2021 Subaru Forester problems
What owners reported to NHTSA, at what mileage, and every safety recall for this model year.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports. NHTSA does not confirm each one.
- No denominator: popular cars get more complaints. Counts are not failure rates; a best-seller will show more reports than a rare model.
Most reported problems
Complaints by component. One complaint can name more than one component, so these add up to more than 210.
When problems show up
Reports by odometer reading at the time of the problem, top components. Each bar is a 25,000-mile band, labeled by where it starts (0 = 0–25k miles). Reports without mileage are left out.
Visibility/wiper
Unknown or other
Electrical system
Safety recalls (0)
Recalls that cover the 2021 Subaru Forester. Some apply only to certain trims or build dates. This page cannot tell whether a specific car's recall work was done.
Check a specific VIN's open recalls on nhtsa.gov
No safety recalls on file for this model year.
Questions to ask the seller
Do the wipers work on every speed and park correctly? Any wiper motor repairs?
76 owner complaints mention the wipers, half of the reports with mileage are between 1,750 and 3,400 miles.
Any battery drain, dashboard warning lights, or electrical repairs? Test every switch, screen, and power accessory before buying.
33 owner complaints mention the electrical system.
Has the engine had any repairs, oil leaks, or check-engine lights? Ask for the invoices and listen for knocking or ticking on a cold start.
33 owner complaints mention the engine, half of the reports with mileage are between 20,000 and 32,000 miles.
Has the automatic emergency braking ever activated with nothing ahead, or shown sensor errors? Ask about windshield or sensor repairs.
17 owner complaints mention the forward collision avoidance system.
Has the transmission been serviced or repaired? On the test drive, watch for slipping, delayed engagement, or harsh shifts.
15 owner complaints mention the transmission or drivetrain.
Other Subaru Forester years
Owner complaints per model year (2010–2022). Older cars have had more time to collect reports.
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