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.
Engine, May 19, 2020
AT THE MOMENT TO STOP ON A PARKING SPOT, PRESS BRAKES AND ENGINE RPM IDLES UP AND RUNS, CAUSING ME TO PRESS BRAKES HARDER AND SO I DON'T HIT WHATEVER IS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 19, 2020
THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE SURGES SOMETIMES AND MISFIRES WHEN IT COLD STARTS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE RETAILER, THEY DID NOT FOUND ANY ISSUE. ONLY THE DIFFERENTIAL OIL WAS CHANGED. THEY TOLD ME TO RETURN IF THE PROBLEM OCCURS AGAIN. AGAIN IT CAME BACK AND INTERMITTENT. I AM SURE RETAILER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM AGAIN. IT IS SUDDEN LOSS OF POWERS FOR COUPLE SECONDS AND IT A HAZARD ON THE ROAD. HOPE THERE ARE RECALLS ON THIS ISSUE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 6, 2020
WHILE DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON THE CAR SUDDENLY WENT TO 5000 RPM AND AT THE SAME TIME STARTED TO BRAKE ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE DASHBOARD CAME ON I PULLED OVER AND THE CAR'S ENGINE SHUT DOWN. I TRIED TO STARTED ABOUT 5 06 TIMES THE CAR WOULDN'T STAR AND AFTER THAT THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. I HAD IT TOW TO A SHOP. THE NEXT MORNING IT STARTED LIKE NOTHING THE MECHANIC AT THE SHOP SAID IT WAS THE BATTERY.AFTER CHANGING THE BATTERY I TOOK IT TO THE GAS STATION AFTER PUTTING GAS IT WOULDN'T START AGAIN AFTER SEVERAL TRIES IT STARTED.AT THIS POINT I DON'T THINK THE BATTERY WAS THE ISSUE BUT I AM GLAD I GOT HOME. THIS HAPPENED IN STARKVILLE MS 200 MILES FROM WHERE I LIVE. *TR
Suspension, May 4, 2020
RIGHT REAR COIL SPRING BROKE ON MY 2015 SUBARU FORSTER. WAS NOT AWARE WHEN IT HAPPENED. TOOK CAR TO A GARAGE ON 5/2/2020 TO ROTATE THE TIRES, AND THE MECHANIC IMMEDIATELY DISCOVERED IT. SPRING WAS LOOSE AND COULD BE MOVED FREELY UP AND DOWN BY MECHANIC'S HAND. RIGHT REAR OF CAR WAS SAGGING, ALMOST DOWN ON THE REAR TIRE. SAW MANY MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET ON BOTH REAR SPRINGS FOR 2014 AND 2015 FORESTERS LIKE MY 2015 FORESTER. HEARD THAT SUBARU IN JAPAN ALREADY ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE. AND THAT A RECALL IN AMERICA MAY BE FORTHCOMING. MEANWHILE, WE FORESTER OWNERS ARE AT RISK WHILE DRIVING WITH FAULTY SPRINGS. MOST OTHERS SAID IT LOOKED LIKE THE COIL RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. ALSO THAT THE REPLACEMENT SPRING HAD 8 COILS INSTEAD OF THE OEM 6 COIL SPRINGS, AND SOME KIND OF TAPE OR PLASTIC COATING THE BOTTOM COILS. EVERYONE RECOMMENDED GETTING SPRINGS, AND POSSIBLY THE ENCLOSED STRUTS, ON BOTH SIDES BE REPLACED SINCE STRUTS MAY HAVE SUFFERED DAMAGED WHILE DRIVING WITH FAULTY SPRINGS. PLEASE HELP REMEDY THIS CURRENT SAFETY PROBLEM, AND REQUIRE SUBARU TO ISSUE A FORMAL RECALL IN AMERICA. THANK YOU.
Power train, Engine, Apr 4, 2020
HEAD GASKETS LEAKING, ALSO THE CARS HESITATES AND JERKS WHEN DRIVING
Electrical system, Mar 30, 2020
WENT OUTSIDE BECAUSE I SMELLED SMOKE AND SAW SMOKE POURING OUT OF MY PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR. DOUSED WITH HOSE, NOW CAR WON'T LOCK. CAR IN DRIVEWAY. NO PHOTO BECAUSE IMPORTANT TO PUT OUT ANY FIRE.
Engine, Mar 16, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER FATHER WHO OWNS A 2015 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS WERE CONTACTED INCLUDING FRANK SUBARU LOCATED AT (2829 NATIONAL CITY BLVD, NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950), KEARNY MESA SUBARU LOCATED AT (4797 CONVOY ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111), AND SUBARU OF EL CAJON LOCATED AT (900 ARNELE AVE, EL CAJON, CA 92020) AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. *BF*JB
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 15, 2020
WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD APPROX 65 AND THE EYE SIGHT DISABLED, ABS DISABLED, TRACTION CONTROL AND HILL ASSIST STOPPED, CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED AT TRANSMISSION OIL STARTED FLASHING AND THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALL CAME ON WE WERE DRIVING DOWN HWY 61 IN AZ. POWER TO THE VEHICLE SLOWED AND WE COULD NOT GO FASTER THAN 40MPH. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS ON RECALL AND REPLACED 10/2019 AND THE 3XACR SAME THING HAPPENED EXCEPT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DIDNT COME ON.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 14, 2020
MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY
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.
Engine, Mar 8, 2020
SMELL OF BURNING OIL FROM THE ENGINE. DEALER SAYS HEAD GASKET NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $5500.
Suspension, Mar 8, 2020
REAR DRIVER SIDE SPRING COIL PIECE FELL OFF IN GARAGE WHILE CAR WAS STATIONARY. DIDNT KNOW WHAT IT WAS. DIDN'T NOTICE PIECE IN GARAGE UNTIL UNTIL SPOUSE WAS AT WORK. VEHICLE MADE IT 3.7 MILES TO SPOUSES WORK AND BACK.
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.
Structure, Feb 29, 2020
THE DRIVER'S SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. WHEN THE DOOR IS SHUT, AND UNLOCKED, AND THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE IS PULLED, NOTHING HAPPENS. THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE STILL FUNCTIONS, BUT THE INTERIOR HANDLE DOES NOT. THIS IS A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE. WE HAVE LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. WE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND SUBARU U.S. CORPORATE OFFICE VIA EMAIL FOR ASSISTANCE, BUT RECEIVED NO REPLIES.
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.
Structure, Feb 24, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DISCOVERING A CRACK AT THE BASE OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD THE CRACK HAD EXPANDED APPROXIMATELY 16 INCHES OVER 3 DAYS. THE CAUSE OF THE CRACK WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER NEW MOTORS SUBARU LOCATED AT (8670 PEACH ST. ERIE, PA) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED AT WINDOW AND GLASS ESTABLISHMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 21, 2020
LOSS OF ENGINE POWER/ACCELERATION. TRAVELING HOME IN OUR 2015 FORESTER, VIN [XXX], 93K MILES, WHEN WE ENCOUNTERED A PROBLEM. ON THE INTERSTATE, TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 70MPH, OUR FORESTER SEEMED TO COME OUT OF GEAR, ALL THE DASH LIGHTS ILLUMINATED & THE GAS PEDAL WOULD NOT WORK AS FAR AS ACTUALLY ACCELERATING THE CAR (THE GAS PEDAL WOULD ?REV UP? WHEN PRESSED, BUT THERE WAS NO ACTUAL ACCELERATION HAPPENING WITH THE ENGINE). THERE WAS NO WARNING; NO ENGINE ISSUES; NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH PRIOR TO THIS EVENT. WE WERE LUCKILY ABLE TO PULL SAFELY OFF THE INTERSTATE. WE DID SHUT THE CAR OFF IN HOPES OF ?RESETTING? SOMETHING BUT COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO RESTART (IT WOULD JUST CRANK). THEREFORE, WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THE PAST YEAR ON THIS VEHICLE. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO OUR TRUSTED LOCAL MECHANIC. NO ISSUES WERE FOUND, AND NO CODES WERE IDENTIFIED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
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.
Suspension, Jan 29, 2020
THE REAR SPRING BROKE. IT APPEARS THE PLASTIC COATING ON THE SPRING BECAME BRITTLE AND ALLOWED THE SALT SPRAY FROM THE WINTER ROADS INTO THE SPRING WHICH RUSTED AND BROKE. THIS CARE HAS ONLY 63K MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I NOTICED A NOISE WHEN DRIVING SO INSPECTED AND FOUND THE SPRING BROKE.
Power train, Jan 26, 2020
NOTICED A CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING RIGHT. TOOK IT TO SUBARU AND THEY REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE IN DECEMBER 2018. ALMOST A YEAR LATER, I NOTICED A CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING LEFT. TOOK IT TO A DIFFERENT MECHANIC AND THEY REPLACED THE LEFT FRONT AXLE. THERE WAS NEVER ANYTHING LEAKING FROM MY CAR. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT AXLES TYPICALLY LAST THE LIFETIME OF YOUR VEHICLE.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 23, 2020
SAME PROBLEM AS NHTSA ID#'S 11299582, 11297748 & 11297188. DEALER FIRST DID DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. TWO WEEKS LATER SAME ISSUE. REPLACED THROTTLE PEDAL/POSITION SENSOR ($600) AND PROBLEM FIXED.
Suspension, Jan 22, 2020
REAR LEFT COIL BROKE ON SUBARU FORRESTER. 2015 FORRESTER SHOULD NOT SEEMINGLY HAVE THIS ISSUE. THE BROKEN COIL WAS RUSTED THROUGH. I NEVER NOTICED ANY THE DAMAGE WAS NOTICED WHILE MY CAR WAS ON A LIFT AT GOODYEAR GETTING A TIRE PLUGGED.
Wheels, Engine, Jan 22, 2020
SEVERAL ISSUES: 1) REPLACE REAR STRUT ASSEMBLIES. 04/22/19. (THE CAR SEEMED FINE BUT WHEN THEY PUT IT ON A LIFT TO WORK ON BRAKES MECHANICS SAW THIS. 2) THE THE ENGINE SHIMMIES AND FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO STALL. THIS HAS GONE ON SINCE 2016. THIS HAPPEN WHEN GOING ABOUT 30 MPH. I HAD A MECHANIC LOOK AT IT THEY FOUND NOTHING. IT STILL FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO STALL. 3) BEARINGS IN REAR PASSENGER SIDE IN 2017. REAR WHEELS WERE MAKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING AROUND 40 MPH. (DIFFERENT MECHANIC LOOKED AT THIS. 4) RIGHT FRONT AXLE SHAFT REPLACED 06/26/19 THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND IS USED FOR HIGHWAY DRIVING.
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.