2021 Subaru Forester
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Visibility/wiper is the leading concern among 207 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 26 Forester model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 16 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 8 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
33 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 12, 2022
My windshield shattered when hit by a small rock that apparently came from across and bounced up and hit the windshield. Subaru does not replace windshields... so you have to get Insurance to cover. The wiring in a Subaru is attractive to rodents - what the wiring is made of depends on who you speak with - most common answer is Oat Based Covering. I have spent over $4000.00 to have the wring in the front and fuel area. This is a 2021 Subaru Forester with less than 12K miles. Subaru can not give a straight answer on material in the wiring and says I need to build a shed. There are 4 other vehicles at my location that are there 20 hours a day - I go to an office 5 days a week so my car is gone over 50 hours a week - still my fault!
Electrical system, Dec 14, 2021
The wiring system fails when the wiring - SOY BASED - is eaten by rats. SUBARU refuses to take responsibility for this. My car has less the 9500 miles and has had over $3500.00 work done to replace the wiring eaten by Rodents as this is considered "my fault?.
Electrical system, Dec 8, 2021
I have had the wiring in my 2021 Subaru Forrester having to be replaced 2 times - once in front of car, once in fuel parts - due to Rodents eating the wiring. I have been told by Subaru Customer Service staff that the wiring is Soy Based. Subaru has a Class Action Suite in Hawaii for this exact reason yet Subaru in Macon continues to insist this is MY problem not theirs. I have Rodent repellant devices in my car. I am very frustrated, upset with being misled and no concern for the customer being offered.
Electrical system, Dec 1, 2021
Several instances of parasitic drain of the battery resulting in vehicle not being able to be started without a jump. Nothing was left on in the vehicle. Each time it was parked with the alarm set for approx 3-4 hours. The battery was completely dead. This vehicle is only 8 months old and this has happened around 8-9 times. Dealer does nothing about it except to charge the battery. This is unacceptable.
Electrical system, Aug 15, 2021
The batteries drained overnight 3 times within 7 months after the purchase of the new vehicle. Battery was jumped each time by Subaru Roadside Assistant. The dealer checked the battery and it was fine. It is the electrical (CAN) problem that drained the battery.
Electrical system, Jul 25, 2021
I parked in the parking lot yesterday afternoon. But when I try to start my car this morning, the battery dead！I just bought this new Subaru three months with 5000 miles. Very disappointed.
Electrical system, Apr 6, 2021
ON MARCH 2, 2021 I NEEDED TO GET TO AN APPOINTMENT AND MY CAR WOULDN'T START, NOR WOULD MY FOB WORK TO EVEN OPEN THE DOORS. AFTER CALLING FOR ASSISTANCE THEY JUMPED THE BATTERY. THEN I BROUGHT IT TO SUBARU WHERE THEY DID A COMPLETE DIAGNOSTICS TEST AND FOUND THAT THE BATTERY WAS DEFECTIVE. I HAD BOUGHT THE CAR NOV. 25, 2020, ONLY THREE MONTHS BEFORE! THEY REPLACED IT WITH THE SAME KIND OF BATTERY. I WAS DISMAYED TO FIND THAT I HAD BEEN SOLD A NEW CAR WITH A DEFECTIVE BATTERY.
Electrical system, Feb 7, 2021
THE CAR IS TWO MONTHS OLD AND THE BATTERY DIED (NOTHING WAS LEFT ON)!