2019 Subaru Forester
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Visibility/wiper is the leading concern among 833 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Forester model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 37 involved a crash and 11 involved a fire. 21 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, rearApr 15, 2021
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
Campaign 21V263000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)Dec 2, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
Campaign 19V856000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemFeb 6, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
Campaign 19V065000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
833 reports, newest first.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 24, 2019
DEFECTED WINDSHIELD, WINDSHIELD CRACKED. WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ATTACHED PHOTOS ARE THE SAME TODAY AS THE DAY IT HAPPEN.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 24, 2019
VERY SMALL ROCK HIT WINDSHIELD WHILE ON HIGHWAY, CAUSING TINY CHIP NEAR THE DRIVER'S A PILLAR. WITHIN 24 HOURS THE WINDOW HAD CRACKED ACROSS THE LENGTH OF THE WINDSHIELD, NECESSITATING REPLACEMENT. I HAVE A PHOTO. I BELIEVE THE RESULTING DESTRUCTION OF THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD DUE TO A VERY SMALL CHIP IS PREPOSTEROUS AND SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 24, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CRACKING SOUND COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND FELT SOME ROUGH SPOTS THAT WERE CRACKS ON THE GLASS. THE CONTACT CALLED KEARNY MESA SUBARU (4797 CONVOY ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111, (858) 278-7100) AND WAS INFORMED TO CALL HER INSURANCE COMPANY BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH A WINDOW REPAIR COMPANY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,731.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 24, 2019
NOTICED A HALF INCH CRACK ON FAR PASSENGER SIDE OF WINDSHIELD. NO IDEA HOW IT HAPPENED. NO MEMORY OF A STONE HITTING THE CAR. REPAIRED AT SAFELITE. TOLD LIKELY WILL NEED REPLACEMENT DUE TO LOCATION OF CRACK (CLOSE TO FRAME) TOLD TO MONITOR. SINCE THEN MULTIPLE CHIPS/NICKS TO WINDSHIELD. AGAIN, NO ROCKS/STONES. JUST TINY NICKS IN GLASS THAT ARE SOMETIMES VISIBLE AND SOMETIMES NOT. CONCERNED OVER LONGEVITY OVER WINDSHIELD. 11 YEAR OLD CAR WINDSHIELD IN BETTER SHAPE.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 23, 2019
WHILE DRIVING A SMALL STONE FLEW UP HIT THE WINDSHIELD & IT CRACKED NOT A CHIP A CRACK.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 23, 2019
THE WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CHIPPED WHEN DRIVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT (35MPH).
Visibility/wiper, Dec 23, 2019
OVER 8,200 MILES OF DRIVING MY 2019 FORESTER, MY WINDSHIELD HAS EXPERIENCED THREE STONE CHIPS, ONE REQUIRING THE COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF MY WINDSHIELD. ONE CHIP (AND ONE DAY LATER, A CRACKED WINDSHIELD) WAS WHILE SITTING STATIONARY ON A HIGHWAY; A SECOND WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON A LOCAL CITY ROAD; AND THE THIRD WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH ON A HIGHWAY. COMPARE THIS TO ONE STONE CHIP WHILE IN MOTION, ON MY 2009 FORESTER, COVERING OVER 80,000 MILES AND TEN YEARS OF DRIVING.
Electrical system, Dec 23, 2019
THE HOMELINK GARAGE DOOR OPENER DOES NOT FUNCTION WHEN THE IGNITION IS OFF. THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR A WOMAN, DRIVING INTO HER GARAGE, SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE, THEN GETTING OUT OF THE CAR TO WALK TO THE FRONT OF THE GARAGE WHERE THE WALL BUTTON IS LOCATED. THE DRIVER, KNOWING THAT THE OPENER IS INOPERATIVE WITHOUT THE IGNITION ON, CAN HIT THE HOMELINK BUTTON WHILE THE CAR IS STILL ON. HOWEVER, WHAT IF THE DRIVER IS DISTRACTED BEFORE SHUTTING THE CAR OFF BY SOME OTHER FACTOR, LIKE THE PHONE RINGING OR A FIRE TRUCK GOING BY? THE DRIVER NEGLECTS TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND GOES INTO THE HOUSE, WITH POSSIBLE DISASTROUS RESULTS. WITH EVERY OTHER CAR (AND OTHER SUBARU MODELS AS WELL) THE GARAGE DOOR OPENER IS ALWAYS POWERED, AND YOU PULL INTO THE GARAGE, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, THEN CLOSE THE GARAGE DOOR. THE FORESTER HAS IT ASS-BACKWARDS.
Electrical system, Dec 20, 2019
AUTOMATIC REAR LIFT GATE WILL NOT OPEN (WITH EITHER KEY FOB OR INSIDE AUTO RELEASE). BEEPS THREE TIMES AND STILL WILL NOT RELEASE. (THIS STARTED ON 12/15/19). ALSO, LOCKS APPEAR TO HAVE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT (I.E. SOMETIMES THEY WORK, SOMETIMES THEY WON'T). AT TIMES, TOUCHING THE DOOR HANDLE WILL NOT OPEN/LOCK THE DOORS AND UNLOCK MUST BE PRESSED ON FOB INSTEAD. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR PAST 5-6 MONTHS. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY FOR ALL ISSUES.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 20, 2019
WHILE DRIVING FOR THE PAST 8 MONTHS I HAVE HAD 2 CHIPS IN MY WINDSHIELD FROM SMALL UNKNOWN OBJECTS STRIKING THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. BOTH INCIDENTS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AND UNDER 45 MPH. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE ON THE OFF RAMP OF AN INTERSTATE CAUSING A SMALL CHIP. SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE ON A STATE ROUTE AND IN THE PASSING LANE. SMALL UNKNOWN OBJECT STRUCK WINDSHIELD CAUSING QUARTER INCH CHIP.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 19, 2019
MY WIFE AND I WERE RETURNING TO OUR PARKED VEHICLE AND AND THERE WAS AN APPROXIMATE 18 INCH CRACK APPEARING ON THE LOWER DRIVERS SIDE PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD. NO CRACK OR ANY SIGN OF DAMAGE WAS VISIBLE BEFORE THAT. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 18, 2019
WINDSHIELD WAS HIT BY A SMALL ROCK WHILE DRIVING. FROM A CHIP ON THE WINDSHIELD THE CRACK IS NOW ABOUT 1/3 -1/2 OF THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE WINDSHIELD, AS IT CONTINUES TO EXPAND. CRACK GREW ABOUT 2IN WHILE SITTING INSIDE MY GARGE OVERNIGHT. CRACK CONTINUES TO EXPAND WHILE CAR IS STATIONARY.
Other or unspecified, Dec 17, 2019
I PURCHASED MY 2019 FORESTER NEW. AFTER 3,500 MILES THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND NOTICED THE CRACK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND QUICKLY SPREADING ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, I DIDN'T HEAR ANYTHING ACTUALLY HIT THE WINDSHIELD. I HAD IT REPLACED WITH ANOTHER SUBARU MANUFACTURED WINDSHIELD JUST AFTER HAVING THE CAR FOR 3 MONTHS. LAST WEEK, A SMALL PEBBLE HIT THE WINDSHIELD WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE ENTRANCE RAMP TO I95. THE CRACK SPREAD QUICKLY ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD AND I NOW NEED TO REPLACE A SECOND WINDSHIELD, WHICH IS ONLY 4 MONTHS OLD. WHILE INSURANCE HAS PAID FOR MOST OF THE REPLACEMENT, MY DEDUCTIBLE WAS $500 FOR EACH WINDSHIELD. ANY SAVINGS REALIZED FOR PURCHASING A FUEL EFFICIENT VEHICLE HAS BEEN ERASED WITH THESE UNNECESSARY REPAIRS.
Seats, Dec 16, 2019
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SHAKES ON UNEVEN SURFACES, WHEREBY APPEARING UNSTABLE AND INAPPROPRIATELY SECURED TO FOUNDATION OF VEHICLE.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 16, 2019
STOPPED TO GET GAS AND WHILE WASHING WINDOW NOTICED A 12 INCH CRACK ON WINDSHIELD STARTING FROM REARVIEW MIRROR DOWN. UNSURE WHAT HAS CAUSED THIS CRACK AS WE HAVE ONLY OWNED OUR 2019 FORESTER FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 14, 2019
IN UNDER 8 WEEKS MY WINDSHIELD HAS HAD 3 CHIPS AND FINALLY IT HAS CRACKED TO THE POINT WHERE I HAVE TO HAVE IT REPLACED. AFTER THE 2ND CHIP I REALIZED THIS WAS NOT BAD LUCK BUT FAULTY PRODUCT. I CONTACTED MY DEALER & THE SUBARU FACTORY WITH NO HELP. THE FIRST 3 CHIPS HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE 4TH JUST WARMING UP THE CAR. I UNDERSTAND PEBBLES HIT YOUR WINDSHIELD WHEN DRIVING BUT THE 4TH TIME IT HAPPENED THE CAR WAS STATIONARY
Visibility/wiper, Dec 13, 2019
2019 FORESTER PURCHASED 4/19, WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY ON 12/13/19
Visibility/wiper, Dec 13, 2019
A SMALL PEBBLE HIT MY WINDSHIELD ON THE FREEWAY ON THE BOTTOM DRIVER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD, THIS NOT ONLY CAUSE A CHIP, BUT ALSO A CRACK OVER 12 INCHES LONG. I HAVE NEVER HAD A WINDSHIELD WITH SUCH A LARGE CRACK FROM SUCH A SMALL CHIP. I SUSPECT THE GLASS IS DEFECTIVE.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 11, 2019
WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHILE DRIVING. SMALL ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND LEFT A SMALL CRACK THAT SPREAD QUICKLY. REPLACED WINDSHIELD AT SAFELITE. NOW EYESIGHT SYSTEM TURNS OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 11, 2019
JUST AS OTHERS SAID, I WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL STREET WITHOUT ANY BIG RIG / TRUCK IN SIGHT AND ALL OF A SUDDEN WINDSHIELD GOT A SPOT CRACK, ABOUT PENNY SIZE. CAR IS 2019 SUBARU FORESTER LIMITED.
Other or unspecified, Dec 10, 2019
WEATHER DISPLAY WON'T SHOW CITY WHERE I LIVE ( PHILADELPHIA) BUT WILL ONLY SHOW PRINCETON / TRENTON NJ. NO MATTER WHERE I DRIVE( DELAWARE) FOR EXAMPLE IT STILL SHOWS PRINCETON/TRENTON WEATHER. TOOK BACK TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES. THEY WIPED OUT ALL SETTINGS ECT. MORE THEN ONCE. SAID IT WAS A SIRIUS XM PROBLEM. THEY
Visibility/wiper, Dec 10, 2019
RETURNED TO VEHICLE FROM GROCERY STORE,PARKED FAR AWAY FROM OTHER VEHICLES. TEMP WAS 60 + DEGREES OUTSIDE. RETURNED TO CAR 1 + HRS. LATER TEMP DROPPED TO 30 + DEGREES TO 35. WINDSHIELD HAD CRACKED FROM LEFT PLIER MID HEIGHT TO CENTER OF WINDSHIELD REAR VIEW MIRROR HEIGHT. NO OTHER EXPLANATION FOR THE CRACK.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 10, 2019
1. WHEN START THE VEHICLE COLD OR WARM, THE ENGINE IS LOUD AND HIGH RPM FOR 60 SECONDS. VEHICLE SHAKES 2. AFTER 60 SECONDS, THE RATTLE/KNOCKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE KICKS IN AND STAYS ON. THE NOISE OCCURS 90% OF THE NUMBER OF TIMES STARTING THE VEHICLE. 3. HUGE AMOUNT OF WHITE SMOKE FROM TAILPIPE WHEN STARTUP THE ENGINE. SMOKE GRADUALLY REDUCE 4. REAR TAIL GATE DOES NOT OPEN WHEN USING BUTTON ON REMOTE, BUTTON ON THE VEHICLE AND BUTTON RIGHT ON THE TAILGATE.
Electrical system, Air bags, Lane departure, Dec 9, 2019, crash, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE AUTOMATIC SAFETY FEATURES FAILED ON THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 50-55 MPH AND CHANGING LANES, THE LANE DEPARTURE WARNING FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED STERNUM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED TO THE GROUND. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 7, 2019
WELL, IT LOOKS LIKE I GOT THE SAME ISSUES AS MANY OTHERS WITH MY FORESTER: DRIVING ON A LOCAL ROAD, GOT SMALL ROCK HIT RIGHT CORNER OF MY WINDSHIELD. NOTHING HAPPENED THEN, NO CRACK, JUS TINY SPOT FROM THE ROCK. PARKED CAR OVERNIGHT INTO THE GARAGE AND DISCOVERED HUGE CRACK IN THE MORNING, ALL WAY FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE TO THE MIDDLE OF THE GLASS. I HAD MANY OTHER ROCKS, BIG AND NOT HIT ME BUT I DID NOT HAVE ANYTHING LIKE THAT. FOR 20 YEARS OF DRIVING MY WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED ONCE, JUST BECAUSE OF CHIP LOCATION (UNREPAIRED ZONE). THIS IS RIDICULOUS! SUBARU, TAKE AN ACTION ON THIS.