2019 Subaru Forester Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 1%of 834 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 107,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2019 Subaru Forester, 1% of the 834 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 107,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while his son was driving at approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's son stated that the vehicle was emitting smoke from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that his son pulled off the highway and stopped the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the positive crankcase ventilation valve (PCV) had separated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11592376, filed 2024-06, 130,000 miles“The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the temperature control valve (TCV) to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000. The consumer had to get the vehicle repaired due to this TCV valve issue all the security systems were not functioning causing safety issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11523515, filed 2023-05, 67,000 miles“The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine PCV had failed, causing catastrophic damage to the engine. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V856000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); and the engine was replaced as part of the recall repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #11659321, filed 2025-05, 122,000 miles“The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed that the thermal control valve was faulty. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the thermal control valve was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 09-80-21 (Thermal Control Valve – Design Change) however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11519752, filed 2023-05, 93,000 milesRelated recalls
- 19V856000Dec 2, 2019Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve…Covers: Subaru Forester 2019, Ascent 2019, Crosstrek 2019
Related service bulletins
- 10253930Apr 4, 2024This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed. The coverage will be extended to (15) fifteen years /…
- 10253903Apr 1, 2024This bulletin announces availability of a new thermo control valve assembly. The new valve contains an enhanced stainless steel internal shaft for optimized durability along with…
- 10252455Mar 8, 2024"The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure. "
- 10251098Feb 6, 2024This bulletin addresses limited cases of engine speed drop when the engine is restarted with the auto start/stop function. Updated software available for the Transmission Control…
- 10251094Feb 5, 2024This bulletin addresses rare cases of engine surg or jolting when the operator releases the accelerator from half-throttle.
- 10249609Jan 11, 2024This bulletin announces diagnostic procedures and availability of new Engine Control Module (ECM) reprogramming files to address DTC P2404 (Evap System Leak Detection Pump Sense…
- 10249595Jan 4, 2024"This bulletin announces availability of new reprograming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) developed to remedy engine DTCs."
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 4 | 1% |
| 2019 | 5 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 5 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 7 | 5% |
| 2010 | 6 | 2% |
| 2009 | 12 | 7% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 6 | 8% |
| 2006 | 11 | 13% |
| 2005 | 7 | 8% |
| 2004 | 16 | 7% |
| 2003 | 19 | 10% |
| 2002 | 14 | 16% |
| 2001 | 16 | 12% |
| 2000 | 12 | 16% |
| 1999 | 25 | 19% |
| 1998 | 14 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2019 Subaru Forester
406 complaintsOther or unknown
145 complaintsElectrical system
134 complaintsEngine
106 complaintsForward collision avoidance
43 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
38 complaintsVehicle speed control
27 complaintsBrakes
26 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsLane departure
16 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2019 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