MYRModel Year Report

2021 Subaru Forester

◆ Worse than typical
2021 Subaru Forester
BUILT 2026-08-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Subaru Forester Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2021 highlighted. 1998: 101 complaints 1998 1999: 131 complaints 2000: 75 complaints 2001: 139 complaints 2002: 88 complaints 2002 2003: 189 complaints 2004: 219 complaints 2005: 93 complaints 2006: 88 complaints 2006 2007: 72 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2009: 178 complaints 2010: 262 complaints 2010 2011: 147 complaints 2012: 105 complaints 2013: 77 complaints 2014: 403 complaints 2014 2015: 611 complaints 2016: 405 complaints 2017: 579 complaints 2018: 487 complaints 2018 2019: 831 complaints 2020: 592 complaints 2021: 207 complaints 2021 2022: 93 complaints 2022 2023: 69 complaints 2024: 28 complaints 2025: 78 complaints 2026: 11 complaints 2026
2021: 207 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
1998101
1999131
200075
2001139
200288
2003189
2004219
200593
200688
200772
200850
2009178
2010262
2011147
2012105
201377
2014403
2015611
2016405
2017579
2018487
2019831
2020592
2021207
202293
202369
202428
202578
202611

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

VISIBILITY/WIPER 37%

37% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 76 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16%

16% of complaints: electrical system — 33 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ENGINE 15%

15% of complaints: engine — 32 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show 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, 20240212

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, 20220613

VISIBILITY 6%

6% of complaints: visibility — 13 distinct reports on file.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 6%

6% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 13 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

▮ 2021 — complaint volume: 207

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2021 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (76 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (33 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (32 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2008 ▲ 2023 ▲ 2007

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ■ 2015 ■ 2020

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 37% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Forester have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.