Subaru Forester
Problems & Worst Years

Across eight model years, the Subaru Forester's complaint history shifts over time: early trucks flagged engine problems, mid-decade trucks flagged electrical and airbag issues, and 2019 through 2020 are defined almost entirely by one thing — windshields cracking with no apparent impact. The 2019 model year is the standout by volume, 527 total complaints, of which 406 describe windshield cracking without impact alone, with engine stalling at idle (38) and during driving (36) making up most of the rest; recalls 19V065 and 19V856 apply. The 2020 Forester follows at 403 total complaints, again led by windshield cracking (129 to 135 reports across two titles) plus a smaller cluster around thermal control valve failure (23) and the automatic start-stop system malfunctioning (21).

Earlier years show a different profile. The 2011 Forester (81 complaints) centers on high engine oil consumption (54 reports) alongside unintended acceleration and, less often, engine smoke and fire — both safety-rated. By 2016 (223 complaints), the pattern shifts to electrical issues: unintended acceleration again, a key sticking in the ignition (32), and passenger airbag malfunction (30, safety-rated), with recall 16V162 on file. The 2017 and 2018 years carry the highest safety-severity counts of the bunch — 2018 alone logs four safety-rated categories, including windshield cracking without apparent cause (96 reports) and battery drain without reason (43), both safety-rated, plus passenger airbag system malfunction (36).

By 2021 and 2022, totals taper to 146 and 49 complaints respectively, though windshield cracking, battery drain, and a resurfacing unintended acceleration complaint (10 reports in 2021, safety-rated) persist in smaller numbers, and 2022 adds a brake system failure complaint (5, safety-rated).

Given how dominant and consistent the windshield-cracking pattern is across five consecutive years, it's worth asking any Forester seller directly whether the windshield has been replaced and why, and having a mechanic check for the engine oil consumption and airbag issues that marked earlier years. These are owner-filed reports rather than a measured failure rate, and newer entries in a lineup like this simply haven't had as long to accumulate reports — a documented service history and pre-purchase inspection matter more than the model year alone.