2022 Subaru Forester
This year had at least 30% fewer 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 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 | 613 |
| 2016 | 411 |
| 2017 | 586 |
| 2018 | 493 |
| 2019 | 832 |
| 2020 | 600 |
| 2021 | 207 |
| 2022 | 98 |
| 2023 | 73 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 93 |
| 2026 | 20 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
24% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
On 8/15/2026 my car's EyeSight system falsely automatically engaged Pre-Collision Braking on a clear road with no cars, obstacles or potholes ahead, on a sunny day, accelerating at 10â15 mph from a traffic light stop.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260819
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
While driving my 2022 Subaru Forester, the factory EyeSight autonomous safety system completely failed and disabled itself permanently.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260709
Also filed under LANE DEPARTURE
20% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 20 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: engine — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
I hit a deer going 45 mph, the air bags deployed, and my engine caught on fire. Within 10 minutes my car burned to the ground.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251004
The vehicle was started with the remote start to warm up. It was about -15F. It ran for 10 minutes and then shut off as it is supposed to. The driver got in the car, started the car, all the gauges went crazy and all the dash lights lit up.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240118
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
10% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and instrument cluster/panel.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Campaign 23V755000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2022 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V755000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2022 Subaru Forester reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2022 Subaru Forester is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Subaru Forester?
The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru Forester have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.