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2015 Subaru Forester

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Forester years

Owner complaints for the 2015 Subaru Forester are substantially higher than the model-year median of 131.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

410 reports with mileage · 203 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 131 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 101 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 95 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

53 crash reports7 fire reports26 injury reports

Structure complaints

20 reports
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80,000 miles · Dec 17, 2018
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU FORESTER. WHEN THE CONTACT'S WIFE LIFTED THE HATCHBACK, THE LEFT SUPPORT ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CARBONE SUBARU OF TROY (800 HOOSICK RD, TROY, NY 12180, 518-312-4300) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LEFT HATCHBACK SUPPORT ARM WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANU…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU FORESTER. WHEN THE CONTACT'S WIFE LIFTED THE HATCHBACK, THE LEFT SUPPORT ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CARBONE SUBARU OF TROY (800 HOOSICK RD, TROY, NY 12180, 518-312-4300) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LEFT HATCHBACK SUPPORT ARM WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. *TT CONSUMER REPLACED NEW LIFT ARM. BALL-HEADED BOLT HAD SNAPPED.* JB *DT *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT SIDE STRUT HAS ALSO FAILED. *JS*DT *JB

NHTSA ODI #11162001

41,000 miles · Nov 8, 2018
Electrical SystemStructureUnknown Or Other

I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE MY VEHICLE WHEN THE BATTERY DIED. WHILE SITTING IN MY CAR USING THE ACCESSORIES TO CHARGE MY PHONE, THE CAR BATTERY DIED AND I WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS TO GET OUT. THE KEY FOB DID NOT WORK EITHER. THERE IS NO INSIDE HANDLE ON THE REAR HATCH. THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKERED A COUPLE TIMES AND AFTER ABOUT…

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I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE MY VEHICLE WHEN THE BATTERY DIED. WHILE SITTING IN MY CAR USING THE ACCESSORIES TO CHARGE MY PHONE, THE CAR BATTERY DIED AND I WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS TO GET OUT. THE KEY FOB DID NOT WORK EITHER. THERE IS NO INSIDE HANDLE ON THE REAR HATCH. THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKERED A COUPLE TIMES AND AFTER ABOUT THREE MINUTES THE DOOR DID UNLOCK. WHAT IF THE BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DEAD? WHAT IF I DID NOT HAVE ACCESS TO A CELL PHONE AND IT WAS COLD TEMPERATURES? I DO NOT THINK I WOULD BE STRONG ENOUGH TO KICK OUT THE WINDOWS. I AM CONCERNED AND HOPE YOU WILL INVESTIGATE. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ODI #11150103

32,858 miles · Sep 6, 2018
Air BagsEngineStructureCrash

CAR STARTED AND BACKED OUT OF PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING GARAGE. WHEN GEAR SHIFT WAS PLACED IN DRIVE THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD 50 FEET AND DROVE THRU AN ALUMINUM RAIL AND MESH OVER HEAD ELECTRIC ACTIVATED DOOR. AT 81 MORE FEET THE CAR HIT A 4 X 4 STEEL COLUMN HOLDING UP TWO 27 FOOT STEEL BEAMS OF A CARPORT ROOF STRUCTURE AND COLL…

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CAR STARTED AND BACKED OUT OF PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING GARAGE. WHEN GEAR SHIFT WAS PLACED IN DRIVE THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD 50 FEET AND DROVE THRU AN ALUMINUM RAIL AND MESH OVER HEAD ELECTRIC ACTIVATED DOOR. AT 81 MORE FEET THE CAR HIT A 4 X 4 STEEL COLUMN HOLDING UP TWO 27 FOOT STEEL BEAMS OF A CARPORT ROOF STRUCTURE AND COLLAPSED THE COLUMN. THE SOUTHERLY BEAM FELL ON TOP OF THE CAR AND PULLED THE NORTHERLY BEAM WITH IT. THE CAR CONTINUED FORWARD 9 FEET STRIKING THE FIRST PARKED CAR IN THE REAR QUARTER. THE CAR CONTINUED ABOUT 4 FEET MORE AND STRUCK A SECOND PARKED CAR IN ITS HIND QUARTER AND PUSHED IT UNTIL IT WAS AGAINST THE NEXT CARPORT SUPPORT COLUMN. THE TWO OCCUPANTS IN THE CAR WERE ABLE TO EXIT FROM THE CAR AT EACH OF THE FRONT DOORS WHICH OPENED WITHOUT PROBLEM. EXPERIENCING LIMITED BRUISING ON THEIR LEGS BELOW THE KNEE. A MIRACLE. THE CAR TRAVELED ABOUT 145 FEET NOT UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE DRIVER. THE CAR DEALER HAD BEEN QUESTIONED ON WHY THE CAR DID NOT MOVE FREQUENTLY DURING A STOP AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN EVERY TIME IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE AT THE DEALER WHO SOLD US THE CAR. THE SERVICE REVIEW WAS FIVE TIMES AND NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. I WAS TOLD 'IT WAS THE WAY THE CAR WORKED'. I WAS NOT PROVIDED WITH TEST RESULTS FOR THIS CONDITION. THE CAR HAD THE EYESIGHT DEVICE AND DID NOT STOP THE CAR AT EITHER AT THE DOOR OR THE COLUMN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT IMPLODE ON EITHER IMPACT LOCATION. ONE RECALL WTA-62 FOR SUBARU FORESTER 2015 AND 2016. ENGINE, MARCH 21, 2016. TURBOCHARGER AIR INTAKE DUCT CRACK STALLS ENGINE (16V162000). I WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THIS RECALL. I THINK THE CAR WAS DEFECTIVE FROM THE BEGINNING AND A FIX WAS NOT INITIATED TO CORRECT A FAULTY CONDITION. FORTUNATELY IT DID NOT HAPPEN ON A BUSY STREET OR HIGHWAY. THIS ACCIDENT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. I HAVE PICTURES THAT I CAN FORWARD FOR YOUR USE ON JPG FORMAT. *BF *TR

NHTSA ODI #11127966

18,500 miles · Aug 16, 2017
EngineStructureFire

CAR PASSED STATE INSPECTION ON 8/3/2017 WITH 18500 MILES. ONE WEEK LATER, CAR WAS TAKEN ON SHORT ERRAND AND BURST INTO FLAMES WITH DRIVER INSIDE UPON BEING PLACED IN PARK. FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE ASSESSED THE SITUATION.

NHTSA ODI #11015704

24,500 miles · Dec 19, 2016
EngineStructureUnknown Or OtherFireInjury

MY 2015 SUBARU FORESTER XT WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED SUBARU DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS VISITS TO THE FOR AN ISSUE IN WHICH THE CARS ENGINE LIGHTS AND WARNINGS WOULD DISPLAY, VIOLENTLY SHAKE, SHUDDER AND LOSE POWER WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. AM AUTHORIZED SUBARU MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE, THEY DID AN ECM COMPUTER UPDATE..…

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MY 2015 SUBARU FORESTER XT WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED SUBARU DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS VISITS TO THE FOR AN ISSUE IN WHICH THE CARS ENGINE LIGHTS AND WARNINGS WOULD DISPLAY, VIOLENTLY SHAKE, SHUDDER AND LOSE POWER WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. AM AUTHORIZED SUBARU MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE, THEY DID AN ECM COMPUTER UPDATE...UNFORTUNATELY, THE PROBLEMS DID NOT GO AWAY AFTER THE UPDATE. I RE-VISITED THE DEALERSHIP EXPLAINING THAT THE PROBLEMS PERSISTED, AT WHICH POINT THEY DECIDED TO TRY TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. AFTER A WEEK, THE SUBARU DEALER SENT ME HOME IN THE CAR, SAYING THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. LESS THEN 4 DAYS LAYER, WHILE ON MY MORNING COMMUTE TO WORK, THE SAME PROBLEMS WHICH HAD PLAGUED THE CAR STARTED TO OCCUR, HOWEVER THIS TIME, I HEARD A LOUD POP/BANG AND SMOKE FILLED THE CABIN OF THE CAR. VERY SHORTLY AFTER SMOKE ENTERED THE CABIN, I WITNESSED FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND ABOVE THE WINDSDHIED. I EXITED THE FREEWAY LANES AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, AND WITHIN 10 SECONDS THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I HAVE PAPERWORK FROM THE DEALERSHIP WITH MY EXPRESSED CONCERNS, AND THE SUABARU MECHANIC'S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #10936319

9,673 miles · Sep 12, 2016
EngineStructureCrash

WHILE PARKING AND APPLY THE BRAKES THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. MY WIFE WAS PARKING THE CAR AND WHILE PULLING INTO THE PARKING STALL SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND RAMMED INTO A STEEL CABLE THAT SEPARATED THE PARKING STALLS.

NHTSA ODI #10905761

15,720 miles · Apr 18, 2016
SteeringStructureVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED WHILE DRIVER WAS PARKING WHILE APPLYING BRAKES. VEHICLE HIT HOUSE AND PORCH, SHEARING OFF THE GAS METER WHERE IT MEETS THE UNDERGROUND LINE. EYESIGHT OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #10860015

Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2016
StructureVehicle Speed ControlCrash

CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, ABOUT 10-15 FEET, FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE INTO A BRICK BUILDING,IN A PRIVATE PARKING LOT CAUSING 7K DAMAGE TO MY CARS. PRIOR TO THIS CRASH, THE LANE DEPARTURE AND AUTO BREAKING LIGHTS WERE FLASHING ON AND OFF. I WAS GOING TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE CRASH PREVENTED THAT. THE CAR WAS REP…

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CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, ABOUT 10-15 FEET, FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE INTO A BRICK BUILDING,IN A PRIVATE PARKING LOT CAUSING 7K DAMAGE TO MY CARS. PRIOR TO THIS CRASH, THE LANE DEPARTURE AND AUTO BREAKING LIGHTS WERE FLASHING ON AND OFF. I WAS GOING TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE CRASH PREVENTED THAT. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED AND TAKEN TO THE SUBARU DEALER WHERE PURCHASED, AND THEY EXAMINED THE CAR AND SAID IT WAS WORKING PROPERLY. SINCE THEN, MY SCREEN DATE WAS SET AND THEN REVERTED BACK TO FEB 4, 2010. ALSO, THE LANE DEPARTURE AND AUTO BRAKING LIGHTS HAVE TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING TWICE SINCE GETTING THE CAR BACK. ADDITIONALLY, THE SCREEN NOW DISPLAYS ADDITIONAL MESSAGES THAT IT HADN'T IN THE PAST, SUCH AS VEHICLE AHEAD HAS MOVED, AND ROAD CONDITIONS MIGHT BE ICY. THE LATTER SHOULD HAVE SHOWN UP PRIOR TO THIS ACCIDENT, LIVING IN THE SNOW BELT OF NE OHIO. HAS THERE BEEN ANY "SILENT RECALLS" PLACED ON THIS CAR SINCE 2010 REGARDING THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION ISSUES THAT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A FORMAL RECALL ON, RATHER THAT SUBARU HAS ISSUED THIS INFORMATION TO IT'S TECHS ONLY? I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS GAS PEDAL ISSUE HAS BEEN DISMISSED DUE TO WEATHER MATS, DRIVERS AGE OR DRIVER'S FOOT MISSING THE CORRECT PEDAL. I AM AN EXPERIENCED AND SAFE DRIVER WHO DOES NOT LIKE GETTING SCAMMED BY A MANUFACTURE OF INFERIOR PRODUCT. SUBARU IS LOVE....QUESTIONABLE SINCE IT SEEMS TO ME THEY ARE MAKING CHANGES WITHOUT INFORMING THE GOVERNMENT OF THESE PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ODI #10840115

57 miles · Oct 10, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemStructureVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

CAR WAS DRIVEN OUT OF NEW CAR DEALER WITHOUT INCIDENT BY DRIVER WITH 50 PLUS YEARS EXPERIENCE. APPROXIMATELY THREE TO FOUR MILES INTO TRIP CAR EXPERIENCED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AFTER GOING THROUGH A TRAFFIC LIGHT. CAR PROCEEDED INTO WOODED AREA AND HIT TREE CAUSING LOWER LEG INJURIES TO DRIVER AND MODERATE TO SEVERE DA…

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CAR WAS DRIVEN OUT OF NEW CAR DEALER WITHOUT INCIDENT BY DRIVER WITH 50 PLUS YEARS EXPERIENCE. APPROXIMATELY THREE TO FOUR MILES INTO TRIP CAR EXPERIENCED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AFTER GOING THROUGH A TRAFFIC LIGHT. CAR PROCEEDED INTO WOODED AREA AND HIT TREE CAUSING LOWER LEG INJURIES TO DRIVER AND MODERATE TO SEVERE DAMAGE TO CAR. DRIVER WAS NOT ENTRAPPED UPON EMT ARRIVAL. ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL IDLE SPEED. DRIVER IS CONFIDENT CAR HAS PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL AND /OR ENGINE COMPUTER. CAR TRAVELED AT OVER 40 MPH DURING INCIDENT AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED THROUGH NORMAL BRAKING ACTION.

NHTSA ODI #10781256

7,500 miles · Nov 13, 2014
StructureCrash

THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT RUNNING IN PARK ON A SLIGHT UPHILL GRADE IN A PRIVATE DRIVEWAY WHILE THE DRIVER RAN INTO THE HOUSE TO DROP SOMETHING OFF. SHE CAME RIGHT OUT OF THE HOUSE TO FIND THAT THE VEHICLE DROVE ITSELF FORWARD UP THE GRADE INTO A GARAGE DOOR. IT WAS STILL RUNNING IN PARK WEDGED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR. ONLY MINOR DAMAG…

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THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT RUNNING IN PARK ON A SLIGHT UPHILL GRADE IN A PRIVATE DRIVEWAY WHILE THE DRIVER RAN INTO THE HOUSE TO DROP SOMETHING OFF. SHE CAME RIGHT OUT OF THE HOUSE TO FIND THAT THE VEHICLE DROVE ITSELF FORWARD UP THE GRADE INTO A GARAGE DOOR. IT WAS STILL RUNNING IN PARK WEDGED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR. ONLY MINOR DAMAGE WAS CAUSED TO THE FRONT BUMPER AND GARAGE DOOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10654869

Official recalls

3

19V701000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Oct 3, 2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.

19V149000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Feb 28, 2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

16V162000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

Mar 21, 2016

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Subaru Forester problems