2015 Subaru Forester

I was parking at the dentist office in their parking lot going slow, turned into a parking space and thought i was slowly braking but my car lunged forward and hit a tree. I would normally be minimally braking, so I'm not sure what happened but it was sudden. I could have hit the gas pedal but i would have pressed it a lot I think for the sudden lunge to happen.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jul 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

The contact's spouse owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop or at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle hesitated and failed to accelerate as intended. The Hill Assist and Automatic Transmission Oil Temperature warning lights flashed, and the ABS, Traction Control, and VDC warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off to cool down on each occurrence. After approximately 45 minutes, the vehicle was restarted and was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated, and the air bag module warning light was illuminated. The air bag occupant classification system was not operating as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and an occupant detection system malfunction code was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V701000 (Air Bags); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,684.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jun 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Codes for B1760 and B1650 present, intermittent SRS light for the passenger airbag. Passengers put at risk in event of crash. SRS sensor issues seem to be common for this vehicle according to online databases and dealership technicians.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Apr 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

2 REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED ON LOW MILAGE VEHICLE.ALTHOUGH CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD IT IS WELL MAINTAINED AND HAS 57K MILES ON OD.nEVER DRIVEN OFF ROAD OR IN WATER. PERHAPS WORSE THREE STUDS AND LUGS HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO SNAPPING OFF. APPARENTLY THIS IS COMMON AS THE SAME STORY WAS TOLD TO OTHERS WAITING AT DEALERSHIP

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Subaru part # 63269SG002 "hatch lift support / stay tailgate (rear gate, right)". Pin that attaches hydraulic lift to rear tailgate snapped in half when closing trunk - available for inspection. Lift extended fully, preventing closure of rear tailgate. Failure left tailgate solely held up with (1) remaining lift which could not fully support weight, letting door sag/droop and causing injury to scalp of (1) person. A 4 year old child was not injured, but was present - safety was at risk based on proximity to the door at the time of failure. Dealer advised no active recalls open on vehicle 5/26/26. Manufacturer does appear to have issued service bulletin 12-289-20 in 2020 providing warranty extension for this component. Component was not inspected. No warnings or symptoms were observed - corrosion noted on attachment point of life gate after removal.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

1 injuries

I was pulling into a parking spot almost stopped when the vehicle suddenly surged forward. I slammed on the brake and put the car in reverse since it had driven upon the walkway. This happened earlier today and I plan to have it checked out as soon as possible . Never have had this problem before, no warning lights or messages.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Front passenger airbag sensor light stays on continuously

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

May 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Vehicle: 2015 Subaru Forester Mileage at Failure: 85,000 miles Component: Powertrain – CVT Transmission My 2015 Subaru Forester is experiencing a premature safety‑related CVT transmission failure at approximately 85,000 miles. The vehicle developed a pronounced whining noise that increases with vehicle speed, consistent with internal CVT bearing or pulley failure. This is a known defect pattern in Subaru Forester CVTs and is not related to maintenance or wear. The noise is continually progressing and the risk of sudden catastrophic failure makes the vehicle unsafe to operate. An authorized Subaru dealer and the District Parts & Service Manager (DPSM) both confirmed that the CVT has failed and requires full replacement. This failure occurred well within Subaru’s extended CVT warranty mileage limit of 100,000 miles, and matches the defect pattern Subaru acknowledged when it extended CVT coverage nationwide for this model. However, Subaru is refusing to replace the CVT due to the 10 calendar year extension expiration. Subaru’s maintenance schedule for this vehicle does not require any CVT fluid replacement interval, so there is no missed maintenance that contributed to the failure. A failing CVT creates a safety hazard due to to the risk of sudden loss of power, hesitation, or inability to accelerate. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA is aware of this premature CVT failure and the associated safety concerns of SOA's refusal to replace the CVT under their extended warranty.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

This has now happened twice to my daughter, both times on the highway. One time the car shut down completely and the 2nd time the car just started slowing while pressing the gas and coasted to a stop. Luckily she was able to avoid other cars and get to the shoulder. The car restarted both times...1st time after about an hour wait and 2nd time within minutes. Both incidents happened when the gas gauge was at 2 bars. I am terrified of this thing right now. No warning signs at all prior to the incident. I took it to the dealer after the first incident but they could not figure out what the problem was as they were not able to recreate the issue. This is an extremely unsafe issue and I am not sure what I should do next.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

On 3 different occasions the car randomly accelerated at a high speed without stepping on the gas pedal. The first time was in a parking lot. The second time was on a busy road while traveling at 35 mph. The car accelerated to about 60 mph, fortunately once applying the brakes the vehicle slowed down to gain control. The third time it happened was recently on [XXX] while slowly backing down [XXX]. The car accelerated backwards at a very high speed narrowly missing a fence in the neighbors yard. These incidents have happened with large time frame gaps in between the occurrences. After the third incident I took the car to a dealer Planet Subaru in Hanover MA. After keeping the car for a few days, the dealer called and said that they could not find anything wrong with the car and there was nothing that they could do for me. This issue is obviously very serious, if the car surges forward randomly while someone is crossing in a crosswalk it could be potentially fatal. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I bought a used 2015 subaru forester with 117,000 miles from an auto shop/used car dealer in March of 2024. In September of 2025, 11,000 miles of driving later, a bunch of lights came on my dash. Check engine, traction control, ABS, at oil temp, and incline assist. I took it to Autozone to get the codes read and the part it suggested was the transmission oil pressure sensor. I then took it to a trusted mechanic who said they weren’t able to get the lights to turn back on and told me to come back when the lights reappeared. In December of 2025, the lights came on and they were on long enough to take it back to the mechanic. The mechanic told me that it looked to be the transmission valve body and recommended a local transmission shop. I took it there and the mechanic told me there was a speed sensor that was failing and the transmission and valve body would need to be replaced. He said that they don’t sell the speed sensor anywhere and it is impossible to obtain. I got quoted 9,100 to fix my car (I originally paid around 8,500 for it). I was told it would not be worth my time or money to fix the transmission. The transmission guy told me that Subaru cvt transmissions are horrendous and to take this is a lesson to never buy a Subaru. I heeded to this advice and traded her in for $2000 towards a 2010 rav4. Additional info: It had a rebuilt title and had been in an accident before I got it. Lived its entire life between kentucky and tennessee. I replaced the engine oil and filter every 4,000-6,000 miles. Tire treads were very mismatched for the time I had it (almost two years) which I was told by a subaru dealership can damage the transmission. Back tires had significantly lower tread than front. I had front left lower control arm, rear spring coils, brake switch lamp, and one of the battery terminals replaced during the time I had it. My TPMS light was always on. My front right headlight went out frequently. My brake light assembly also broke and wasn’t worth fixing

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

REPORT OF FAILED RECALL REMEDY (RECALL 19V-149 / WUE-90) My 2015 Subaru Forester experienced a total recurrence of the defect addressed in 2019. The vehicle became trapped in 'Park' intermittently on several occasions before remaining immobilized. During one incident, the manual shift-lock override failed to function. While the brake lights functioned during these incidents, the failure to shift is a documented symptom of a failing brake light switch. I had the switch replaced by a technician who initially suggested a full shifter assembly replacement. However, replacing ONLY the brake light switch immediately and permanently resolved the issue. This confirms the recall-related part was the point of failure. Subaru of America was notified but declined to acknowledge this as a failure of the safety remedy. I am also reporting intermittent 'ghost' activations of the right turn signal stalk.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Dec 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Passenger airbag sensor intermittently works and turns off when passenger is in the seat. Dashboard light for airbag is constantly on and passenger airbag is constantly off. Issues with seat sensor going off when no one is sitting in the passenger seat. Abs system error message. All identical to recall symptoms.

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Dec 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Airbag light intermittently turns on to indicate that airbag may not deploy even if there is someone in the passenger seat. This is a known safety issue with a recall in 2019 but for some reason is affecting a much larger set of vehicles than in the recall, including mine.

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Oct 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Getting an SRS Airbag system needs to be checked. Took the 2015 Subaru Forester to Williams Subaru in Lansing MI and they stated the code B1760 for the occupant detection system Mat was determined. The seat has not been wet and nothing spilled on it and was also determined dry by the repair specialist at time of service. They were able to reset sensor and did a test drive. Less than a week later when a passenger was in seat the warning SRS Airbag needs to be checked is back on. They stated if this happens then part cost will be approx 1000 not including service/repair (approx total 1700) They also state this part is on backorder. I have Concern for previous recall completed in 2019 for the passenger seat sensor matt harness. Is this a continuation of a problem that should be recalled with the sensor harness. Service states passenger front cushion frame and assembly needs replaced.

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF EVEN IF THERE IS NO ONE SITTING IN THE SEAT

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My passenger and rear airbags are not working due to a failure in this part: CUSHION AY OCPANTRH 64139SG002. I have been waiting for the part for around 10 months. My safety is put at risk as my airbags are not working and Subaru has not provided a solution while we are waiting for this part. I have asked for a rental car and they refused. It has been confirmed by multiple dealerships. The vehicle has been inspected by two licensed Subaru dealerships. There is a warning light on my dash and there has been since it failed.

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Oct 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I am reporting a recurring safety defect in my 2015 Subaru Forester (VIN: [XXX] ) that directly relates to Recall WUM-98 / NHTSA Recall 19V-701 (Occupant Detection System wiring harness). Original Recall (2019–2020): The Occupant Detection System (ODS) failed, disabling the passenger airbag. Subaru performed the recall remedy at that time. Reoccurrence (August 2025): The exact same defect reappeared. The SRS airbag warning illuminated and the passenger airbag was disabled while my wife was seated in the passenger seat. Subaru of Lancaster County (PA) initially reported no error, but when I retrieved the car, the warning illuminated immediately. Repair: On August 28, 2025, the dealer replaced the ODS wiring harness at my expense (440.73). Since then, the issue has not reappeared. Concern: This is the same safety defect already subject to Recall WUM-98. I believe the original recall remedy failed to permanently correct the defect, leaving owners vulnerable to reoccurrence and forcing them to pay out-of-pocket for a known recall-related safety failure. I request NHTSA’s review to determine whether Subaru’s recall remedy is adequate and to ensure owners are not unfairly charged for repeat repairs of the same defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The ignition key kept getting stuck in the ignition. Subaru acknowledged a defect in the shifter plate and parking range switch. They replaced it on 8/30/25 under service bulletin 16-12-18R but the dealer charged me $584.94 and Subaru North America refused to reimburse, stating that they had extended the warranty period to 2022, and therefore I was not covered for repair. However, they acknowledged that the original parts had failed for certain customers and that they had better parts available IF the original parts failed before the extended warranty period lapsed in 2022. They should have issued a recall and replaced the original parts. I was unable to remove the keys and could not secure and lock my car. I was also concerned that the steering wheel would lock up while driving.

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

SRS air bag system needs to be checked Alert on

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The rear door hinges do not open fully and it is easy to hit your head. I hit my head unloading groceries, and my boyfriend did as well. It is dangerous.

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I own a 2015 Subaru Forester that was involved in the NHTSA recall ID 19V-701 - Subaru safety recall WUM-98 in 2020. My VIN is [XXX] and my dealer is Lancaster County Subaru in Lancaster, PA. For about four months in the end of 2019 until February of 2020 we were unable to use the passenger seat due to the air bag problem which was intermittent. This required either my wife or I to ride in the back. We could correct this error on a restart by moving the yellow ODS wire harness under the seat and restarting the car. But our dealer and Subaru of America could not assure us that the air bag would deploy properly if we were in an accident because the system only does a system check when first starting the car, not while driving. Two weeks ago, about [XXX] my airbag issue has returned, again it's intermittent. I opened a case with Subaru of America, Case # [XXX] and they say there is no further recall for this issue. This is the same issue that was resolved by the NHTSA recall ID 19V-70. When it faults an orange SRS image appears on the screen then it shows an orange "i" on the top part of the center screen along with an orange image of the airbag error in the tachometer area and shows the airbag system is off. Once we aren't using the front passenger seat because of the safety concern about air bag not deploying properly if we were in an accident, because the system only does a system check when first starting the car, not while driving. Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Sounds like the differential in the transmission is making a horrendous noise

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My vehicle has a capacitive sensor in the passenger seat that determines if someone is sitting in the seat and turns the airbag on or off accordingly. Starting towards the beginning of March, my vehicle stopped detecting if someone was sitting in that seat and permanently disabled the airbags. I took the vehicle in to a Subaru dealer to get this fixed, as I view airbags as necessary to the safety of passengers in the vehicle. As it turns out, there was a previous recall for a part in this airbag system related to a wire harness. However, the dealer replaced this wire harness (at their expense) and it did not re-enable use of the passenger airbags. The dealer believes that the root cause of the issue is with the capacitive seat sensor. Not only was there an extended lead time on replacing this part (originally up to 1-year but luckily came in after a couple of months) but they would not pay for the cost of this part. Since there is no way for me to bypass this sensor to re-enable the airbags on my own, I believe that this part should be covered by Subaru. Furthermore, I don't understand how this part wasn't covered under a recall, either past or future, if it permanently disables a safety system. I was able to find a workaround online that involves installing a capacitor that makes the airbag system think someone is always present but Subaru would not perform this. This would mean that the airbag would go off even if someone is not sitting in the seat, but that seems like a small price to pay for potentially saving someone's life in the case of a potential accident. My case number with Subaru's Customer Advocacy group is Case # 250528-1300198 for any follow-up with them.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The wheel hub bolt stud and nut freeze/lock up. They break apart when the technician attempts to remove to perform tire rotation. It is a common problem with the Subaru Forester. I have had to replace 2, so far. Dealer charges $200+ for replacing it. Subaru has not stepped up to take responsibility for the defect.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

Apr 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

UNKNOWN. Often when I attempt to accelerate after stopping at a stop sign, the car hesitates, sometimes lunges ahead and then sometimes practically dying before accelerating normally. There have been times when It simply feels like a fuel pump problem and I know that Toyotas with this same Denso fuel pump have had documented problems similar to mine. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

Apr 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Airbag/seatbelt system failure August, 2024. Passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) failure. Detection system fails to correctly detect passenger in the seat. Sometimes it thinks there is no passenger, when there is one (will fail to deploy airbag in a crash); sometimes it thinks there is a passenger when there is none (requires seat belt to be buckled with no one in the seat). Recall (19V-701 -- ODS harness replacement) repairs were done to this vehicle Feb. 2020. New solution is different than for the 19V-701 recall. For this issue, dealer recommends replacement of seat frame bottom (seat sensor). The seat sensor is failing. Repairs can not be made because replacement seat sensors are NOT AVAILABLE. Backordered. Subaru USA estimates July, 2025 first availability. This means critical safety issue for passengers in this vehicle will exist for nearly a year--even if parts become available in July.

Reported

Feb 2025

Incident date

Aug 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

SRS airbag system not registering that there is a passenger in the passenger seat and therefore the airbag is not turning on.

Reported

Jan 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The Vehicle Dynamics Control safety system malfunctioned and forced me to drive straight on a curved banked overpass into the concrete barrier

Reported

Jan 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

The Vehicle was sold to me by a local dealership not SUBARU Manufacturer themselves with the conditions marked above and more, the wheels when purchased as i turned any corners it would sound like the underside of the vehicle would explode even when driving straight it was just less frequent and caused the ABS system to activate and would pull one way or another. the Transmission has never been inspected by the dealership that sold it to me and the manufacturer seal was broken so it had leaked and caused major lack of power resulting in many close calls due to lose of forward propulsion it is a closed transmission without a dip stick and the dealership refused to do anything about it. the Airbag system has never worked at all and the dealership knew this and same with the Reverse hazard warning detection system or the TPMS and again i was told that i just needed to drive it and it would work itself out by the owner of the dealership who test drove it 3 times and refused to do anything about the obvious issues and now it has been a little over a year i’m in debt and basically out of a vehicle and can man as well as personal money sunk into this vehicle that I would consider beyond a lemon

Reported

Jan 2025

Incident date

Sep 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

An off market part from API snapped after just 10 months and 7000 miles of driving on gentle paved roads. It was the lower control arm bolt. (2703-535960) Would have caused a very dangerous situation if happened at speed! We got lucky but this was a very dangerous part to break.

Reported

Jan 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Retailer failed VSI due to a defective cracked catalytic converter under warranty. Part is still in use because retailer refuses to service vehicle forcing me to operate my unsafe vehicle endangering myself and family including my then [XXX] son. Dealer confirmed defect and warranty coverage yet still refuses to address the issue. The vehicle has become notably louder as a result of the exhaust leak. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Jan 2025

Incident date

Mar 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

This is the fourth time we have had the same problem. We were on a long drive (more than 1 hour on the road) on the freeway going 65-70mph. The fuel gauge showed 2 or 3 bars left and the estimated mileage left was 40-70 miles left when the car lost forward power, the lights still worked and electrical systems were functional but it was as though there was not gas left. We had to call a tow truck to bring us gas. As soon as they put a couple gallons in the tank the car started and continued without issue to the nearest gas station. This was extremely dangerous as we had our children in the car and had a loss of power on the freeway and had to sit on the side of the freeway in a dangerous area waiting for gas to be delivered. We took it to our mechanic who could not detect any problems with the sensors, or other systems, there were no codes generated and no warning before it lost power, the low fuel light hadn't even gone on.

Reported

Nov 2024

Incident date

Nov 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I had a problem. arming the remote control. with forester subaru 2014 -2015 model car w/n arm. with key or electronically. I had changed battery you can arm manually sometimes , alarm will go off if you use the key to open door and shut it off with key. in ignition. had a diagnostic test done. with CODE B1500. tpms lights stays on also. tires are good. pressure good. extra remote key is good batteries changed. any info concerning this. Thank you. this happen week and half ago nov 11,2024. have an appt will subaru dealer on dec 5 to toubleshoot. is there any recalls for this matter

Reported

Nov 2024

Incident date

Nov 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The vehicle hit a patch of ice at about 55mph, spun out, and left the road. It rolled onto its right side (a total roll rotation of 90 degrees), and the side airbags deployed at some point during the roll. When the front passenger-side airbag deployed from above the side window, it pinned the passenger's head to the window, causing significant bruising and a possible mild concussion. The real danger, though, was if there had been some projectile or debris that impacted the window while the passenger's head was trapped against it. The way the airbag deployed actually exposed the passenger to much more danger, and caused more more injury, than if it had not deployed at all. The passenger was awake and upright in her seat at the time of the incident. A county sheriff reported to the scene, and the vehicle was towed to a lot. The vehicle is otherwise untouched and available for inspection. No inspection of any kind has taken place yet (the officer at the scene did not examine the vehicle at all, and insurance has not seen the vehicle yet). There were no symptoms of the problem prior to the incident. The only warning light that was on was for a malfunctioning TPMS system, but the tires were confirmed to be at correct pressure by external gauge.

Reported

Nov 2024

Incident date

Nov 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash 1 injuries

Passenger airbag says to be checked. Was a recall previously fixed in 2020. Same issue is arising and dealership will not fix for free Passenger airbag is off even with person sitting in it with seatbelt buckled

Reported

Oct 2024

Incident date

Oct 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My clutch fork was nearly broken in two.(pics available). I asked the mechanic to save the old parts. My 6MT was never modified; the vehicle was neither raced, taken off-road nor used for towing. A friend discovered the following article online: [XXX] Based on said article , I believe the part on my vehicle was defective. How may other manual transmission Subarus have been affected by this defect ? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Oct 2024

Incident date

Sep 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My wife’s 2015 Subaru Forester is reported to have a bad rear driver side wheel bearing from our mechanic. She only has 58,464 miles at the time of the incident/ diagnosis. I believe this wheel bearing has prematurely failed. We both drive normally and are not reckless. Please look into the batches/ lot# of the wheel bearings that went into their vehicles around the 2015 models and who makes them. Even multiple manufacturers or mixed batches being installed into new vehicles. They refuse to cover this as our new vehicle warranty has expired.

Reported

Oct 2024

Incident date

Oct 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated, and the message "SRS Air Bag System Failed" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the message "Passenger Air Bag Off" was displayed while the front passenger's side seat was being occupied. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V701000(Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Reported

Oct 2024

Incident date

Sep 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the horn was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,300.

Reported

Aug 2024

Incident date

Aug 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

This year, an error message indicated that the SRS system has ceased functioning on the passenger seat. According to the Subaru Service Center, a sensor within the seat has malfunctioned. This issue appears to be common, based on online research. The failed sensor poses a risk to the front passenger, as it may disable the SRS system and potentially the airbag. Despite this, the dealer has informed us that the repair will not be covered under warranty due to the vehicle's 2015 model year. The dealer has recommended replacing the entire seat, which seems to be an unusually premature failure for a part expected to last the vehicle’s lifetime.

Reported

Aug 2024

Incident date

Aug 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The horn stopped working. Upon inspection at the Subaru dealership they confirmed that the steering wheel roll connector had an open circuit. After researching this, I found it can also affect the air bag. When I asked the dealership if the airbag could be effected, they said yes and couldn’t confirm or deny if it would or wouldn’t work. The passenger airbag also stopped working around the same time, so that was concerning.

Reported

Aug 2024

Incident date

Jul 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The passenger airbag kept turning off while someone was sitting n the seat. It would turn off intermittently, but then turned off for a very extended period. Photo attached is a screenshot of a video we took while driving.

Reported

Aug 2024

Incident date

Jul 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My issue (which started a week ago) is that the Occupant Detection System (ODS) shows the passenger airbag as OFF and gives an SRS Airbag warning when my spouse is sitting in the passenger seat. When I sit in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag shows ON. But then when the car is driven with no passenger, the system dings until the driver hooks the passenger seatbelt--it thinks the passenger is still there. (I weigh 190; my spouse weighs 125). The consequences are that if the vehicle is involved in a crash and my spouse is in the passenger seat, her airbag will fail to deploy. If anyone is driving without a passenger (after I have been in the passenger seat) the passenger airbag may deploy unnecessarily, should a crash occur. My ODS harness was replaced in Feb., 2020 as part of NTSA Safety Recall ID 19V-701 (Subaru Safety Recall WUM-98) to address faulty ODS issues. (I was not having an issue then). Yesterday my local Subaru dealer recommended "Seat frame bottom replacement and ODS harness DTC B1760, 17067" to address this "ODS Internal Failure." "Part is on back order" so repair is pending.

Reported

Aug 2024

Incident date

Jul 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

After replacing the valve body (part of cvt transmission). The car was released to me. Immediately upon leaving the dealership, the car kept jolting and shuddering, but no maintenance lights were lit on the dashboard. Upon returning it to the dealership, we were notified that the whole transmission would need to be replaced. Subaru is aware of the faulty transmission as they increased the cvt transmission warranty for approx 2010-2017 forester/outback/impreza/etc. cars to 10yr/ 100,000 miles. Upon further review, several other Subaru owners have expressed their transmissions needing to be replaced around 110,000-120,000 miles, most after just replacing the valve body. It appears Subaru knew the transmission was about to die, but they encouraged replacing just the valve body causing me to invest $2,200 knowing it would not fix the actual problem.

Reported

Aug 2024

Incident date

Jul 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Oil consumption issue starting within the first 3 years of owning the vehicle. Oil light comes on generally after driving 2,000 miles or less from the last oil change or oil fill up, but prior to the light turning on there are acceleration issues. Vehicle bucks and lunges when accelerating. Lunging seems to occur after vehicle seems to loose power to accelerate and then lunges forward shuddering as power returns. These issue worsen after oil light has come on. Vehicle feels very unsafe when trying to merge if acceleration is needed. Also almost hit from behind when car seems to lose power when trying to accelerate after stopping for a red light. Vehicle has been serviced repeatedly at dealership and oil consumption issues documented. Vehicle’s make/model with known oil consumption issues, but this vehicles VIN has not been included in recalls.

Reported

Aug 2024

Incident date

Aug 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Every right hand turn, I hear a light metallic ‘tap’ on the rear, inside fender well…. I’ve been told by an independent auto mechanic, that it’s the ‘rear coil springs’ that are making the noise. There is No Recall for this issue or Rear Struts. I was told by a Subaru Service Manager….. No recall for either.. Has your Organization heard anything, on the contrary? Thank you… (*Just an annoying noise!)

Reported

Jun 2024

Incident date

Sep 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Horn on steering wheel stopped working. Don't know when it stopped working, no lights, warnings on dash, nothing. You only use horn when you need it and when needed for safety concerns, it did not work. Almost got in an accident when needing horn which did not work and was first discovery of this safety defect. Same situation twice after first discovery of no horn while waiting for Dealership appointment day. But horn would work by pressing panic button on fob. Steering wheel, nothing. Dealer confirmed Steering Roll Connector causing horn to be inoperative on steering wheel. Very expensive basic safety component repair for Subaru customers. Best extended factory warranty back in 2015 was 7yr/100k mi. Our Subaru was only 8yrs 8mo old and with only 79k miles. Out of warranty, but Subaru of America did help with bill as a good faith jester being so close to being in warranty. Much appreciated. However, this basic safety feature should last much longer than 8yrs or almost 9yrs, especially with no prior or current warning it has failed. Everything else on steering wheel electrically functioned fine. This defect can cause an accident, possibly a serious accident. Glad my wife and I were not in that statistic. This is not the only complaint involving horn not working on this 2015 model here and elsewhere. Makes me wonder what other Subaru years and models experience this safety defect. I strongly believe this should be a safety recall before there's a fatality, if not already, from horn function on steering wheel becoming inoperative without warning.

Reported

May 2024

Incident date

May 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The vehicle is a 2015 Subaru Forester. At that time, the car had 47800 miles on it. I started to sense a shaking or vibration on the steering wheel, especially at highway speeds. I took it to a local Subaru dealer and the dealer technician found the lower control arm bushings to be work/torn. I have been driving for over 40 years and have never had to have the bushings replaced in any of my (Toyota) cars, especially at 47800 miles. I bought the car new. I live in the city and do not do any off road driving. I bought the car because of the Eyesight safety system. I didn't realize Subaru's quality was not at the same level as Toyota. According to J.D. Power, "The bushings prevent metal-to-metal contact (friction) hence safeguarding the metal joints." and "Driving around with worn-out bushings can pose a threat to the driver and other road users. Worn-out bushings may also cause damage to the vehicle when its components snap." (website: [XXX] ) I believe it may be a "lemon". I have had to take it to the dealership regarding the transmission problem of hesitation on acceleration. The technician tested it and (of course) found nothing wrong. The service advisor did inform me, over the phone, that the technician experienced the issue during testing. Subaru denied my request for reimbursement of the defective battery. They indicated that I was not eligible for reimbursement because I did not pay the dealership to replace the battery. I had bought an Interstate battery at Costco and replaced it myself. Replacing a car battery is not rocket science. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

May 2024

Incident date

Jan 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.

Risk: 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.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.