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2022 Subaru Forester

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2022 Subaru Forester do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 131.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 14 of 98 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

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.

  • Visibility/wiper. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Forward Collision Avoidance. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports6 fire reports3 injury reports

Engine complaints

10 reports
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Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2025
EngineCrashFire

I hit a deer going 45 mph, the air bags deployed, and my engine caught on fire. Within 10 minutes my car burned to the ground.

NHTSA ODI #11691363

Mileage unknown · Sep 30, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

I was steering my car into my own garage as I do daily. Suddenly, as the car was making the turn, the car accelerated abruptly on its own. I was somehow able to steer into the garage, but the rapid acceleration continued. I braked and stopped the car just before it went into the wall that adjoins the interior of my home. Ther…

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I was steering my car into my own garage as I do daily. Suddenly, as the car was making the turn, the car accelerated abruptly on its own. I was somehow able to steer into the garage, but the rapid acceleration continued. I braked and stopped the car just before it went into the wall that adjoins the interior of my home. There was an inch to spare. There were no warnings or messages or sympoms prior to this event.

NHTSA ODI #11690671

5,000 miles · Mar 3, 2025
Engine

The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while her husband was stopped at a stoplight, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to move. There were three abnormal beeps heard. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the loca…

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The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while her husband was stopped at a stoplight, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to move. There were three abnormal beeps heard. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

NHTSA ODI #11645910

Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2024
EngineUnknown Or OtherFire

The vehicle was started with the remote start to warm up. It was about -15F. It ran for 10 minutes and then shut off as it is supposed to. The driver got in the car, started the car, all the gauges went crazy and all the dash lights lit up. The driver heard a popping sound and then there was smoke under the hood. The vehicl…

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The vehicle was started with the remote start to warm up. It was about -15F. It ran for 10 minutes and then shut off as it is supposed to. The driver got in the car, started the car, all the gauges went crazy and all the dash lights lit up. The driver heard a popping sound and then there was smoke under the hood. The vehicle became engulfed in flames. The vehicle was a total loss as was the car sitting next due to the heat from the fire. The house that the vehicle was parked near sustained minor damage (bubbling paint on porch). Two fire departments responded to the call. Prior to the incident, the vehicle had been running normally and no recent work had been done on the vehicle. The fire chief/inspector and the insurance company were both unable to determine the source, as all that was left was a burnt out frame. The dealership was called in inquire about any warranty coverage, but stated unless it could be proved to be a defect, then they were not liable. The vehicle was towed by the insurance carrier and currently sits on their lot.

NHTSA ODI #11566263

Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

I was pulling into a parking space at my apartment complex. I had my foot on the BRAKE, and the vehicle slowed as I approached the space. As I turned into the space with my foot light on the brake, the engine suddenly revved and the Forester surged forward. AT NO POINT DID I TOUCH THE ACCELERATOR. I have a size 7 (women’s) shoe,…

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I was pulling into a parking space at my apartment complex. I had my foot on the BRAKE, and the vehicle slowed as I approached the space. As I turned into the space with my foot light on the brake, the engine suddenly revved and the Forester surged forward. AT NO POINT DID I TOUCH THE ACCELERATOR. I have a size 7 (women’s) shoe, and the floor mat was flat and secured as always. The vehicle surged forward and drove over the curb and onto the sidewalk. No warning lights came on, no warning alarms sounded. It only stopped when I slammed the brake to the floor. I then reversed off the sidewalk and put the car in park and turned it off. This is the first time this has happened.

NHTSA ODI #11562680

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion System

Honestly I don't know where to report this. Even though, running out of gas somewhere, because of false advertising, could be dangerous. - When we bought our 2022 Subaru Forrester they were advertising 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 on the highway. We have never gotten better than 21 1/2 mpg average combining both in tow…

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Honestly I don't know where to report this. Even though, running out of gas somewhere, because of false advertising, could be dangerous. - When we bought our 2022 Subaru Forrester they were advertising 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 on the highway. We have never gotten better than 21 1/2 mpg average combining both in town and highway miles. Both myself and my wife are careful drivers and make a serious effort to sustain decent mileage. That's quite a lower figure than it should be. - If you can't help me perhaps you can tell me where to report this.

NHTSA ODI #11505444

Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that after the vehicle had been parked for approximately 3-hours, the alarm sounded indicating that the locks were being tampered with. The contact stated that the doors were locking and unlocking independently. The contact stated that several electrical features had ma…

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The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that after the vehicle had been parked for approximately 3-hours, the alarm sounded indicating that the locks were being tampered with. The contact stated that the doors were locking and unlocking independently. The contact stated that several electrical features had malfunctioned. The contact stated that on occasion, the brake pedal was spongy when depressed, and the check engine and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally failed to start up as needed. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11500187

Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire

-Engine failure: fuel line issue causing 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness to catch fire and explode - beforehand rod bearing was pulverized in separate incident a few months prior - engine was then replaced and car exploded 600 miles later causing total loss of vehicle. -Car exploded while driving in it, lost all personal belong…

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-Engine failure: fuel line issue causing 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness to catch fire and explode - beforehand rod bearing was pulverized in separate incident a few months prior - engine was then replaced and car exploded 600 miles later causing total loss of vehicle. -Car exploded while driving in it, lost all personal belongings in car, barely got out of vehicle in time before explosion. -Investigation completed by Subaru of America and confirmed as a fuel line issue a few weeks later. -Smelt gas on highway while driving a few moments prior to car exploding.

NHTSA ODI #11491612

Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire

I was driving to work and my car started stalling. So i pulled into a parking spot and when I got out I noticed a trail of oil behind the car. I closed the door and the car started smoking and within seconds it was in flames. I bought it on 7/25 and on 8/3 it was gone. It only had 78 miles on it, 100% driven on city streets. I h…

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I was driving to work and my car started stalling. So i pulled into a parking spot and when I got out I noticed a trail of oil behind the car. I closed the door and the car started smoking and within seconds it was in flames. I bought it on 7/25 and on 8/3 it was gone. It only had 78 miles on it, 100% driven on city streets. I have several pictures and videos of the event but this site doesn't support them so I can share separately if needed. You are also welcome to inspect the car as it will be hauled to a salvage yard shortly.

NHTSA ODI #11484729

Mileage unknown · Aug 17, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

Purchased car on 8/15/2022 and encountering issues with: 1. oil in the air when engine is turned on 2. Onion smell when engine is turned on 3. AC if affected by oil and onion smell ; too hot when sitting in car with engine on ..sulfur? 4. Please check the gas tank for possible leak. 5. 3-yr old grandson is affected by onion, oil…

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Purchased car on 8/15/2022 and encountering issues with: 1. oil in the air when engine is turned on 2. Onion smell when engine is turned on 3. AC if affected by oil and onion smell ; too hot when sitting in car with engine on ..sulfur? 4. Please check the gas tank for possible leak. 5. 3-yr old grandson is affected by onion, oil and possible exhaust fumes leaking into the interior of the car. Daycare made a notation of oil smell and onion smell on grandson. We need oxygen to our brain and body; without it we cannot live.

NHTSA ODI #11479790

Official recalls

1

23V755000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch

Nov 9, 2023

Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.

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