2019 Subaru Forester Problems
Compared with other Subaru Forester years
More complaints than typical for this model
100/100 5.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 5.2× 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.
- 525 of its 834 complaints were filed by the end of 2021.
- Most reported problem: Windshield cracks or spreads with little or no impact (446 complaints, median 8,350 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: 2022
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
- 834filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 8,575miles, 468 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
- 29 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl AWD · 26 city / 33 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2019 Subaru Forester (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2019 Forester most often describe windshield cracking, frequently with little or no apparent impact and often well under 20,000 miles, along with scattered electrical complaints such as battery drain, liftgate and window problems. Engine and powertrain reports cluster at higher mileage and include stalling, loss of power and unintended acceleration in a few cases.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield cracks or spreads with little or no impact
- 446 complaints (53%)
- median 8,350 mi at 1.2 yrs old (327 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,150 (median of 22 quotes)
- filed 2019–2025
Owners describe windshields developing cracks while driving on the highway, in some cases after a small rock chip and in others with no apparent hit at all; several say the crack appeared or grew 12 inches or more within a day or overnight while the car was parked. Many mention cracks starting at the lower edge near the wiper area or from a tiny nick that turns into a long split. According to complaints, dealers usually attributed the damage to road debris and did not cover replacement, with owners paying insurance deductibles or out-of-pocket costs. Mostly reported under about 20,000 miles, many within the first months of ownership, and some in cold weather with the heater running.
What to check: Ask whether the windshield has been replaced and inspect the glass edges and wiper area for chips or repairs; factor the cost of a camera-recalibrated windshield replacement into the price.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Monday october 21st I was driving 65 miles per hour on us 23 when I heard a nick on the windshield. About five minutes later I noticed a crack going from the top of the windshield to the middle. I had the windshield replaced insurance covered it but I had to pay $200 deductible. I have heard of many Subaru Forester windshields breaking in this manner.”
NHTSA complaint #11317917, filed 2020-03, 200 miles“My 2019 Subaru Forester developed multiple chips on windshield in just 7 months (4500 miles). Dealer told me that it was due to bad roads/salt on the road. But I am driving my other vehicle (toyota) on the same roads for past 5 years, and not a single chip/crack on it! The problem is definitely poor quality of windshield on 2019 Subaru Forester.”
NHTSA complaint #11311754, filed 2020-02, 4,500 miles - Engine
Stalling, hesitation and loss of power
Mentioned in 7 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the engine shutting off at a stoplight or losing motive power while driving, sometimes with check engine and EyeSight warning lights on, and in other cases a delay or failure to respond when the accelerator is pressed. One complaint describes the accelerator pedal becoming inoperable at highway speed. Mostly reported between roughly 12,000 and 85,000 miles, with several cases while driving at speed.
Recall 19V8560003 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask for service records on the PCV valve recall and any throttle or fuel-system diagnostics; a recall covers the PCV valve separating and causing a loss of power, and several bulletins address carbon buildup and drivability codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Frequently the rear tail gate will not open. Sometimes I can continue to depress the button and it will release and then I can manually lift it. Then I press the close button and it will close.”
NHTSA complaint #11308486, filed 2020-02, 6,200 miles“The car occasionally acts like it going to stall , primarily when turning left at traffic signals. The accelerator has to be pushed hard to overcome the approximately 1- 1.5 second delay before the car starts to accelerate. This has caused near collisions on several occasions. The engine stop button was activated to prevent engine stopping at car idle.”
NHTSA complaint #11307743, filed 2020-02, 2,700 miles - Electrical system
Liftgate and window operation faults
- 48 complaints (6%)
- median 7,882 mi at 1.3 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2026
Complaints describe the rear liftgate sometimes failing to open from the key fob or dash button, with no manual release, and a warning chime when the latch does not close properly. One owner reports windows that would not fully close, allowing moisture inside the cabin. Reported at low mileage, generally under about 20,000 miles, and often while the vehicle was parked.
What to check: Cycle the liftgate several times from the fob, dash button and handle, and check the window seals and carpets for dampness or mold.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Twice we were stranded after trying to use the car in the morning and it was completely dead. There was no warning the night before. We've taken it to the dealer and they have replaced the battery - at 20,000 miles! Getting road service was very difficult, since the car is hard to reach in a garage on a hill. Another time my wife drove 15 miles with a constant beeping due to the rear gate latch not closing properly. We have reset the thing dozens of times.”
NHTSA complaint #11416730, filed 2021-05, 15,000 miles“On multiple occasions, the rear lift gate has not opened as commanded by the key fob and/or the dashboard control. There is no electronic override or manual latch. This issue leaves you without access to the rear cargo compartment. On each occasion, the car was stationary and in park.”
NHTSA complaint #11317087, filed 2020-03, 6,000 miles - Engine
Unintended acceleration at low speed
- 32 complaints (4%)
- median 12,000 mi at 2.2 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2026
A few complaints describe the vehicle surging forward on its own at low speed or with cruise control engaged, with the engine revving and braking not stopping it, in some cases ending in a collision. Owners also report rough or delayed acceleration when pulling away from a stop. Reported at low mileage in some cases and at higher mileage in others, typically while parking or in slow traffic.
What to check: Test the car at low speed in a parking lot for any surge or lag, and ask whether floor mats have been checked for interference with the pedals.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was parking at a busy ski center, car in drive as I was slowly pulling into an open space, car in first row of vehicles facing a small road. The road connects the parking lot with the ski shop . 5 MPH would be normal speed on this road, where pedestrian skiers walk from the lot to the ski shop. Before I could stop to turn off the car, the engine started revving crazily, the car lurched forward and accelerated on its own. Brakes would not respond. I was able to steer onto the road, car accelerating faster and faster, no brakes, no control. …”
NHTSA complaint #11310740, filed 2020-02, 12,000 miles“The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH with the adaptive cruise control engaged, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact depressed the brake pedal; however, the engine revved loudly, the vehicle continued to accelerate and collided with the rear of a minivan. The contact was able to steer the vehicle to the side of the bridge and stopped the vehicle. The side air bags deployed after the crash. No injuries were reported. A police report was not filed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11758532, filed 2026-08, 80,000 miles
Buying note. A 2019 Forester with a documented windshield replacement history and a clean battery and liftgate record is the safer place to start; ask about recalls and service bulletins being completed and budget for glass replacement, since camera-equipped windshields are costly.
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 834 consumer complaints for the 2019 Subaru Forester. 468 of the complaints include a mileage, and 95% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 8,575 miles. Of all complaints, 37 involved a crash, 11 a fire, 21 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 577 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 100 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.
- Other or unknown145 17%
- Electrical system134 16%
- Engine106 13%
- Forward collision avoidance43 5.2%
- Transmission and drivetrain38 4.6%
- Vehicle speed control27 3.2%
- Brakes26 3.1%
- Body and structure25 3.0%
- Fuel system22 2.6%
Also reported: Air bags (17), Lane departure (16), Steering (14), Electronic stability control (10), Seat belts (6), Suspension (6), Wheels (6), Engine cooling (5), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (4), Seats (4), Equipment (2), Exterior lighting (2).
Example complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “While driving on a freeway, our windshield started cracking, we didn't hear anything strike windshield, but assumed it was a pebble. We had it replaced at dealership. One month later, a pebble did make a ding on windshield while driving on freeway. While that ding was being repaired (filled), the windshield cracked... Thus, needed to be replaced again.”
NHTSA complaint #11337191, filed 2020-07, 6,000 milesOther or unknown: “In june 2019, 2 months after I purchased my 2019 Subaru Forester, a very small rock hit the bottom of my windshield and immediately cracked the windshield 6 inches, which is above the legal rock chip repair length. So I would have to repair the entire windshield. I was on the I-15 freeway diving 80 miles per hour, the legal speed limit.”
NHTSA complaint #11330077, filed 2020-06, 2,000 milesElectrical system: “I had the new 2019 Subaru Forester for not even a month yet, and I have been in the dealership for 5 times regard of power rear gate not opening and cracked right rear quarter glass, which of the two I considered manufacturer defects, but they denied on both issues but could not provide me the reason and proper way of how they're going to handle the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11207122, filed 2019-05, 300 milesEngine: “Have a 2019 Subaru forrester. Had 30,000 mile service recently at dealer. Since then, multiple electric malfunctions. First ABS turned off, then auto start stop started malfunctioning for 2 weeks, took to the dealership, they told me hood sensor malfunctioning, and bring it back in 4 weeks when part arrives. Four days later, I was driving my car and in the middle of traffic, engine shut off completely! Whole dashboard lit up with eyesight disabled sign, engine light on. Unable to move the car at all. …”
NHTSA complaint #11403895, filed 2021-03, 30,100 milesMileage when problems were reported
95% of the 468 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 3,000 and 16,500 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 2019 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 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2019 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2018: same overall rating; 2020: 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 2019 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 | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 26 | 33 | 29 | $2,300 |
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
- 21V263000Apr 15, 2021Suspension › RearCovers: Subaru Forester 2019, Crosstrek 2018–2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
- 19V856000Dec 2, 2019Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)Covers: Subaru Forester 2019, Ascent 2019, Crosstrek 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power…
- 19V065000Feb 6, 2019Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Subaru Forester 2019, Crosstrek 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Recall details for the 2019 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. 577 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.
- 11037942Sep 28, 2026Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. This announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037938Sep 18, 2026Electrical system. "This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"
- 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.
- 11037928Sep 14, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the CP1 & Gen 3.1 Head Unit used in the listed models and model years…
- 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.
- 11037926Sep 10, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. This bulletin announces the service procedures to be followed when encountering instances of water intrusion from the sunroof area.This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11036824Aug 31, 2026Electrical system, Body and structure. This bulletin announces the service procedures to be followed when encountering instances of water intrusion from the sunroof area. 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 2019 Subaru Forester?
Owners of the 2019 Forester most often describe windshield cracking, frequently with little or no apparent impact and often well under 20,000 miles, along with scattered electrical complaints such as battery drain, liftgate and window problems. The issues reported most often: Windshield cracks or spreads with little or no impact; Stalling, hesitation and loss of power; Liftgate and window operation faults.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA recorded 834 consumer complaints for the 2019 Subaru Forester as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2019 Subaru Forester is reported most often?
Visibility is named most often, in 406 complaints (49% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 145.
Has the 2019 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 2019 Subaru Forester do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2019 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 2019 Subaru Forester get?
The EPA rates the 2019 Subaru Forester (Forester AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 29 mpg combined, 26 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2019 Subaru Forester reported?
Among the 468 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 8,575 miles and the middle half falls between 3,000 and 16,500 miles; 95% 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.