2015 Subaru Forester Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 3%of 615 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the body and structure of the 2015 Subaru Forester, 3% of the 615 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,000 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The driver's side interior door handle no longer functions. When the door is shut, and unlocked, and the interior door handle is pulled, nothing happens. The exterior door handle still functions, but the interior handle does not. This is a critical safety issue. We have less than 30,000 miles on the odometer. We contacted the dealership and Subaru u.s. Corporate office via email for assistance, but received no replies.”
NHTSA complaint #11312208, filed 2020-02, 29,000 miles“Strut on rear hatch, Subaru 2015 Forester, broke at attachment point, hatch fell with great force, nearly hit my head. Vehicle was stationary. I called Subaru's customer service number, but after going through many menus, got an automated message that the call could not be completed.”
NHTSA complaint #11254614, filed 2019-09, 62,170 miles“Yesterday 9/5/19 the tailgate strut on our 2015 Subaru forrester suddenly failed causing the rear gate which was open to abruptly fall onto my spouse's head while she was unloading groceries. The metal bolt with the round ball that fits into the end of the strut cracked off and appeared rusted at the edges. This appears to be the same/similar issue as NHTSA recall no. 08v-135 for the Subaru impreza. As far as I know there has not been a recall for this on the 2015 forrester for this issue. I will bring the vehicle to a Subaru dealer to have them inspect it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11253764, filed 2019-09, 40,000 miles“My 2015 Subaru Forester xt was taken to an authorized Subaru dealership numerous visits to the for an issue in which the cars engine lights and warnings would display, violently shake, shudder and lose power while at highway speed. Am authorized Subaru mechanic was able to replicate the issue, they did an ECM computer update...unfortunately, the problems did not go away after the update. I re-visited the dealership explaining that the problems persisted, at which point they decided to try to replicate the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10936319, filed 2016-12, 24,500 miles“I was trapped inside my vehicle when the battery died. While sitting in my car using the accessories to charge my phone, the car battery died and I was unable to unlock the doors to get out. The key fob did not work either. There is no inside handle on the rear hatch. The dashboard lights flickered a couple times and after about three minutes the door did unlock. What if the battery was completely dead? What if I did not have access to a cell phone and it was cold temperatures? I do not think I would be strong enough to kick out the windows. I am concerned and hope you will investigate. …”
NHTSA complaint #11150103, filed 2018-11, 41,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11022304Aug 11, 2025This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up.
- 10187313Feb 1, 2021This bulletin provides a procedure for replacement of the black foam rubber insulating cushions for the roof spoiler.
- 10182211Oct 9, 2020In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty for the rear gate stays on the listed models and model years.
- 10182205Oct 9, 2020We recently informed retailers and customers of an extension to the New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 2014-2018 Forester Rear Gate Stays.
- 10179427Aug 31, 2020In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty for the rear gate stays on the listed models and model years…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 | 3 | 4% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 25 | 3% |
| 2018 | 14 | 3% |
| 2017 | 15 | 3% |
| 2016 | 11 | 3% |
| 2015 | 20 | 3% |
| 2014 | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 | 4 | 5% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% |
| 2010 | 7 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 7 | 8% |
| 2005 | 4 | 4% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 19 | 10% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2015 Subaru Forester
131 complaintsAir bags
102 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
95 complaintsElectrical system
82 complaintsOther or unknown
74 complaintsVehicle speed control
70 complaintsSuspension
66 complaintsFuel system
57 complaintsBrakes
36 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
28 complaintsSeats
22 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 27, 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