NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1998–2026

Subaru Forester recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 43 recall campaigns and 6,483 owner complaints for the Subaru Forester, covering model years 1998 to 2026. The 2019 model year drew the most complaints (833), and Visibility/Wiper is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Subaru Forester VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

43 recall campaigns on file
6,483 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
29 model years with data (1998–2026)

most complaints: 2019 (833 for that model year)
top component: Visibility/Wiper (1,060 complaints)
latest recall 26V436000 (reported Jul 7, 2026)

552 complaints reporting a crash (8.5%)
102 complaints reporting a fire (1.6%)
241 complaints reporting an injury (3.7%)
7 complaints reporting a death (0.1%)

Subaru Forester complaints by model year

29 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2019 model year has the most complaints: 833 of 6,483, or 12.8%. Next come 2015 (613) and 2020 (601). The fewest are for 2026, with 21 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years

Show the figures for all 29 model years

Subaru Forester complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death

Subaru Forester complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model year	Complaints	Reporting a crash	Reporting a fire	Reporting an injury	Reporting a death
1998	101	7	5	2	1
1999	131	5	1	4	0
2000	75	7	0	3	0
2001	139	31	0	20	1
2002	88	21	1	5	0
2003	189	17	0	9	2
2004	219	13	4	7	0
2005	93	15	1	8	0
2006	88	12	7	4	0
2007	74	13	1	5	0
2008	50	5	3	2	0
2009	178	19	7	5	1
2010	262	21	6	9	0
2011	147	21	6	4	0
2012	105	15	5	8	0
2013	77	13	2	8	0
2014	403	48	3	18	0
2015	613	53	7	26	0
2016	414	40	3	15	0
2017	587	40	1	25	0
2018	495	26	1	6	0
2019	833	37	11	16	1
2020	601	26	9	13	0
2021	207	16	5	5	0
2022	98	8	6	3	0
2023	73	8	4	4	0
2024	29	4	1	1	0
2025	93	11	2	6	1
2026	21	0	0	0	0
All model years	6,483	552	102	241	7

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Subaru Forester components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Visibility/Wiper is the component named most often, in 1,060 complaints (16.4% of all 6,483), followed by Engine (822) and Air Bags (813).

Components named most often in Subaru Forester complaints (top 15)

Components named most often in Subaru Forester complaints (top 15)
Component	Complaints	Share of complaints
Visibility/Wiper	1,060	16.4%
Engine	822	12.7%
Unknown or Other	818	12.6%
Air Bags	813	12.5%
Electrical System	793	12.2%
Power Train	552	8.5%
Vehicle Speed Control	532	8.2%
Suspension	415	6.4%
Fuel/Propulsion System	348	5.4%
Service Brakes	272	4.2%
Seats	248	3.8%
Structure	211	3.3%
Visibility	204	3.1%
Engine and Engine Cooling	188	2.9%
Forward Collision Avoidance	183	2.8%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Subaru Forester recalls

43 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Forester, newest first. The 43 campaigns cover model years 1998 to 2026. The 2009 and 2010 model years appear in the most campaigns (17 each).

43 recall campaigns

Subaru Forester recall campaigns covering each model year
Decade	Years ending in 0	Years ending in 1	Years ending in 2	Years ending in 3	Years ending in 4	Years ending in 5	Years ending in 6	Years ending in 7	Years ending in 8	Years ending in 9
1990s									1998: 1 campaign	1999: 1 campaign
2000s	2000: no campaigns	2001: no campaigns	2002: 1 campaign	2003: 3 campaigns	2004: 2 campaigns	2005: 1 campaign	2006: 2 campaigns	2007: 1 campaign	2008: 1 campaign	2009: 17 campaigns
2010s	2010: 17 campaigns	2011: 16 campaigns	2012: 15 campaigns	2013: 12 campaigns	2014: 2 campaigns	2015: 3 campaigns	2016: 3 campaigns	2017: 1 campaign	2018: 3 campaigns	2019: 3 campaigns
2020s	2020: no campaigns	2021: no campaigns	2022: 1 campaign	2023: 1 campaign	2024: 2 campaigns	2025: 3 campaigns	2026: 3 campaigns

Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

NHTSA campaign 26V436000
Reported Jul 7, 2026
Equipment › Other › Labels
Model years 2025–2026
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
Consequence:
An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 26V346000
Reported May 28, 2026
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Model year 2026
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid vehicles. The sliding glass panel of the power moonroof assembly may have been improperly bonded to the sliding frame, allowing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence:
A detached glass panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect the power moonroof glass panel for proper adhesion and, if necessary, replace the glass panel assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRF-26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 25V889000
Reported Dec 18, 2025
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Model year 2026
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester vehicles. These vehicles may have been manufactured with an incorrect and/or incorrectly oriented rear hatch support bracket which can detach without prior warning.
Consequence:
A rear hatch support bracket that detaches can allow the rear hatch to fall unexpectedly during use and increase the risk of injury.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect the rear hatch support brackets and, if necessary, replace the stay and support bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-25. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 20, 2025.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 25V419000
Reported Jun 19, 2025
Child Seat
Model year 2025
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles. The child seat anchor bolts may have been improperly tightened, allowing the bolts to come loose.
Consequence:
A loose child seat anchor bolt increases the risk of injury to a child during a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect the child seat anchor bolts and, if necessary, tighten the bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-25.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 25V033000
Reported Jan 23, 2025
Wheels
Model year 2025
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles equipped with 18" aluminum alloy wheels. The wheels may have been manufactured with an incorrectly specified lug seat surface, which can result in the wheel being improperly attached and cause a loss of vehicle stability.
Consequence:
A loss of vehicle stability increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect and replace the wheels, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRB-25.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 23V755000
Reported Nov 9, 2023
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
Model year 2022
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:
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.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 23V754000
Reported Nov 9, 2023
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Model years 2023–2024
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.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 23V723000
Reported Oct 26, 2023
Engine and Engine Cooling
Model year 2024
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.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 22V838000
Reported Nov 10, 2022
Seat Belts
Model years 2009–2013
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles. The front seat belt assembly force-limiter may not operate correctly in the event of a crash.
Consequence:
The seat belt assembly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-22.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 21V587000
Reported Jul 29, 2021
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Model year 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence:
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

Show 33 more recalls

NHTSA campaign 21V263000
Reported Apr 15, 2021
Suspension › Rear
Model year 2019
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.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 20V003000
Reported Jan 2, 2020
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module
Model years 2009–2013
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence:
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 20V002000
Reported Jan 2, 2020
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module
Model years 2009–2013
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence:
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 20V001000
Reported Jan 2, 2020
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module
Model years 2009–2013
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence:
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 19V856000
Reported Dec 2, 2019
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (PCV)
Model year 2019
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.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 19V701000
Reported Oct 3, 2019
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification
Model years 2015–2018
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:
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.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 19V297000
Reported Apr 11, 2019
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Model years 2009–2013
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Consequence:
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 19V149000
Reported Feb 28, 2019
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Model years 2014–2016
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:
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.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 19V065000
Reported Feb 6, 2019
Steering › Electric Power Assist System
Model year 2019
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.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 19V009000
Reported Jan 9, 2019
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module
Model years 2010–2013
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence:
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:
Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 19V008000
Reported Jan 9, 2019
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module
Model years 2010–2013
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence:
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:
Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 19V007000
Reported Jan 9, 2019
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module
Model years 2010–2013
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence:
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:
Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 18V455000
Reported Jul 10, 2018
Equipment › Other › Labels; Tires
Model year 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. The Certification Label may indicate the incorrect wheel size, tire size, and air pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence:
Installing incorrect tires or applying incorrect tire air pressure may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected label, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTS-78.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 18V014000
Reported Jan 9, 2018
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module
Model year 2009
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence:
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-18.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 18V013000
Reported Jan 9, 2018
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module
Model years 2009–2010
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence:
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-18.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 18V012000
Reported Jan 9, 2018
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module
Model years 2009–2013
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence:
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 17V026000
Reported Jan 11, 2017
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module
Model year 2009
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence:
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 17V014000
Reported Jan 10, 2017
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module
Model years 2009–2012
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence:
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 16V738000
Reported Oct 13, 2016
Electrical System
Model years 2009–2013
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
Consequence:
If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 16V358000
Reported May 25, 2016
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module
Model years 2009–2011
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence:
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 16V162000
Reported Mar 21, 2016
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger
Model years 2015–2016
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:
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.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 14V830000
Reported Dec 31, 2014
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Model years 2009–2013
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector.
Consequence:
Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles that were not repaired under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311. Affected vehicles not currently, or formerly, registered in the salt belt states identified in this recall are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 14V311000
Reported Jun 10, 2014
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Model years 2009–2013
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Consequence:
Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 13V159000
Reported Apr 24, 2013
Equipment
Model year 2014
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2014 Forester vehicles manufactured from January 2013 through March 2013. The backing for the carpeted floor mats was not manufactured to specification. As a result, the floor mats may curl when exposed to heat.
Consequence:
Curling of the driver side floor mat could distract the driver and/or interfere with proper operation of one or a combination of, the vehicle's clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals. Brake or accelerator pedal interference may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash.
Remedy:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace each of the vehicle's four (4) carpeted floor mats with new ones. These services will be performed free of charge. Subaru issued an interim notification during April 2013. Notification that the remedy is now available was mailed to owners on June 5, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQH-44.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 12V602000
Reported Dec 26, 2012
Exterior Lighting
Model years 2009–2012
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
Consequence:
Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
Remedy:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 12V099000
Reported Mar 13, 2012
Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Model years 2009–2012
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Forester vehicles manufactured from November 26, 2007, through March 13, 2012. The automatic locking retractor in the seat belt assemblies located in the rear center seating of the affected vehicles do not meet lockability requirements and fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, “occupant crash protection.” Specifically, the assemblies may not permit proper installation and secure attachment of a child restraint in that seating position.
Consequence:
An insecure installation of a child restraint can increase the risk of injury to a child during a crash.
Remedy:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear center seat belt assembly with a newly modified automatic locking retractor, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed on March 26, 2012. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 11V464000
Reported Sep 6, 2011
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm
Model years 2003–2008
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 impreza, model year 2003-2008 forester, and model year 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles manufactured from September 5, 2000 through November 26, 2007 originally sold, or currently registered in, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. The front lower control arms may break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion if the hanger bracket is exposed to salty and humid environments such as roads containing snow melting agent.
Consequence:
A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Subaru will handle their vehicles and Saab will handle theirs. Dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during December 2011. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Owners may contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 08V460000
Reported Sep 11, 2008
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Model year 2009
Subaru is recalling 16,715 MY 2007-2008 legacy sedans and wagons, MY 2008 impreza sedans and wagons, and MY 2009 Forester vehicles. Some vehicles may have the cylinder head-side oil supply pipe and turbocharger-side pipe improperly assembled.
Consequence:
Vibration would occur while driving and, over time, could eventually result in cracking the pipe which would allow oil to leak. If leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, an engine compartment fire could occur.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect for cracking or an oil leak at the oil supply pipe at the cylinder head-side. An additional bracket will be installed to increase rigidity of the pipe and the pipe assembly will be replaced with a modified part. The recall began on October 20, 2008. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 07V043000
Reported Feb 12, 2007
Air Bags › Frontal
Model year 2006
On certain vehicles, the wiring harness for the air bag occupant detection system in the front passenger seat may have been pinched during production. Pinching of the wiring harness between the floor crossmember and the seat mounting bracket could result in a short circuit.
Consequence:
The passenger's front air bag could become disabled and may not deploy in the event of a crash increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant. Also an electrical short circuit could cause a fire.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect to see if the wiring had been incorrectly routed under the seat bracket. If so, the dealer will repair any damaged wiring, reroute and secure the wiring harness in the correct location, and re-calibrate the occupant detection system as necessary. The recall began on March 9, 2007. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 04V473000
Reported Oct 1, 2004
Engine and Engine Cooling
Model year 2004
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, the cover bolts for the engine oil control valve may not be sufficiently tightened, allowing oil to leak from around the cover gasket.
Consequence:
If leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, a fire could result in the engine compartment.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect and retighten the oil-flow control valve cover bolts. The recall began on October 8, 2004. Owners should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 03V047000
Reported Feb 20, 2003
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Model year 2003
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, "seat belt assemblies." The left and right front seat belt buckle/latch assemblies were improperly manufactured.
Consequence:
In the event of a crash, the front seat belts could unlatch, which could result in personal injury to the seat occupant.
Remedy:
Dealers will replace the left and right front seat belt buckle/latch assemblies. Owner notification began February 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 02V282000
Reported Oct 30, 2002
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Model years 2002–2003
Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions were produced with an improperly manufactured transmission parking rod. When the transmission selector lever is placed in the "p" (park) position, the transmission park mechanism, that is intended to hold your vehicle, may not engage.
Consequence:
The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Owner notification January 8, 2003. An interim owner notification will be sent during November 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.
NHTSA campaign 99V040000
Reported Mar 3, 1999
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Model years 1998–1999
Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles equipped with anti-lock braking system (ABS). (The 1999 2.2 liter legacy vehicles are excluded). In extremely cold weather, the brake pedal goes to the floor and the vehicle stopping distance is increased.
Consequence:
This condition causes the vehicle stopping distance to be increased, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder.
Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means

What each recall field means
Field	What it tells you
Campaign number	NHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
Component	The system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
Summary	What the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
Consequence	The safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
Remedy	What the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.

Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Subaru Forester questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Subaru Forester have?

NHTSA lists 43 vehicle recall campaigns for the Subaru Forester, covering model years 1998 to 2026. The most recent, 26V436000, was reported on July 7, 2026 and is filed under “Equipment”. The 2009 and 2010 model years are covered by the most campaigns (17 each).

Which Subaru Forester model year has the most complaints?

The 2019 model year, with 833 of the 6,483 complaints in NHTSA’s file (12.8%). The next are 2015 (613) and 2020 (601). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Subaru Forester complaint?

Visibility/Wiper is the component named most often: 1,060 complaints, or 16.4% of all 6,483. Engine (822) and Air Bags (813) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Subaru Forester?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Subaru dealer.

How many Subaru Forester complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 6,483 complaints, 552 report a crash, 102 a fire, 241 at least one injury and 7 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

8 models · most complaints first

The Subaru models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Subaru VIN decoder with every Subaru model page, WMI code and VIN note.

Subaru Outback 1995–2026 · 71 recalls · 9,746 complaints
Subaru Legacy 1995–2025 · 76 recalls · 2,827 complaints
Subaru Impreza 1995–2026 · 52 recalls · 2,607 complaints
Subaru Crosstrek 2012–2026 · 13 recalls · 1,182 complaints
Subaru Ascent 2019–2026 · 13 recalls · 1,031 complaints
Subaru WRX 2002–2025 · 23 recalls · 974 complaints
Subaru XV CrossTrek 2013–2017 · 3 recalls · 262 complaints
Subaru B9 Tribeca 2006–2012 · 7 recalls · 145 complaints

All Subaru models and WMI codes Look up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.

Subaru Forester complaints by model year

Most-reported Subaru Forester components

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

Subaru Forester recalls

Equipment › Other › Labels

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments

Child Seat

Wheels

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft

Engine and Engine Cooling

Seat Belts

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

Suspension › Rear

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (PCV)

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch

Steering › Electric Power Assist System

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

Equipment › Other › Labels; Tires

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

Electrical System

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

Equipment

Exterior Lighting

Seat Belts › Rear/Other

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine

Air Bags › Frontal

Engine and Engine Cooling

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly

Power Train › Automatic Transmission

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder

How to read this recall list

Subaru Forester questions

How many recalls does the Subaru Forester have?

Which Subaru Forester model year has the most complaints?

What is the most common Subaru Forester complaint?

Does every recall on this page apply to my Subaru Forester?

How many Subaru Forester complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Other Subaru models