Owners have reported 15 crashes, 4 fires and 4 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Forester. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints69
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners report frequent issues with the windshields of the 2021 Subaru Forester, with many describing cracks developing either spontaneously or from minor impacts. Complaints commonly mention that these cracks often expand rapidly, sometimes impairing visibility and affecting the vehicle's EyeSight safety system. Several reports indicate that these problems arise shortly after purchase, with some occurring within the first few weeks or months of ownership. The safety implications include impaired vision and potential malfunctions of safety features, though no crashes or injuries are directly reported. Potential buyers should be aware of these windshield issues, especially given the recurring nature and the costs associated with replacement and recalibration of safety systems.
Owner complaints28
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2021 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the windshield, including spontaneous cracking and high susceptibility to chips, often without any apparent impact. Complaints also highlight problems with the engine Start/Stop feature, where the engine stalls unexpectedly, especially at stoplights or in traffic, sometimes requiring the vehicle to be manually restarted. These issues are often reported around the first year of ownership or shortly after, with some complaints mentioning mileage as low as 9,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted, with incidents involving unintended acceleration leading to a crash and another report of a vehicle fire following a collision with a deer. Buyers considering this model may want to be aware of these recurring issues and their potential safety implications.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly related to the Auto Start/Stop feature and battery performance. Complaints often describe the engine shutting down unexpectedly at stops, with the car failing to restart promptly, sometimes leading to dangerous situations in traffic. These issues are commonly reported around 37,000 to 45,000 miles. Additionally, some owners note persistent battery failures and the need for multiple replacements. Safety implications include one reported crash with an injury, and a separate incident involving a fire suspected to be linked to electrical faults. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical issues and their possible impact on vehicle reliability and safety.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints14
ENGINE
Owners report several recurring issues with the 2021 Subaru Forester's engine, particularly stalling and loss of power. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle stalling at stop signs, traffic lights, or during low-speed maneuvers, often without warning lights, and in some cases, the issue persists even after dealership visits. Another pattern involves sudden power loss while driving, with some incidents occurring at highway speeds, leading to near-miss accidents. Multiple complaints involve the failure of the thermo control valve, with some cases resulting in engine fires shortly after repairs. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some occurring as early as 12,500 miles. Safety implications include two fires, one crash, and one injury, highlighting potential risks for buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 2 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints11
POWER TRAIN
Owners report several issues with the 2021 Subaru Forester's power train, with complaints frequently mentioning stalling and unexpected acceleration. Symptoms include the vehicle stalling at stoplights or inclines, sometimes accompanied by warning lights, and sudden acceleration in parking situations. These issues are reported across a range of mileages, from as low as 8,000 miles to over 40,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with four complaints involving crashes, including incidents where the vehicle rolled backward or accelerated unintentionally, causing collisions. Buyers should be aware of potential transmission-related concerns and the impact on vehicle control.
Severity signals: 4 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints9
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2021 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with unintended acceleration, particularly when maneuvering in parking lots or pulling into parking spaces. Symptoms often include the vehicle accelerating on its own, sometimes requiring the driver to slam on the brakes to prevent a crash. Several incidents have resulted in crashes, with one report indicating an injury when the vehicle accelerated over obstacles and into a ravine. Complaints are noted at various mileage points, with some as low as 7,000 miles. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, including loss of vehicle control, which prospective buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 4 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints4
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report two primary brake-related issues with the 2021 Subaru Forester. Firstly, multiple complaints describe premature brake rotor wear, with reports of severe damage and warping occurring as early as 6,900 miles and recurring at intervals of 10,000 to 20,000 miles. Symptoms include shuddering during braking and visible rust. Secondly, the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system is reported to activate unexpectedly without obstacles, posing a risk of rear-end collisions. These issues have safety implications, such as increased stopping distances and unintended braking, which could lead to potential accidents. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly concerning brake component longevity and AEB system reliability.
Owner complaints4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners of the 2021 Subaru Forester report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly involving unexpected braking. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle abruptly stopping without any apparent obstacle, posing a risk of rear-end collisions. These incidents occur at various speeds, with one owner noting a significant speed drop from 50 to below 15 mph. Typical mileage at which these issues are reported ranges from 24,000 to 38,000 miles. Some owners also describe challenges with resolving these issues, as dealers are unable to replicate the problem or require costly repairs. The safety implications include potential accidents due to sudden braking, especially if another vehicle is following closely.
Owner complaints3
STEERING
Owners of the 2021 Subaru Forester report issues with steering and power loss, with incidents often occurring suddenly and without warning. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle's steering locking up or losing power entirely, sometimes accompanied by dashboard lights and beeping sounds. In one case, the Lane Keep Assist system reportedly malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to veer unexpectedly and resulting in a crash and minor injury. Another owner describes the automatic shut-off feature causing the vehicle to lose all power, including hazard lights, when stopped, and this has happened multiple times within a short ownership period. These issues present significant safety implications, especially in high-speed or high-traffic situations, and have been observed shortly after acquiring the vehicle.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints2
AIR BAGS
Owners report issues with the air bags in the 2021 Subaru Forester, specifically noting instances where air bags did not deploy during crashes. One complaint describes a situation where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated out of a garage and crashed into a house, yet the air bags failed to activate. This suggests a potential failure in the air bag system during a crash scenario. Both complaints involve crashes, indicating a significant safety implication if the air bags do not function as intended. These reports do not specify mileage, making it difficult to determine if the issue is related to vehicle age or usage.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
