2015 Subaru Forester
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 614 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 26 Forester model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 53 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 34 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationOct 3, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
Campaign 19V701000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchFeb 28, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Campaign 19V149000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, gasoline, turbo/superchargerMar 21, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.
Campaign 16V162000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
102 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Aug 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.
Air bags, Jul 12, 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.
Power train, Air bags, Engine, Apr 21, 2021, crash
PULLING INTO PARKING SPOT, VEHICLE STARTED TO STALL, GAVE A LITTLE MORE GAS AND VEHICLE LAUNCHED FORWARD AND HIT CEMENT POLE. NO DAMAGE TO POLE CAR DAMAGE AROUND 8K.AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC ALSO
Air bags, Feb 24, 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
Electrical system, Air bags, Dec 22, 2020
TL* 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.
Air bags, Seats, Dec 4, 2020, crash
DRIVER WAS REAR ENDED ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN AT A DEAD STOP BY A VEHICLE GOING AROUND 60-70 MPH. THE BOTTOM OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT JERKED FORWARD AND IMPACTED DRIVER LEG CAUSING CONTUSIONS AND THE BACK SUPPORT AND HEAD REST PORTION FLEW BACKWARDS, CAUSING DRIVER GLASSES AND HAT TO COME OFF AND LAND TOWARD THE BACK HATCH OF THE VEHICLE. SPARE TIRE WAS DISLODGED FROM TRUNK AREA AND IMPACTED DRIVER'S HEAD DUE TO THE SEAT BACK BEING IN THE RECLINING POSITION. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT ANY LEVEL AS WELL.
Air bags, Nov 23, 2020
WHEN DRIVING WITH A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE "CHECK AIRBAG" MESSAGE COMES INTERMITTENTLY AS IF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SWITCH IS MALFUNCTIONING. WHEN NO PASSENGER IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THERE IS NO ALERT/WARNING MESSAGE. THERE IS A RECALL NOTICE WUM-98 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM BY DOESN'T APPEAR TO APPLY TO MY VIN.
Air bags, Oct 5, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRANDON TOMES SUBARU (1100 S. CENTRAL EXPY, MCKINNEY, TX 75070, (469) 907-2205) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAGS SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS LIKE THE FAILURE STATED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V701000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Air bags, Sep 20, 2020
BEEN HAVING REPEATED ISSUES WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR THINKING SOMEONE IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WHEN UNOCCUPIED AND THE SEATBELT LIGHT AND TONE BEEPS. THEN THE AIRBAG SRS LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON THE DASHBOARD SHOWING PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF. MY VEHICLE HAS HEATED SEATS BUT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT RECALL.
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 7, 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.
Air bags, Jul 30, 2020
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR CANNOT DETECT IF THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT OR NOT. 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. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL. BUT THERE IS A RECALL AND MY CAR SHOULD BE IN IT.
Air bags, Jul 16, 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.
Air bags, Jul 6, 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.
Air bags, Jun 2, 2020
PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL INTERMITTENTLY DISABLE WITH A PASSENGER SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THERE IS A CURRENT RECALL FOR THIS SITUATION FOR 2015 -2018 FORESTERS WITH HEATED SEATS. SOMEHOW THE RECALL DOES NOT AFFECT MY VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2014 YET STILL USES THE EXACT SAME DEFECTIVE SENSOR MAT IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES. THE RECALL SHOULD EXTEND TO ALL FORESTERS USING THIS DEFECTIVE SENSOR MAT. SUBARU CORPORATE REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. *TR
Air bags, May 22, 2020
I BELIEVE MY CAR SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO THE WUM-98 RECALL BUT IS NOT LISTED AS ONE ON YOUR WEBSITE. *TR
Air bags, Mar 10, 2020, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A TRUCK RAN A RED LIGHT AND THE CONTACT T-BONED THE TRUCK AT 30 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUCK FLIPPED AS THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COLLIDED WITH THE TRUCK. THE CONTACT AND HER PASSENGER WERE INJURED AND HAD TO BE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE CONTACT'S WRIST AND ARM WERE SORE AND SHE REQUIRED PHYSICAL THERAPY. THE PASSENGER WAS IN A BACK BRACE WITH TWO COMPRESSION FRACTURES IN THE BACK, A FEW BROKEN RIBS, SHE HAD A CONCUSSION, AND A SWOLLEN FOOT AND ANKLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH THE FRONTAL COLLISION. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNK YARD TO BE INVESTIGATED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER HARVEY SUBARU (3351 BENTON RD, BOSSIER CITY, LA 71111 (888) 232-4109) SAID TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 19V-701000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT WAS UPSET THAT THE RECALL NOTICES WAS NOT RECEIVED UNTIL NOVEMBER OF 2019. THE CONTACT DID NOT BELIEVE THE MANUFACTURER IN WHY IT TOOK SO LONG TO INVESTIGATE, WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER JUST RECENTLY SENT AN EMAIL SAYING EVERYTHING WAS FINE. THE CONTACT DID NOT YET RECEIVE A FULL REPORT OF THE INVESTIGATION. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT A SALVAGE JUNK YARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Air bags, Feb 29, 2020
THERE IS A CURRENT RECALL FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR FOR 2015-2018 SUBARU FORESTERS BUT SOMEHOW OURS IS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT. HOWEVER, WE ARE RECEIVING AN WARNING LIGHT STATING THAT OUT PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR IS FAILING. WE TOOK OUR SUBARU TO GET SERVICE AND WE WERE TOLD OURS WAS NOT AFFECTED AND WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED. IT IS GOING TO COST US $1000 TO REPAIR THE SENSOR. WHAT CAN WE DO TO REMEDY THIS AS A SENSOR MALFUNCTION SHOULD NOT BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER.
Air bags, Feb 27, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU FORESTER. CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE PASSENGER SEATS WAS OCCUPIED, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CARTER SUBARU SHORELINE (17225 AURORA AVE N, SEATTLE, WA 98133 (206) 202-7308) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR WAS PENDING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO PAY A MAJORITY OF THE COST FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
Air bags, Feb 20, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAGS SENSOR FAILED TO INDICATE WHEN A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT OF THE VEHICLE. KENNY ROSS SUBARU LOCATED AT 11299 LINCOLN HWY, NORTH HUNTINGDON, PA 15642 (724) 864-5100) WAS CONTACTED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V701000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 87,000.
Air bags, Jan 23, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V701000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT KEARNY MESA SUBARU (LOCATED AT 4797 CONVOY ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED NOR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Air bags, Seats, Jan 20, 2020
THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT REGISTERS THAT NO ONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT AND IT DISABLES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. SOMEONE CAN BE SITTING IN THE SEAT BUCKLED UP AND THEN IT WILL RANDOMLY POP-UP WITH A WARNING MESSAGE THAT THERE IS AN AIRBAG ISSUE AND THAT NO ONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT.
Air bags, Jan 15, 2020
2015 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIR. *JS
Air bags, Jan 14, 2020
I HAVE HAD AN AIRBAG LIGHT ON IN MY CAR FOR ABOUT 1 YEAR AND I AM PAST WORRIED ABOUT THIS FAULTY AIRBAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY IF MY FAMILY IS EVERY IN THE CAR DURING AN ACCIDENT. THERE IS A BEGUN RECALL BUT I HAVE RECIEVED NO NOTICE AND AS IT DESCRIBES IS EXACTLY WHAT DEALERSHIP TOLD ME WAS WRONG 600$ IS THE COST OR THE LIFE OF MY FAMILY... PLEASE RECALL MY AIRBAG SENSOR..
Air bags, Jan 7, 2020
2015 SUBARU FORESTER. THE PASSENGER SEAT FRONT AIRBAG SENSOR IS MALFUNCTIONING. THE DASHBOARD DISPLAYS 'PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF' WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. THIS APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO A MALFUNCTION OF THE SEAT PRESSURE SENSOR. WHEN NO PERSON IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT, THE AIRBAG LIGHT SAYS IT IS ON. ON THE DASHBOARD A RED WARNING LIGHT INDICATING AN ISSUE WITH THE AIRBAG IS CONSTANTLY LIT. SO, IN SUMMARY: WHEN I START THE CAR, THIS INDICATOR TURNS ON: SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE CHECKED PASSENGER AIRBAG REMAINS "OFF" EVEN PERSON SITS ON THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN CAR IS STOPPED OR MOVING WHILE THE CAR IS STARTED.
Air bags, Nov 20, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V701000 (AIR BAGS), WHICH INDICATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH GREGORIS SUBARU (575 W MERRICK RD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580, (516) 825-8700) AND WAS INFORMED THAT A REPRESENTATIVE WOULD CALL BACK. THE CONTACT HAD NOT HEARD BACK FROM ANYONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.