NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat belt force-limiter may not work properly during a crash, potentially causing the belt to restrain occupants with excessive force.
This page covers 15 recalls, 262 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Subaru Forester.
21–22 mpg combined
10.7–11.2 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2010 Forester centers on the front seat assemblies and airbags. Seat complaints, the largest category by a wide margin, describe seat backs that unexpectedly recline or collapse rearward during normal driving or when a seat is occupied, which owners say happens without warning. Airbag complaints focus heavily on non-deployment: owners report that in collisions where significant impact occurred, the airbags did not deploy. Engine complaints, while less frequent, describe sudden and complete power loss while driving, sometimes without any warning lights beforehand. A recurring detail in the engine reports is that the failure happens abruptly, leaving the driver with little time to react before the vehicle loses all power.
262
Total Complaints
21
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Subaru Forester has 15 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side airbag inflator that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death to occupants.
The airbag concern spans multiple filings but describes the same defect: the front passenger inflator can rupture with enough force to scatter sharp metal fragments toward the driver and passengers. On the electrical side, turbocharged models have a relay that can fail and leave the secondary air injection pump running continuously until it overheats and melts, raising the risk of a fire. There is also an ignition switch concern on vehicles where a replacement mechanical key switch was installed: a small internal spring can break, weakening the switch to the point where the engine may cut out unexpectedly, and if a crash follows, the airbags may not deploy. Two seatbelt recalls round out the list: the front seatbelt force-limiter may not work correctly in a crash, reducing how well the belt restrains an occupant, and the rear center seat belt retractor may not lock properly when securing a child restraint, leaving it loose in a collision. A separate electrical issue involves moisture getting into the puddle light circuit board and causing a short.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat belt force-limiter may not work properly during a crash, potentially causing the belt to restrain occupants with excessive force.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front seat belt assembly and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown caused by prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator with a different design at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown from exposure to high humidity, temperature changes, and heat over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown caused by long-term exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ball spring inside the ignition switch may break, weakening it. Key ring weight or road conditions could then shift the switch from run to accessory position, shutting off the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the ignition switch and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment in a crash. This can happen because the propellant inside degrades over time when exposed to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator can explode during deployment due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant breaking down after long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment in a crash. This can happen because the inflator's propellant degrades over time when exposed to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator can explode during deployment due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The relay controlling the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to run continuously and overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash because the explosive propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to heat and humidity in certain regions.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Puddle lights under the doors can develop electrical short circuits when road spray containing salt penetrates the light's circuit board or connector pins.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an additional fused harness to protect the puddle light circuit from moisture damage.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The automatic locking retractor in the rear center seat belt doesn't lock properly, preventing secure installation of a child restraint in that seating position.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear center seat belt assembly with a modified automatic locking retractor at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.