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, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 21, 2023, crash
Vehicle accelerated from a stop sign at high speed and brakes were pushed down all the way with no respond the steering wheels was stiff and the Vehicle continued at high speed on its own crashing curbs side walk vegetation along the way until final crash at a tree. not warning lamps messages and air bag did not deploy. Car engine remained on at time of crash until manually turned off. safety of driver & passenger and others near by were at very high risk. Head on collision with other vehicles and homes could have happened. Insurance adjuster inspected and determined it is a "Total Lose" but did not gave reason for incident. police report was done and suggested to follow up with dealership. Emailed about this incident to Subaru dealership. Unknown if any additional inspection was done.
Air bags, Jul 7, 2023
When passenger sitting in front right seat, airbag indicator says "airbag off" and warning light flashes "check airbag system". This is an intermittent problem occurring a few times over the past three months. Brought it into the Subaru dealer who recommended replacement of the seat cushion for $1425. I checked the Internet and found Subaru recall WUM-98 describing the same problem. I checked repair history and found that the dealer had performed the recall repairs in December 2020. I now suspect a faulty recall repair at that time since I now have the exact problem described in the recall notice even though there was no problem before they did repair. Subaru customer service refuses to cover the expense of a new repair.
Engine, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 6, 2023
The contact owned a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The engine revved and made an abnormally loud sound. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact engaged the hazard lights and veered to the side of the road. The vehicle then lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated; however, the dealer advised that the failure could be caused by condensation and moisture in the fuel lines. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle failed to start and was towed to a second dealer West Herr Subaru (3559 Southwestern Blvd, Orchard Park, NY 14127). The dealer informed the contact that they had test-driven the vehicle for 80 miles; however, the mechanic could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered the contact a coupon for the purchase of another vehicle; however, the contact declined and traded the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Engine, Jun 26, 2023
My 2015 Suburb Forester accelerates by itself.
Power train, Jun 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle accelerated at high speed and stability, the traction control, the check engine, and the cruise control warning light illuminated, and the vehicle would not accelerate. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no failure was found. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the transmission module was updated, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the throttle pedal assembly was replaced multiple times, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 73,600.
Air bags, Jun 6, 2023
Passenger seat airbag is disabled even when there is a passenger present. The passenger seat occupant sensor system appears to be faulty. Check airbag system warning light comes on even if the passenger seat is occupied. The problem is persistent.
Steering, May 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering malfunctioned, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure and no repair was performed. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear brake lights failed to illuminate while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the brake light switch under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V149000 (Exterior Lighting). The failure mileage was 19,000.
Wheels, May 28, 2023
At just under 54,000 miles, noticed a loud hum, thought it was a bad transmission, took it into the dealer (Walser Subaru of South St. Paul, MN) that concluded it was faulty rear wheel bearings on both sides, and told me it was a serious safety issue that should be fixed immediately. Had it fixed for $1,000 plus and problem seems to have been solved, but dealer reported that Subaru would take no responsibility for such a serious safety issue at such low mileage. My feelng is that Subaru should pay to fix such a defect for me and other victims.
Air bags, Engine, May 16, 2023
I have continually had the SRS airbag tell me that is not registering someone in the front seat as it turns off when someone is in the front seat. This has been reported to Subaru however they refuse to do anything about it as they say because I purchased it in 2014 it isn't covered under the recall due to the fact I have the same symptoms as the recall along with the heated seats. Also my original engine had 170k miles on it in July 2021 and blew a head gasket. I have purchased another used engine and this one only had 73k miles on it when it was put in and now at 117k miles on this engine I have another blown head gasket with less than 50k miles on the second engine. Something needs to be done as I am tired of replacing the same issue. I am a first time owner of a Subaru and a 1 owner I bought it brand new with 3 miles on the Subaru Forester.
Power train, May 15, 2023
Transmission faiure at 112,000 miles
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, Apr 17, 2023
Front passenger airbag system turned off. Doesn't recognize a passenger sitting in the seat therefore the seat belt reminder does not chime. There is a warning that does come onto the dash stating that the SRS system needed service. We have brought this vehicle to the dealership there was a tech code of B1650 occupant detection system fault.
Electrical system, Air bags, Lane departure, Apr 7, 2023
Unknown origin. Airbag issues started in September October 2022. 2015 Subaru Forester. Vehicle with Heated Seats similar to open recall. Warning notice display as to Airbag dysfunction. Airbag determined to not function by Dealer. But informed not within the specific airbag recall affecting other same era (2015) Foresters now under recall altho symptomatically the same issues as other Vehicles subject to recall. Quoted up to $2000 to fix the Vehicle. Subsequently, the driver side warning assistance sensors have stopped working on the Vehicle. Because the VIN # does not fit within the recall matching system, Subaru could not replace the airbag without payment. Even after offering some payment accommodation on the part, Subaru wanted $1000 or so to repair and could not give a final estimate in advance. This Vehicle has less than 40,000 miles on it.
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, Mar 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the vehicle made abnormal grinding sounds. Additionally, the vehicle was vibrating while turning the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a faulty bearing. The bearing was replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving approximately 70-75 MPH. The vehicle was then taken to Farrish Subaru (10407 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030) where it was diagnosed that all four bushings needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the four bushings. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,545.
Electrical system, Mar 9, 2023
power locks have failed in all 4 doors, must be manually unlocked from inside or key used in door. you can hear internal components trying to unlock latches but do not catch properly. especially dangerous with children in the backseat there is no quick way to unlock doors and get them out in an emergency
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 8, 2023
We were driving at 75 mph in the left lane when our car suddenly dropped in speed to 40 mph as though the transmission had dropped into neutral. There were no warning lights or any indication about what was happening. We were in heavy traffic, with trucks and car hitting their brakes. This could have caused a very serious accident. We managed to move our car to the right shoulder. The car's transmission re-engaged and we picked up our speed. This happened 3 times in the space of a few hundred miles while we were on a road trip. I called Subaru. They had no idea what it was. We went to the nearest Subaru dealer and they ran a diagnostic test, even including a 12 mile test drive with the computer hooked up. Nothing showed up. They told us to continue our trip. Then it happened 2 more times! The last time, again, in the left lane, on cruise. The engine rpm clocked up at 7500 rpm before I was able to get the car off the road. The engine died and we had to be towed to a shop. Again, no warning dash lights. This is a serious flaw and very dangerous.
Electrical system, Mar 3, 2023
The passenger side mirror started smoking and then the locks and interior lights no longer work.
Electrical system, Feb 22, 2023
The horn became intermittently functional and now is no longer working and it has been diagnosed as the roll connector. When the horn fails, it is very dangerous and it appears from Internet reports, it is quite prevalent in this model.
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.
Air bags, Feb 13, 2023
I have the airbag sensor heated passenger seat problem and for some reason, my vin is not listed in the recall for this problem. I have had this problem for over a year and thought it was from the clock spring, a costly repair I had just done. Clock spring repair fixed my horn not working problem but not my passenger airbag not working problem. Subaru dealer cost estimate is nearly $1500 for what should be covered in the recall. I am requesting Subaru fix this problem at no charge since it is a listed problem addressed in a recall for a 2015 Forester with heated seats. Thank You.
Tires, Feb 6, 2023
Purchased 4 tires for my AWD Subaru from Costco. The driver side rear tire kept losing air a few days after installing them. Pumped air in it a few times at home. Took the car back to Costco. They found a leak that they repaired. Brand new tires leaking was my problem with Michelin 225/55R18 Primacy tour A/S.
Electrical system, Wheels, Feb 1, 2023
First Issue: Wheel lug studs and nuts have failed on two separate occasions. Second Issue: The C/S brake, hill assist and traction control emergency lights went on and off and usually stayed on after the lights went on. The O2 Oxygen sensor was replaced. Then after this didn't fix the problem with the emergency lights coming on, the hydraulic unit module was replaced. This fixed the problem.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 23, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while at a carwash moving forward, the vehicle accelerated up to approximately 35 MPH and crashed into the rear of a Ford Explorer. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver sustained injuries to his chest due to striking the steering wheel. Medical attention was provided. The contact was able to drive away from the crash site. A police report was filed. There was no air bag deployment. The vehicle was taken to a Collision Center. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
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