2022 Subaru Forester
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Visibility/wiper is the leading concern among 98 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 26 Forester model years with reports.
Of the 2022 reports, 8 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmission, park/neutral start interlock switchNov 9, 2023
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Campaign 23V755000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
98 reports, newest first.
Forward collision avoidance, Feb 27, 2025
While using adaptive cruise control, the vehicle will employ emergency braking even though a vehicle/obstruction is not in front of the vehicle, it is usually diagonal while passing. It, also has been giving a forward collision warning when there is nothing in front of me. Since these events, eyesight has been turning on and off numerous times while vehicle is in operation.
Wheels, Feb 20, 2025
Premature wear on Bridgestone Ecopia Tires. We have had several instances in our company with these tires wearing prematurely, some as low as 12k miles but usually somewhere in the 20's & 30's thousand-wise, these tires exhibit numerous cracks especially on the inner side that is difficult to see unless you pull the tires off. A lot of WEB chatter indicates that they are especially vulnerable in cold weather states. We've informed Subaru several times but are often hushed since they fear a major Recall.
Forward collision avoidance, Jan 1, 2025
I was driving with adapative cruise on a highway around 65 mph. I can only assume it did a sudden and rapid slow down on its own due fairly defined shadows on the road from tall rocks/cliffs on the side of the road. Luckily I was the only one on the road at the time. It was a clear sunny day. This to me is pretty unsafe if there had been other cars. I have made a service appointment about the issue as well a head unit that is very glitchy
Other or unspecified, Sep 6, 2024
After two years, we had a rock hit our windshield and crack it. The car is not safe to drive and it is our only vehicle. We have learned that Subaru has used subpar glass on their windshields and they just had a class action lawsuit regarding that. Today, we were told that they have a National Backorder situation with our windshield OEM parts. Subaru is INSISTING that we only replace our windshield with OEM parts with a re-cllibration to follow for eyesight, etc. Our Insurance company has approved OEM parts, the calibration and the Repair company was ready to go today. After calling around all day with the help of multiple Subaru Dealerships, we found that we cannot get these parts for a long time (no actual date provided) and that many customers have been waiting for over a year (the vehicle is two years old). Subaru's corporate customer "advocacy" area would not assist us and treated us horribly. Subaru is threatening to not honor our warranties if we use OEM equivalent parts. There are laws against practices like this including The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. We need to get our car fixed immediately as we have no other mode of transportation right now. There is no reason for this situation as safety should be the number one priority! It seems that the entire Country is affected by this and Subaru just continues to not resolve the situation. In addition, a couple of Subaru employees mentioned that Subaru has totally stopped glass production for these vehicles. If that is the actual case, they have to announce a massive recall and provide new vehicles or settlement funds to the many who are affected by this situation. Nobody should be told to drive on the road with cracks or chips in their windshield. Nobody should be told that they are on their own. Nobody should be put in impossible situations like these ones. Shame on Subaru - hold them responsible and accountable!!!
Other or unspecified, Aug 15, 2024
Check Engine, Eyesight Off, [S] flashing, Check Owners Manual came on meanwhile driving at normal speeds, 55mph, last dealership check and oil change was June 20, 2024. Finding same error has occurred to other Subaru Forester drivers: NHTSA ID # 11490232 NHTSA ID # 12479843 NHTSA ID # 11511658 NHTSA ID # 11490977 NHTSA ID # 11479843 NHTSA ID # 11499756 NHTSA ID # 11480952 NHTSA ID # 11491752 NHTSA ID # 11474804 found on [XXX] . Will take car to Advanced Autoparts in the morning to get a code read. Previously found to be an issue with Thermo Control Valve. I am two hours away from a Subaru dealership. HELP!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Visibility/wiper, Aug 6, 2024
Windshield formed a crack for no apparent reason. The crack increased to about 10 inches in the course of 2 days.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 19, 2024
The car has stalled and/ or hesitated on multiple occasions especially in lower gear like 0-20mph. These incidents are frightening and could pose a safety hazard.
Electrical system, Jun 4, 2024
At 7:30 am on 21May2024 I came out to find the car was dead, no electrical power at all, it would not start. I called Subaru customer service and arranged to have the battery jumped. When the tow driver tried to start the car, my car drained his battery in about 30 seconds. Because of the way my car was parked, the flatbed tow truck could not reach the car & I had to arrange for another truck to come pick up the car. That happened Thursday 23May2024 because my Subaru dealer did not have a loaner car available til then. That tow driver was able to start the car and said it was ok to drive it to the dealer if I didn't turn it off. So I started out and 1/2 mile from my house the battery died again & I had to arrange for another tow. Once I got the car to the dealer and they had a chance to check it out, I got a call about what was wrong. They said the battery was dead and a diagnostic test had confirmed that there was nothing in the car draining the battery, it was just dead and would need to be replaced. When I went to pick up the car and asked for a more detailed explanation of why a 2-year-old car's battery would suddenly just die, I was told that the battery didn't have enough amps for the needs of the car and they put in a battery with more amps (See attached service record). They also mentioned that Subaru was aware of this battery problem and there had been a class action settlement, but that my 2022 Forester was not covered by this settlement. I don't know if the old battery is available for inspection but this incident put me and others at risk when the car died in the middle of the road. My hazard flashers didn't work so there was no safe way to alert oncoming drivers of the hazard in the road. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem before I found the dead battery Tuesday morning, or when it died on the road Thursday morning.
Air bags, Apr 14, 2024
I have a 2022 Subaru Forrester Touring vehicle purchased new. The front passenger seat airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) consisting of the front, knee, curtain and side airbags is not enabled (Indicator light) while my wife is sitting in it. My wife weighs 88 lbs. which should be enough to enable the SRS. I have brought the issue to 2 different Subaru dealerships several times and Subaru of Americas on 2 different occasions also contacting Subaru Japan Corporate. Larger individuals cause the SRS to be enabled (Indicator Light). The driver side SRS is continuously on. From the dealerships I have received the following responses: •The car is new and may work once seat is broken in •It is a federal crime to change the SRS •My wife did not weigh enough •Weight requirement was either 100 lbs or 34 kilos, not sure •Weight minimums not stated anywhere but best guesses •Tested limit is 100 lbs., not specification just test limit I contacted Subaru of America and asked them the weight limit but they could not provide one and was told they would make contact with Japan Corporate office and inquire there. I was told Corporate could not provide an answer and could only state that the SRS was tested at 100 lbs. It was not a limit but only a test specification. While in the passenger seat the SRS is off and my wife stands a higher than average chance of major injuries occurring without the front, knee, curtain and side airbags deploying during an accident. I consider this a major safety issue and causes her un-needed stress every time we are traveling. We have a 2004, 2nd vehicle and the passenger airbag system is on continuously. I do not understand why a 2022 vehicle can’t offer the same protection. I believe this safety issue requires immediate attention.
Exterior lighting, Jan 30, 2024
When driving my 22 Subaru Forester at night, I’ve noticed the headlight projection has rectangular dark spots which causes a huge distraction and a blind spot that moves when steering. I’ve noticed that I’m not the only person that has encountered this issue. I’m bringing it into the dealership to bring this to their attention and to see what they can do about this. I really hope Subaru fixes this problem, as it is/can be very dangerous due to the blind spot and distraction.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 18, 2024, fire
The vehicle was started with the remote start to warm up. It was about -15F. It ran for 10 minutes and then shut off as it is supposed to. The driver got in the car, started the car, all the gauges went crazy and all the dash lights lit up. The driver heard a popping sound and then there was smoke under the hood. The vehicle became engulfed in flames. The vehicle was a total loss as was the car sitting next due to the heat from the fire. The house that the vehicle was parked near sustained minor damage (bubbling paint on porch). Two fire departments responded to the call. Prior to the incident, the vehicle had been running normally and no recent work had been done on the vehicle. The fire chief/inspector and the insurance company were both unable to determine the source, as all that was left was a burnt out frame. The dealership was called in inquire about any warranty coverage, but stated unless it could be proved to be a defect, then they were not liable. The vehicle was towed by the insurance carrier and currently sits on their lot.
Air bags, Wheels, Jan 13, 2024
Driving on the road a tire randomly blew out and upon that happening every airbag in the car went off despite there being no collision.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 29, 2023
I was pulling into a parking space at my apartment complex. I had my foot on the BRAKE, and the vehicle slowed as I approached the space. As I turned into the space with my foot light on the brake, the engine suddenly revved and the Forester surged forward. AT NO POINT DID I TOUCH THE ACCELERATOR. I have a size 7 (women’s) shoe, and the floor mat was flat and secured as always. The vehicle surged forward and drove over the curb and onto the sidewalk. No warning lights came on, no warning alarms sounded. It only stopped when I slammed the brake to the floor. I then reversed off the sidewalk and put the car in park and turned it off. This is the first time this has happened.
Seat belts, Oct 18, 2023
Seatbelt locked with a passenger in the seat. Fire department was called and was forced to cut the locked and failed seatbelt.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 18, 2023
While driving the drivers side rear window imploded sending thousands of shards of glass into the vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Oct 13, 2023
I believe the glass used for the front windshield in my 2022 Subaru Forester is structurally defective. I have experienced 3 chips in different areas of the windshield while driving at different times over the past 2 months. The most recent was October 11,2023. There were no loud impact sounds or obvious rocks strikes that impacted my windshield for each occurrence. I did hear a very faint noise when the latest chip appeared. It is my concern that if an object were to hit the type of glass used for this windshield while on the freeway it could shatter and cause harm to me and impair by ability to operate my Forester. I have read online of many problems with Subaru windshield glass occurring over many years and models. I believe this problem needs to be corrected most likely by changing the type of glass used. I reported this to a Subaru dealer. There were no warnings or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 1, 2023
On 22 and 25 August my vehicle came to an abrupt stop with a Pre Collision Braking Displayed in a rectangular box in the center of my dash. The hard breaking and warning display happened for only 1-2 seconds. There were no driver or passenger physical injuries other than being startled and upset with the vehicle coming to such an abrupt stop with no other vehicles, debris, or obstructions on the roadway. After both incidents, I drove straight to the nearby Subaru dealership to have this problem diagnosed and repaired . Both times the vehicle checked out fine. I told the service manager that the vehicle is unsafe and puts me at risk especially for a rear end collision or a possible whiplash injury for me and any passengers. Two Pre Collision Braking events in one week is not acceptable. They agreed to contact their company’s engineers for further action.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 30, 2023
Overnight, my windshield cracked from the inside. The car was safely in the garage and is only driven by me. The crack was in a "J" or "L" formation on the driver's side, approximately 2.5 - 3", stemming from the dashboard. Nothing had hit or injured the windshield. Over the last few months, the crack has slowly expanded to a larger "L" formation. I've filed a claim with insurance but believe the crack is due to a faulty Subaru windshield.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 25, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2022 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH the accelerator pedal remained depressed which caused her to crash into a stone wall. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The driver sustained injuries to her back, legs, and a tooth. Medical attention was needed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 24, 2023
While driving home from vacation(07/23/2023), we were on the freeway. My 3 young children were in the back seat. We were going about 75-80MPH, as the speed limit was 70MPH on the highway. My cruise control was NOT on , and there were no cars in front of us. However the collision breaking went off and it put the breaks down HARD. My kids all went flying forward causing the seatbelts to lock along with me and my husband being thrown forward (we were also wearing seatbelts). As scary as that is, the worst part was there was a very large truck behind us who almost slammed into the back of us. Thankfully he swerved and went into the grass to avoid hitting us. However it continued to break until we were down to about 40MPH. The whole time the car was alarming and flashing the warning of collision breaking on the dash. There had been no warnings or any issues prior to the braking system going off. There hadn't previously been any hard stops, no crazy bumps or potholes in the road that had been hit. There was no indication of there being any issues before it randomly started breaking for me. I have called Subaru about the problem, and plan to bring it in to be inspected this week. Otherwise, my car is 100% up to date on all inspections and all vehicle maintenance.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 22, 2023
Windshield has random cracks and scratches everywhere and I only have 18000 miles.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 26, 2023
While driving on interstate 75 north in Florida, the forward collision warning came on indicating something in the road. The system brought the vehicle to a dead stop on the highway and there was nothing in the road. This happened 4 times! We figured out how to disable eyesight and the forward collision system. The weather was clear and sunny. We drove in and out of shaded road. We were able to disable the eyesight and front end collision system and continue our trip.
Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2023, crash, fire
My wife was driving our 2022 Subaru forester and I was following her in a second vehicle on the way to the airport for our honeymoon. The road we were on had a steep incline and then smoothed out to a plateau. At approximately 4:30am, 100 yrds from the top of the hill, a deer ran out in front of the Subaru. We both travelling at around 50mph. Before striking the deer my wife was able to slam on the brakes and attempt to swerve, but she still struck the deer with the front left portion of the Subaru. She immediately pulled off to the side of the road and I pulled in behind her. I ran to her car and saw that airbags had deployed and there was fire leaking out of the car in the center of the engine compartment. I helped my wife out of the car and back into my car and we reversed 100 feet back down the road. By the time I stopped reversing the entire engine block had erupted into flames. I determined it was not safe enough to approach the vehicle to recover our luggage or any belongings and called 911. Within 10 minutes the entire car was completely in flames. There were 5 separate explosions. This occurred in a rural area and it took fire and safety approximately 25 minutes to arrive on scene. It took them around 40 minutes to put out the fire completely and haul the car away. The deer that was struck was not killed by the impact and was not on the scene. The damage to the car when I first arrived, thirty second or so after my wife struck the deer, appeared to be mostly on the left side of the car and cosmetic in nature. The speed at which the car caught fire and was engulfed in flames was between five and ten minutes.
Service brakes, May 23, 2023, crash
I was trying to make a right turn but when I pressed the brake pedal it did not work. This caused me to hit another vehicle.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 11, 2023, crash, fire
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while attempting to park in her brother's driveway with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continued to apply the brakes but the vehicle failed to respond, drove into the garage, and crashed into appliances. The air bags did not deploy. There was no injury sustained. There was no police report filed. The vehicle was later taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that no issues were found. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent a field technician who diagnosed that no issues were found. The manufacturer did not provide further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.