Car Defect Radar
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 22, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

93 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
22

Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 5 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

fluid leaks 6unintended acceleration 5
A recent report: I recently noticed that the metal lip and outer cap area of my fuel filler neck is rusting. This isn't just a cosmetic issue this is the exact surface where the gas cap needs to seal to keep the fuel…
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I recently noticed that the metal lip and outer cap area of my fuel filler neck is rusting. This isn't just a cosmetic issue this is the exact surface where the gas cap needs to seal to keep the fuel system airtight. Because it’s rusting it’s going to ruin that seal, cause fuel vapor leaks, and trigger a check engine light. In addition to the fuel neck, both my front driver and passenger side windows screech and vibrate heavily whenever they get wet from rain or a car wash. The glass binds up in the wet run channels, which is putting unnecessary strain on the window regulators and motors and makes it difficult to see out of my windows and view my side mirrors properly. Dealership admitted that there are four other vehicles I have within the same make, model,year and similar mileage that have the exact same issue which is a need for there to be a safety recall. They got a bad batch of vehicles with a defect that is affected multiple other vehicles that are like mine.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11763329 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Minor
23

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 15electrical shorts 1
A recent report: The radio/HVAC system in the 2025 Subaru Forester has a major delay problem which causes the unit to freeze and not accept user input, delay connectivity, and HVAC conteol, and volume comtrol/on/off…
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The radio/HVAC system in the 2025 Subaru Forester has a major delay problem which causes the unit to freeze and not accept user input, delay connectivity, and HVAC conteol, and volume comtrol/on/off, etc. This can take up to 90 seconds to work and if already driving, causes unnecessary fiddling which is a safety concern. The manufacturer is aware of the issue and considers it acceptable. Compared to other manufacturers, it is far from acceptable or safe. Since the manufacturer is clearly aware of the issue without intending to fix the issue, I am bringing this to your attention and hope you can do something to help. Now that the HVAC and entertainment comtrols are integrated into the vehicle and aftermarket is no longer an alternative, the consumer is dependent upon the manufacturer to provide and fix a bad/faulty product. The more I have to take my eyes off the road. The greater the risk for an accident.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11764139 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
7

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.

software faults 4loss of braking 2unintended acceleration 1
A recent report: Driving in middle lane on i-87 heading towards albany (around it), car alarmed (flashed a red box on dashboard) and then the AEB braked for shadows in front and caused cars to swerve behind us with…
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Driving in middle lane on i-87 heading towards albany (around it), car alarmed (flashed a red box on dashboard) and then the AEB braked for shadows in front and caused cars to swerve behind us with semi trucks getting too close. Could not get the car to stop breaking and other drivers were very upset at us. Will be taking to subaru for next appointment to recalibrate and teach me how to turn off. Have not confirmed yet with dealer or had inspection yet, as it only happened today 9/14/26 around 12pm-1pm. Unknown for availability for inspection upon request. Has happened in past for smaller turns on backroads around home but never this bad.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11764222 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Read closely
4

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

software faults 1fire 1
A recent report: I purchased a brand new 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness and immediately noticed a persistent vibration in the steering wheel, seat, and footwell area. The vibration is present at all times — while…
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I purchased a brand new 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness and immediately noticed a persistent vibration in the steering wheel, seat, and footwell area. The vibration is present at all times — while driving at various speeds and even while idling. It is very distracting and uncomfortable. This ongoing vibration creates a constant sensation of movement that affects my comfort and ability to stay fully focused on the road. I have arthritis in both hands, and the steering wheel vibration causes physical discomfort, pain, and fatigue, especially on longer drives. I previously owned a 2024 Subaru [same model], which did not have this issue. I have also spoken with other owners of the 2025 model who are not experiencing this problem, so I do not believe this is typical for the vehicle. Subaru of America sent an engineer to inspect the vehicle, but the evaluation was limited to measuring vibration levels. He did not place the vehicle on a lift or inspect any physical components, such as the suspension, wheels, or drivetrain. Despite this limited assessment, he concluded the vibration was “normal.” I respectfully disagree with this conclusion, as the vibration significantly affects the drivability, comfort, and confidence I feel while operating the vehicle. I am reporting this issue because I believe it may indicate a defect that deserves further investigation.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11665933 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
6

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.

airbags not deploying 4
A recent report: The harness was missing stitching on one side. They're supposed to be two levels to connect the harness for a smaller child. One side had two levels. The other side it only had one. Safety first is…
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The harness was missing stitching on one side. They're supposed to be two levels to connect the harness for a smaller child. One side had two levels. The other side it only had one. Safety first is sending me a brand new harness.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11756347 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
23

Most reports here involve other issues.

other issues 23
A recent report: Sunroof cracked completely on its own while vehicle was parked. No surface impact, chip, marking or exterior imperfection in the glass was present. There were small air bubbles in the pane mould…
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Sunroof cracked completely on its own while vehicle was parked. No surface impact, chip, marking or exterior imperfection in the glass was present. There were small air bubbles in the pane mould around the corner where the crack appeared and spread across the pane. Dealership replaced it under factory warranty after Subaru of America approved the claim at no cost at 15,216 miles.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11757614 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Worth reading
8

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention an injury.

software faults 2electrical shorts 1
A recent report: Noticeable noise after oil change and tire rotation that became progressively worse over time. Constant humming/growling noise from the rear that increases in volume and intensity with speed…
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Noticeable noise after oil change and tire rotation that became progressively worse over time. Constant humming/growling noise from the rear that increases in volume and intensity with speed. Noticeable at 40 mph and higher and floor vibration present at highway speed, especially under the dead pedal. Droning propeller sound. Upon inspection, both rear hub bearing units were failing prematurely and were replaced at 29,240 miles at no cost under the factory warranty.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11757616 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 93 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2024 and 2026, roughly 46 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.