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.
Steering, Jul 23, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (CITYSIDE SUBARU, 790 PLEASANT ST, BELMONT, MA 2478, (617) 826-5000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIE ROD ENDS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,129.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 20, 2018
OCCASIONALLY STALLS WHEN ACCELERATING (USUALLY TO GET ON FREEWAY OR SPEED UP DRASTICALLY WHILE ON FREEWAY). DOESNT COMPLETELY LOSE POWER, ONLY OCCURS FOR ABOUT 1-4 SECONDS BUT DURING THAT TIME CAR DOES NOT SPEED UP EVEN WHEN PRESSING GAS (ACTUALLY ACTS AS IF FOOT WAS TAKEN OFF GAS), AND MAKES A CLICKING NOISE. HAS HAPPENED EVER SINCE PURCHASING CAR NEW, AND MENTIONED AT EVERY SERVICE BUT THEY CAN NEVER RECREATE THE ISSUE AND THEREFORE CANT FIX IT. SAW A SIMILAR STALLING ISSUE ON A RECALL FOR SAME TYPE OF CAR BUT NOT MY VIN. DEALERSHIP WONT CHECK UNLESS I PAY FEE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2018
DRIVERS SIDE DOOR UN/LOCK FUNCTION DOESN'T OPERATE . ALL OTHER LOCKS WORK CORRECTLY FROM KEY FOB. MANUAL OPERATION OF DRIVER DOOR LOCK WORKS.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2018
THE ELECTRICAL KEEPS HAVING PROBLEMS. THIS PROBLEM IS ALL OVER THE INTERNET FOR SEVERAL YEARS OF THE FORESTER. I DON'T KNOW WHY THERE HASN'T ALREADY BEEN A RECALL. THERE WILL BE A BE A BEEP, USUALLY WHEN DRIVING - SOMETIMES WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR OR MOVE OUT OF PARK, AND ABOUT ANY "SAFETY" FEATURE THAT THIS CAR HAS EXHIBITS A LIGHT AND/OR WARNING. WHILE THIS HAPPENS OVER DAYS, SOMETIMES THE GEARS STICK IN PARK. I HAVE TO TAKE A TOOL AND PRESS BESIDE THE GEAR STICK TO GET OUT OF PARK. THE LIGHTS WILL STAY LIKE THIS FOR DAYS OR WEEKS AND THEN IT JUST STOPS. I HAVE HAD IT CHECKED, BUT IT IS JUST RESET UNTIL THE NEXT TIME IT HAPPENS. JUST THE OTHER NIGHT, MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING BEHIND ME AND TOLD ME THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING CONSISTENTLY. THIS IS DANGEROUS!!! WHO KNOWS WHAT ELSE IS NOT WORKING WHEN THIS ELECTRICAL ISSUE OCCURS.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 1, 2018
ON 6/7/18 AFTER SIX HOURS BEHIND THE WHEEL, WHILE TRAVELING 78MPH ON CRUISE CONTROL MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL SYSTEMS, AS IF IT HAD RUN OUT OF GAS, ON INTERSTATE 85 IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. MIRACULOUSLY GETTING ONTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER FROM CENTER LANE I SAT FOR 10-20 MINUTES IN SHOCK. THINKING I HAD RUN OUT OF GAS EVEN THOUGH NO LOW FUEL INDICATORS HAD SHOWN UP I TURNED THE KEY TO SEE IF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD TURN ON. IT DID, A QUARTER TANK OF GAS SHOWED ON GAUGE. I TURNED THE IGNITION KEY AND THE ENGINE STARTED. I SAW A SIGN FOR EXIT IN 2 MILES, PUT ON HAZARDS, WENT 50 MPH TO EXIT, STRAIGHT TO GAS STATION. 9 GALLONS WENT IN PROVING THE GAUGE TO BE CORRECT. I STOPPED FOR THE NIGHT AND GOOGLED WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND FOUND MANY HITS INDICATING A POSSIBLE FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEM. I WAS STILL 5 HOURS FROM HOME SO CALLED NEAREST SUBARU REPAIR SHOP, THEY COULDN'T FIT ME IN FOR A WEEK. TOOK BACK ROADS HOME, NEVER GOING OVER 50 MPH. CALLED SUBARU DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT MY CAR AND THEY HAD A TWO WEEK WAIT FOR SERVICE. CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA WHO INTERVENED AND LOCAL DEALER GOT ME IN THAT DAY. 6/11/18. THAT DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING ON THE COMPUTER AND SAID IT HAD BEEN WIPED CLEAN BY SOMEONE. REGARDLESS, I ASKED IF THEY WOULD LOOK AT FUEL SYSTEM BUT THEY WOULD NOT, INSTEAD OFFERING TO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE FOR FAIR MARKET PRICE AND SELL IT ON THEIR USED CAR LOT TO A NEW UNSUSPECTING CUSTOMER. TOOK VEHICLE TO ANOTHER SUBARU DEALER WHO DID PULL THE FUEL SYSTEM AND FOUND FUEL TRANSFER PUMP FAULTY. THIS CAUSED MY CAR TO THINK IT WAS OUT OF GAS AS I TRAVELED. I ASKED SUBARU OF NA IF THEY HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM AND THEY REPLIED "THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR YOUR VEHICLE", I KNOW FROM MY GOOGLE SEARCH THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED EVENT FOR MY VEHICLE. IN FACT WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR THE MECHANIC SAID HE HAD ANOTHER SUBARU COME IN THE NEXT DAY WITH SAME PROBLEM.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 19, 2018, crash
2015 SUBARU FORESTER MADE A RIGHT TURN INTO PARKING SPACE BETWEEN 2 CARS IN A PARKING GARAGE. GOING UPHILL INTO THE SPACE WHEN VEHICLE SURGED AT GREAT SPEED IN A 10 FT DISTANCE HITTING THE WALL AT GREAT SPEED, CAUSING EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE, DEPLOYING AIRBAGS, AND DISLODGING THE FRONT DASHBOARD. THE 2 CARS ON EITHER SIDE WERE NOT HIT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO LEGS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT LOU FUSZ SUBARU. THE SECOND EVENT HAPPED ON 7/6/16 (25463 MILES) IN THE SAME PARKING GARAGE, NEAR THE SAME PARKING SPACE. WHILE TURNING INTO THE PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD STRIKING THE WALL AT GREAT SPEED. THOUGH THE FRONT END WAS AGAIN DAMAGED, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER CHECKED THE NHTSA WEBSITE. THERE WERE A DOZEN SIMILAR REPORTS FOR 2015 THE SUBARU FORESTER WHILE PARKING. ANEIGHBOR WITH A 2015 SUBARU LEGACY HAD THREE INSTANCES OF UNEXPECTED ACCELERATIONS. NO CAUSE WAS IDENTIFIED BUT REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE CAR AT WEBSTER GROVES SUBARU. IT APPEARS TO HAVE RESOLVED THE PROBLEM. THE SUBARU FORESTER WAS REPAIRED AT AN INDEPENDENT BODY SHOP AND THEN CHECKED AT WEBSTER GROVES SUBARU. AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER OF THE DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD THE CAR TO THE DRIVER (LOU FUSZ), THE SUBARU CORPORATION SENT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (FROM BOSCH EEA) TO EVALUATE THE CAR. THE DRIVER WAS TOLD IN AN EMAIL THAT THE REPORT WAS PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND NO DETAILS OF THE EVALUATION WERE MADE AVAILABLE. THE EMAIL ONLY REPORTED THE LACK OF ANY PROBLEMS FOUND THAT COULD EXPLAIN THE UNEXPECTED SURGING WHILE PARKING. THE DRIVER SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AT WEBSTER GROVES SUBARU. SHE WAS UNABLE TO HELP SINCE NO ONE HAD REPRODUCED THE PROBLEM. AS FAR AS SUBARU WAS CONCERNED, THE CAR WAS NORMAL AND OFFERED NO FURTHER HELP. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE THE SECOND REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 14, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. AFTER THE COLLISION, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV VERY HIGH WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS BEING DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 4, 2018, crash
SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION: I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX 10 MPH THROUGH A CAMPGROUND. I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN TO TURN RIGHT INTO MY PARKING SPOT. MY RIGHT FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL MORE FIRMLY BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO GAIN SPEED. I TRAVELED ABOUT 100 FEET UP A STEEP HILL ON THE SIDE OF THE CAMPSITE AND KNOCKED DOWN A SMALL TREE AND STRUCK SEVERAL BUSHES BEFORE HITTING A LARGE TREE THAT FINALLY STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MAJOR FRONT END DAMAGE IN ADDITION TO DEEP SCRAPE MARKS TO ITS SIDES AND REAR FROM THE TREES/BUSHES. THE FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW AND HAD DRIVEN IT FOR MORE THAN 42,000 MILES WITH NO PROBLEMS UNTIL THIS INCIDENT.
Electrical system, May 24, 2018
THIS VEHICLE HAS SHUT DOWN MID-DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY 4 TIMES. THE BATTERY, FUEL SENSORS, FUEL PUMP, AND 'CLUSTER' HAVE BEEN REPLACED. I RECEIVED THE VEHICLE BACK FROM SUBARU SERVICE ON A WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, AND ON THURSDAY MORNING AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY GARAGE THE FUEL GAUGE WAS AGAIN DISPLAYING BLANK EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS MORE THAN A HALF TANK OF GAS IN THE CAR. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND THEN EVERY WARNING LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTED UP. THERE HAVE BEEN 5 REPAIR ATTEMPTS ON THIS VEHICLE AND IT HAS NOT CORRECTED THE ISSUES. THIS VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS.
Engine, May 24, 2018
FROM A STOP, CAR HESITATES WHEN TURNING LEFT CROSSING INCOMING TRAFFIC. INITIAL COASTING, THEN ACCEPTING ACCELERATOR PRESSURE, TAKING A SECOND OR TWO TO RESPOND. DEALER FOUND NO CODES AND OFFERED NO FIX, OTHER THAN TO LEAVE MY CAR FOR ADDITIONAL TEST DRIVING. IN THREE YEARS AND 21,000 MILES, THERE HAS BEEN SIX LEFT TURN HESTITIONS FROM A STOP POSITION. VERY SCARY EVENT THAT COULD BE FATAL WITH A STALL IN AN INCOMING LANE.
Electrical system, May 21, 2018
THIS VEHICLE HAS ALREADY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY 4 TIMES. THE LAST TIME THEY SAID IT WAS A BAD FUEL PUMP AND REPLACED. I TURNED THE CAR ON IN THE PARKING LOT AFTER A GROCERY STORE TRIP (WITH MY BABY IN THE BACKSEAT) AND THE VEHICLE SAID IT COULD NOT ESTABLISH THE REMAINING FUEL LEVEL AND THE GAUGE WAS BLANK. TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON AND FUEL GAUGE REAPPEARED, BUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN CITY STREET, ALL INDICATOR LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIT UP. I DROVE DIRECTLY TO DEALERSHIP. THEY SAY THAT THE CLUSTER (ODOMETER, SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER) NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. STILL WAITING FOR PART TO COME IN AND FOR VEHICLE TO BE RETURNED TO ME. I AM NOT CONFIDENT THIS WILL FIX MY VEHICLE SINCE THEY SAID THEY WERE 99% SURE OF THE FIX THE LAST TWO TIMES. THIS VEHICLE IS FAULTY AND IS ENDANGERING MY FAMILY. IT IS BY SHEER LUCK THAT WE HAVEN'T GOTTEN INTO AN ACCIDENT AND INJURED SO FAR.
Other or unspecified, May 16, 2018
EVAPORATOR CORE FAILURE, DURING USE OF VEHICLE IN MOTION, LEAKING REFRIGERANT INTO THE VEHICLE LEADING TO A/C NOT WORKING.
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, May 3, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. DURING THE FAILURE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE CHECK ENGINE MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER (JONES BEL AIR SUBARU, 1317 BEL AIR RD, BEL AIR, MD) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS FAULTY. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS AND 12,000 MILES LATER, THE SAME FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPLACEMENT PEDAL WAS A NEW AND IMPROVED VERSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 14, 2018
I BOUGHT THE CAR A MONTH AGO AROUND MARCH 10,2018 FROM GLANZMANN SUBARU. AFTER 2 WEEKS OF DRIVING, THE CAR WAS SHAKING AND HAD TROUBLE ACCELERATING INTERMITTENTLY WHEN AT STOP SIGNS OR AT LOW SPEEDS. AFTER WORDS I NOTICED WHEN THE CAR IS AROUND 80 MPH, SOMETIMES THE RPMS GO UP BUT THERE IS NO TORQUE. I WAS TOLD TO DROP THE CAR OFF AT THE SERVICE STATION WHICH I DID AND AFTER 4 DAYS GOT THE CAR BACK BUT THEY SAID THEY "COULD NOT REPLICATE" THE ISSUE THAT I WAS HAVING. I ALSO GET 18MPG WHILE THE ADVERTISED MPG IS AROUND 25. I SHOULD ATLEAST GET 22MPG. I HAVE A VERY GOOD FEELING I WAS SOLD A CAR WITH A CLUTCH THAT WAS ON ITS WAY OUT. THE DEALER IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THE ISSUE BUT I WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE ON MY WAY FROM THE SERVICE CENTER. I WAS TOLD I WOULD BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH A TECH BUT ON THE DAY OF THE PICKUP , THE TECH WAS UNAVAILABLE. IT HAS BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE SOMETIMES WHEN MERGING INTO A HIGHWAY OR TURNING INTO STREETS FROM A CENTER LANE THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE GOOD PICK UPLIKE IT IS SUPPOSE. I KNOW MY CAR IS AN ISSUE BECAUSE THE LOANER THAT I GOT FROM GLANZSMANN WAS ALSO A FORESTER AND I COULD TELL THE DIFFERENCE RIGHT AWAY. THANK YOU.
Power train, Apr 14, 2018
NOVEMBER 28, 2017 ' A SUBARU TRANSMISSION WARRANTY EXTENSION HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR 2010-2015 LEGACY AND OUTBACK, 2012-2015 IMPREZA, 2013-2015 CROSSTREK, 2014-2015 CROSSTREK HYBRID, 2014-2015 FORESTER AND 2015 WRX VEHICLES, ALL EQUIPPED WITH CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS (CVTS) DUE TO CONSUMER COMPLAINTS. I BOUGHT MY CAR USED IN SEPTEMBER 2017. I WAS NEVER INFORMED THAT THERE WERE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION PERFORMANCE AND FAILURES. A TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON A HIGHWAY COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH. AND YET THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL. I HAVE ALREADY STARTED TO NOTICE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION- JERKING WHILE TRYING TO BRAKE AND DELAYED TURNOVER BETWEEN 2 AND 3RD GEAR. CONSUMERS WERE NOT INFORMED OF THIS I FOUND IT ONLINE. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY VERIFIED THAT THERE WAS A WARRANTY EXTENSION ON THE MODELS ABOVE AND MY CAR IS INCLUDED. WHEN I ASKED FOR PAPERWORK THE DEALER SERVICE REP SAID NONE WAS SENT TO ANYONE, BUT THE WARRANTY FOLLOWS THE VEHICLE BY VIN #. SO, THERE ARE POTENTIALLY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE DRIVING AROUND WITH TRANSMISSIONS THAT COULD FAIL, BUT WHO ARE UNAWARE. SUBARU DID THIS QUIETLY TO NOT DRAWN ATTENTION TO THE PROBLEM. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE AN INVESTIGATION AND A RECALL. TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON A HIGHWAY COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. AGAIN I FEEL "JERKING" EVERY TIME I TRY TO BREAK. IT'S LIKE THE CAR IS TRYING TO ACCELERATE INSTEAD OF COMING TO A STOP. IT HAS STOPPED SO FAR, BUT WHAT IF IT DOESN'T NEXT TIME? THIS PROBLEM IS CONSTANT. I THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO COLD BUT I ALWAYS WARM UP MY CAR UNTIL THE INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWS TRANSMISSION IS WARM. AND THE WEATHER HAS BEEN WARM FOR A FEW DAYS NOW AND THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING. I HAVE REPORTED OTHER PROBLEMS TO THE DEALER THAT ARE NOT SAFETY RELATED AND THEY JUST BLOW IT OFF SUCH AS THE COMPUTER IS NOT RECORDING AVERAGE MPG AND AVERAGE MPH CORRECTLY. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Apr 5, 2018
2015 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMES 16 OUNCES OF OIL IN 50000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED, BUT DID OFFER A REBATE TO COVER ADDITIONAL CHARGES. THE CONSUMER DECLINED. *JS
Vehicle speed control, Apr 2, 2018, crash
WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT LOW SPEED (<5MPH) THE ENGINE SURGED SUDDENLY AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. REQUIRED IMMENSE PRESSURE ON BRAKE TO EVENTUALLY OVERRIDE ENGINE AFTER IMPACT WITH OTHER VEHICLE.
Seats, Mar 30, 2018, fire
I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED PREOWNED 2015 FORESTER IN NOVEMBER FROM NORTHTOWN SUBARU IN AMHERST, NY IN NOVEMBER 2017. I WAS SOLD A BASIC MODEL AND ASSURED THAT THE REMOTE CAR STARTER AND HEATED SEAT THAT THEY COULD INSTALL AT THE DEALERSHIP WERE AS GOOD AS THE ONES INCLUDED IN MORE EXPENSIVE FORESTER MODELS. SAFETY ISSUE: ON WEDNESDAY 3/28/18 I WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY OF BUFFALO WITH MY HEATED SEAT TURNED ON. THE BACK OF MY LEG, RIGHT BELOW MY KNEE BECAME INTOLERABLY HOT. I TURNED THE HEATED SEAT OFF IMMEDIATELY AND REACHED DOWN. THE SEAT INSTANTLY BURNT TWO OF MY FINGER TIPS. I SHOUTED IN PAIN AND EXPLAINED TO MY FRIEND WHAT HAPPENED. HE SAID HE SMELLED SMOKE AND BURNING PLASTIC. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND LOOKED AT THE FRONT OF THE SEAT (NEAR MY CALVES) AND THE HEATED SEAT ELEMENT HAD BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT UPHOLSTERY AND WAS STILL BURNING INSIDE THE SEAT AND SMOKING. I CALLED NORTHTOWN SUBARU AS SOON AS THEY OPENED IN THE MORNING AND EXPLAINED THE SEVERITY OF THE SITUATION. I WAS PASSED TO VOICEMAIL BOXES THAT WERE FULL AND PUT ON HOLD FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. I EXPLAINED TO EVERYONE I SPOKE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE ISSUE. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE IN THE SMART CAR DEPARTMENT BUT THEIR VOICEMAIL BOXES WERE FULL. THE SERVICE REP WOULD LEAVE A NOTE ON THE SMART CAR EMPLOYEE'S DESK AND HAVE HIM CALL ME IMMEDIATELY. THIS WAS AT 9:30 AND BY 2 I HAD NOT HEARD BACK. I CALLED THE SALES PERSON WHO SOLD ME THE CAR AND HE SAID HE WOULD HAVE HIS MANAGER CALL ME IMMEDIATELY. I FINALLY HEARD BACK AT 3 AND WAS TOLD THAT I SHOULD DROP OFF MY CAR MONDAY MORNING AND THEY WOULD 'MAKE IT RIGHT.' I FELT THAT EVERYONE AT NORTHTOWN WAS DISMISSIVE AND NOT CONCERNED WITH A PRODUCT THEY INSTALLED THAT HAD SEVERELY MALFUNCTIONED AND INJURED ME.
Engine, Jan 31, 2018
ON ACCELERATION FROM IDLE OR SLOW SPEED, ENGINE LOOSES POWER AND DOES NOT RESPOND TO THROTTLE INPUTS. SEVERAL TIMES STALL HAPPENS DURING MERGING OR CROSSING TRAFFIC. SEEMS TO OCCUR ON LEFT TURNS.
Other or unspecified, Jan 26, 2018
OUR SUBARU FORESTER SHUTS DOWN AS WE DRIVE ON THE EXPRESSWAY. IT HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES NOW ON 10/24/2016, 3/28/2017, 5/31/2017, AND 12/31/2018. IT HAPPENS ONLY ON THE EXPRESSWAY DURING LONG ROAD TRIPS. THE GAS TANK IS USUALLY BELOW A QUARTER TANK, BUT THE CHECK GAUGE LIGHT IS NOT ON AND THE METER SAYS THERE'S 50-70 MILES LEFT. WE HAVE BEEN LUCKY TO BE ON 2-LANE EXPRESSWAYS AND TO BE ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER EVERY TIME SO FAR. SHORTLY AFTER THE ENGINE STOPS ACCELERATING, EVERY SINGLE WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP AND 50% OF THE TIME WE CANNOT GET THE CAR TO RESTART. OUR INFANT HAS BEEN TRAVELING WITH US IN THE BACKSEAT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED AND ON THE LAST OCCASION WE HAD TO BE RESCUED BY STATE TROOPERS AND TAKEN TO A SAFE AND WARM LOCATION BECAUSE IT WAS SINGLE DIGIT TEMPERATURES. WE HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR EVERY TIME AND THEY CANNOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. ONE TIME THEY SAID IT WAS A BAD BATTER CELL AND REPLACED THE BATTERY; ANOTHER TIME THEY THOUGHT IT WAS THE FUEL SENSORS AND REPLACED BOTH OF THOSE, YET WE ARE STILL EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM. WE BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT WITH OUR VEHICLE AND IT IS PUTTING US IN A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION. THE CAR HAS NOW BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE 1/9 WITHOUT RESOLUTION.
Engine, Jan 24, 2018
ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH. NO WARNING OR ENGINE SPUTTERING. PLENTY OF FUEL. FOGGY WEATHER AND 37DEGREES F. DASH LIGHTS STAYED ON SAME AS IF IT WAS IN THE ON POSITION. AFTER 1 1/2 HOURS VEHICLE RESTARTED AND HASN'T SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING SINCE. TOOK IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID BATTERY WAS WEAK AND REPLACED THAT. THEY SAID OTHER ENGINE CODES POINTED TO POWER SUPPLY. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A VEHICLE QUITTING WHILE DRIVING BECAUSE OF A WEAK BATTERY SO AM SUSPICIOUS ABOUT THIS AS A GOOD REPAIR. THIS IS POTENTIALLY A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM.
Wheels, Jan 11, 2018
FRONT WHEEL BEARING NEEDS REPLACED IN JUST TWO YEARS.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 5, 2018
WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS TO PASS ANOTHER AUTO, OCCASIONALLY THE AUTO SURGES FORWARD AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, NOT 5-10 MILES AN HOUR BUT MORE LIKE 25-30. TAKING YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS DOES NOTHING AS THE CAR CONTINUES TO GET FASTER AND FASTER. APPLYING THE BRAKE PRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN BARELY SLOWS THE CAR. WHEN YOU LET UP ON THE BRAKE IT SURGES FORWARD AGAIN AT THE HIGH RATE OF SPEED. I THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS THE 19 DEGREE WEATHER AS IT DID IT 3 TIMES ON THE WAY TO WORK ONE DAY THIS WEEK. LAST NIGHT IT WAS 41 DEGREES WHEN I DROVE HOME AND IT DID IT EVERY TIME. I ALMOST REAR ENDED SOMEONE AS I COULDN'T GET IT TO SLOW DOWN TO A NORMAL SPEED EVEN WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. HAPPENED ON A MAJOR FREEWAY AND ON RURAL COUNTY ROADS WHEN GOING STRAIGHT
Engine, Dec 30, 2017
ON TWO OCCASIONS: TRAVELING AT APPROX 65-70MPH THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLS AND WE HAVE BEEN FORCED TO STOP ON THE SHOULDER. THE STEERING WORKS, BUT THERE IS NO POWER GOING TO THE ENGINE WHICH EVENTUALLY STALLS. IT STARTS AFTER 2 ATTEMPTS AND THEN DRIVES NORMALLY. FIRST OCCASION, IT WAS RAINING AND THE 'EYESIGHT CAMERAS; WERE ON. AT FIRST WE THOUGHT THIS WAS THE ISSUE. THE SECOND OCCASION, IT WAS AGAIN RAINING AND I TURNED THE CAMERAS OFF (THINKING THAT MAY HAVE BEEN THE PROBLEM BEFORE) AND IT STALLED AGAIN. VERY DANGEROUS TO BE TRAVELING AT SUCH A HIGH RATE OF SPEED IN TRAFFIC TO HAVE ENGINE STALL.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 26, 2017, crash
WHILE PULLING IN TO PARK IN THE LOT AT A LOW SPEED- 5 MPH OR LESS- I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS TO APPLY THE BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND HIT THE SIDE OF THE BUILDING. THE (TIN) BUILDING WAS DENTED AND MY CAR WAS SCRATCHED ON THE BUMPER- BELOW THE GRILL AND ALSO THE SUBARU EMBLEM WAS CRACKED.