Warning Problems of Subaru Forester

The eyesight system fails on almost a daily basis. When this happens, multiple safety features shutdown. Lane assist and departure warning stops working. Collision avoidance stops working. Cruise control stops working. Proximity warning alarms stop going off. The local dealership has repeatedly just indicated that this is how it works.

See all problems of the 2024 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Two incidents happened first battery died, we replaced the battery. Then battery died again, we replaced the alternator on June 5, 2025. Then on Saturday September 13, 2025; all system lights came on at once on the dashboard then the battery died again. Car locks up and is stalled out. Cannot restart car, has to be towed. We replaced the battery cable and cleaned the terminals. Three months later, December 1, 2025; the battery light came on then all system lights came on at once, the battery died again. This happened on interstate 95, it could easily have caused a crash. Car locks up again and is stalled out again. Cannot restart car again, has to be towed again. Something in the electrical is causing this, we do not know what.

See all problems of the 2017 Subaru Forester 🔎.

While driving on I-17 southbound near mile marker 311 at approximately 75 mph, I experienced a sudden and dangerous malfunction of the lane keep assist (auto-steer) system in a 2021 Subaru Forester. The feature was active at the time and unexpectedly veered the vehicle sharply toward the concrete wall on the left shoulder of the highway. I attempted to regain control, but due to the abrupt nature of the malfunction, I overcorrected and collided with the wall on the rear driver side. There were no vehicles in the immediate vicinity, or this could have resulted in a multi-vehicle collision at high speed. I hit my head during the impact but did not require emergency medical services at the scene. Road conditions were dry and clear, with no visible debris or extreme weather factors. There were no warning lights or error messages from the vehicle prior to or during the incident. The auto-steer system did not disengage on its own before veering off course. This was the first time driving this particular vehicle, which was a company car, and I immediately reported the incident to my employer. The damage was reported and the vehicle is seemingly available for inspection. At the time of this report, the issue has not yet been formally diagnosed by a dealer or service technician. The failure of this driver-assist feature significantly endangered my safety and potentially the safety of others had there been nearby traffic. I am filing this report so the issue can be investigated, and similar malfunctions prevented in the future.

See all problems of the 2021 Subaru Forester 🔎.

The check engine light and a flashing 's' and other lights stating the safety features such as eyesight, lane departure, rab, etc. Are turned off. This started on 1/15/25, and I took the car to the dealership on 1/16/25. The dealership stated the evap system leak detection pump sensor indicated a leak, and the evaporateleak check module needs to be replaced but is back-ordered until mid-March 2025. They turned off all the lights and told me I could keep driving the vehicle. On 1/20/25, all of the lights were back on. The car lags to accelerate and is using gas at a rapid rate. I feel unsafe driving the car for another two months with the check engine light on and the acceleration capacity decreased. The dealership will not allow me a rental vehicle unless I leave it on their lot for two months until the part arrives. I cannot agree with that. The dealership informed me that multiple Forester and crosstreks models have the same problem. This car was purchased brand new from the olympia dealership and it currently has about 22,000 miles on it.

See all problems of the 2023 Subaru Forester 🔎.

My 2017 Subaru Forester touring (VIN: [xxx] , 118,200 mi) has a recurring eyesight failure where the system becomes disabled and will not complete camera registration or calibration. Subaru of sterling (va) diagnosed active code b28a0 “vehicle model judgment” and noted that the eyesight stereo camera would not accept vehicle model registration. The technician documented: “error for camera adjustment incomplete. When attempting to relearn ui for eyesight camera, system is not taking vehicle registration; suggests camera replacement and perform recalibration. ” this occurred after a confirmed dcm/starlink parasitic draw had caused repeated low?voltage conditions until the dealer reset the dcm to factory mode (per the “no further draw present at this time”), suggesting eyesight registration may have failed due to prior voltage instability rather than true hardware failure. Subaru's service flow for b28a0 indicates this code can occur when the model write/registration is incomplete, interrupted, or mismatched—not necessarily when a camera has failed. Subaru lists causes such can communication issues, incorrect model registration, incomplete write due to ignition timing, or power/fuse issues during aiming (eyesight diagnostic manuals). I am reporting this to NHTSA because eyesight is a safety-critical system that governs adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. My dealer is recommending camera replacement without documenting that Subaru’s required pre?replacement steps (model registration inspection, can/lan re-scan, voltage and fuse verification, genuine-part verification, etc. ) have been completed. I request odi review because eyesight should not fail to register unless hardware is defective or a procedural/voltage issue exists. I want this documented in case this represents a broader pattern of eyesight registration/calibration failures on Forester models using the same stereo camera platform. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

"check engine" light along with "eye sight" appeared suddenly on Nov. 22, 2024. All safety systems along with cruise control became inoperable. Took car to Subaru dealer and it was confirmed to be the catalytic converter. My VIN is covered under extended warranty, but I was never notified of this. Plus, now repairs are of an emergency nature. Also, I do a lot of driving including on the NJ turnpike, I-95, etc. , and while I am awaiting car to be repaired, I have no safety features to rely on--which was one of the reasons I bought a Subaru. They will not pay for a courtesy car loan. Another issue is the thermo control valve. I was notified that I have an extended warranty for this, but part has to fail before Subaru will make repairs. Once again this becomes an emergency repair situation instead of a proactive one.

See all problems of the 2020 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Improper glass installed by safelight adas unable to be calibrated.

See all problems of the 2019 Subaru Forester 🔎.

A week after my routine oil changed at 31k, the check engine light along with flashing "s" pop up. The next day the check engine disappeared. I was some what happy and continue to drive car as normal for 2 days, then check engine light came back again and this time is staying for good. I just can't believed that 4 years old car is having this issue. I've owned so many cars prior to this 2020 Subaru Forester, never once that those cars have problems like this one. I feel that I'm at risk driving without no eyesight or collision prevention warning. . When the check engine comes on, those two things are disable. After a long research and reading about so many people with same issues, I feel that they should be a recalling to fix the thermal valve control.

Multiple dashboard lights are on including starlink, eyesight, check engine, thermostat, and a blinking s. A quick google search shows that this exact combination is a known issue. Safety concern is that all the accident prevention systems are down leaving me at risk.

The check engine light went on and the diagnostic code read was p26a3, engine coolant bypass valve is failing in my 2019 Forester, which only has 46,000 miles on it. Subaru was aware that this part was defective in the 2019-2021 models, because in Feb of 2022 the part was replaced and a service bulletin 09-80-21 was issued with instruction for replacing the part, but did not issue a recall, despite this problem causing the advanced safety features to stop working and directly affecting the proper functioning of the engine. My car is just out of warranty, and the quote to have my mechanic replace the part is almost $1200 which I am unable to afford and do not feel I should have to pay for. Subaru should be help to account for this issue.

Component: eyesight camera motherboard failure due to cold weather (code b28b3). Possibly an improper conformal coating that is susceptible to cracking or building moisture which then freezes and cracks components of the camera system. Safety concern: it appears this is common in Subaru eyesight systems for all models years 2017-2019. A local mechanic shop (fairbanks, ak) has seen these systems fail repeatedly in our winter climate. I find this concerning that the system that has the ability to control steering and breaking is susceptible to what we consider normal winter climates. Subaru has been vague on the cause of this issue. Reproduced: yes, this is known and not uncommon per the Subaru dealer service center and an independent local shop. Inspected: yes the vehicle has been inspected by kendall Subaru of fairbanks ak. Warning lights: no warning before failure. Currently the display shows "eyesight" in bold indicating the eyesight system is non functional.

See all problems of the 2018 Subaru Forester 🔎.

I am concerned as my car was safely parked, once I started it and it said eyesight off, flashing s symbol, the heat thermo stat changes back and forth from hot and cold, car is not warming up and check engine light came on. I am very concerned as it is the winter, and I have my baby in the car. Please advise. This seems very unusual and never happened before. The vehicle have around 23k miles.

All of a sudden, the eyesight and collision prevention stopped working, the check engine light came on, the blue light thermostat indicator came on. We had no heat. The flashing "s" (sportsmode indicator) came on. We were driving on the highway and still over an hour from home. It was snowing, we could not adequately clear the windshield of fog so our visibility was severely compromised. We lost all eye sight capability which meant that we were vulnerable if there was ever a crash or an obstruction in the roadway.

I was on cruise control, and it randomly decided to go 81 mph instead of 50 mph I set it to, it did not respond when I tried to turn off the cruise control, and I ended up crashing into a semi, I survived but my [xxx] daughter died. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

4 days ago my check engine light came on. In my car, when this happens, it disables all eyesight features - collision warning, lane departure warning, etc. Work hours being what they are, I drove home that night and back to work the next day with it on. I managed to get it scanned when it popped a code for the coolant bypass valve. Searching that code online lead me to dozens and dozens of forums, posts, stories of the same code popping up on other 2019-2020 Subaru's. They all had to take it in for a hefty repair. It also led me to a service bulletin issued last year, which showed that Subaru had rebuilt the tcv so it could withstand corrosion, unlike the previous version. So naturally I took it into my local dealership to have it looked at, and sure enough - the tcv needed to be replaced. Why hasn"t this part been recalled yet??? given there is no thermostat on my cars dash, I would have no clue whether my car was overheating due to this faulty valve, until its too late. It seems like this is a big potential safety issue that Subaru needs to address, and someone needs to force their hand.

While driving, the 202 Forester, the check engine light, collision light, eyesight function lights all went on at the same time. I brought vehicle to check diagnostics and it is showing engine coolant bypass valve "a"control circuit low in power train system. Their were no messages prior to all the lights turning on and I was able to bring into the dealer for oil change but not able to make an appointment for repair for a few days from now.

Braking system sometimes is activated by a sign on the side of the road, by a tree if we are turning, or nothing at all. Nearly in 2 rear end collisions when the system activated incorrectly. We cannot drive into our garage with the system activated. . . Brakes keep slamming on. The only safe way to operate this Subaru is to manually turn it off every time we start the car. Subaru dealership states it cannot recalibrate the eyesight system as it does not have that ability. Dealership is in corvallis oregon. Lane notification system also has issues in construction zones (it tries to steer the car into the water barriers marking the lane changes. At least the side warning system can be permanently disabled. We have filed many complaints with Subaru to no avail. Promised return phone calls never happen, phone transfers to their technical department result in dropped calls. This system is dangergous!!!.

The check engine light illuminated and the thermo control valve failed at 3 years old. The defrost and heater stopped working immediately making visibility extremely difficult . The eyesight and automatic braking system were also disabled due to the tcv issue. My Forester mpg dropped to under 20 mpg. The Subaru dealer inspected and confirmed code p26a3 and stated the thermo control valve needs to be replaced.

Corrupted driver assist software. Dashboard icons for hands on steering wheel, dynamic vehicle control, lane change control were flashing that systems were off, controls were turned off randomly. Vehicle was not tracking appropriately in its lane, steering was not acting correctly. Car at times acted as if it were being blown by a strong crosswind. Steering between lanes was not consistent. Icon warning that my hands were not on steering wheel when both my hands were on the steering wheel.

I recently bought this vehicle (used) with ~1900 miles. After 1. 5 months of owning the vehicle, I suddenly had several warning lights as well as systems disabled within the vehicle. The first time this occurred I was about 2 hours into a drive, and suddenly my eyesight disabled, check engine light came on, cruise control disabled, lane departure disabled, collision warning and automatic braking disabled. After pulling over to inspect, I also realized my trunk would no longer open. I took it to a dealership who said it was due to low battery voltage—despite there being no spectacular incidents to drain the battery since I purchased the vehicle. They recharged the battery and the problem was temporarily fixed. However, once I retrieved my vehicle from the dealership the check engine light and disabled features were still prevalent. I once again had them recharge the battery—despite there again being no events causing the battery to drain—to which the problem was solved. Again, about an hour into my drive back home, the check engine light and features suddenly disabled. This is detrimental to my safety as a driver—as every safety feature suddenly disables without warning during my drive.

There are various lights on on the dash of the vehicle when nothing is seemingly inherently wrong with the vehicle. I notified the dealership about this issue, the dealership claimed that special parts were ordered but I still have not been notifed of their arrival. This puts my safety at risk due to the fact that I am not sure wether the car actually has an issue, or if it is a mere malfunction. The vechicle is now shaking.

I have a crack running across the bottom of my windshield. I took the car to safelite for replacement. They do a pre-service check of the eyessight camera system which provides forward collision avoidance and lane departure warning. The scan revealed history code p00ff and a current code b280aa8. The safelite technician advised they could not replace the windshield until the codes were removed. Then they could replace the windshield and calibrate the eyesight system. They also stated I had to go to a dealer code removal. I contacted brunswick Subaru (dealer where I purchased the vehicle) and they stated they could only calibrate after the windshield was replaced. Another dealer (ganley Subaru) stated the same thing. Problem - the windshield cannot be replaced with the codes and the dealer cannot remove the codes (by recalibration) until the windshield is replaced. I am left with driving the car with a broken windshield. Please help.

See all problems of the 2015 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Temperature dropped to -20 and large crack randomly appeared on driver side windshield. This crack has caused the eyesight safety feature to not work meaning I don’t have lane departure warning or forward collision warning. Informed my warranty does not cover the windshield repair or required camera recalibration.

I just walked out to my car parked in my drive way there was a huge crack in the windshield I haven't hit or been hit by anything this is a new car haven't even had a a year yet don't understand why windshield would crack so bad goes from the passenger side to the middle of the windshield.

Have less then 10,000 miles on my vehicle. I purchased it brand new. When I tried to start it today, the steering wheel seemed locked and the error message came on. It's parked in a semi-heated garage at home.

See all problems of the 2016 Subaru Forester 🔎.

I was driving home it was dark and raining. Something hit my windshield when I woke up on Saturday I saw a big crack in the windshield.

My vehicle was parked at my place of employment, I exiting my work and got in the vehicle and noticed a chip in the windshield that was not previously there. I drove straight home, after parking in the garage the windshield then began to crack and spider out.