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
614 reports, newest first.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 18, 2020
CAR IN MOTION. HAPPENS ON A STOP, PARKING THE VEHICLE IN PROGRESS, DRIVING SLOW. WHEN PUSHING GAS PEDAL SLOWLY FROM START POINT; VEHACLE SPEED UP SO MUCH THAT I HAVE TO PRESS BRAKES PEDAL TO HOLD THE SPEED DOWN. HAPPENS ONCE EVERY OTHER TIME.
Engine, Sep 15, 2020
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AT LOW SPEED AND ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A STOP THE VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY ACCELERATES REQUIRING A MUCH HARDER BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON CITY STREETS WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE OR COMING TO A STOP SIGN. WHILE NOT A COMMON OCCURRENCE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS MORE THAN A DOZEN TIMES OVER THE 5 YEARS I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE.
Steering, Sep 10, 2020
POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS
Steering, Sep 9, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER AN OIL CHANGE. THE LIGHT DISAPPEARED AFTER A WHILE. WHILE DRIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING WITH THE STEERING POWER ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LARRY H. MILLER SUBARU BOISE LOCATED AT 11196 W FAIRVIEW AVE, BOISE, ID 83713, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,000.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 19, 2020
PRIOR TO DRIVING MY CAR ON AUGUST 18, 2020, THERE WERE NO OBSERVABLE DEFECTS IN MY WINDSHIELD. I DROVE ABOUT A QUARTER MILE TO THE POST OFFICE. WHEN ARRIVING, THERE WAS STILL NO DEFECT. ABOUT 2-3 MINUTES LATER, I RETURNED TO MY CAR AND FOUND A LARGE CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD THAT EXTENDED FROM THE TOP MIDDLE, BEHIND THE REAR VIEW MIRROR, DIAGONALLY DOWN TO THE LOWER CORNER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE SUBARU DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE CRACK AND TOLD ME THERE WAS A MINUSCULE CHIP AT THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD, WHICH I COULDN'T EVEN SEE, ALONG THE CRACK AND THAT BECAUSE OF THE CHIP, THE WINDSHIELD WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE VEHICLE WARRANTY. THE REPLACEMENT COST, INCLUDING THE REQUIRED RECALIBRATION OF THE "EYESIGHT" SAFETY SYSTEM WOULD COST ME MORE THAT $1,000.00. I NOW LEARNED THAT THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MY FORESTER, AS WELL AS OTHER SUBARU MODELS (I.E., SUBARU OUTBACK). THE LEVEL OF COMPLAINTS, WHICH COMPROMISES DRIVER AND PASSENGER SAFETLY WARRANTS A RECALL.
Suspension, Aug 13, 2020
2015 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR COIL SPRING SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE NHTSA WEBSITE STATES THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANY OPEN RECALLS, SPECIFICALLY COIL SPRING. MEANWHILE, THE SUBARU WEBSITE DOES. THE CONSUMER STATED SUBARU WEBSITE IS ACCURATE. *JS
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 31, 2020
ALWAYS THE DRAINS ON THE MOON ROOF GET CLOGGED AND IN A HEAVY RAIN, THE BACK OF THE CAR ROOF SERIOUSLY LEAKS INTO THE CAR. WE DO NOT USE THE ROOF. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW. NOW THE ELECTRONICS BOX (CONTROLS REMOTE KEY LOCKS, TIRE PRESSURE GAUGE, ETC) NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN WET. THIS IS A $500+ REPAIR THAT HAS HAPPENED BECAUSE THE ROOF LEAKS IN SERIOUS RAIN. WE BELIEVE SUBARU SHOULD REIMBURSE US FOR THE COST OF THE ELECTRONIC BOX REPLACEMENT.WE ALSO HAVE TO PAY TO GET THE ROOF DRAIN UNGLOGGED.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 31, 2020
ON TWO OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING ROUGHLY 65 MPH THE ACCELERATION COMPLETELY GAVE OUT IN MY CAR, AS THOUGH THE CAR WENT INTO NEUTRAL. I COULD PRESS DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE RPM'S WOULD SHOOT UP IN THE GAUGE CLUSTER, BUT THE CAR SIMPLY CONTINUED TO SLOW DOWN. I DRIFTED INTO THE SHOULDER, TURNED OFF THE CAR, WAITED A FEW MINUTES, AND TURNED THE IGNITION. BOTH TIMES, THE CAR RESUMED DRIVING NORMALLY. BOTH TIMES I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO A SUBARU DEALERSHIP, AND BOTH TIMES THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR A FEW DAYS BEFORE SAYING THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM, AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER OWNERS OF SUBARU FORESTERS FROM THIS PERIOD (~2015), AND WE HAVE CONNECTED ONLINE TO TRY AND SOLVE THIS DANGEROUS DEFECT. A LINK TO OUR DISCUSSION IS HERE: HTTPS://WWW.SUBARUFORESTER.ORG/THREADS/2015-2016-LOSE-POWER-AS-IF-TRANSMISSION-GOES-INTO-NEUTRAL-MERGED-THREAD.627562/
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 30, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65MPH THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. THE RPMS WENT UP LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL (CAR WAS STILL IN DRIVE). FUEL TANK WAS DOWN TO A LITTLE LESS THAN 1/4TH OF A TANK BUT STILL HAD 100 MILES UNTIL EMPTY. ADAPTIVE CRUISE WAS ENGAGED AT THE TIME (AUTOMATED CRUISE APPLIED ACCELERATOR THAT ROSE THE RPMS TO 4500). THIS WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A 4 HOUR ROAD TRIP ON A FLAT STRAIGHT ROAD. CAR EXHIBITED NO WARNING OR LIGHTS UNTIL COMPLETE POWER WAS LOST. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER. ALL LIGHTS CAME ON IN THE DASH AFTER I WAS STOPPED. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND I WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY START IT AGAIN. SHORTLY AFTER I FILLED UP THE TANK AND THE CAR DROVE FINE FOR THE NEXT HOUR UNTIL I WAS HOME. THIS WAS A SCARY INCIDENT THAT COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. I NOTICED THAT THIS CAR HAS ABOUT A DOZEN OTHER REPORTS THAT ARE MUCH LIKE THIS IN THE PAST YEAR.
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.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 6, 2020
MY VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING TODAY ON THE INTERSTATE. I HAD CRUISE CONTROL SET AND THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING UP A HILL. IT WAS LIKE MY CAR SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY GET TO THE SHOULDER AND INITIALLY MY CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. I DID GET IT TO RESTART AFTER A COUPLE OF TRIES AND DROVE IT HOME. I SEE A RECALL FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE: 19V-856, BUT MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED. I HAVE REPLACED THE PCV ALREADY AND THIS IS THE SECOND TIME MY CAR HAS DONE THIS TOWARD THE END OF A LONG ROAD TRIP (1000+ MILES).
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 3, 2020
AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY DUE TO A PROBLEM WITH WIRING IN THE CLUTCH, AS ACKNOWLEDGED BY SUBARU. BLOWS COOL AIR ONLY SOMETIMES, BECAUSE THE CONDENSER DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. EVERY CONDENSER BEFORE A CERTAIN DATE IS DESTINED TO FAIL, LEAVING THE DRIVER TO PAY FOR AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR DESPITE THE FACT THAT SUBARU HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS ISSUE IS DUE TO BAD WIRING AND HAS CORRECTED IT. PER NHTSA ID NUMBER 10120975. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 3, 2020
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. CAR WILL START AND RUN BUT WHEN YOU TURN THE CAR OFF YOU CANNOT REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. SOMETIMES IT TAKES SEVERAL ATTEMPTS INVOLVING TURNING THE MOTOR BACK ON AND PULLING THE KEY OUT AS I'M TURNING THE MOTOR OFF. IT MAY GO A COUPLE OF DAYS AND BE FINE THEN DO IT SEVERAL TIMES IN A ROW
Engine, Jun 29, 2020
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ROUGHLY 70 MPH, ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED AND THEN CAR ESSENTIALLY WENT INTO NEUTRAL. ENGINE DIDN'T SEEM CONNECTED TO THE TRANSMISSION. COASTED TO THE SHOULDER, THEN ENGINE DIED. SHIFTED BACK TO PARK AND TRIED TO RESTART, ALL LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD LIT UP AND ENGINE TURNED OVER, BUT WOULD NOT START. HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER. FOUND MANY SIMILAR EXPERIENCES ONLINE. SOME FOUND FUEL PUMP AND PUMP RELAY FAILURE. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A DIAGNOSIS FROM THE DEALER YET. THIS WAS A POTENTIALLY DEADLY FAILURE.
Suspension, Jun 23, 2020
THE REAR COIL SPRINGS HAVE BOTH BROKEN. THIS WAS DISCOVERED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED BUT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN BROKEN FOR A LONG TIME DUE TO RUST ON BROKEN ENDS. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Jun 23, 2020
THE WINDSHIELD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. *TR
Suspension, Jun 22, 2020
VEHICLE IN GARAGE, WITNESSED LOAD EXPLOSION. UPON INVESTIGATION FOUND LEFT REAR OF VEHICLE SAGGING WITH PIECE OF COIL SPRING BELOW VEHICLE. THIS IS PART OF A RECALL THAT IS NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE BASED ON THE LETTER SENT TO US BY SUBARU WHICH QUOTES "PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO THE REAR COIL SPRING DOES NOT AFFECT THE SAFE OPERATION OF YOUR VEHICLE". THIS CLEARLY WOULD HAVE IMPACTED THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE IN THE EVENT IT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING, AND CERTAINLY COULD HAVE RESULTED IN FATAL CRASH AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THEREFORE IT SHOULD BE CLASSIFIED AS AN IMMEDIATE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jun 8, 2020
GOING 70 MILES AN HOUR ON INTERSTATE WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON, WHEN THE GAS LIGHT CAME ON THE CAR LOST POWER LIKE IT SWITCHED TO NEUTRAL. WE MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. *TR
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
Suspension, May 31, 2020
THE LEFT REAR COIL/STRUT BROKE. IT APPEARS TO BE RUST ISSUE. THERE ARE ABOUT 40000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. NO HEAVY LOADS. RELATIVELY GOOD ROAD CONDITIONS. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 25 MPH. I HEARD AND FELT A LOUD SNAP. I STOPPED. THE CAR WAS SAGGING ON LEFT REAR. THE FENDER WAS NEARLY TOUCHING THE TIRE.
Suspension, May 27, 2020
I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. BOTH REAR STRUT ASSEMBLIES HAD TO BE REPLACED. ACCORDING TO THIS LINK, THIS ISSUE WAS THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL IN JAPAN LAST YEAR: HTTPS://WWW.TORQUENEWS.COM/1084/ANOTHER-HUGE-RECALL-SUBARU-FORESTER-AND-CROSSTREK-COMING I CANNOT FIND A DIRECT LINK TO THE JAPANESE TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY RECALL, BUT THIS APPEARS TO BE SOMEWHAT COMMON, AND IS UNUSUAL FOR A 5 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. I HAVE ATTACHED THE INVOICE FOR THE REPAIRS, I DID NOT GET PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGED PARTS, BUT THE MECHANIC MIGHT BE ABLE TO ELABORATE IF HE WERE CONTACTED.*DT*JB *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