2015 Subaru Forester Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 6%of 616 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the brakes of the 2015 Subaru Forester, 6% of the 616 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,500 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Hill start assist braking activated when I was pulling on to a 60 MPH highway on flat ground! It continued to engage brakes & then disengage brakes as I tried to accelerate. I could not get the vehicle to accelerate beyond 25mph. This was on an icy highway with other vehicles trying to brake to avoid hitting me. I consider this a life threatening defect!”
NHTSA complaint #10940312, filed 2017-01, 14,000 miles“Bullet-end of parking brake cable came off, allowing brake drums to fall loose and tumble inside the right rear wheel at highway speed, just as I was slowing for a rest stop. Repair cost $545; I have documents but can't scan them at the moment -- if they matter, I can copy and mail them.”
NHTSA complaint #11129406, filed 2018-09, 73,000 miles“When applying the brakes (approx 40mph or less), I've had 6 occurrences where the brakes have failed. My foot is literally on the floor & the car is still moving. On the last occurence, I had to put the emergency brakes as my car was going into traffic. Started in mid apr 2016 to current.”
NHTSA complaint #10876085, filed 2016-06, 14,500 miles“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“I started driving and found that my hill holder, my vehicle dynamics control system, my ABS, my Subaru eyesight and multiple other warning lights were all lite up. I pulled over and turned off the car and when I restarted the car I couldn't put my car into gear. It was stuck in park on the side of the highway. After a few more tries I was able to get it into gear and continued driving with all the warning lights on. This problem occurred multiple times yesterday as I attempted to get it to the dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #11030102, filed 2017-09, 29,000 milesRelated recalls
- 19V149000Feb 28, 2019Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans…Covers: Subaru Forester 2014–2016, Impreza 2008–2016, WRX 2008–2014 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11002725Jun 25, 2024This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been…
- 10202832Oct 19, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever (shifter) mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the…
- 10202821Oct 14, 2021(Subaru Retailers) As part of Subaruâs dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is announcing an extension to the Basic New Car Limited Warranty for…
- 10202817Oct 14, 2021(Owner Letter) As part of Subaru of Americaâs dedication to customer satisfaction, this letter is to inform you of an extension to the Basic New Car Limited Warranty for your…
- 10187307Feb 1, 2021This Service Information bulletin announces availability of a new front brake pad shim kit to specifically address customer concerns of a squeaking or squealing sound on the…
- 10185064Dec 2, 2020This bulletin announces a design change made to the rear wheel / brake backing plates.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 6 | 6% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 6 | 8% |
| 2022 | 11 | 11% |
| 2021 | 7 | 3% |
| 2020 | 14 | 2% |
| 2019 | 26 | 3% |
| 2018 | 14 | 3% |
| 2017 | 15 | 3% |
| 2016 | 29 | 7% |
| 2015 | 36 | 6% |
| 2014 | 31 | 8% |
| 2013 | 9 | 12% |
| 2012 | 16 | 15% |
| 2011 | 20 | 14% |
| 2010 | 37 | 14% |
| 2009 | 16 | 9% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 8% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 10 | 5% |
| 2002 | 11 | 13% |
| 2001 | 16 | 12% |
| 1999 | 19 | 14% |
| 1998 | 15 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2015 Subaru Forester
131 complaintsAir bags
102 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
95 complaintsElectrical system
83 complaintsOther or unknown
74 complaintsVehicle speed control
70 complaintsSuspension
66 complaintsFuel system
57 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 complaintsSeats
22 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsWheels
20 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2015 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology