Subaru Forester 2024 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Forester 2024 and 29 complaints filed by owners. It's the model year with the fewest 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.

Recalls issued for the Subaru Forester 2024

Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 23V754000 · 2023-11-09

What happens

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.

Consequence

A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 23V754000

Engine and cooling
NHTSA campaign 23V723000 · 2023-10-26

What happens

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.

Consequence

Leaking coolant can contact a hot exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Subaru’s independent distributor processing facilities will tighten the water pipe attachment bolts. The affected vehicles have not been delivered to dealers or sold to owners and therefore, no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRO-23.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 23V723000

Complaints from other owners

29 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

4 with a crash · 1 with a fire · 1 injuries

Most reported problems on the Subaru Forester 2024

• Air bags: 7 (24% of complaints)
• Wipers: 5 (17% of complaints)
• Forward collision avoidance: 4 (14% of complaints)
• Structure and body: 2 (7% of complaints)
• Exterior lighting: 2 (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 2024

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• The air bag light should come on for a second at start-up and go off. Confirm by VIN that air bag recalls were done.
• Test every wiper speed and the washer.
• Ask whether the system braked on its own for no reason ("phantom braking") and whether software updates are pending.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

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 2024 have?

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Forester 2024. 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 2024?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: air bags (7 of 29 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.