2021 Subaru Forester
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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
- 209
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Visibility/wiper
None on file
None on file
36% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 209 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
36% · 76 reportsEngine
16% · 33 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The 2021 Subaru Forester had been functioning normally with no warning lights. About 25 minutes into the drive I had come to a stop light on an upward incline. When the light turned green I moved from the brake to the gas as usual.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-12
Also filed under Power train and vehicle speed control
The contact owned a 2021 Subaru Forester Sport. The contact stated while driving at 75 MPH, the front end of the vehicle crashed into a small deer. The air bags did not deploy. The contact veered to the side of the road.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-06-13
On two separate occasions, less than one year apart after Subaru Service replaced my battery with a âlargerâ battery without my knowledge my vehicle suffered sudden, catastrophic electrical failure while moving in active highway traffic, causing...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-03
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Electrical system
16% · 33 reportsForward collision avoidance
11% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
Power train
7% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
The transmission very suddenly (perfectly fine one day, bad the next) developed a severe transmission slip. Like getting rear ended feeling transmission slip. Dealership quotes the CVT control valve body.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-05
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2021Complaint volume 209 complaints filed for this model year.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility/wiper: 76 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 33 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 33 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2021 Subaru Forester reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Subaru Forester is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Forester?
- The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Forester have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.