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, Jul 13, 2019
ON THE 10TH OF JULY WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, I WATCHED A CRACK COME DOWN FROM ABOUT 4 INCHES FROM THE TOP OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD, TO DOWN JUST BELOW THE REAR VIEW MIRROR HEIGHT AND THEN CONTINUE ALL THE WAY OVER TO MY SIDE (DRIVERS SIDE). A SOUND OF SOMETHING HITTING THE WINDSHIELD WAS NEVER HEARD! ONLY WHEN I EXAMINED THE WINDSHIELD FROM OUTSIDE COULD YOU SEE A VERY MINUTE CHIP WHICH SHOULD HAVE NEVER CAUSED THIS DAMAGE! THIS WINDSHIELD GLASS IS SO THIN THAT I'M AFRAID IF SOMETHING BIGGER HITS IT, IT WILL COME THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD! THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS! A VERY EXPENSIVE OEM WINDSHIELD (AND CALIBRATION) IS REQUIRED AS A REPLACEMENT DUE TO THE EYESIGHT CAMERAS. WHY AN AFTER MARKET WINDSHIELD AN CALIBRATION CAN'T BE USED I DON'T KNOW? SOMETHING UP?
Visibility/wiper, Jul 9, 2019
WINDSHIELD CRACKS AND DAMAGES EASILY. A SMALL ROCK HIT MY WINDSHIELD AT A VERY LOW SPEED BUT SOMEHOW HAS DAMAGED AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD OUT OF MY OWN POCKET.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 9, 2019
WHEN I START MY CAR VIA SUBARU STARLINK THE FOLLOWING TECHNICAL ISSUES OCCUR VOICE OVER BLUETOOTH GETS DISTORTED, APPLE CARPLAY DOES NOT CONNECT OR AFFECTS RADIO FIRST WAS NOTICED JAN 23, 2019. ALSO, POWER REAR GATE DOOR WOULD FAIL AND WOULD NOT OPEN WITH REAR GATE BUTTON, DASH BUTTON OR VIA KEY FOB AS THIS ON AND OFF PROBLEM ALSO NOTICED AFTER CAR IS STARTED VIA REMOTE APP STARLINK. POWER GATE PROBLEM REPORTED FIRST ON JAN 23, 2019 AND CONTINUES THROUGH THE PRESENT DATE. EYESIGHT FAILED ON JUL 06, 2019 WHEN CAR WAS STARTED VIA STARLINK, JUL 07, 2019 EYESIGHT BACK ON AND FAILED AGAIN ON JUL 08, 2019 WHEN CAR WAS MANUALLY STARTED FROM PARKING POSITION. WHEN EYESIGHT FAILS IT EFFECT VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL WHICH ANALYZES STEERING ANGLE, ENGINE SPEED AND BRAKING CONDITIONS. ALSO, CRUISE CONTROL FAILS TO WORK ANS WELL SUBARU REVERSE AUTOMATIC BREAKING. TOTAL MILES ON THE CAR 7321 AS OF JUL 08, 2019.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 2, 2019
AS OTHERS HAVE REPORTED, THE WINDSHIELD QUALITY IS SUSPECT. CAR WAS ONLY A MONTH OLD WITH LESS THAN 700 MILES WHEN A LARGE HORIZONTAL CRACK APPEARED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. NO VISIBLE SIGNS OR EVIDENCE OF IMPACT FROM A FOREIGN SOURCE. HAVE NEVER HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN IN PREVIOUS CARS IN OVER 20 YEARS OF DRIVING. WHAT MAKES MATTERS WORSE IS THAT AN EXPENSIVE OEM WINDSHIELD (AND CALIBRATION) IS REQUIRED AS A REPLACEMENT DUE TO THE EYESIGHT CAMERAS.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 29, 2019
WINDSHIELD QUALITY - 2019 SUBARU FORESTER SPORT WINDSHIELD CHIP VERY EASY. CAR PARKED ON DRIVEWAY AND IT WAS HAILING FOR 2 MINUTES; COUPLE TINY CHIPPED/PITTED WERE FOUND ON WINDSHIELD; NO CRACK. THIS ONLY HAPPEN TO THE SUBARU, BUT NOT THE OTHER VEHICLES I OWNED (VOLVO AND HONDA). SUBARU WINDSHIELD CHIP/PITTED EASILY ON VEHICLE WITH EYE SIGHT EQUIPPED. THE WINDSHIELD SEEMS THINNER COMPARE TO OLDER MODEL AND OTHER VEHICLE BRANDS. THIS ISSUE ALSO APPLIED ON HIGHWAY DRIVING AS ANY TINY OBJECT WILL CAUSE CHIPPED ON WINDSHIELD EASILY WHERE THIS DOES NOT APPLIED ON OTHER VEHICLES. REPLACEMENT IS EXPENSIVE AS WINDSHIELD HAS TO BE SUBARU CERTIFIED OTHERWISE EYE SIGHT WILL NOT WORK. FURTHERMORE, EYE SIGHT CALIBRATION IS AN ADDITIONAL COST ON TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT AND IT IS NOT COVER BY DEALERSHIP WINDSHIELD WARRANTY PACKAGE.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 29, 2019
WHILE DRIVING ON EMPTY HIGHWAY AT APPX 55MPH, WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED. CRACK EXTENDS FROM THE EDGE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE ABOUT 15 INCHES. NO ROCK OR OTHER FOREIGN OBJECT HIT THE WINDSHIELD. CAR IS 5 WEEKS OLD WITH 1,070 MILES.
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2019
HOMELINK, THE IN CAR OPERATION FOR GARAGE DOOR OPENERS CHANGED CREATING WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE A HAZARD. THE CURRENT VERSION ONLY OPERATES WITH THE IGNITION ON WHILE PREVIOUS MODELS DID NOT HAVE THIS REQUIREMENT. I CONTACTED SUBARU AND THEIR REPLY WAS "WORKING AS INTENDED". MY POINT IS THIS, HOW MANY PEOPLE MIGHT NOW START THEIR CAR IN AN ENCLOSED SPACE (CLOSED GARAGE) BECAUSE THE HOMELINK WON'T OPEN THE DOOR UNTIL IGNITION IS ON? I RECOGNIZE THAT YOU CAN TURN IGNITION ON WITHOUT STARTING THE VEHICLE, BUT HOW MANY PEOPLE MIGHT NOT UNDERSTAND OR TAKE THE EXTRA STEP TO DO THAT?
Steering, Jun 29, 2019
STEERING FLOATS AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH. IT IS EXTREMELY SENSITIVE AND TWITCHY REQUIRING CONSTANT DRIVER CORRECTION. DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN A CONSISTENT PATH IN TRAFFIC LANES DUE TO CONSTANT CORRECTION.
Steering, Jun 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ANGLED TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LITHIA RENO SUBARU (LOCATED AT 2270 KIETZKE LN, RENO, NV 89502, (775) 800-5534) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE WAS DETECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 21, 2019
REAR SIDE WINDOW ON THE LEFT (DRIVER'S) SIDE BURST WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. SHATTERED INTO LARGE AND SMALL PIECES.
Structure, Jun 21, 2019
HAVE TAKEN MY BRAND NEW 2019 SUBARU FORESTER SPORT TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP A TOTAL OF 5 TIMES IN 2 MONTHS REGARDING THE REAR HATCH NOT OPENING. THEY STATE TO RESET IT I NEED TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND LET IT DISCHARGE, THEN CONNECT THE TERMINALS. THIS IS A HEADACHE AND A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE TO HAVE TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE LOADS OF ITEMS YOU NEED TO LOAD INTO THE VEHICLE. THIS IS DEFINITELY DEFECTIVE AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BY SUBARU TO FIX. DOESN'T MATTER IF THE VEHICLE IS ON A FLAT SURFACE OR IF IT IS AT AN INCLINE. THE REAR HATCH WILL GET STUCK AND CAN'T OPEN IT.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 20, 2019
I WAS DRIVING ON THE LOCAL HIGHWAY IN GREENSBORO SUNDAY JUNE 16TH, WHEN A SMALL PEBBLE FLEW UP FROM THE ROAD HITTING THE WINDSHIELD AND CAUSING A LARGE CRACK RUNNING ACROSS THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS OCCURRED IN MY BRAND NEW VEHICLE THAT WE HAD ONLY HAD FOR THREE WEEKS AT THE TIME. OUR OTHER FORESTER WE HAVE HAD FOR MANY YEARS, ENCOUNTERING SIMILAR SITUATIONS WITH NO DAMAGE TO THE WINDSHIELD. I CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA TO MAKE THEM AWARE OF THIS OCCURRENCE AS IT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED WITH MINIMAL IMPACT FROM A VERY SMALL OBJECT.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 16, 2019
STEERING IS VERY SENSITIVE ON HIGHWAY SPEED -- ABOVE 50MPH. CAR IS RESPONDING TOO MUCH AND UNPREDICTABLE ON ANY SMALL MOVEMENT OF STEERING WHEEL.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 15, 2019
600 MILES ON NEW CAR. I WAS DRIVING ON LOCAL STREET LESS THAN 45MPH AND A SMALL PEBBLE KICKED UP AND CHIPPED MY WINDSHIELD. THIS SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED SO EASILY BECAUSE I'VE HAD CARS FOR YEARS AND NEVER EXPERIENCED A WINDSHIELD CHIP SO EASILY. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF NEW FORESTER WINDSHIELD COMPLAINTS.
Electrical system, Jun 11, 2019
I TOOK DELIVERY OF A 2019 SUBURU FORRESTER ON FRIDAY JUNE 7, 2019. LESS THAN 3 DAYS LATER THE ENTIRE STARLINK COMMAND HEAD UNIT FAILED LEAVING THE BACKUP CAMERA, RADIO, AUDIO, CELL PHONE AND NAVIGATION SYSTEMS INOPERABLE. THE DEALER COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. A NEW UNIT MUST BE ORDERED.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 9, 2019
ON 5/12/2019, A 6-INCH CRACK APPEARED IN THE WINDSHIELD AFTER THE CAR SAT IN A DRIVEWAY FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE HOURS. IT WAS IN A RURAL AREA WITH NO TREES OVERHEAD. THERE WAS NO SIGN OF A CHIP OR DENT PRECIPITATING THE CRACK, NOR DO I (THE DRIVER) RECALL HEARING ANYTHING HIT THE WINDSHIELD RECENTLY.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 9, 2019
WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. CRACK BEGAN AT THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD UNDERNEATH THE PLASTIC COVER AND FORMED A LARCH "S" SHAPED CRACK. CRACKS INTERFERE WITH THE EYESIGHT SAFETY SYSTEM AND VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING. CAR WAS ONLY 3 WEEKS OLD WITH 1600 MILES.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 7, 2019
OVER THE COURSE OF ABOUT THREE WEEKS, TWO DIFFERENT WINDSHIELDS HAVE BEEN DESTROYED BY VERY SMALL ROCK CHIPS THAT VERY RAPIDLY TURNED INTO LARGE CRACKS. THE FIRST OCCURRED ON THE FREEWAY, IN TRAFFIC, AT A RELATIVELY SLOW SPEED (APPROX 35MPH). I HEARD A SLIGHT TICK AND NOTICED A VERY SMALL CHIP ON THE WINDSHIELD (ABOUT THE SIZE OF A BUG). I MADE A NOTE THAT I WOULD NEED TO ARRANGE A REPAIR AND CONTINUED TO MY DESTINATION. AFTER BEING PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR, I RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED I HAD AN 18 INCH CRACK IN MY WINDSHIELD, DIRECTLY IN MY LINE OF SIGHT. I MADE ARRANGEMENTS FOR A REPLACEMENT WHICH WAS DELAYED, I WAS TOLD, BECAUSE THERE WAS A BACKLOG OF FORESTERS AWAITING WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT. ABOUT A WEEK AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, AGAIN WHILE ON THE FREEWAY, I RECEIVED ANOTHER CHIP, WHICH TURNED INTO A 2 FOOT CRACK WITHIN ABOUT 2 MINUTES. THESE WINDSHIELDS ARE EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE DUE TO SUBARU'S "EYESIGHT" SAFETY SYSTEMS. THESE INCIDENTS HAVE EXPONENTIALLY INCREASED THE COST OF OWNERSHIP ON A VEHICLE THAT I PURCHASED SPECIFICALLY FOR ITS PERCEIVED LOW RUNNING COSTS. IN MY 25 YEARS OF DRIVING I HAVE HAD TO REPAIR A FEW ROCK CHIPS BUT I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE A WINDSHIELD. NOW I WILL HAVE REPLACED TWO ON A VEHICLE LESS THAN 4 MONTHS OLD. I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT SUBARU HAS USED EXTREMELY LOW GRADE OR DEFECTIVE GLASS THAT EASILY CRACKS, CREATING A VISIBILITY SAFETY HAZARD AND UNDUE EXPENSE FOR FORESTER OWNERS.
Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2019
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY NOWHERE NEAR ANOTHER CAR, WHEN MY WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED. IT'S A HORIZONTAL CRACK ACROSS ALMOST HALF OF MY WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, ABOUT 19 INCHES LONG AND 14 INCHES FROM THE BOTTOM. I WAS OUT IN THE OPEN, NO TREES, NO OVERPASS, NO OTHER CARS NEARBY.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 4, 2019
A CRACK HAS DEVELOPED IN WINDSHIELD. IT APPEARS TO HAVE BEGUN BELOW THE WIPER BLADE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. AND IS TRAVELING HORIZONTALLY ACROSS TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD, IN THE SIGHT LINE OF THE DRIVER.. THE CRACK IS APPROXIMATELY 36" LONG AND GROWING. YES, I KNOW WINDSHIELDS CAN READILY CRACK IF HIT BY AN OBJECT. BUT THIS APPEARS TO BE A DIFFERENT ISSUE BECAUSE: 1) THE VEHICLE IS NEW, ABOUT 2 MONTHS OLD WITH APPROXIMATELY 4500 MILES. 2) I KNOW OF NO SOLID OBJECTS HITTING THE WINDSHIELD 3) THE CRACK APPEARS TO HAVE BEGUN IN AN AREA PROTECTED BY THE HOOD LINE. IT WOULD BE HIGHLY UNLIKELY A STONE OR OTHER OBJECT ON THE ROAD COULD BE THROWN UP AND STRIKE THE WINDSHIELD BELOW THE WIPER BLADES. 4) WE FIRST NOTICED THE CRACK AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN STATIONARY, PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY, FOR 3 DAYS. 5) WE HAVING THE FIRST HOT DAYS OF THE YEAR (90+ DEGREES F). 6) AND YES, THE INTERNET HAS A NUMBER OF VERY SIMILAR STORIES INVOLVING 2019 SUBARU FORESTERS ENDURING CRACKING WINDSHIELDS WHEN STATIONARY.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 4, 2019
WINDSHIELD SHATTERED WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF PURCHASE DURING A DRIVE ON A COUNTY MAINTAINED DIRT ROAD GOING 30MPH. RECEIVED FIRST CHIP AFTER 3 DAYS OF USE ON AN INTERSTATE GOING 65MPH. AFTER LOOKING INTO COST FOR REPAIRS DISCOVERED THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH RECENT SUBARU VEHICLES INCLUDING A LAW SUIT IN CANADA AGAINST THE OUTBACK MODEL VEHICLES FOR SHATTERING GLASS. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE A WINDSHIELD ON A VEHICLE BEFORE AND NOW MUST DO SO WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF PURCHASING A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, IF THE WINDSHIELDS ARE THIS THIN IT WILL NOT TAKE MUCH FORCE TO HAVE OBJECTS COME FLYING THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD.
Seat belts, Structure, Jun 1, 2019
STRANGE RATTLING NOISE AT THE REAR PASSENGER SEATBELT COMPARTMENT AND REAR PASSENGER SEAT. NOISE IS ONLY HEARD WHILE DRIVING OVER ROUGH PAVEMENT OR SURFACES. NOT NORMAL FOR A 2-MONTH OLD VEHICLE.
Electrical system, May 31, 2019
THE REAR, AUTOMATIC TAILGATE PERIODICALLY FAILS TO OPERATE AND EFFECTIVELY LOCKS ONE OUT OF THAT AREA. THERE IS NO KNOWN BY-PASS OR WORKAROUND AND BASED ON SUBARU USER SITE, APPEARS TO BE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. IT ALSO SEEMS THAT SUBARU ITSELF DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE ISSUE AND HAS MANY EXPLANATIONS BUT NO SOLUTION OR WORKAROUND. IT REPRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE SHOULD A PET BE IN THE BACK OR PERHAPS A PERSON AFTER A CRASH. WHEN IT FAILS, THE ELECTRONIC KEY, DASHBOARD BUTTON AND BUTTON ON THE GATE ALL FAIL TO OPERATE AND ONE IS EFFECTIVELY LOCKED OUT FROM THAT PART OF THE CAR. THE "WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN" QUESTION NEEDS TO HAVE MULTIPLE ANSWER OPTIONS. MY WIFE AND I BOTH OWN A 2019 SUBARU FORESTER TOURING AND WE BOTH ARE HAVING ISSUES. INCIDENTS RIGHT AFTER PURCHASE AT THE END OF APRIL 2019 AND THROUGH 5/31/2019 PER CAR.
Visibility/wiper, May 31, 2019
VEHICLE STATIONARY, TURNED WINDSHIELD HEATER ON AND THE WINDSHIELD CRACK COMING BELOW WIPER AREA AND TRAVELED TO MIDDLE AREA.
Seats, May 21, 2019
THE SEATBELT IN THE BACKSEAT GETS TANGLED AND LOCKS IN AN UPPER POSITION MAKING THE SEATBELT INOPERABLE.I HAVE HAD THE CAR SEVEN MONTHS AND IT HAS HAPPENED 10 TIMES. I TAKE IT TO THE DEALER , THEY PULL THE STUCK BELT OUT FROM UNDER THE METAL ROLLER,BUT IT HAPPENS AGAIN AND AGAIN.*DT*JB