru Forester 🔎.

While driving this car on April 4, 2026 at around 6pm, I experienced the distinct smell of gasoline. I had driven for about 5 minutes on our way to a local restaurant that is approximately an 8 minute drive from our residence. My wife said that she had just filled the gas tank that afternoon. After arriving at the restaurant, I checked the gas cap to ensure it was tightly sealed. I also checked to ensure no fuel was leaking from the car. After finishing dinner, we I drove the car back to my residence and once again, 5 minutes into the drive, I smelled gasoline. After we arrived home, I check the vehicle exterior for leaks and found no liquids under the car. The following day, April 5, 2026 at approximately 1115 am, having once again found no liquids or gasoline under my car, I drove the car to my local repair shop; an 8 minute drive. About 5 minutes into the drive, I smelled gasoline again. I parked the car at the repair shop, but while adjusting the parking to fit better between the painted lines, I saw and heard a large puff of smoke from the hood area. I immediately put the car into park, shut off the engine and ran from the car. After exiting, I saw that the car ignited with visible fire under the engine compartment. I called 911 to request fire department help. No damage to any structures or other cars occurred. Q1 above: no the car is totaled and unavailable for inspection as far as I know. Q2 above: I had to run from a burning car. Q3 above: no. Q4 above: yes, the car was inspected by my insurance company, usaa. Q5 above: no, there were no warning lights or any indictor that there was trouble. I would like to note that the car was brought in to my Subaru dealership service station (hyman brothers in midlothian, va) for a heater element safety recall several months ago.

This vehicle has died 4 times in one week. When this happens, multiple lights have flashed in the dash board, including the "eye sight" warning. Then, it would not restart but continued to "turn over" when the ignition button was pushed. One instance was on a busy street at a stop light, another at a busy intersection in the inner left turn lane, the other 2 instances were in parking lots. The first 2 times the vehicle was able to be jump started and was not taken to the dealership. The 3rd, it was jump started and taken to the dealership. They said the battery was slightly low, but had sufficient charge. They changed the fob battery, and topped off the car battery. That was all. The next day was the episode where it died in the turn lane. I had it towed to the dealership. This time they changed the battery to a more high capacity battery, and admitted that these vehicles have a battery put in them at the manufacturer that is not strong enough for the systems it runs. I even found a service bulletin about it online, #TSB 07-218-23r. This should be a recall item, and they should have changed this battery at my first visit! a vehicle suddenly dying on a busy roadway puts those inside at risk, as well as everyone around them. Very disappointed in this 2023 Subaru Forester premium.

My horn stopped working. The shop said it’s the clock spring and it’s about 1k to fix. Ive been researching this issue and it seems this is a major problem for numerous years of vehicle. I’m really upset with Subaru as first I had to deal with the radio not working (dealer said it’s a major issue they have seen numerous times) Subaru did help with the costs of repairs however neither of these issues has been owner caused nor wear and tear as the part to fix the horn can’t be reached.

Automatic start/stop fails to turn car on - intermittent. Taken it to Subaru detailer miltiple times and paid for services to correct the issue, but the issue persists. Fist time - replaced the battery in July 2025. 2nd time, went on a ride along for 1 hour, issue did not happen, replaced spark plugs, issue persists. 3rd time, updated tcm software, issue still persists. Subaru of America is aware of the issue and have not gotten a resolution either.

Vehicle: Subaru Forester 2025. Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026, between 1530 and 1630. Situation: I just completed a 3-hour drive from [xxx] , to [xxx] , arriving around 1440. There was no warning. The rear windshield spontaneously shattered while parked in a suburban neighborhood. The glass was on the street and on the car's bumper, and it had sharp edges. The neighborhood consists of families with children playing. It could have hit a child or an adult, or if they walked with no shoes or socks. I took pictures of the initial damage and of the glass after cleaning. I emailed my insurance agent. On Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 0900, I made a claim (xxx) with my insurance company. I will be going to my Subaru dealership in [xxx] , on Monday, March 30, 2026. I visited the rivertown 1 Subaru dealership/service center in [xxx] , on Monday, March 30, 2026, and informed them of the situation. They said that it never occurred with their cars. But there was a class-action settlement, case no. Xxx, with final approval on April 21, 2025. Plus, the service center stated that they do not work with glass. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Unintended acceleration while parking /braking in front of a verizon store leading to crash into store.

See all problems of the 2014 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Back window shattered spontaneously. No known cause. No evidence of vandalism. Temperature did drop 45 degrees over night. Shut side door and back window shattered. Had not started car yet. Rear defroster not engaged.

We recently bought a used 2025 Subaru Forester with 5000 miles on odometer from a dealer. Subsequently we are experiencing respiratory irritation. We question if the car had been in a flood or some other accident that compromised the a/c system. We wonder if the dealer concealed something or has not reported the problem. We suspect black mold may be in the a/c system.

I had my foot on the brake, opened the garage door with my garage door opener, and before I took my foot off the brake the car surged, jumped, and smashed into the brick wall next to the garage. I did not put my foot on the gas.

Dear national transportation safety board, I would like to bring a situation that happened to me while driving my 2019 Subaru Forester last Saturday March 7th, 2026 at 10:40am. I was coming back to my house from an errand. While waiting for my garage door to go all the way up, my car suddenly accelerated forcefully and lunged through the garage and into my home through the wall. There was a chest freezer that was against the wall in the garage which was against the back wall. This freezer was also taken through the wall and into my laundry room. The freezer was crushed. The front of the car and tires were up through the wall and in the home. There was a water spigot also in the garage that came into my home that broke and dispersed water. The furnace was crushed, water heater damaged, washer and dryer damaged, a water cooler damaged along with crushed metal bifold doors that were ripped off hvac closet. And other things in garage totally crushed. Thankfully, no-one was killed. I was barely able to get out of car as when it suddenly accelerated, and clipped the bottom of garage door that wasn’t finished being up, then it went towards the left and corner of garage instead of of how I would normally pull in and park which would have been straight and middle of garage. The car went so fast and would not stop until it had hit the items in house that would make it not be able to go any further. This vehicle definitely had something faulty with it that caused this car to suddenly take off and crash. And the air bags did not go off. Surprised with such a forceful impact. My car had 62,039 miles on it and was well maintained. I bought brand new at dellenbach Subaru in fort collins, CO in December 2018. Please contact me at [xxx] nk you so much in advance, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6) information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Stalling/shutting down at stoplights with the auto start-stop feature has occurred continuously for the last 2 years I’ve taken to dealer, and multiple mechanics and they can’t find a problem.

The interior of the vehicle is melting. It smells and the seats, sunglasses holder roof and other parts of the interior are seeding/melting. There is something wrong with this vehicle and Subaru will not help me. I have been there twice and contacted their customer advocacy and they will not help me.

My son, [xxx] is currently driving this car. The car only has 29,200 miles so far. Last week, while at the stop light on the hill, he had near fatal accident! Forester suddenly completed shut down. The only functioning part was the brake. My son had to put the car in park and restart the engine. I reported the incident to customer advocate at Subaru and taking the car in for inspection. We never skip any scheduled maintenance. My next maintenance not due until April. I also purchased Subaru safety monitoring software. The car never shows any malfunction. It’s a very serious issue. We strongly suspect it’s related to the start-stop system on this car. We strongly support to override the system at consumer level giving their unreliability. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).