Subaru Forester 2019 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Forester 2019 and 834 complaints filed by owners. It's the model year with the most complaints for the Subaru Forester between 2016 and 2025.
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Subaru Forester 2019? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Subaru Forester 2019
Suspension
NHTSA campaign 21V263000 · 2021-04-15
What happens
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Consequence
Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Engine and cooling
NHTSA campaign 19V856000 · 2019-12-02
What happens
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Consequence
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Steering
NHTSA campaign 19V065000 · 2019-02-06
What happens
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Consequence
Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
834 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
37 with a crash · 11 with a fire · 21 injuries · 1 deaths
Most reported problems on the Subaru Forester 2019
- Wipers: 370 (44% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 133 (16% of complaints)
- Engine: 106 (13% of complaints)
- Forward collision avoidance: 43 (5% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 38 (5% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Subaru Forester 2019
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Test every wiper speed and the washer.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Subaru Forester SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Subaru Forester recalls by year
- 2016 : 3 recalls · 415 complaints
- 2017 : 1 recalls · 587 complaints
- 2018 : 3 recalls · 498 complaints
- 2019 : 3 recalls · 834 complaints
- 2020 : 0 recalls · 601 complaints
- 2021 : 0 recalls · 210 complaints
- 2022 : 1 recalls · 98 complaints
- 2023 : 1 recalls · 74 complaints
- 2024 : 2 recalls · 29 complaints
- 2025 : 3 recalls · 97 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Subaru Forester 2019 have?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Forester 2019. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Subaru Forester 2019?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: wipers (370 of 834 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 14, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).