2021 Subaru Forester Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 20%of 212 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,750miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2021 Subaru Forester, 20% of the 212 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,750 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While parked at work, my window cracked about 10-12' right down the middle. It looks like it formed from a small pit in the window. Even though the car is maybe 5 weeks old, it looks like there are a bunch of these small pits all over the window which could be a manufacturing defect. My friend has a 2020 Forester that had the window crack in the same fashion after about 5 weeks of owning the car as well. I have attached a picture of the damage to the window.”
NHTSA complaint #11402918, filed 2021-03, 1,750 miles“Vehicle was delivered with the wrong battery - reserve capacity. The car stalls out in idle position creating safety issues. My wife was stranded and we had the original battery replaced with the specs from the previous battery…causing the same issues to occur. Finally, we were informed of the improper battery installation”
NHTSA complaint #11703148, filed 2025-12“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“Windshield developed large L or J shaped crack from very top near roof line, down center of windshield and turns toward the Drivers side. This car was PARKED in our driveway at home when it cracked. No stone chips, nothing dropped on it as you can see in attached pictures. We will schedule a visit to Subaru dealer here in Knoxville, TN. for inspection. No warnings because vehicle was parked in our driveway.”
NHTSA complaint #11470340, filed 2022-06“I leased a 2021 Forester in April, and around September, I got a J shape crack in the bottom center of the windshield. Subaru dealership in Glendale, CA told me they would replace the windshield free for the first time. Had to wait until mid-December for the backordered replacement to come in. Today, 1/5/22, was driving on the highway and a small projectile on the road caused a starburst crack on my newly replaced windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11446401, filed 2022-01Related service bulletins
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- 11037940Sep 18, 2026This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026This 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…
- 11037928Sep 14, 2026In 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…
- 11037926Sep 10, 2026This 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…
- 11034249Jun 12, 2026This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.
- 11033069May 18, 2026This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11032034Apr 30, 2026This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.
- 11032039Apr 24, 2026This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 22% |
| 2025 | 21 | 21% |
| 2024 | 9 | 29% |
| 2023 | 20 | 27% |
| 2022 | 18 | 18% |
| 2021 | 43 | 20% |
| 2020 | 108 | 18% |
| 2019 | 145 | 17% |
| 2018 | 85 | 17% |
| 2017 | 97 | 16% |
| 2016 | 70 | 17% |
| 2015 | 74 | 12% |
| 2014 | 46 | 11% |
| 2013 | 7 | 9% |
| 2012 | 9 | 8% |
| 2011 | 13 | 9% |
| 2010 | 12 | 5% |
| 2009 | 11 | 6% |
| 2008 | 8 | 16% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% |
| 2003 | 6 | 3% |
| 2002 | 5 | 6% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 3 | 4% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1998 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2021 Subaru Forester
90 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsEngine
34 complaintsForward collision avoidance
17 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