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: other or unspecified
73 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 13, 2026, crash
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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 1, 2026
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.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Oct 14, 2025
Airbag light intermittently turns on to indicate that airbag may not deploy even if there is someone in the passenger seat. This is a known safety issue with a recall in 2019 but for some reason is affecting a much larger set of vehicles than in the recall, including mine.
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2025
The ignition key kept getting stuck in the ignition. Subaru acknowledged a defect in the shifter plate and parking range switch. They replaced it on 8/30/25 under service bulletin 16-12-18R but the dealer charged me $584.94 and Subaru North America refused to reimburse, stating that they had extended the warranty period to 2022, and therefore I was not covered for repair. However, they acknowledged that the original parts had failed for certain customers and that they had better parts available IF the original parts failed before the extended warranty period lapsed in 2022. They should have issued a recall and replaced the original parts. I was unable to remove the keys and could not secure and lock my car. I was also concerned that the steering wheel would lock up while driving.
Other or unspecified, Jan 8, 2025
An off market part from API snapped after just 10 months and 7000 miles of driving on gentle paved roads. It was the lower control arm bolt. (2703-535960) Would have caused a very dangerous situation if happened at speed! We got lucky but this was a very dangerous part to break.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Nov 22, 2024
I had a problem. arming the remote control. with forester subaru 2014 -2015 model car w/n arm. with key or electronically. I had changed battery you can arm manually sometimes , alarm will go off if you use the key to open door and shut it off with key. in ignition. had a diagnostic test done. with CODE B1500. tpms lights stays on also. tires are good. pressure good. extra remote key is good batteries changed. any info concerning this. Thank you. this happen week and half ago nov 11,2024. have an appt will subaru dealer on dec 5 to toubleshoot. is there any recalls for this matter
Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2024
After replacing the valve body (part of cvt transmission). The car was released to me. Immediately upon leaving the dealership, the car kept jolting and shuddering, but no maintenance lights were lit on the dashboard. Upon returning it to the dealership, we were notified that the whole transmission would need to be replaced. Subaru is aware of the faulty transmission as they increased the cvt transmission warranty for approx 2010-2017 forester/outback/impreza/etc. cars to 10yr/ 100,000 miles. Upon further review, several other Subaru owners have expressed their transmissions needing to be replaced around 110,000-120,000 miles, most after just replacing the valve body. It appears Subaru knew the transmission was about to die, but they encouraged replacing just the valve body causing me to invest $2,200 knowing it would not fix the actual problem.
Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2024
The horn stopped working. I have yet to determine exact fix. Subaru forums suggest that it may be the clock spring, a relay, the horn itself, or a fuse.
Other or unspecified, Oct 24, 2023, crash
In the parking lot of my condo/home I was slowly approaching and driving in to my regular assigned parking space. As I applied the brakes preparing to stop, the car suddenly and without warning quickly accelerated and crashed into the building causing extensive damage to the building and the vehicle. The air bag did not react.
Other or unspecified, Oct 12, 2023
When pulling up to park behind another car in the street, the car had a burst of acceleration about 5 ft from behind the next car. I slammed on my brakes and stopped the car inches from the next car. I was not gunning the gas at that point. I was just applying lighter pressure as I was pulling up behind that parked car. Scared the heck out of me. I have had surges of acceleration in the Subaru in the past after a lag in acceleration when I first push down the pedal. But this is the first time I’ve had it surge as I was letting up on the gas pedal.
Other or unspecified, Aug 27, 2023
A/C continue not to work. Blowing out warm air followed by bad odor. AC compressor assembly replaced 5/2022 now having the same problem after new repair AC clutch and repair/ placed the A/C pressure switch on 8/25/2023. Not one day went by same problems recurred returned back to Glanzmann Subaru. Has the AC SYSTEM need to be recalled. I researched and found complaints of ac issues with the 2015 Subaru forester a/c
Other or unspecified, May 13, 2023
The transmission triggered a warning light suggesting a problem. After taking it to the dealership, it was determined that the valve body solenoid had failed and the entire valve body needed to be replaced. This was a very expensive job for a very inexpensive part. This seems to be a known issue for Subarus of this era (based on internet research) and Subaru has yet to issue a recall.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2023, crash
I was parking the car it suddenly accelerated jumped the curb and was heading towards the building entrance dore. I could not stop it. To avoid entering the building I turned the vehicle tight and it collided against the wall. The air bags inflated.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2023, crash
I was backing out of a parking spot, and there was a telephone poll behind me in my path. I needed to pull forward to navigate around this poll. After backing up some, I put the car into drive to pull slightly forward, and the car lurched aggressively, so much so that I got out to see if it'd caught on something. It did not -- there was absolutely nothing there. So I got back in and tried to continue forward, and the accelerator went full force. I floored the brake pedal, but the car behaved as though I was flooring the accelerator. The car drove itself over a cement block, through a staircase and into the brick wall of an abandoned building, continuing to accelerate for a few seconds while against the wall. Air bags did not deploy. I walked away without physical injury, thank goodness. There were no warning lights, symptoms of or dashboard indicators of a problem before or during the issue. Upon investigation online, we see that there is a pending class action for this exact issue. The vehicle has been inspected by our insurance carrier and been deemed a total loss. Insurance has asked that we turn the title over to them in order to receive our payout, and I believe they plan to destroy the car.
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2023
Our steering wheel clock spring is malfunctioning causing the vehicles horn not to work in certain positions (intermittently). more of a preventative to warn others, as we first noticed when we tried using it to help warn a car to stop for the light while we were making a left turn the car nearly ran through the red light which would of hit us. I dont know if the problem has been reproduced but I do see plenty of posts online for the same issue for subarus. the vehicle has nor component has been inspected by anyone else except myself (owner) nothing gave pre-warning just suddenly stopped working
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 7, 2022
I parked my car in the Walgreens parking lot while shopping, less than 30 minutes. When I returned, the car would not start. I called AAA for what I thought was a battery jump. When the AAA technician arrived, checked the battery and said his equipment said to replace the battery. After several attempts he was able to finally get the car started. I drove my car to the dealer where I had just had the battery and terminal replaced five months earlier. The service person checked the battery and charged it for more than an hour after having me call a Subaru warranty line and tell them how many times the battery had to be jumped - once. Yesterday, 12/6/2022 I was attempting to leave my home to take my husband to a cancer treatment clinic for an appointment and the car would not start. I called the Subaru technician who told me to bring the car in before 5 pm, which I could not do. Today, 12/07/2022, after several attempts I was able to start the car and take it to the service center. The technician could not find evidence of the battery purchase June 22, 2022. I showed him my paid receipt and he was able to locate the purchase. He told me the service manager wanted him to test the battery before doing anything. This is my only vehicle and I can’t keep going back and forth to the repair center whenever the new battery and connector , still under warranty, do not work. Today the technician told me the recall for coil replacement needed to be done. I was told it was done in June, but the service center has no evidence in their system that it was done. I never received any notice from Subaru that it was recalled.
Other or unspecified, Dec 4, 2022
Check engine light keeps coming on for an O2 sensor that has been recently replaced.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2022
My Vehicle's horn stop working about six months ago, not long after I had to replace the battery. I took it to dealership and they had to replace the clock spring , roll connector. I use the horn only when absolutely necessary. I have never had a cars horn go out. I think they ought to last at least ten years if not longer. Is this a defect? I just wanted to let you know.
Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2022
Car does not respond when accelerating/attempting to accelerate. Takes 3-5 seconds to engage when press on gas from stopped/brake position, also very slow to accelerate when changing speeds. Took car in for service and was told not transmission, but still having issue. Dealer stated they couldn't reproduce issue when was in for service, but nearly immediately upon driving away, it had same issue. No warming lights, sounds or smells occur when this happens. Nearly got T-boned on road due to slowness to respond. Unknown component causing issue.
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2022, crash, fire
Vehicle was in a front end collision, vehicle was able to safely pull over to the shoulder and be shut down. Impact did not result in airbag deployment and damage to vehicle appeared to be moderate. Within minutes of the accident while waiting for police to arrive on the scene, smoke became visible followed by vehicle becoming engulfed in flames leading to a complete vehicle fire and total loss of vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2021
MY WIFE AND I WERE LOOKING SPECIFICALLY FOR THE 2014-2018 SUBARU FORESTER. WE LOOKED OVER 25 OF THE SAME CAR AND MOST OF THEM HAD THIS NOISE COMING FROM THE AC COMPRESSOR. THE ONE WE BOUGHT WAS 27000 MILES ONLY AND DID NOT HAVE THE LOUD NOISE ON THE AC COMPRESSOR WHEN WE BOUGHT IT, BUT ABOUT 2000 MILES LATER THE NOISE STARTED, AND AFTER A LITTLE RESEARCH WE FOUND THAT IS SUPER COMMON ON THOSE YEARS MODELS TO HAVE THE ISSUE, AND EVENTUALLY IT CAUSES AC COMPRESSOR TO FAILURE. I WOULD ATTACH A VIDEO IF POSSIBLE.
Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2021
AFTER 4HRS OF DRIVING WITH 2 PIT STOPS IN BETWEEN, I WAS IN 3 LANE TRAFFIC AND DOWN TO 1 BAR ON FUEL GAUGE STATING I HAD 50MI LEFT OF DRIVING REMAINING IN TANK.. LOW FUEL LIGHT HADN'T EVEN TURNED ON YET, ONLY TO FIND THAT THE CAR HAD LOST POWER AND REDUCED SPEED AND WOULDN'T ACCELERATE WHEN I USED HAS PEDAL. HOWEVER THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND POWER WINDOWS STILL WORKED. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF ROAD AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND FOUND NOTHING TO BE OUT OF SORTS. NO DASH LIGHTS WENT OFF EITHER SUCH AS BATTERY OR CHECK ENGINE. I STARTED THE CAR BACK UP IN 5MINS AND FUELED MY CAR UP. ALSO, DURING THE TRIP MY FUEL MILEAGE WAS CONSISTENTLY GOING DOWN WHICH THE LOWEST READING DAYS 17MPG WHEN NORMALLY 30MPG. THIS HAPPENED THE DAY AFTER TAKING MY VEHICLE IN FOR NEW TIRES AT A CORPORATE TIRE COMPANY. 2 WEEKS LATER CAR HAVING TROUBLES STARTING. BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR CHECKED OUT GOOD, SO SUSPECTED FUEL PUMP. CAR DEALERSHIP STATES FUEL FILTER INSIDE THE PUMP AND EVEN IF THERE WAS A WAY TO TEST THE PRESSURE IT MAY NOT BE ACCURATE BECAUSE IT COULD BE INTERMITTENT FAILURE AND DOESN'T RECOMMEND ME REPLACING IT. THEY WANTED ME TO WAIT UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN BEFORE LOOKING INTO IT ANY FURTHER. THEY CHECKED FOR DTC CODES AND FOUND NONE. ALSO SUGGESTED I JUST UPGRADE TO A NEWER VEHICLE AND I STATED THAT AT 138,000 THE CAR SHOULD STILL BE REPAIRABLE AND DRIVEABILITY OTHERWISE WHAT'S THE POINT OF PURCHASING TO OWN THE VEHICLE. OBVIOUSLY THE SITUATION WAS DANGEROUS AND COULD LEAD TO A SLEW OF PROBLEMS SUCH AS STANDING, ACCIDENT OR EVEN DEATH.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Feb 12, 2021
I HAVE EXPERIENCED ON OCCASION TO WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE SPONTANEOUS ACCELERATION. I WILL BE DRIVING DOWN HILL, MY FOOT IS ALREADY ON THE BRAKE THE WHOLE WAY BUT BEFORE MY VEHICLE REACHES THE STOP SIGN, IT WILL STOP BRAKING AND GO. MY FOOT NEVER LEFT THE BRAKE PEDAL. NEVER CHANGED THE PRESSURE ON THE PEDAL. WHEN THIS HAPPENS IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE MY VEHICLE IS RELEASING SOME SORT OF PRESSURE. IT HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES, FORTUNATELY I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP BEFORE ONCOMING TRAFFIC.
Other or unspecified, Jan 12, 2021
WINDSHIELD CRACK APPEARED IN MY 2015 SUBARU FORESTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE FROM A STONE OR OBJECT STRIKING THE GLASS. NOT DRIVING MUCH DUE TO COVID. THIS IS THE SECOND WINDSHIELD THAT HAS TO BE REPLACED IN THE FIVE YEARS I'VE OWNED THIS CAR.
Other or unspecified, Sep 29, 2020
MY HORN IS NOT WORKING UNLESS MY STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT/RIGHT. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A CLOCK SPRING IN THE STEERING WHEEL.. THE INTERNET SAID THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS IS BIG SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN I CALLED SUBARU THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE.