2024 Subaru Forester Problems
Compared with other Subaru Forester years
Too new to compare
- Model years are compared once their first three years of complaints are in; the 2024 can be compared from 2027.
- Most reported part: Other or unknown (9 complaints).
- 2 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, 2023
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
- 31filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 5,000miles, 2 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- 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 2024 Subaru Forester (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 31 consumer complaints for the 2024 Subaru Forester. The part named most often is other or unknown, with 9 complaints (29% of the total), followed by air bags (7) and forward collision avoidance (5). 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 5,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 184 technical service bulletins for this model year. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 28 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
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 unknown9 29%
- Air bags7 23%
- Exterior lighting2 6.5%
- Body and structure2 6.5%
- Brakes1 3.2%
- Electrical system1 3.2%
- Engine1 3.2%
Also reported: Lane departure (1), Steering (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “The driver side mirror is distorted. It is not only dizzying but I believe it to be a safety hazard. I have taken it into the dealership many times. They agree that it is distorted but stated that it is no different than other of that style. I have looked in the 2025 model and it does not have the same distortion. I feel that this makes the car dangerous to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #11684899, filed 2025-09Air bags: “While driving my grandbaby home I was unable to avoid hitting a deer when it ran into the road. Neither the automatic braking nor the airbags deployed when I hit the deer at the front left side. It destroyed the headlight and damaged the fender and quarterpanel lightly and slightly bent the hood. I was able to pull over safely. …”
NHTSA complaint #11757169, filed 2026-08Forward collision avoidance: “On the morning of December 13, 2026, an incident occurred involving our 2024 Subaru Forester. While attempting to make a right-hand turn, the vehicle failed to decelerate as expected and subsequently struck a utility pole. The vehicle’s safety systems did not appear to activate in an effort to prevent the collision, and the airbags did not deploy. The driver sustained minor injuries, including a concussion. No vehicle inspections have been completed at this time. We are currently coordinating with the manufacturer to arrange a formal inspection. …”
NHTSA complaint #11711351, filed 2026-01Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “I was driving down the road and a bottle was thrown out of a vehicle going the opposite direction as me. Upon impact my windshield shattered and sent shards of glass flying into the cabin of my vehicle. The shards of glass were thrown into my face and would have gone into my eyes had I not been wearing glasses. The glass broke into small shards and splinters that could have easily damaged my eyes or blinded me or a passenger. …”
NHTSA complaint #11615194, filed 2024-09Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 5,000 and 5,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2024 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 |
| Forester Wilderness · SUV AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | — |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2024 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2023: same overall rating; 2025: 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 2024 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 |
| Forester Wilderness AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 25 | 28 | 26 | $2,600 |
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
- 23V754000Nov 9, 2023Power train › Driveline › DriveshaftCovers: Subaru Forester 2023–2024, Impreza 2024, WRX 2023 +1 more
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
- 23V723000Oct 26, 2023Engine and engine coolingCovers: Subaru Forester 2024
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.
Recall details for the 2024 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. 184 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.
- 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.
- 11036804Aug 21, 2026Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.
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 | 604 | 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
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2024 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA recorded 31 consumer complaints for the 2024 Subaru Forester as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2024 Subaru Forester is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 9 complaints (29% of the total), followed by air bags with 7.
Has the 2024 Subaru Forester been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2024 Subaru Forester do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2024 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 2024 Subaru Forester get?
The EPA rates the 2024 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 2024 Subaru Forester reported?
Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 5,000 miles and the middle half falls between 5,000 and 5,000 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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.