2026 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
- 33
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Forward collision avoidance
Campaigns on file for 2026
None on file
30% of complaints
Complaints per year
2026: 33 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 | 78 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 616 |
| 2016 | 414 |
| 2017 | 593 |
| 2018 | 497 |
| 2019 | 833 |
| 2020 | 604 |
| 2021 | 213 |
| 2022 | 100 |
| 2023 | 74 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 99 |
| 2026 | 33 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Forward collision avoidance
30% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
Show complaint excerpts
Twice within a month. the Eyesight front collision braking system suddenly activated in traffic while passing through a signal light showing green when the car in front made a right turn onto an adjacent street.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-09
I was merging into a road in Windsor, Ontario on July 3/4. I was nowhere near another vehicle. There was a LARGE gap between myself in any other cars. I am always extra cautious being out of country and driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-14
Electrical system
21% · 7 reportsVisibility/wiper
18% · 6 reportsStructure
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
I opened the hood all the way to add washer fluid. While doing so, the hood came crashing down on my head.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-13
Power train
6% · 2 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Vehicle stopped at light,auto start stop engine off,stepped on gas to go engine didnât restart,my passenger and I jumped out and grabbed a Noco GB40 jump box I carry and jump started car,we were on a road trip out of town and could not wait for...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-05-03
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2026-01-29Structure25V889000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester vehicles. These vehicles may have been manufactured with an incorrect and/or incorrectly oriented rear hatch support bracket which can detach without prior warning.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear hatch support brackets and, if necessary, replace the stay and support bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
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R
Date not on fileVisibility26V346000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the power moonroof glass panel for proper adhesion and, if necessary, replace the glass panel assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 24, 2026.
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Date not on fileSuspension26V685000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the left-front lower control arm ball joint assembly, as necessary, free of charge.
Buy-smart checklist
2026 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Forward collision avoidance: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility/wiper: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 26V346000 · Visibility
- Recall 26V685000 · Suspension
- Recall 25V889000 · Structure
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2026 Subaru Forester reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2026 Subaru Forester is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2026 Subaru Forester?
- The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2026 Subaru Forester have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.