2024 Subaru Forester
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 29 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 26th highest complaint count among 26 Forester model years with reports.
Of the 2024 reports, 4 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 1 person was injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, driveline, driveshaftNov 9, 2023
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.
Campaign 23V754000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingOct 26, 2023
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.
Leaking coolant can contact a hot exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.
Subarus independent distributor processing facilities will tighten the water pipe attachment bolts. The affected vehicles have not been delivered to dealers or sold to owners and therefore, no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRO-23.
Campaign 23V723000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: exterior lighting
2 reports, newest first. Show all
Exterior lighting, Sep 15, 2024
When the daytime running lights are on in normal conditions, the instrument panel little green headlight indicator does not illuminate. But in low light conditions such as the thunderstorms we get here in Florida very often, or at dusk as the ambient light starts to lessen, the instrument panel headlight indicator will illuminate if the daytime running lights are on and only they are on. So, I have witnessed drivers many times past dusk, in nighttime conditions driving with no taillights, no side running lights, and no headlights, just low intensity daytime running lights apparently thinking their headlights were turned on. I dismissed it as forgetful drivers or "old age" until it happened to me! The scenario was my headlights were not on automatic setting, it was late in the afternoon but decent light so I did not turn on my headlights on manually. Then on the 20-30 minute drive home clouds rolled in and it darkened substantially. The headlight indicator illuminated because the daytime running lights were on, leading me to think I had turned my headlights on as well. I had not, and I had driven almost 20 minutes with no tail lights or running lights in full darkness. I have witnessed this happen to at least three other vehicles on my route home from my work and they were a variety of SUV newer models likely with the same headlight control system. The solution is easy, I think. The instrument panel headlight indicator should never illuminate based on daytime running lights regardless of conditions. I have not taken this to the dealer yet to check it out but I plan to, although I fear it will be difficult to reproduce for them.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jul 3, 2024
Vehicle: 2024 Subaru Forester Touring Date of Report: [July 3, 2024] What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? On June 19th, 2024 I noticed the side mirror of my 2024 Subaru Forester Touring has melted. This component is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The melting of the side mirror poses a potential risk of fire if it continues to deteriorate. This not only endangers the occupants of the vehicle but also poses a threat to nearby vehicles and property. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by the dealer. Subaru has declined to cover the issue under warranty, attributing it to user-caused damage, which I strongly dispute. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by Subaru, who declined to cover the issue under warranty. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the melting of the side mirror. The problem was first noticed recently, within two months of owning the vehicle. Additional Comments: I have owned the car for less than two months and have taken meticulous care of it. The car is always parked in my garage, ensuring no sun exposure. The only place I have had the car washed is at the Subaru dealership, which further confirms that I have not done anything to damage the car.