Subaru Forester 2021 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Forester 2021 and 210 complaints filed by owners. It has 39% fewer complaints than the average Subaru Forester from 2016–2025 (344 per year).
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 2021? 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 2021
NHTSA has no vehicle recalls on file for this model and year.
Complaints from other owners
210 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
16 with a crash · 5 with a fire · 9 injuries
Most reported problems on the Subaru Forester 2021
- Wipers: 76 (36% of complaints)
- Engine: 33 (16% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 33 (16% of complaints)
- Forward collision avoidance: 17 (8% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 15 (7% 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 2021
- Test every wiper speed and the washer.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 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 2021 have?
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Forester 2021. 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 2021?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: wipers (76 of 210 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).