Subaru Forester Common Problems

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with windshields spontaneously cracking without any known impact or damage. Complaints describe scenarios where the vehicle is parked or stationary, and a crack develops or expands, often originating from the edges or center of the windshield. Some owners note that these cracks occur shortly after purchasing the vehicle, with one mentioning the issue at six weeks old. Additionally, a few reports indicate that even minor debris can cause significant damage. No crashes or injuries are reported, but the sudden appearance of large cracks could affect visibility, which is a potential safety concern for drivers. This pattern of windshield issues is notable for prospective buyers considering the 2019 Forester.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Owners report frequent issues with the windshields of the 2020 Subaru Forester, with many describing spontaneous cracks appearing without any apparent impact or external cause. Complaints frequently mention cracks developing while the vehicle is parked or during normal driving conditions, often within the first year of ownership. Multiple owners describe having to replace their windshields multiple times, with some experiencing cracks every 6-7 months. The sudden appearance of cracks is noted to affect visibility and potentially compromise safety, although no crashes or loss of control incidents are reported. Potential buyers should be aware of the recurring nature of this issue, which could lead to ongoing maintenance costs.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Forester frequently report unexpected windshield cracking, often without any apparent impact or cause. Many describe cracks developing while the vehicle is parked or stationary, with some noting incidents occurring during routine activities like scraping ice or idling. Complaints indicate that these issues can arise at various mileage points, with some occurring as early as 22,500 miles. Safety implications are noted by owners who express concern over the integrity of the windshield, though no crashes or loss of control incidents are reported. This pattern of windshield vulnerability is a key consideration for potential buyers evaluating the vehicle's durability.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the windshield, describing it as prone to cracking easily without apparent cause, often necessitating multiple replacements. Complaints also highlight problems with the auto stop/start feature, which sometimes causes the vehicle to shut off unexpectedly at stoplights or in traffic, posing a safety hazard as it can result in sudden stalls or failure to restart. Additionally, multiple owners mention failures of the thermo control valve, leading to issues such as loss of heat and defroster function, and in some cases, contributing to vehicle fires. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some occurring shortly after purchase and others developing over time. Safety implications include the potential for crashes due to sudden vehicle shutdowns and fires, as well as the distraction and visibility issues caused by repeated windshield failures.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 2 fire, 0 injury reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving battery drainage and the auto start/stop feature. Common symptoms include the vehicle failing to start, sudden loss of power while driving, and dashboard warning lights illuminating unexpectedly. These problems often occur at various mileages, with some reports indicating issues even with low mileage vehicles. Safety implications are notable, with several complaints mentioning crashes and fires linked to these electrical failures, as well as instances of the vehicle stalling in traffic. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, as they may impact vehicle reliability and safety.

Severity signals: 6 crash, 7 fire, 1 injury reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report frequent electrical system issues with the 2020 Subaru Forester, primarily involving the Auto Start-Stop feature and battery-related problems. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling at stoplights or intersections, failure to restart after the Auto Start-Stop engages, and multiple dashboard warning lights illuminating simultaneously. These issues often occur around 36,000 to 66,000 miles, with some owners experiencing repeated incidents. Safety implications are significant, as complaints describe vehicles stalling in traffic or on highways, posing risks to occupants and other road users. Additionally, there is one report of a crash and one of a fire, highlighting potential safety hazards related to these electrical malfunctions.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Forester commonly report issues with the windshield cracking unexpectedly and the vehicle stalling, particularly related to the auto stop-start feature. Complaints frequently describe windshields developing large cracks without apparent cause, sometimes shortly after purchase, affecting visibility and requiring replacement. Additionally, multiple owners describe the vehicle stalling at stoplights or in traffic, often necessitating a restart, which can cause unsafe situations. Some reports involve crashes or fires, particularly after vehicle impacts or spontaneous vehicle fires, with airbags not deploying in certain incidents. These issues appear across varying mileage ranges, with some stalling problems reported shortly after purchase and others after significant use.

Severity signals: 4 crash, 2 fire, 0 injury reports

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the passenger seat Occupant Detection System (ODS), which often results in the passenger airbag being deactivated even when the seat is occupied. Common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating and messages indicating the airbag is off or the SRS system needs checking. Many complaints note these issues occurring intermittently, with some starting around 70,000 to 80,000 miles. Some owners mention their vehicles not being included in existing recalls despite experiencing similar problems, leading to significant out-of-pocket repair costs. The safety implications are notable, with two reported crashes and three injuries, highlighting the risk of the airbag not deploying in an accident.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports