2010 Subaru Forester Owner Complaints

The 2010 Subaru Forester when the Subaru was in reverse while being parked it accelerated (lunged) forward at a high speed and I DID NOT put the gear shift in forward! The 2010 Subaru Forester crashed into the back of a neighbor's Honda. My personal safety was put at risk due to without me doing so, the Subaru accelerated forward causing damage to both the Subaru and my neighbor's Honda. Had this happened if someone was walking by and there was not a car to block the Subaru, they would have likely been killed. Once the Subaru stopped, the gear shift was in park and I did not move it there. Then it was very challenging to put the gear shift in reverse to back the Subaru off the Honda. There are online AI generated reports of this happening to Subaru Foresters. The Subaru is now at a body shop for inspection. There were NO warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID

11730913

Incident

Apr 7, 2026

The engine in my 2010 Subaru Forester (VIN: [XXX] ) suffered a sudden and complete mechanical failure on November 15, 2025. While driving, the vehicle abruptly lost power without any warning lights or messages. I was able to pull off the roadway, but the loss of power posed a significant safety risk. Had this occurred in traffic or at highway speeds, it could have caused a collision. The vehicle was inspected the next business day by Wiygul Automotive. Their technicians found no measurable oil on the dipstick and added three quarts just to restart the engine. They confirmed no external oil leaks, and diagnosed the failure as a catastrophic internal oil consumption defect that had been occurring over time. This defect resulted in oil starvation and severe internal engine damage. The engine is fully available for inspection upon request. Wiygul provided a written diagnostic report confirming the cause of failure. The dealership has been notified but has not yet performed an inspection. ​No manufacturer, insurance, or law enforcement inspections have occurred to date. Importantly, the vehicle had a documented pre-purchase inspection on August 7, 2025, which noted the engine oil was significantly overfilled by approximately one quart and that all diagnostic codes had recently been cleared. These findings are consistent with an existing engine issue that would not be detectable by an ordinary consumer. On August 28, 2025, a full synthetic oil service was performed and again documented no external leaks. There were no symptoms, warnings, or drivability indications prior to the sudden loss of power. The failure occurred without warning, and the underlying defect was only discovered after the breakdown. This internal oil consumption defect rendered the vehicle unsafe and unfit for use, and the sudden engine shutdown created a clear risk to my safety and the safety of others on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11704112

Incident

Nov 15, 2025

In brief: I purchased a used 2010 Subaru Forester in Nov. 2022. Because the vehicle gave me many problems, I decided to purchase another vehicle. In June 2025 I went to Fred Beans in Mechanicsburg, PA. They ran a Car Fax on my 2010 Subaru & found, among other things, the odometer of my 2010 Subaru had potentially been rolled back (mileage going from approx. 171,000 to 91,000) prior to my purchase. I filed a report July 03, 2025 with the PSP in Carlisle, PA: Trooper Stevens, badge 12980, Case [XXX]. I am filing this complaint with NHTSA as part of the initial report. Please refer to the PSP Case [XXX] for more details & information regarding the ongoing investigation (which includes NJ). The exact date of the rollback/tampering is unknown to me. Documented Titles or Certificate of Ownership Previously Issued To: [XXX] [XXX] DND Group Sales (NJ) Harrisburg Auction (?) Alpine Auto Sales INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11673326

Incident

Jan 1, 2022

Had a collision with another vehicle and my airbags never deployed. The other vehicles airbags did deploy.

NHTSA ID

11635035

Incident

Dec 20, 2024

Subaru of America refuses to authorize dealer Beyer Subaru of Alexandria Virginia to do the stipulated safety repair

NHTSA ID

11576911

Incident

Feb 13, 2024

The bracket on the front right side of the drivers seat (if you're looking at the seat from the sunroof) that connects the seat (where you sit) to the seat frame (which moves the seat forward and back) has separated from the seat frame. The two tack welds have failed so the seat can move freely up and down on the right side of the seat. This issue seems to particularly affect the 2010 model year Subaru Forester as documented by the forum thread: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11551717

Incident

Oct 21, 2023

Left front of drivers seat collapsed while driving 60mph on freeway. This caused a surprise that could have resulted in an accident. This has been reported numerous times as can be referenced here: [XXX] and appears it will be an expensive replacement at my cost for a known issue. This should be considered a major safety issue and deserving of a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11540254

Incident

Aug 23, 2023

On 5/24/2023 while driving with a front passenger, the passenger seat belt warning light, chime and airbag warning came on for no reason. Stopped the car at a red traffic light and turned ignition off and then on to hopefully clear the warning. There was no power to any system. The ignition switch did not work and I could not get the transmission out of park to push the car off the road. Could not activated anything on the dash including the hazard warning. Being in a single lane road, traffic was traveling around us on both sides. We could have been rear ended. I opened the driver's door and all power to the dash came back. It took 4 attempts to start before the engine started. All settings and radio had to be reprogrammed. Stopped at the dealer and they ask if this was the first occurence. (It was) They said if it happened again to bring the car in. The car has been normal since.

NHTSA ID

11523919

Incident

May 24, 2023

My 2010 Subaru Forester's driver seat does not raise up on with the power buttons. I can hear the motor but the front of the seat will not move. Last week, the right side was not moving and now both sides are not. I can physically move the front half of the seat up and down. I can see that the welds on the front arms are off of the frame of the seat rails. If I was in a collision, the whole seat might come off if it is not secured and my safety would be compromised. I called Subaru of America and received a case number. I also plan on taking the car into dealer for an inspection. No warning lights appeared. When I move the seats with the buttons, I sometimes hear a grinding noise. This collapsing seat issue with 2010 Foresters has been found on internet sites. The car was not involved in an accident and I am the primary driver and weigh under 160 lbs.

NHTSA ID

11519886

Incident

Apr 26, 2023

The weld on the left side of the seat broken causing the seat cushion to be loose. After quick internet searching, this seems to a be a somewhat common occurrence. I weight 170 Lbs and the car has 140K miles. This issue makes it lean far left causing an unsafe seating position and does not allow for adjustment of the seat up and down.

NHTSA ID

11509812

Incident

Mar 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while reversing out of a garage parking space, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into several other parked vehicles before coming to a stop. During the incident, the driver sustained a mild concussion which did not require medical attention. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed to the local collision center. The contact was unsure if the failure occurred while in the reverse or drive position. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11501412

Incident

Jan 11, 2023

Mileage

140,000 mi

Power adjustment of Driver's seat front left corner does not raise in synch with right side. This causes the seat to be uneven, resulting in an unsafe driving position. Apparently the weld of the adjustment arm breaking is a well known and documented issue based on even a cursory internet search.

NHTSA ID

11473187

Incident

Jun 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the rear brakes were replaced by an independent mechanic. After 6 months, the contact noticed that the brakes needed to be replaced again. The mechanic stated that the automatic braking system was not releasing the brakes as needed, and the braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed; however, the rear brakes were replaced again however, and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer suggested that the vehicle be taken to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

NHTSA ID

11469569

Incident

Jun 16, 2020

Mileage

87,000 mi

The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving, the check engine warning light had illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who advised him that the fuel tank was rusted and needed to be repaired as well as fuel lines. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that he contacted the manufacturer who gave him a goodwill help credit to help contribute to the repair of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 99,552.

NHTSA ID

11446452

Incident

Nov 5, 2021

Mileage

99,552 mi

The left side of drivers seat collapsed. Upon inspection, the metal tab that was spot welded to the seat frame failed. The metal tab connects the left front of the seat to the power seat motor components and rail. The power seat no longer works and the seat sags noticeably to the front left. This failure occurred during normal driving conditions, and is typically not overloaded (the primary driver weighs approximately 105lbs). The car has low mileage - 65,380 miles at last service in August.

NHTSA ID

11445634

Incident

Dec 29, 2021

The Subaru Bracket for the Sun Visor and the Rod on the Sun visor itself are made very poorly and will break very often, I had to replace my driver side once a year because I went to use it when the sun was glaring in my face on the highway and it just fell off onto my hands and other time in my face. This event of having something unexpected distract my focus and trigger a startled response while driving at a time the requires focus, attention, and awareness is altered in a way my and other lives are serioulsy at risk. II have almost been I near serious accidents each time this happens; I have gotten really lucky and that's only because im always on guard bc of my anxiety, cant say anyone else would be as lucky as me. The issue is the brace uses cheap plastic and also instead of making the piece that is known to break thicker they made it as thin as possible to save money most likely. the bracket should be completely metal in my professional option considering how much force the sun visor rod that plugged into it requires. No ones life should be a risk like this, nor should any customer have to pay $100 for a new retail cost of one that is unjust for a company to make a customer pay for a defective flawed part of there vehicle that should have been recalled long ago and never was. the first one was replaced under warranty when the Subaru dealer I went to was part of Nissan, then I bought one from the new store a year later, and then from the Rafferty store, and again this week from the new Concordville part store. (I dont have my invoice from the current part I just ordered) There is more then one day of incident, one in 2017, one in 2018, 2019, 2020, and again this year 12/10/2021. cant find other invoiced. The date of incident for the previous would be same day or next day for invoice dates for new visor. Video of Flaw parts: (with audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/yxgi9qge3q487q6/Live%20Demo%20of%20flaw.mp4?dl=0

NHTSA ID

11443477

Incident

Dec 10, 2021

I bought a 2010 Subaru Forester vehicle on 05/22/2021 from AutoFair Subaru dealer at 503 Broadway, Haverhill, MA 01832. The car engine was making noises from the day 1 of this purchase. I reported this to the dealership but they denied the facts. Rather they said that I did not know how to drive and was making jokes at me. In month 3 (07/17/21), there was a warning sign on the dashboard. I took the car to them. There was a leak in the tire. It got fixed. I returned with the engine noise still in the car. In month 4 (08/21/21), again there was a safety sign on the dashboard. There was a oil leak in the engine. They charged me a huge amount of bill to repair this. Last Saturday on 10/30/2021, I was going to Walmart. I was on highway I-495 just a could of miles away from the exit, the car engine light was flashing. The engine sound gets louder. As soon as I pulled the car to the roadside, the engine stopped and the whole car was full of smoke. My life was on danger last Saturday. I called the dealer on Monday (11/01/2021). Again, they denied the facts. I demand a full refund of this purchase to avoid any life threatening car accidents in the future.

NHTSA ID

11439424

Incident

Oct 30, 2021

The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that as she attempted to park her vehicle, the vehicle independently accelerated forward at a high rate of speed without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped on its own before hitting another vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home but had not driven the vehicle since the failure. The contact called the manufacturer and they informed her to tow the vehicle to a dealer for an inspection. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it remained in their possession and was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

NHTSA ID

11438915

Incident

Oct 23, 2021

Mileage

73,000 mi

Head gasket suddenly failed on the highway. This is a known problem Subaru has yet to address and has been present on all their models up to 2010. This is something that Subaru should have addressed years ago but are allowing people to put the safety at risk due to negligence

NHTSA ID

11430828

Incident

Aug 2, 2021

Fuel pump failed (connection wiring harness burned up) inside the fuel tank. If this had happened a little later, we would have been in the middle of the interstate and could have been in a horrific wreck. Or if there had been any oxygen in the fuel tank, the car would have burned up completely. The fuel pump failure was found by my mechanic, and when I called Subaru to let them know that this occurred and that I felt unsafe, they said, well parts fail, your car has lots of miles on it and is fairly old, we can't do anything for you unless a recall is issued. I was driving and pulled up to get on to a highway (55MPH) and in construction there is a stop sign. When I stopped and then tried to pull out, my 2010 Subaru Forester died immediately. No gas pressure, no nothing. All the lights flashed and then the car stopped. I was in the middle of a big intersection and had to direct cars around me, push the car off the highway interchange and have it towed home. There were no lights/warning or anything that came on before the car failed. Australia has recalled this specific thing for subarus there, but despite many other people having this same issue, Subaru of America is not offering to back up the safety of their cars -- even tho they are 'supposidely the safest on the road, in collision or driving'. I urge you all do recall this. I cannot imagine if we had been 10 yards further in our drive and this happened, both myself and my passenger would be dead.

NHTSA ID

11430101

Incident

Aug 20, 2021

At 90,000 miles the head gaskets need replacing (a $2600 repair) on a 2010 car that has been taken care of, all oil changes, all maintenance has been done to. Seems like a failed part. Noticed others have complained about the same issue. Just curious how long head gaskets should last under normal use?

NHTSA ID

11429899

Incident

Aug 20, 2021

I purchased this 2010 Subaru Forester from a private party in 2/2021. It had about 98500 miles, ran smoothly, had service records and was up to date in maintenance. It stalled out in traffic due to low fuel and oil issues. There was oil showing on the dipstick but also oil leaking under the engine when checked at a Subaru service dept. I now found that oil leaks and problems are common according to articles on line. It will cost thousands to either replace the seals or the engine!! For a vehicle of this caliber I expected years of services not immediate oil issues. This is a potential seizing of the engine issue. It consumes too much oil due to the leaks. Is there any pending lawsuits I can join to cover these repairs? Secondly the low tire light is on at all times. Air pressure has been triple checked to no avail.

NHTSA ID

11424609

Incident

Apr 19, 2021

FRONT LEFT DRIVER SEAT BRACKET COLLAPSED. SEAT HEIGHT IS UNABLE TO BE ADJUSTED, REQUIRING THE FRONT OF THE DRIVER SEAT TO ONLY BE POSITIONED N THE LOWEST SETTING. WHILE DRIVING IDLE SPEED IN A PARKING LOT, THERE WAS AN AUDIBLE POP AND THE SEAT FELL. WITH ATTEMPTS TO ADJUST THE HEIGHT, ONLY THE RIGHT SIDE WOULD MOVE UP AND DOWN.

NHTSA ID

11413877

Incident

Jan 30, 2021

Mileage

116,000 mi

BOTH HEAD GASKETS ARE LEAKING. 110,000 MILES DRIVER ELECTRIC SEAT NO LONGER GOES UP/DOWN IN HEIGHT

NHTSA ID

11402587

Incident

Aug 1, 2020

Mileage

110,000 mi

MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER SUDDENLY ACCELERATED IN REVERSE FOR THE 3RD TIME. THIS LAST TIME IT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE DAMAGING IT AND KNOCKED DOWN A PERSON THAT REQUIRED EVALUATION AT THE ER. I WAS IN A CHURCH PARKING LOT THIS LAST TIME. I DO NOT HAVE ANY PICTURES AS I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE PERSON HIT.

NHTSA ID

11377399

Incident

Nov 25, 2020

Mileage

95,000 mi