2015 Subaru Forester Problems
Compared with other Subaru Forester years
More complaints than typical for this model
74/100 1.8× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.8× that of a typical Subaru Forester year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 141 of its 615 complaints were filed by the end of 2017.
- Most reported problem: Loss of power and stall while driving (CVT/fuel related) (184 complaints, median 39,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2012, 2013
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 615filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 43,919miles, 410 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl AWD · 23 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2015 Subaru Forester (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe broken rear coil springs, intermittent loss of motive power at highway speed, and a passenger airbag occupancy sensor that switches the airbag off. Many complaints come in between roughly 40,000 and 90,000 miles, and the power-loss reports usually involve steady cruising and sometimes near-empty tanks.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Loss of power and stall while driving (CVT/fuel related)
- 184 complaints (30%)
- median 39,000 mi at 3.8 yrs old (137 state mileage)
- 36 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,000 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2014–2026
Owners describe the engine revving while the car stops accelerating, as if it slipped into neutral, sometimes with all warning lights on. After pulling over and restarting, some vehicles drive normally; others will not restart until more fuel is added. Complaints mention diagnoses ranging from a CVT valve body design change to fuel pump or relay concerns, and several say the dealer could not reproduce the problem. Mostly reported between about 35,000 and 135,000 miles, typically at highway speed on longer trips and sometimes with the fuel gauge between one-eighth and one-quarter.
What to check: Ask whether the CVT fluid has been serviced and whether any control valve body work or software updates were done, and get a transmission-fluid condition check before buying. Road-test at highway speed and confirm the car restarts readily after a stop.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“In september 2017, I was driving on the highway when my Subaru Forester lost power completely and without warning. I was barely able to get to the shoulder and have the vehicle towed. It restarted after only approximately 2 hours. Luckily this occurred in the middle of the night with little traffic, or I likely would have been involved in a catastrophic accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #11297188, filed 2020-01, 39,000 miles“We were driving down the road approx 65 and the eye sight disabled, ABS disabled, traction control and hill assist stopped, cruise control stopped at transmission oil started flashing and then check engine light all came on we were driving down hwy 61 in az. Power to the vehicle slowed and we could not go faster than 40mph. The brake light switch was on recall and replaced 10/2019 and the 3xacr same thing happened except the check engine light didnt come on.”
NHTSA complaint #11318167, filed 2020-03, 129,735 miles - Suspension
Rear coil springs break, often rusted
- 54 complaints (9%)
- median 52,120 mi at 4.9 yrs old (49 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $812 (median of 8 quotes)
- filed 2018–2024
Owners describe a loud snap or thump and a rear corner of the vehicle sitting low, sometimes close to the tire. In many cases the broken spring is found during routine service or a tire repair on a lift rather than while driving, and mechanics find the break ends rusted. Complaints state that both rear springs and struts were replaced, with some owners advising the other side be replaced too. Reported from about 29,000 to 150,000 miles, with many between 40,000 and 80,000 miles, often after winter road salt exposure.
What to check: Have the rear springs and struts inspected on a lift for cracks, coating damage and rust, especially on vehicles from salt-belt states. Ask whether either rear coil spring or strut assembly has already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The left rear coil/strut broke. It appears to be rust issue. There are about 40000 miles on this vehicle. No heavy loads. Relatively good road conditions. This happened while driving straight on a city street at about 25 MPH. I heard and felt a loud snap. I stopped. The car was sagging on left rear. The fender was nearly touching the tire.”
NHTSA complaint #11326676, filed 2020-05, 40,567 miles“Less than two days after having routine service maintenance done at a Subaru dealership, I was driving my 2015 Subaru Forester with just over 46,000 miles on it on a city street when I heard a thump and noticed something didn't feel right in the back of the vehicle. I was driving on flat pavement and did not hit anything that would have caused damage to the vehicle. Upon inspection I could see the left rear of the car was almost resting on the tire. …”
NHTSA complaint #11298912, filed 2020-01, 46,570 miles - Air bags
Passenger airbag shows off or warning light on
- 184 complaints (30%)
- median 52,000 mi at 4.9 yrs old (100 state mileage)
- 34 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,200 (median of 18 quotes)
- filed 2014–2026
Owners report the passenger airbag indicator switching to off with someone seated, or a check airbag / SRS warning appearing with the seat empty. Dealers have described a faulty occupant detection sensor or connection, with some repairs paid largely by the manufacturer. Several owners note their vehicle has heated seats but their VIN is not covered by the occupant classification recall. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 120,000 miles, in everyday driving with an occupied front passenger seat.
What to check: With a passenger seated, watch the passenger airbag indicator to see whether it stays on. Check the VIN against recall 19V701000 and ask whether the occupant detection system or its connector has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When the vehicle is in motion, the passenger airbag does not accurately sense when a passenger is in the seat. It sometimes senses a passenger when the passenger is present and sometimes it does not. The airbag turns off randomly when it should be on. There is an active recall, wum-98, which outlines the exact issue and shows my vehicle description (2015 Subaru Forester with heated seats), however, my VIN does not show it being affected by wum-98. I believe this is a severe safety issue and it needs to be included in the recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #11343926, filed 2020-08, 40,125 miles“When driving with a passenger in the front passenger seat, the check airbag message comes intermittently as if the passenger airbag switch is malfunctioning. When no passenger in front passenger seat, there is no alert/warning message. There is a recall notice wum-98 for the same problem by doesn't appear to apply to my VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #11375871, filed 2020-11, 98,950 miles - Vehicle speed control
Sudden acceleration or surge from stop or low speed
- 123 complaints (20%)
- median 27,700 mi at 3.6 yrs old (90 state mileage)
- 33 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2026
Owners describe the engine revving and the vehicle lurching forward when easing out of a parking space or away from a stop, sometimes overriding brake pressure or requiring neutral and hard braking. Some report the engine racing shortly after start. Dealers have frequently been unable to find a cause, and in some cases the reports follow transmission work or a stall. Reported from roughly 40,000 to 135,000 miles, mostly at low speed in parking lots or from a stop, and occasionally on downhill approaches to a stop sign.
What to check: Test the car from a dead stop and while creeping in a parking lot, and note any revving or surge. Ask whether the dealer has ever checked the throttle and transmission calibration.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have experienced on occasion to what I believe to be spontaneous acceleration. I will be driving down hill, my foot is already on the brake the whole way but before my vehicle reaches the stop sign, it will stop braking and go. My foot never left the brake pedal. Never changed the pressure on the pedal. When this happens it almost feels like my vehicle is releasing some sort of pressure. It has happened numerous times, fortunately I have been able to come to a complete stop before oncoming traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #11396003, filed 2021-02, 83,000 miles“Subaru 2015 Forester 2.5l at CVT transmission no turbo engine revs to 4-6000 RPM transmission slams into gear car takes off accelerating without driver input. The driver must slam on brakes place the car in neutral to regain control. The car does this intermittently both at low and high-speed travel.. This car has been at dealer several times for diagnosis without success. …”
NHTSA complaint #11298507, filed 2020-01, 76,000 miles - Electrical system
Battery drain, electrical faults and water in the cabin
- 127 complaints (21%)
- median 44,000 mi at 4.3 yrs old (85 state mileage)
- 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,032 (median of 9 quotes)
- filed 2015–2026
Complaints describe a short-lived battery, a fuel gauge and information display that read incorrectly, window switches that need repeated presses, and a fan switch that burned and melted. Some owners link soaked electronics to clogged moonroof drains letting water into the rear roof area, and others report steering assist warnings traced to a control module. Reported from about 35,000 to 80,000 miles, often noticed after rain or on vehicles with a moonroof.
Recall 19V1490003 related service bulletins
What to check: Check the moonroof drains for blockage and look for damp carpet or headliner stains. Have the battery and charging system tested, and confirm the brake light switch recall work was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“First my battery went and I have 56,000 miles. My gauge for gasoline is not working also the monitor on the information screen is wrong. My window is not working on the automatic on the driver side, now it does not go up with lifting the button it hass to be lifted several times. It seems now that my extended warranty has expired I have many issues. When I called Subaru to install a new battery I was told it was 49.95 to install. Unacceptable”
NHTSA complaint #11365324, filed 2020-10, 56,400 miles“Always the drains on the moon roof get clogged and in a heavy rain, the back of the car roof seriously leaks into the car. We do not use the roof. This is a design flaw. Now the electronics box (controls remote key locks, tire pressure gauge, etc) needs to be replaced because it has been wet. This is a $500+ repair that has happened because the roof leaks in serious rain. We believe Subaru should reimburse us for the cost of the electronic box replacement.we also have to pay to get the roof drain unglogged.”
NHTSA complaint #11342563, filed 2020-07, 36,000 miles
Buying note. Inspect the rear springs on a lift and road-test for hesitation, surging or power loss before buying, since those two themes dominate the complaints. Confirm which open recalls or bulletins apply to the specific VIN and whether the airbag occupant sensor has been serviced.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 615 consumer complaints for the 2015 Subaru Forester. 410 of the complaints include a mileage, and 56% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 43,919 miles. Of all complaints, 53 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 34 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 502 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Subaru Forester model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 74 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine131 21%
- Air bags102 17%
- Electrical system82 13%
- Other or unknown74 12%
- Vehicle speed control70 11%
- Suspension66 11%
- Fuel system57 9.3%
- Brakes36 5.9%
Also reported: Seats (22), Body and structure (20), Wheels (20), Steering (19), Exterior lighting (15), Electronic stability control (14), Seat belts (9), Forward collision avoidance (8), Engine cooling (5), Tires (5), Equipment (2), Lane departure (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “When applying the brakes at low speed and attempting to come to a stop the vehicle occasionally accelerates requiring a much harder brake pedal pressure to stop the vehicle. This has happened on city streets when pulling into a parking place or coming to a stop sign. While not a common occurrence I have experienced this more than a dozen times over the 5 years I have had the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11355100, filed 2020-09, 20,000 milesAir bags: “I have continually been having the srs light coming on telling me that someone is sitting in my passenger seat when there is no on there or when my 15 year old sits in the front seat it does not register that anyone is sitting in the front seat. I took it to our local dealership as I am the original owner and they want over 1600 to fix this issue”
NHTSA complaint #11397737, filed 2021-02, 151,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Noticed a clicking sound when turning right. Took it to Subaru and they replaced the right front axle in december 2018. Almost a year later, I noticed a clicking sound when turning left. Took it to a different mechanic and they replaced the left front axle. There was never anything leaking from my car. It is my understanding that axles typically last the lifetime of your vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11301917, filed 2020-01, 91,677 milesElectrical system: “The battery drains often and quickly. It happens long before the warranty is up on the battery. This interrupts key systems and make it unable to be driven. Even charging the battery does not help. It has to be replaced. I have gone through three batteries in a little over a year. Each time I have to have a mechanic reset all systems.”
NHTSA complaint #11416747, filed 2021-05, 99,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
56% of the 410 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 20,000 and 70,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2015 Subaru Forester. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2015 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2014: same overall rating; 2016: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2015 Subaru Forester version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 23 | 27 | 25 | $3,300 |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 24 | 31 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 22 | 28 | 25 | $2,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 19V701000Oct 3, 2019Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classificationCovers: Subaru Forester 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.
- 19V149000Feb 28, 2019Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: Subaru Forester 2014–2016, Impreza 2008–2016, WRX 2008–2014 +1 more
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…
- 16V162000Mar 21, 2016Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/superchargerCovers: Subaru Forester 2015–2016, WRX 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…
Recall details for the 2015 Subaru Forester → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 502 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11036810Aug 20, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026Electrical system. This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026Electrical system. This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Electrical system. Techtips newsletter locator index.
- 11036789Aug 1, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin
Other model years of the Subaru Forester
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 32 | 3,500 | 4 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 99 | 2,800 | 4 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 31 | 5,000 | 2 | 5 | 29 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 74 | 6,750 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 21 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 100 | 5,500 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 27 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2021 | 212 | 8,000 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 48 · Typical | Stable |
| 2020 | 603 | 5,800 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 94 · More | Falling |
| 2019 | 834 | 8,575 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 498 | 16,000 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 85 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 592 | 30,000 | 1 | 5 | 25 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 416 | 39,000 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 59 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 615 | 43,919 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 74 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 403 | 53,500 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 45 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 78 | 50,000 | 12 | 4 | 23 | 8 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 106 | 45,702 | 15 | 4 | 23 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 147 | 60,000 | 16 | 4 | 23 | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 262 | 65,000 | 17 | — | 22 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 178 | 57,000 | 17 | — | 22 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 50 | 88,900 | 1 | — | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 74 | 56,750 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 88 | 51,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 93 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 219 | 96,500 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 189 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 88 | 87,365 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 139 | 57,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 75 | 78,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 131 | 73,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 101 | 93,998 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Subaru Forester model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Subaru Forester?
Owners of this model year most often describe broken rear coil springs, intermittent loss of motive power at highway speed, and a passenger airbag occupancy sensor that switches the airbag off. The issues reported most often: Loss of power and stall while driving (CVT/fuel related); Rear coil springs break, often rusted; Passenger airbag shows off or warning light on.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA recorded 615 consumer complaints for the 2015 Subaru Forester as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2015 Subaru Forester is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 131 complaints (21% of the total), followed by air bags with 102.
Has the 2015 Subaru Forester been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2015 Subaru Forester do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2015 Subaru Forester 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Subaru Forester get?
The EPA rates the 2015 Subaru Forester (Forester AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 23 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2015 Subaru Forester reported?
Among the 410 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 43,919 miles and the middle half falls between 20,000 and 70,000 miles; 56% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.