2019 Subaru Forester
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 72 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 178 |
| 2010 | 262 |
| 2011 | 147 |
| 2012 | 105 |
| 2013 | 77 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 611 |
| 2016 | 405 |
| 2017 | 579 |
| 2018 | 487 |
| 2019 | 831 |
| 2020 | 592 |
| 2021 | 207 |
| 2022 | 93 |
| 2023 | 69 |
| 2024 | 28 |
| 2025 | 78 |
| 2026 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
45% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 370 distinct reports on file.
16% of complaints: electrical system — 132 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
On November 30th around 5:30 PM on [XXX] my wife struck and killed a 6 point buck.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231205
13% of complaints: engine — 106 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
On November 30th around 5:30 PM on [XXX] my wife struck and killed a 6 point buck.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231205
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, 20190731
4% of complaints: power train — 37 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY4% of complaints: visibility — 33 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 19V065000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 19V856000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V263000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2019 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (370 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (132 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (106 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V065000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V856000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V263000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Forester have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.