2021 Subaru Forester Forward collision avoidance Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 8%of 212 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 24,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2021 Subaru Forester, 8% of the 212 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“It was a very cold night on Dec. 21, 2022. I traveled out of town. I don't recall seeing or hearing anything hit my windshield. However, on Dec. 22, 2022 when I got back in my car, I noticed a very long scratch across the windshield. It is now Mar. 1, 2023 and it has gotten much worse. I am unsure how to go about getting it fixed because I cannot pay for the repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #11509755, filed 2023-03“Was stopped at traffic light. Start Stop system was engaged. Engine turned off as normal. When I took my foot off the brake the engine did not engage and the Eyesight warning light came on that the Eyesight system was not functioning. Put the car in park and engaged the ignition button and the engine started. Turned off the Start Stop system and the car functioned normally after that. Have read postings on Subaru forum that this has happened to others.”
NHTSA complaint #11654189, filed 2025-04“The first incident occurred when I drove into a parking space, applied the brakes, and the car suddenly sped forward, so I had to repeatedly jam on the brakes to make the car stop. Fortunately, no person or vehicle was directly in front of me. In the past week, we have experienced problems with the ADAS. We were backing into a parking space at night and made contact with a parked car. Our car made no warning sounds or lights to warn us. …”
NHTSA complaint #11510842, filed 2023-03“I’ve owned the vehicle under a year and am already on my second window replacement. I drive the same route everyday and ever experienced windows cracking in any other vehicle before this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11598420, filed 2024-07“Braking system sometimes is activated by a sign on the side of the road, by a tree if we are turning, or nothing at all. Nearly in 2 rear end collisions when the system activated incorrectly. We cannot drive into our garage with the system activated...brakes keep slamming on. The only safe way to operate this subaru is to manually turn it off every time we start the car. Subaru dealership states it cannot recalibrate the eyesight system as it does not have that ability. Dealership is in Corvallis oregon. …”
NHTSA complaint #11522161, filed 2023-05Related service bulletins
- 11023536Sep 30, 2025In the interest of customer satisfaction Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage in the models listed. The extension will address…
- 11021263Jul 29, 2025This announcement provides information about a Subaru of America, Inc. preliminary settlement in a class action lawsuit regarding the EyeSight system in certain Subaru vehicles.
- 10243372Sep 11, 2023This Bulletin announces additional information regarding error codes 1403- 1407 encountered when attempting an adjustment/calibration of the EyeSight® system after body repair…
Forward collision avoidance: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 22% |
| 2025 | 13 | 13% |
| 2024 | 5 | 16% |
| 2023 | 13 | 18% |
| 2022 | 15 | 15% |
| 2021 | 17 | 8% |
| 2020 | 43 | 7% |
| 2019 | 43 | 5% |
| 2018 | 8 | 2% |
| 2017 | 8 | 1% |
| 2016 | 8 | 2% |
| 2015 | 8 | 1% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2021 Subaru Forester
90 complaintsOther or unknown
43 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsEngine
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsLane departure
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 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