Is the 2019 Subaru Forester reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Subaru Forester is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru Forester?

The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Forester have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2019 Subaru Forester

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2019 Subaru Forester
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 832
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Visibility/wiper

Complaints per year

2019: 832 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1998	101
1999	131
2000	75
2001	139
2002	88
2003	189
2004	219
2005	93
2006	88
2007	74
2008	50
2009	178
2010	262
2011	147
2012	105
2013	77
2014	403
2015	615
2016	413
2017	587
2018	497
2019	832
2020	601
2021	209
2022	98
2023	74
2024	29
2025	96
2026	25

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Visibility/wiper

44% · 370 reports

Electrical system

16% · 135 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and sensor/thermostat.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

On November 30th around 5:30 PM on [XXX] my wife struck and killed a 6 point buck.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-05

Also filed under Engine

Engine

13% · 106 reports

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

In an accident involving front end to other car rear end on an interstate highway, the airbag system didn't deploy. The engine then caught fire in the right front of the engine. The entire car burned. Fortunately no injury to driver or passenger.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-31

Also filed under Air bags

Forward collision avoidance

7% · 59 reports

Most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.

CRASH

Power train

5% · 39 reports

Most commonly citing gears and automatic transmission.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2019Complaint volume 832 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2019-02-07Steering19V065000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-01-31Engine and engine cooling19V856000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-05-17Suspension21V263000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2019 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Visibility/wiper: 370 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 135 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 106 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 19V065000 · Steering
Recall 19V856000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 21V263000 · Suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2019 Subaru Forester reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Subaru Forester is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru Forester?: The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Forester have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.