2021 Subaru Forester Engine Problems
NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/12/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How engine ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 207 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2021 Subaru Forester overview page.
What owners report
“Vehicle auto start stop feature sporadically fails to start vehicle after stop feature stringers. Happened on multiple occasions, at red light, at stop sign, on…”NHTSA complaint 11511479 — filed 03/13/2023
“My vehicle stalls at stop signs and red lights at Least once or twice a day regularly Iâve taken to the dealer and they said…”NHTSA complaint 11504591 — filed 01/31/2023
“Engine stalled 2x within 8 days at major intersections (both times), therefore blocking a lane in the intersections. Was told 1st time it was a…”NHTSA complaint 11494718 — filed 11/23/2022
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Subaru Forester have engine problems?
Engine is the #4 most-reported problem area on the 2021 Subaru Forester: 32 of 207 complaints on file (15.5%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2021 Subaru Forester have in total?
207 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 16 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, 8 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's engine category include?
NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.
