2015 Subaru Forester Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 2%of 616 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2015 Subaru Forester, 2% of the 616 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,500 miles. 1 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.
“Drivers are not seeing my brake lights off and on and pulling me over to telling us to get our lights fixed. I just looked up recalls to find out that we have a recall that no one notified us of for the brake lights. We always have our grand kids and everyone elses in the car on a daily basis which can be a deadly situation... Please assist.”
NHTSA complaint #11196155, filed 2019-04, 25 miles“While driving at night, another driver let us know that our tail lights were not on even though the headlights were working. Also, the bright headlights are not working. Brake lights, emergency flashers, and turn signals are still working. When we have to drive at night until problem is fixed, we have to drive with flashers on. Checked all fuses and all are ok.”
NHTSA complaint #11010079, filed 2017-07, 18,000 miles“This car was repaired under campaign 19v149000 on july 27 for the brake light switch issue. Since the repair of the recall, I have taken my car back to international Subaru in tinley park, il for follow up service related to the replacement part. The problem I've encountered on a number of occasions is the car alerts that there is an issue stating hill start assist system needs to be checked while the car is in motion. The car then cuts all throttle capabilities for approximately 5 seconds and the car just coasts before resuming taking a throttle input. …”
NHTSA complaint #11360498, filed 2020-09, 47,000 miles“The electrical keeps having problems. This problem is all over the internet for several years of the Forester. I don't know why there hasn't already been a recall. There will be a be a beep, usually when driving - sometimes when trying to start the car or move out of park, and about any safety feature that this car has exhibits a light and/or warning. While this happens over days, sometimes the gears stick in park. I have to take a tool and press beside the gear stick to get out of park. The lights will stay like this for days or weeks and then it just stops. …”
NHTSA complaint #11109975, filed 2018-07, 30,000 miles“Drivers side brake light was out. Removed lighting assembly and found blackened bulb and what appeared to be burn marks on the lamp holder. Inspected other bulb holders in the same assembly and found no other blackened bulbs or burned holders. Inspected the passenger side assembly and found similar conditions (blackened bulb, burned holders), but lamp was still functional. Cleaned both connectors and replaced both bulbs with philips 7443ll.”
NHTSA complaint #11298371, filed 2020-01, 80,207 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
- 11012260Dec 13, 2024This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 8 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 | 4 | 5% |
| 2022 | 8 | 8% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% |
| 2018 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 1% |
| 2015 | 15 | 2% |
| 2014 | 10 | 2% |
| 2013 | 4 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 4 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 4 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
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 complaintsBrakes
36 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 complaintsSeats
22 complaintsBody and structure
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