My 2021 Subaru Forester has a recurring, worsening defect in the Idle Stop/Start (ISS) system that creates a stalling hazard. When ISS shuts the engine off at a stop, the engine intermittently fails to restart when I try to move again. It cranks progressively slower, warning lights illuminate, a continuous alert sounds, and the vehicle cannot proceed until I shift to Park and restart manually. This has left me immobile in live traffic at lights, stop signs, and mid-turn. The system also attempts to shut down in unfavorable moments, such as mid-turn, or as I am already releasing the brake (meaning it was depressed only lightly or briefly); it then tries to restart while still mid-shutdown, producing a pronounced shake. This is not a battery-charge problem. It has occurred even when the battery tested above its rated cold-cranking amps, and after each failure the engine restarts smoothly by manual start, indicating the starter, engine, and fuel systems function normally. I raised this before 2024, but it was not recorded until May 2024. At that visit the dealer performed the TCM reprogramming in Service Bulletin 16-147-24 (Forester, auto start/stop engine speed drop on restart) plus an ECM update. A later visit added another ECM update. A dealer has now identified yet another TCM reprogramming, quoted for a fee. The failure has persisted across all of these updates. Dealer staff acknowledge repeated customer complaints with these exact symptoms and say there is no known effective fix. Because ISS cannot be permanently disabled through any factory control, I must remember to disable it manually every drive to avoid a restart failure in traffic. The vehicle is available for inspection. This is an ongoing, unresolved safety defect that repeated manufacturer software remedies have failed to correct, and it can leave the vehicle disabled in live traffic.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11748058 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Persistent Battery Drain on a 2021 Subaru Forester Limited. Problems began in year 4 of ownership (~17,000 mileage), after Subaru Starlink Subscription services expired. Red (Error) Starlink SOS indicator light was evident, where a normal light would show green. Battery would fully drain after about 3-4 days of inactivity while parked in a commercial garage. After repeated dead batteries, a jump-starter battery pack was used regularly, as well as a wall-outlet battery charger. The problem has not resolved with a new and appropriately specified AGM battery, replaced in December 2025. The only solution is to pull the engine-bay fuse #5, which disables the Data Communication Module (DCM), as well as other features (hands-free microphones and audio system). By pulling the fuse #5 consistently, the problem has ceased, even after a two-week period of no use. This provides irrefutable evidence that the DCM powered by fuse #5 is the source of the battery drain. The only resolution Subaru would offer was to insist on a dedicated diagnostic visit to a dealership, with the associated costs of hundreds of dollars to be borne by me, the customer, without a clear understanding of the costs or remedies to resolve this problem. I feel unsafe driving my vehicle for more than short trips given the risk of stranding or further electrical malfunctions that would impact critical vehicle functions or safety systems.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11744837 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

On August 12, 2025, at approximately 10:16 AM, while driving at normal speed on CR-43 NW southbound just past Minnesota Ave in Big Lake, MN, my Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist System, specifically the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) / Pre-Collision Braking System, suddenly activated without warning and with no obstacle present. The braking was abrupt and unnecessary, causing the vehicle behind me to nearly rear-end mine. Road conditions were clear, dry, and unobstructed, with no pedestrians, vehicles, or hazards in my lane. This appears to have been a “false positive” from the AEB system. This sudden stop placed both my safety and the safety of other drivers at serious risk, and in different circumstances could have caused a collision resulting in injury or death. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center because Subaru requires a $200 diagnostic fee, which I have not paid. The vehicle has not been inspected by Subaru, police, insurance, or any other parties for the same reason. No warning lamps, error messages, or other indicators appeared prior to the incident. All systems appeared to be functioning normally before the unexpected braking occurred. I am concerned this defect persists beyond 48,000 miles, outside the limits of prior settlements, and believe Subaru should issue a recall covering all affected vehicles, regardless of mileage, to prevent potential crashes.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11680124 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Issue started with hearing a clunking noise from the front of the car, had the dealer inspect at 37,000 miles. They said they the clunking was caused by ECU issue and reprogrammed the ECU to correct it. Obviously, a software update did not correct the noise. Had an independent repair shop inspect the vehicle and found both front control arm bushings were cracked and torn allowing the control arm to move around causing the noise. Since the control arms are an integral component of steering the failure of these bushings could've caused loss of control, or an accident. They were replaced by the independent shop and now the noise is gone.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11696387 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

We’ve been using our Gold Revolve 360 car seat in rear facing for 14 months with our daughter who just turned two on August 19th. After normal wear, no car accidents and removing the carseat from the vehicle only a handful of times for sleepovers at grandparents and I’ve noticed a tear in the right strap, so bad that is nearly cut all the way through. This is toward the bottom where the strap meets the seat. From what I can see, there is nothing for it to rub up on to cause this, and my daughter is not allowed toys while in her car seat that could potentially do this. This is our only carseat at this time and it is extremely concerning every time she rides in it. We spent far too much money for this to happen, especially just over a year of use. I’ve tried reaching out to Evenflo via phone, website contact support and have emailed 8 times. Their chat services on the website are never available, even during hours of operation. I’ve called the number provided to me when I got the automatic response to the form I filled out on the contact tab,1 (800) 233-5921, and was told to email only by a automated message. Then there was a different number listed on the website that was a fraud number, 1 (800) 223-5921. And have yet to receive an email back after being asked to send a list of specific photos for their engineer team over a month ago. At this point I don’t feel safe putting my daughter in the car seat anymore. This should’ve been the last car seat I had to buy for her until a booster seat. And it barely made it a year and cost me $400+. I’m beyond frustrated by the lack of support I’ve received from Evenflo and the trust I had in this product.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11542292 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while trying to roll up vehicle windows from driver sits and passenger sit they would roll up to 3/4th all the way up and they would roll back down after. The contact stated this was a recurring event. The dealer was aware of failure and diagnosed issue needing repairs for window regulator and run channels for driver and passengers side. Manufacturer was made aware of failure and let contact know it was outside of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 22,500.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11748908 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov