CarModelProblems.com

2015 Subaru Forester Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

Elevated complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 1.7× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
612Complaints
3Recalls
52Crashes
7Fires
34Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (21.2% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Engine complaints here are 1.7× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine130 · 21.2%RecalledRecall 16V162000
Air Bags101 · 16.5%RecalledRecall 19V701000
Power Train94 · 15.4%not available
Electrical System78 · 12.7%not available
Vehicle Speed Control66 · 10.8%not available
Suspension62 · 10.1%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE130 · 21.2%
AIR BAGS101 · 16.5%
POWER TRAIN94 · 15.4%
Unspecified / other72 · 11.8%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL66 · 10.8%
SUSPENSION62 · 10.1%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM55 · 9%
SERVICE BRAKES34 · 5.6%
VISIBILITY/WIPER23 · 3.8%

Percentages are the share of the 612 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 3 campaigns

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

NHTSA campaign 19V149000 · 2019 · reported 02/28/2019

Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

NHTSA campaign 19V701000 · 2019 · reported 10/03/2019

If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

NHTSA campaign 16V162000 · 2016 · reported 03/21/2016

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“THE VEHICLES STUTTERS WHEN ACCELERATING. THE ISSUE WILL GO FOR A FEW DAYS TO A FEW WEEKS THEN DISAPPEAR AND RETURN A FEW WEEKS LATER…”NHTSA complaint 11021819 — filed 09/06/2017 · ENGINE
“CAR PASSED STATE INSPECTION ON 8/3/2017 WITH 18500 MILES. ONE WEEK LATER, CAR WAS TAKEN ON SHORT ERRAND AND BURST INTO FLAMES WITH DRIVER INSIDE…”NHTSA complaint 11015704 — filed 08/16/2017 · ENGINE
“EXCESSIVE OIL USE BETWEEN OIL CHANGES REQUIRING ADDING OIL. OIL LIGHT COMES ON UNEXPECTEDLY CAUSING DRIVER TO HAVE TO CARRY OIL ON BOARD AND TO…”NHTSA complaint 11014756 — filed 08/11/2017 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

9201467792016688020181741182020847120226727202431192026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Subaru Forester?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 130 of 612 NHTSA complaints (21.2%), followed by air bags (101), power train (94), electrical system (78). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2015 Subaru Forester have?

612 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 52 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, and 34 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2015 Subaru Forester have any recalls?

Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V149000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2015 Subaru Forester's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.