2019 Subaru Forester VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2019 Subaru Forester has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 825 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Subaru Forester. Severity signals include 34 crash-related complaints and 11 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (349), Unknown Or Other (117), Electrical System (115).
Forester reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Subaru Forester before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2019 Subaru Forester issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Visibility Wiper349
- Unknown Or Other117
- Electrical System115
- Engine55
- Visibility38
- Power Train37
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2019 Subaru Forester
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Inspect windshield for cracks or chips
- Test auto start/stop feature for consistent operation
- Check for warning lights on dashboard, especially related to TCV
- Verify battery health and check for signs of drainage
- Ensure all safety features like EyeSight are functioning
- Check for any signs of transmission issues or shuddering
2019 Forester recalls (3)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2019 Forester. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- SUSPENSIONNHTSA 21V263000Apr 15, 2021
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Consequence: Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 19V856000Dec 2, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Consequence: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
- STEERINGNHTSA 19V065000Feb 6, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Consequence: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
Used-market value
2019 Subaru Forester resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2019 Subaru Forester on the road
180,179 2019 Subaru Forester units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2019 Subaru Forester stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2019 Subaru Forester
The 2019 Subaru Forester posts a 70/100 reliability score versus a 75/100 segment average, putting it below average overall. That gap points to a moderate reliability profile rather than a strong one, with buyer risk higher than most direct peers. Recall activity is elevated rather than limited, reinforcing that this model year carries more moving pieces than the segment norm.
Complaints are not evenly spread. They cluster heavily in visibility/wiper-related problems, while electrical-system and engine issues form a smaller secondary tier. A meaningful share also falls into “unknown or other,” which reduces clarity on where problems concentrate beyond the leading category. As the first year of a new generation, the data reads as a higher-variance year.
Overall risk level: moderate, leaning elevated versus the segment average.
What you get in a 2019 Subaru Forester report
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2019 Subaru Forester — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Subaru Forester reliable?
The 2019 Subaru Forester posts a 70/100 reliability score versus a 75/100 segment average, putting it below average overall. That gap points to a moderate reliability profile rather than a strong one, with buyer risk higher than most direct peers. Recall activity is elevated rather than limited, reinforcing that this model year carries more moving pieces than the segment norm.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Forester have?
3 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2019 Subaru Forester. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2019 Subaru Forester problems?
The most-reported 2019 Subaru Forester problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (349), Unknown Or Other (117), Electrical System (115).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2019 Subaru Forester?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2019 Subaru Forester, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.