Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 497 of 498 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 226 of 498 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Glass & wipers
157 complaint records
"I ENCOUNTERED A CHIP IN MY FRONT PASSENGER WINDSHIELD WITH CRACKING GOING UP AND DOWN VERTICALLY. MY CAR WAS STATIONARY...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →
Air bags
124 complaint records2 crash reports
"Passenger front seat. Airbag light is on when someone is sitting in the seat and seatbelt indicator dings when nothing is in the seat...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Electrical system
71 complaint records
"We keep replacing batteries and they keep failing. We wonder if this is related to the class action lawsuit concerning the CAN bus system...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE19009 opened Aug 2019 | closed Jan 2020 | Air Bags | Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure - led to recall 19V701000 The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19-009 to investigate 51 complaints and additional Early Warning Report (EWR) data related to allegations of front passenger seat Occupant Detection System (ODS) malfunctions in model year (MY) 2016 through... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21V587000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. | Normally free |
| 19V701000 | Air Bags | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen. | Normally free |
| 18V455000 | Tires | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. The Certification Label may indicate the incorrect wheel size, tire size, and air pressure. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024546 2024-08-15 | Label | 499,490 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus",... |
| 2021466 2021-07-29 | Fuel System | 13,717 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the low-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, then engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may turn on. This could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving. |
| 2019492 2019-10-04 | Airbag | 35,806 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the passenger occupant detection system (ODS) may malfunction. This could cause the airbag system to turn off the passenger-front airbag even when a passenger is seated. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SubaruNet Announcement (M Oct 2026 | Electrical System | This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines. | |
| 13-109-26 Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles. | |
| 09-84-22R Sep 2026 | Engine | This bulletin announces Warranty Extension and design changes made to the front exhaust pipe and covers to address the concerns of some customers regarding an odor or a rattle-type noise/fluttering sound coming from the undercarriage, during acceleration. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (C Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments. | |
| 15-304-22R Sep 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-333-25R Sep 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin. | |
| 15-308-23R Aug 2026 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.This is an revised version of the... | |
| 16-156-25R Aug 2026 | Power Train | This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised version of the original bulletin. | |
| 15-304-22R Aug 2026 | Electrical System | This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.) | |
| Article Locator Aug 2026 | Electrical System | Techtips newsletter locator index. | |
| 15-333-25R Aug 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin | |
| 02-193-24R Jun 2026 | 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). | |
| SubaruNet Annoucement (E Jun 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras. | |
| 16-156-25R Jun 2026 | Power Train | This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the orignal bulletin.) | |
| 01-167-08R May 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| 16-156-25R May 2026 | Power Train | This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. | |
| 02-193-24R May 2026 | 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). | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (R May 2026 | Power Train | This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program. | |
| 18-230-26 May 2026 | Engine | This bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be used when DTCs B1571(REFERENCE CODE INCOMPATIBILITY IMMOBILIZER CM TO ECM) and B1572(IMM CIRCUIT EXCEPT ANTENNA CIRCUIT) are detected by Keyless Access with Push Button Start(KACM). | |
| 07-240-26R Apr 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20. | |
| 01-167-08R Apr 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| 03-97-26 Apr 2026 | Power Train | This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures. | |
| 05-97-26 Apr 2026 | Wheels | This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected. | |
| 01-167-08R Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| 10-105-25R Mar 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| 15-219-18R Mar 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully | |
| WRA-26 Mar 2026 | Engine | In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new voluntary emissions recall for certain 2018 model year WRX and Forester vehicles and certain 2019 MY WRX equipped with a 2.0L turbo engine. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (W Mar 2026 | Engine | This announcement provides information on the voluntary emissions recall WRA-26 for the rear catalyst non-compliance. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (A Mar 2026 | Electrical System | This announcement provides information on the use of aftermarket services or tools for programming immobilizer keys/fobs. | |
| 07-240-26R Feb 2026 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for 2026 model year vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20 with gen 4 Telematics. | |
| 10-105-25R Feb 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| Subaru Tech Tips Special Jan 2026 | Electrical System | This Subaru service and technical support line newsletter provides information on the next phase of TechShare. | |
| Subarunet Announcement (E Jan 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This announcement has been created to address difficulties with software updates on Subaru Select Monitors with DST-010 interface firmware has been updated. | |
| 15-300-22R Jan 2026 | Engine | This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES). | |
| 09-74-21R Dec 2025 | 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). | |
| 18-226-25R Dec 2025 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis). | |
| 15-333-25 Dec 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. | |
| Subaru Tech Tips (Article Nov 2025 | Unknown Or Other | Subaru service article locator. | |
| 16-156-25R Nov 2025 | Power Train | This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which enhancement was implemented to prevent abnormal operations. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. | |
| 15-130-08R Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin provides information on the load carrying capacity reduced label when a port-installed or retailer-installed accessory exeeds 1.5 percent of the GVWR or 100 pounds, which ever is lower. | |
| Subaru Tech Tips (Article Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | Subaru tech tips newsletter article locator. | |
| 15-308-23R Oct 2025 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts. | |
| 07-233-25R Oct 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in new vehicle inventory. | |
| 07-236-25 Oct 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin outlines a comprehensive update to the dark current/parasitic draw diagnosis & testing procedures. | |
| 16-156-25 Sep 2025 | Power Train | This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. | |
| 15-219-18R Sep 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin addresses cases when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully. | |
| 07-235-25 Sep 2025 | Engine | In the interest of customer satisfaction Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage in the models listed. | |
| 10-105-25R Sep 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| 07-233-25 Sep 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in new vehicle inventory wjhich must be tested and reported every 30 days. | |
| 15-266-20R Aug 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to the operation of their Gen 2/Gen 3 Telematics system equipped Subaru. | |
| 15-320-24R Aug 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. | |
| 02-193-24R Aug 2025 | 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). | |
| SubaruNet Announcement Aug 2025 | Electrical System | Subaru of America, Inc. will release an OTA to perform a software update to the DCM. This is a preventive OTA. | |
| 13-108-25 Aug 2025 | Structure | This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up. | |
| Subaru Service Technical Aug 2025 | Power Train | Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement Jul 2025 | Forward Collision Avoidance | This announcement provides information about a Subaru of America, Inc. preliminary settlement in a class action lawsuit regarding the EyeSight system in certain Subaru vehicles. | |
| 07-235-25 Jul 2025 | Electrical System | In the interest of customer satisfaction Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage in the models listed for the selected EyeSight & Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) components. | |
| 10-105-25R Jul 2025 | Electrical System | "This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| SubaruNet Annoucement Jun 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This announcment provides information on the release of the latest software updates to the Subaru Midtronics DSS-5000 Battery Diagnostic tool. | |
| 15-251-19R Jun 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16. |
Showing 60 of 387 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Subaru Forester →