2025 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 2025 can be compared from 2028.
- Most reported problem: Windshield cracks and rear window shattering (14 complaints, median 4,850 mi).
- 4 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
- 99filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 2,800miles, 11 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns 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, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl AWD · 25 city / 32 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2025 Subaru Forester (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year come mostly from vehicles with very low mileage, many within the first few thousand miles, so patterns are early rather than long-term. Owners most often describe a fuel filler/cap problem that lets fuel spill or a strong gasoline odor appear after refueling, odd headlight beam patterns with mirror vibration at highway speed, a rear window or windshield that cracks or shatters, and occasional abrupt braking or unintended acceleration while parking.
- Fuel system
Fuel smell or spill near full tank (filler cap area)
- 12 complaints (12%)
- median 2,725 mi at 1.6 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2025–2026
Owners describe a strong gasoline odor inside the cabin or garage, often after filling the tank close to full and sometimes with visible fuel leaking around the filler neck or onto the ground. Several say the vehicle then disables hybrid operation and safety features and lights multiple warning lamps, and some report the dealer citing an open recall for the fuel cap seal with no remedy parts available. One owner reported a repeat leak even after that recall work had been performed. Typically reported shortly after refueling to near full, in warm weather, on vehicles with low mileage (often under 3,000 miles).
What to check: Ask whether recall 26V106000 has been performed and whether parts were actually installed, then fill the tank and check the filler neck and cap area for a fuel smell or seepage. Avoid topping off beyond the automatic shutoff.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My gas tank leaks out the top when filled. Currently, all check engine lights are on and all of the safety features of the vehicle have been disabled. When I took it to Subaru, they said there is an open recall with no remedy. This is ridiculous. My car has every check engine light on! How am I supposed to know if there is an actual problem with the car?”
NHTSA complaint #11721835, filed 2026-03“I have a urgent fire safety recall regarding the fuel tank exploding due to sone gasket leak. Inwas told to park outside of my garage with half tank minimum. I just bought my car, and now I don’t know if my car is going to blow up? I mean I get a chip issue takes a minute but when a car can implode shouldn’t tbe manufacturer immediately allow for a loaner? Especially if there is a disable person being driven in it? I called the dealer when it first was announced and they said they will call me and weeks later crickets. …”
NHTSA complaint #11723460, filed 2026-03 - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Headlight beam pattern and side mirror vibration
- 11 complaints (11%)
- median 4,000 mi at 0.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 2024–2026
Several owners describe dark bands or shadows projected on the road from the low beams and a beam cutoff that seems too low on unlit, hilly roads, with the dealer responding that the lights work as designed. Others report the driver's side outside mirror shaking at highway speed until the reflection is blurred, which the dealer has either replicated without a fix or described as normal. Noticed on night driving and at highway speeds, often within the first few thousand miles.
What to check: Drive the car at night on an unlit road and at highway speed to judge the beam pattern and mirror shake for yourself, and ask whether any headlamp aim adjustment or mirror assembly replacement has been documented.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have noticed my new Suburu driver side mirror shakes during highway speeds and this causes cars and backgrounds to look blurry. I didn't notice this on my other mirrors. It makes it difficult to drive and is distracting.”
NHTSA complaint #11621041, filed 2024-10“Both headlights have a shadow of the light bulb at the top center of both headlights causing a distraction/confusion under certain conditions at night. I have never had a shadow show up in my line of sight in all the many vehicles I have owned in the past from my headlights. I previously owned a 2019 Subaru Forester and there was no shadow appear from the headlights beam of light. I talked to the local Subaru dealer, where I purchased the 2025 Forester, and they told me it is working as designed. .”
NHTSA complaint #11664035, filed 2025-05 - Forward collision avoidance
Abrupt braking by the pre-collision and cruise systems
- 11 complaints (11%)
- typically at 1.6 yrs old
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2025–2026
Owners describe the vehicle braking hard on its own when the system reacts to parked cars, turning vehicles, barrels or roadside objects, with warning chimes and no obstacle actually in the path. Some report the adaptive cruise slowing sharply while set to a steady speed, and others report EyeSight shutting off with a warning when weather or a windshield issue affects the cameras. Occurs at various mileages, from near-new to around 24,000 miles, in traffic, curves and construction zones.
What to check: Ask about any infotainment or camera-related software updates and whether the windshield has been replaced, then test adaptive cruise and the pre-collision warning on a quiet road to see how the system behaves.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My sight turn off when out side temperature in cold, or raining hard, fog on wind shield. Sony when the weather seem perfect all safety systems turn off. I have told my dealer about this event with no real positive answer. The pit system on compute and said it was working as designed so best auto and most reliable on road does not seem to be true”
NHTSA complaint #11678203, filed 2025-08“Leading up to a windshield replacement, my eyesight cameras that help with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist kept failing. This feature would turn on and off repeatedly. When I got my windshield replaced, it took longer than expected because of the camera calibration. The microchip(s) inside one of the three cameras was fried and they had to put in a new camera. …”
NHTSA complaint #11748389, filed 2026-07 - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield cracks and rear window shattering
- 14 complaints (14%)
- median 4,850 mi at 0.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2024–2026
Owners report windshields developing cracks and spider-webbed damage from minor impacts or with no object strike noticed, sometimes on vehicles kept in a garage. Others describe the rear hatch window shattering while the vehicle was parked and switched off, including a case where a replacement window broke again; the glass was found sharp-edged on the ground. Dealers and glass shops reportedly recommended replacement, and some owners note windshield parts were back-ordered. Reported from the first months of ownership, often under about 5,000 miles, with rear glass failures occurring while parked.
What to check: Inspect the windshield and rear glass closely for chips, edge cracks or prior replacement, ask for repair records, and confirm whether the EyeSight cameras were recalibrated after any glass work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“A minor rock chip 4 weeks ago resulted in a cracked windshield with spider legs extending from the center point. My insurance carrier (USAA), two glass shops, and the Subaru service center said I should replace the windshield because the crack could extend at any moment without notice. They advised that this could compromise our safety due to obscured vision and the EyeSight system malfunctioning. …”
NHTSA complaint #11683016, filed 2025-08“I believe there should be a windshield recall due to abnormally easy cracking. I purchased/took ownership of my 2025 Subaru Forester, Touring model, on September 3, 2024. The odometer was just 4 miles. Barely a month later I had 2 cracks in the windshield; the 1st happened on October 2, 2024 and the 2nd occurred on October 13, 2024. Both happened simply while driving on interstate roads and something hitting my windshield (nothing big, didn't see any object and didn't even hear the 2nd one, just noticed the crack when I got home) . …”
NHTSA complaint #11624677, filed 2024-11 - Vehicle speed control
Sudden acceleration while parking
- 7 complaints (7%)
- median 2,800 mi at 1.1 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2025–2026
Owners describe the vehicle surging forward while maneuvering into a parking space with the brake applied, in some cases striking a wall, sign or hedge, and one report describes acceleration in reverse. Several state that warning lamps did not appear and that the cause was not determined; one owner reports the dealer found no fault. Reported at low speeds during parking maneuvers, from near-new up to roughly 15,000 miles.
What to check: During a test drive, practice slow parking maneuvers in a lot and note any hesitation or surge, and check for a floor mat or pedal pad that could interfere with pedal travel.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought a Subaru Forrester 2025 in March of 2025. I drove this car for almost 9 months to the day. On 12-19 -25 I was driving down the aisle in the Walmart parking lot at less than 10 mph. I turned right into a handicap parking lot and applied my brake as I was settling into the parking space. I was driving less than 5 mph as one normally would when parking and coming to a stop. …”
NHTSA complaint #11713259, filed 2026-01“The vehicle, which has less then 1k miles, had the rubber pad on top of the brake pedal dislocate while driving. Did not know until I tried to brake to pull into driveway, pad obstructed the break. Had to put full weight on brake to make the vehicle stop, and was able to put in park. Could have easily caused collision.”
NHTSA complaint #11633781, filed 2025-01
Buying note. Most reports here come from very low-mileage vehicles, so they reflect early quirks rather than proven long-term wear. Confirm which open recalls have actually been completed (fuel filler cap seal and wheel inspection in particular) and spend time with the car at night and on the highway before deciding.
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 99 consumer complaints for the 2025 Subaru Forester. 11 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 2,800 miles. Of all complaints, 13 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 7 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 198 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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 unknown21 21%
- Fuel system17 17%
- Electrical system9 9.1%
- Exterior lighting8 8.1%
- Brakes6 6.1%
- Vehicle speed control5 5.1%
- Air bags4 4.0%
Also reported: Engine (4), Transmission and drivetrain (4), Wheels (4), Lane departure (2), Seat belts (2), Steering (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1), Body and structure (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “We recently bought a used 2025 Subaru forester with 5000 miles on odometer from a dealer. Subsequently we are experiencing respiratory irritation. We question if the car had been in a flood or some other accident that compromised the a/c system. We wonder if the dealer concealed something or has not reported the problem. We suspect black mold may be in the a/c system.”
NHTSA complaint #11739287, filed 2026-05Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “I am submitting this complaint to report a potential safety defect with the windshield glass on my 2025 Subaru Forester. Since purchasing the vehicle in May 2025, I have experienced repeated windshield damage that seems excessive and abnormal for a new vehicle. Within the first two months of ownership, the windshield developed a rock chip. Approximately three months later, I experienced another rock chip that spread into a larger crack when I attempted to have it professionally repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11714743, filed 2026-02Fuel system: “On 12/4/25, I was pulling into a space in a parking deck, was approximately one quarter of the way into the spot and the vehicle suddenly accelerated and struck a cement wall. I did not have my feet on the pedals at the time and was going at approximately 5 miles per hour. The airbags did not deploy, and no automatic braking or warning systems engaged. As a result of the accident, I sustained three fractured ribs and a partially collapsed lung. Immediately following the impact, the Starlink system dialed 911 and a police report was filed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11726788, filed 2026-03Forward collision avoidance: “I have a 2025 Forester. The new Forester has unexpectedly thrown on its brakes in a major way three times in 24,000 miles. The last incident was on a divided highway with a sweeping curve to the right. There were orange barrels closing off the lane to the left of me in the curve for maintenance work. In the middle of the curve to the right, the eyesight system saw the orange barrels in the other lane as a threat and unexpectedly threw on the brakes. I had concerns about being rear ended. …”
NHTSA complaint #11701420, filed 2025-11Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 11 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 1,200 and 5,700 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 2025 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 · 17.4% risk |
| Forester Hybrid · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.4% risk |
| Forester Wilderness · SUV AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | — |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2025 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2024: same overall rating; 2026: 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 2025 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 Sport/Touring AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Forester Wilderness AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 25 | 28 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Forester Hybrid AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 35 | 34 | 35 | $1,900 |
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
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and capCovers: Subaru Forester 2025, Crosstrek Hybrid 2026
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek hybrid, and 2025 Forester hybrid vehicles. When the fuel tank is near full capacity, an increase in ambient temperature may cause the fuel to expand and spill out of the filler neck due to an…
- 26V436000Jul 7, 2026Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Subaru Forester 2025–2026, Ascent 2019–2026, Crosstrek Hybrid 2026
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As…
- 25V419000Jun 19, 2025Child seatCovers: Subaru Forester 2025
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles. The child seat anchor bolts may have been improperly tightened, allowing the bolts to come loose.
- 25V033000Jan 23, 2025WheelsCovers: Subaru Forester 2025
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles equipped with 18" aluminum alloy wheels. The wheels may have been manufactured with an incorrectly specified lug seat surface, which can result in the wheel being improperly…
Recall details for the 2025 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. 198 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.
- 11037944Sep 29, 2026Body and structure. This bulletin announces the repair procedures to be followed when encountering cases of excessive gap reported between the left and right rear D-pillar and headliner.
- 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.
- 11037923Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to the WRH-26 certification label recall.
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
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Subaru Forester?
Complaints on this model year come mostly from vehicles with very low mileage, many within the first few thousand miles, so patterns are early rather than long-term. The issues reported most often: Fuel smell or spill near full tank (filler cap area); Headlight beam pattern and side mirror vibration; Abrupt braking by the pre-collision and cruise systems.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2025 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA recorded 99 consumer complaints for the 2025 Subaru Forester as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2025 Subaru Forester is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 21 complaints (21% of the total), followed by visibility with 20.
Has the 2025 Subaru Forester been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2025 Subaru Forester do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Subaru Forester 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2025 Subaru Forester get?
The EPA rates the 2025 Subaru Forester (Forester Sport/Touring AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 25 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2025 Subaru Forester reported?
Among the 11 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 2,800 miles and the middle half falls between 1,200 and 5,700 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.