repaired · 2023 Q1
Suspension: rear
Risk. Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
2019 Subaru ForesterProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 834 owner complaints about the 2019 Subaru Forester, most often about the visibility/wiper. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-263 the manufacturer reports only 92% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 11, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2019 Subaru Forester has problems
834 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
370Visibility/wiper
134Electrical system9 crash/fire/injury
106Engine9 crash/fire/injury
43Forward collision avoidance
38Power train
38Visibility
27Vehicle speed control
25Structure
22Fuel/propulsion system
11915 other systems28 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 370 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 134 | 9 |
| Engine | 106 | 9 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 43 | 3 |
| Power train | 38 | 5 |
| Visibility | 38 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 27 | 6 |
| Structure | 25 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 22 | 6 |
| 15 other systems | 119 | 28 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2019 Subaru Forester recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q2
Emission control: crankcase (pcv)
Risk. An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Steering: electric power assist system
Risk. Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Mileage at failure
When do visibility/wiper problems start?
8kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 267 visibility/wiper complaints. 100% were reported before 100,000 miles.
253under 30k miles267under 100k miles0100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Visibility/wiper
17 owners mentioned a cost$1,100median
Middle half: $1,000 – $1,400
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2019 vs. every other Forester year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Forester median. How we score
'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2019 Subaru Forester safety ratings
2019 Subaru Forester SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (16.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What Forester owners report
Recent visibility/wiper complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
In May 2025, I had the passenger-side mirror on my 2019 Subaru Forester replaced at a licensed Subaru dealership. I was told the replacement part would be factory-original and matched to the vehicle’s VIN, which specifies a dark metallic grey exterior. After the repair was completed, I noticed that…
I started my car and turned on the windshield wipers and fluid to clear the windshield. Within a few seconds of wiping the windshield, I heard a pop and a crack directly down the center of the windshield starting at the top developed along the line of the eyesight system and rearview mirror mount.…
I purchased this vehicle brand new in 2019, and since them i have had to replace my windshield once in January of 2023 (piece of gravel on highway), then in February of this year, my passenger front window busted out.. nothing hit it, it just blew out while i was driving. Weather that day was 53.…
Own a 2019 Forester?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.