2026 Subaru Forester
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
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
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 20 total reports mention: forward collision avoidance, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
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, 20260809
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, 20260714
4 of 20 total reports mention: visibility/wiper.
4 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system.
2 of 20 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
When filling my tank for the first time, I pumped the gas slightly after the "pop" from the handle. When I did this, fuel poured out of my gas tank onto me, my car, and the gas station. My VIN is not listed but my vehicle model is.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260810
2 of 20 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield and exterior.
Show complaint excerpts
On the first day of receiving the car the windshield looked clear by day but it had little specks and lines like dust when driven at dusk and night of the first day it was driven.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260501
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 25V889000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 26V346000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2026 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 26V346000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V889000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2026 Subaru Forester reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2026 Subaru Forester?
The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2026 Subaru Forester have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.