Subaru Forester Recalls

The Subaru Forester has 47 recalls spanning 1998 through 2026, with the most serious recent issue being a defect on 2025 models where 18-inch aluminum wheels were manufactured with an incorrect lug seat surface, preventing the lug nuts from properly securing the wheel and risking loss of stability and a crash.

The 2026 model year brings two additional concerns: a rear hatch support bracket that can detach without warning and allow the hatch to drop on someone using it, and a power moonroof glass panel that can separate from its frame and become a hazard on the road. On 2025 hybrid models, the fuel cap seal can fail and allow fuel to spill from the filler neck when the tank is warm and full, raising the risk of a fire. Child seat anchor bolts on 2025 vehicles, specifically the e-BOXER hybrid trim, may also be improperly torqued and can work loose in a crash.

The 2023-2024 Forester has a front driveshaft outer race that can crack and break, cutting drive power while moving or allowing the vehicle to roll away when parked without the parking brake applied. On 2024 models, the engine coolant pipe can lose its seal due to loose attachment bolts, leaking coolant onto hot exhaust components and raising the fire risk there as well. The 2022 model year has an inhibitor switch that can allow water intrusion and fail, knocking out the reverse lights and rearview camera display when backing up.

Going back to 2019, an electric power steering connector can short circuit and cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, requiring significantly more effort to steer. Also on 2019 models, rear stabilizer bracket bolts can loosen and detach, allowing the bracket to shift and affect handling. A crankcase ventilation valve can separate on 2019 vehicles and shed components into the engine, causing a loss of power. On 2015-2018 models equipped with heated seats, the passenger seat occupant detection connection can loosen and falsely deactivate the front passenger airbag even when someone is seated, removing crash protection for that occupant.

The 2009-2013 generation carries the most significant safety history. The Takata passenger-side airbag inflator on these vehicles can rupture in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin, a risk that applies regardless of climate but was prioritized by registration region in multiple recall campaigns. Turbocharged 2009-2013 vehicles have a secondary air injection pump relay that can fail and keep the pump running until it overheats and melts, creating a fire risk. Replacement ignition switches on 2009-2013 vehicles can lose their internal spring tension, causing the engine to shut off unexpectedly and potentially preventing airbag deployment in a resulting crash. The front seatbelt force-limiters on 2009-2013 models may not function correctly in a crash, reducing restraint effectiveness. The rear center seatbelt on 2009-2012 models does not meet the lockability standard needed to properly secure a child restraint.

Further back, 2003-2008 models have a front lower control arm that can corrode and fracture in salt-belt states, causing a loss of vehicle control. The 2003 model year separately had front seatbelt buckles that could unlatch in a crash. The 2009-2012 model years also had puddle lights with circuit boards susceptible to moisture migration and short circuits. On 1998 models, the ABS brake master cylinder can allow fluid bypass