SUSPENSION:REAR
2019 Subaru Forester
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 831 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Subaru Forester, most frequently naming the visibility, electrical and engine categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 557 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| May 2021 | 13 | 454 |
| Jun 2021 | 21 | 475 |
| Jul 2021 | 13 | 488 |
| Aug 2021 | 5 | 493 |
| Sep 2021 | 10 | 503 |
| Oct 2021 | 4 | 507 |
| Nov 2021 | 5 | 512 |
| Dec 2021 | 13 | 525 |
| Jan 2022 | 10 | 535 |
| Feb 2022 | 13 | 548 |
| Mar 2022 | 10 | 558 |
| Apr 2022 | 10 | 568 |
| May 2022 | 8 | 576 |
| Jun 2022 | 8 | 584 |
| Jul 2022 | 6 | 590 |
| Aug 2022 | 10 | 600 |
| Sep 2022 | 18 | 618 |
| Oct 2022 | 8 | 626 |
| Nov 2022 | 6 | 632 |
| Dec 2022 | 9 | 641 |
| Jan 2023 | 5 | 646 |
| Feb 2023 | 5 | 651 |
| Mar 2023 | 5 | 656 |
| Apr 2023 | 12 | 668 |
| May 2023 | 10 | 678 |
| Jun 2023 | 14 | 692 |
| Jul 2023 | 12 | 704 |
| Aug 2023 | 1 | 705 |
| Sep 2023 | 10 | 715 |
| Oct 2023 | 11 | 726 |
| Nov 2023 | 3 | 729 |
| Dec 2023 | 8 | 737 |
| Jan 2024 | 8 | 745 |
| Feb 2024 | 4 | 749 |
| Mar 2024 | 7 | 756 |
| Apr 2024 | 7 | 763 |
| May 2024 | 3 | 766 |
| Jun 2024 | 5 | 771 |
| Jul 2024 | 3 | 774 |
| Aug 2024 | 8 | 782 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 783 |
| Oct 2024 | 3 | 786 |
| Dec 2024 | 3 | 789 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 790 |
| Feb 2025 | 2 | 792 |
| Mar 2025 | 2 | 794 |
| Apr 2025 | 2 | 796 |
| May 2025 | 3 | 799 |
| Jun 2025 | 4 | 803 |
| Jul 2025 | 4 | 807 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | 808 |
| Sep 2025 | 4 | 812 |
| Oct 2025 | 4 | 816 |
| Nov 2025 | 2 | 818 |
| Dec 2025 | 3 | 821 |
| Jan 2026 | 3 | 824 |
| Feb 2026 | 2 | 826 |
| Mar 2026 | 2 | 828 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | 829 |
| May 2026 | 2 | 831 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Visibility40645.0%
- Electrical13615.1%
- Engine11112.3%
- Driver assistance849.3%
- Powertrain (other)374.1%
- Brakes252.8%
- Body & structure252.8%
- Fuel system222.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
3 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Car swirving as if someone grabbed the steering and pulled right left quickly when applying breaks. First incident happened on interstate which nearly caused an accident. Carriage makes a “clunk” sound when moving forward or backwards and you feel the cabin continue in motion when first stopping. When taken to Subaru, “trailing arm” was not attached to vehicle. Car is currently being fixed at Subaru of Olympia.
- NHTSA ID
- 11738249
- Incident
- May 12, 2026
I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2019 Subaru Forester related to failure of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Since April 21, 2026, I have been in communication with Subaru of America regarding whether this issue is related to an existing safety recall (WUC-88). During this time, I provided detailed information about multiple occurrences of EPS warning light activation and intermittent loss of steering assist while driving. A local repair shop also inspected the vehicle and confirmed EPS-related diagnostic trouble codes (including B2811 and C2512), which are consistent with known EPS issues. This information was shared with Subaru of America; however, I did not receive a clear or actionable response, and the case has been delayed without resolution. Initially, the issue was intermittent, with the EPS warning light turning on and off. However, since May 9, 2026, the EPS warning light has remained continuously ON, indicating that the condition has worsened. On May 11, 2026, I visited an authorized Subaru service center while the EPS warning light was actively ON. Despite the issue being clearly present, the dealership only took photos confirming the EPS warning light and did not perform any additional diagnostic testing or repair. They advised that the EPS rack needs replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $2,500, with the part currently on backorder and no clear repair timeline. I have already reported this visit and the current condition to Subaru of America and am still awaiting a response. This issue involves intermittent and now persistent loss of steering assist while driving, causing the steering wheel to become extremely stiff and difficult to control. This poses a significant safety risk. Given that the issue has been ongoing since April, has been confirmed by both a repair shop and a Subaru dealer, and remains unresolved, I believe this represents a safety defect that is not being properly addressed. Please review th
- NHTSA ID
- 11737088
- Incident
- Apr 21, 2026
We have replaced the battery twice and likely will need a third battery soon. I have learned that there is a known issue with the DCM trying to connect using 3G. This is causing a parasitic drain on the battery. The vehicle will fail to start. This has occurred many times over the last few years. We have just learned of the problem.
- NHTSA ID
- 11729108
- Incident
- Apr 3, 2026
Dear National Transportation Safety Board, I would like to bring a situation that happened to me while driving my 2019 Subaru Forester last Saturday March 7th, 2026 at 10:40am. I was coming back to my house from an errand. While waiting for my garage door to go all the way up, my car suddenly accelerated forcefully and lunged through the garage and into my home through the wall. There was a chest freezer that was against the wall in the garage which was against the back wall. This freezer was also taken through the wall and into my laundry room. The freezer was crushed. The front of the car and tires were up through the wall and in the home. There was a water spigot also in the garage that came into my home that broke and dispersed water. The furnace was crushed, water heater damaged, washer and dryer damaged, a water cooler damaged along with crushed metal bifold doors that were ripped off HVAC closet. And other things in garage totally crushed. Thankfully, no-one was killed. I was barely able to get out of car as when it suddenly accelerated, and clipped the bottom of garage door that wasn’t finished being up, then it went towards the left and corner of garage instead of of how I would normally pull in and park which would have been straight and middle of garage. The car went so fast and would not stop until it had hit the items in house that would make it not be able to go any further. This vehicle definitely had something faulty with it that caused this car to suddenly take off and crash. And the air bags did not go off. Surprised with such a forceful impact. My car had 62,039 miles on it and was well maintained. I bought brand new at Dellenbach Subaru in Fort Collins, CO in December 2018. Please contact me at [XXX] nk you so much in advance, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11724205
- Incident
- Mar 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, with several unknown warning lights intermittently illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with thermal control valve failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the thermal control valve needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11723269
- Incident
- Mar 6, 2026
- Mileage
- 60,000 mi
The electrical system fails, and the battery is not charging sufficiently. When the auto start/stop engages, the car does not restart in traffic. Requested a battery test at the dealership in May 2025; was told it could not be done that day because it would require leaving the dealer service shop. Eventually, the electrical system became unstable, and the car stopped in traffic on 11/07/2025. Replaced battery following OEM specs. In February 2026, symptoms reappeared with a new battery failing on 02/15/2026, resulting in all saftey systems failing in traffic when auto start/stop enages.
- NHTSA ID
- 11718775
- Incident
- Nov 7, 2025
Pipa Rx Aire base latch system appeared to latch when it wasn’t secured to the anchor. I moved the base between vehicles. When reattaching the base, the right indicator clicked and turned green without actually being attached to the anchor. The seat felt secure, but shifted when I removed the carrier, which is when I realized it was not attached. Photo of latch system showing green and of manufacturer information is attached.
- NHTSA ID
- 11714955
- Incident
- Feb 2, 2026
While at a Stop as the engine turns off and awaits decompression of brake to turn on again vehicle moves forward bit, then the engine shuts down while in drive (stalls) had a vehicle hit me in rear but luckily I had my trailer hitch on because it saved me from body damage . I had to place in park and restart this has happened several times before and I’m kinda nervous and makes my wife nervous when stopping at lights or stop signs it might turn off in the middle of the intersection. When this occurrence happens all dash lights pop up … I checked engine with code reader after the incidents but it doesn’t give out any info on what could possibly be happening. I had the Dealership change the Thermo control module in 2025 but these occurrences has happened before and after the TCM replacement.Having the dealership check is like wasting my time and money because they aren’t able to pinpoint the cause without a code . There has to be a problem somewhere in the system it’s just that the dealership in Hawaii has no clue ..
- NHTSA ID
- 11711684
- Incident
- Jun 11, 2025
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This bulletin announces the design change made to the high-pressure fuel pump developed to prevent DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure – Too Low Bank 1). (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This bulletin announces design changes made to the fuel injector in response to the DTCs listed. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
ENGINE
This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and combustion chambers). (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
ENGINE; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and combustion chambers). (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This bulletin announces design changes made to the fuel injector and fuel pipe in response to the DTCs listed DTC P030* / Engine Knocking / DTC P219C-D-E-F. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 50.5 |
| 2025 | 87 | 3 | 0 | 62.7 |
| 2024 | 28 | 2 | 0 | 55.0 |
| 2023 | 73 | 1 | 0 | 53.0 |
| 2022 | 95 | 1 | 0 | 50.3 |
| 2021 | 207 | 0 | 0 | 43.8 |
| 2020 | 595 | 0 | 0 | 38.0 |
| 2019Viewing | 831 | 3 | 0 | 49.4 |
| 2018 | 491 | 3 | 1 | 55.8 |
| 2017 | 581 | 1 | 1 | 51.8 |
| 2016 | 409 | 3 | 1 | 59.7 |
| 2015 | 613 | 3 | 0 | 53.6 |
| 2014 | 403 | 2 | 0 | 52.4 |
| 2013 | 77 | 12 | 0 | 58.1 |
| 2012 | 105 | 15 | 0 | 58.3 |
| 2011 | 147 | 16 | 0 | 57.3 |
| 2010 | 262 | 17 | 0 | 54.7 |
| 2009 | 178 | 18 | 0 | 56.0 |
| 2008 | 50 | 1 | 1 | 48.1 |
| 2007 | 72 | 1 | 1 | 47.8 |
| 2006 | 88 | 2 | 1 | 56.3 |
| 2005 | 93 | 1 | 1 | 48.8 |
| 2004 | 219 | 2 | 1 | 52.6 |
| 2003 | 189 | 3 | 1 | 55.0 |
| 2002 | 88 | 1 | 0 | 47.9 |
| 2001 | 139 | 0 | 0 | 43.3 |
| 2000 | 75 | 0 | 0 | 39.0 |
| 1999 | 131 | 1 | 1 | 43.3 |
| 1998 | 101 | 1 | 0 | 44.6 |
| 1997 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1996 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1995 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.