TireKick

Published generation acquisition guide

Forester years to avoid—and the years we refuse to over-rank

This answer is generated only from the published Fifth generation guide. It names applicable issues, configuration caveats, remedies, exposure eligibility, and the claim receipts behind every year conclusion.

Year-by-year answer

2019
Buy with conditions

Proceed only after the named candidate-verification and record checks pass.

clm_subaru-forester-2019-recall-recall-19v065000-obs-4228

Applicable issues

  • Steering:Electric Power Assist System safety campaign (high; verified remedy) · Inspect: Check the VIN for open NHTSA actions, then ask the inspector to test the named system and document the result.

Configuration: Only one reviewed 2019 configuration is present: 2.5L · Automatic (AV-S7) · All-Wheel Drive · Regular · Forester AWD.

Exposure: No verified positive production denominator is present for 2019; normalized year comparison is refused. Exposure is model-year-wide, not a denominator for the resolved configuration.

Open 2019 authority →
2022
Buy with conditions

Proceed only after the named candidate-verification and record checks pass.

clm_subaru-forester-2022-recall-recall-23v755000-obs-4309

Applicable issues

  • Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch safety campaign (high; verified remedy) · Inspect: Check the VIN for open NHTSA actions, then ask the inspector to test the named system and document the result.

Configuration: 2 reviewed 2022 configurations exist; the model-year authority does not guess which one a buyer has.

Exposure: No verified positive production denominator is present for 2022; normalized year comparison is refused. No configuration-specific denominator is available.

Open 2022 authority →
2021
Insufficient evidence

Insufficient evidence for a responsible candidate verdict.

clm_subaru-forester-2021-tsb-nhtsa-mc-10233119-0214013-2021-obs-22762

Applicable issues

  • 0214013: Oil Filler Cap Gasket Coming Unseated safety campaign (moderate; mitigation only) · Inspect: Check the VIN for open NHTSA actions, then ask the inspector to test the named system and document the result.

Configuration: Only one reviewed 2021 configuration is present: 2.5L · Automatic (AV-S7) · All-Wheel Drive · Regular · Forester AWD.

Exposure: No verified positive production denominator is present for 2021; normalized year comparison is refused. Exposure is model-year-wide, not a denominator for the resolved configuration.

Open 2021 authority →
2020
Buy

Evidence supports proceeding with a normal independent inspection.

clm_subaru-forester-2020-tsb-nhtsa-mc-10165548-15-251-19-2020-obs-20104

Applicable issues

  • 15-251-19: This Service Information Bulletin Provides Additional Diagnostics To Follow When Addressing A Telematics-Related Dtc B2a16. In Most Cases I safety campaign (moderate; mitigation only) · Inspect: Check the VIN for open NHTSA actions, then ask the inspector to test the named system and document the result.

Configuration: Only one reviewed 2020 configuration is present: 2.5L · Automatic (AV-S7) · All-Wheel Drive · Regular · Forester AWD.

Exposure: No verified positive production denominator is present for 2020; normalized year comparison is refused. Exposure is model-year-wide, not a denominator for the resolved configuration.

Open 2020 authority →

What you trade between adjacent years

Dossier receipts

clm_subaru-forester-2019-recall-recall-19v065000-obs-42282019 Subaru ForesterEvidence: Medium confidence

The official record describes a potential crash, fire, injury, or loss-of-control consequence.

“Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance. Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash. None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.”
NHTSArecallJun 2019Open source record
clm_subaru-forester-2020-tsb-nhtsa-mc-10165548-15-251-19-2020-obs-201042020 Subaru ForesterEvidence: Medium confidence

The official record identifies a condition that deserves candidate-specific inspection and record verification.

“This Service Information Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16. In most cases involving this DTC, the following scenario(s) occur: • When trying to use the remote engine starter (RES) feature through Telematics (STARLINK / My Subaru app) the request is unsuccessful and the red Telematics indicator lamp illuminates. • The customer takes their vehicle to the Retailer and the Technician finds the only code stored to be B2A16 in the DCM. • The Technician diagnoses the DTC per the applicable Service Manual trouble tree and replaced the DCM.”
NHTSAtsbSep 2019Open source record
clm_subaru-forester-2021-tsb-nhtsa-mc-10233119-0214013-2021-obs-227622021 Subaru ForesterEvidence: Limited confidence

The official record identifies a condition that deserves candidate-specific inspection and record verification.

“Oil Filler Cap Gasket Coming Unseated”
NHTSAtsbApr 2013Open source record
clm_subaru-forester-2022-recall-recall-23v755000-obs-43092022 Subaru ForesterEvidence: Medium confidence

The official record describes a potential crash, fire, injury, or loss-of-control consequence.

“Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail. An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.”
NHTSArecallSep 2023Open source record

Publication contract

Evidence: Limited confidence

Release rel_v4_cohort_20260726 · methodology m1-v4-authority-cohort. Raw complaint totals never choose an avoid year.