2019 Subaru Forester recalls and problems

The 2019 Subaru Forester has 3 safety recalls and 834 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
834
Crashes / fires
37 / 11
Injuries / deaths
21 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2019 Subaru Forester vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2019 Subaru Forester recalls

Recall 21V-263: Suspension

Reported Apr 15, 2021 · 408,271 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.

Risk: Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.

Recall 19V-856: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Dec 2, 2019 · 51,613 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.

Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.

Recall 19V-065: Steering

Reported Feb 6, 2019 · 10,417 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2019 Subaru Forester problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Visibility/Wiper370
Unknown or Other144
Electrical System135
Engine106
Forward Collision Avoidance60
Visibility39
Power Train39
Structure27
Vehicle Speed Control27
Service Brakes22
Fuel/Propulsion System22
Air Bags17

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Windshield — 33
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 27
  • Structure › Body — 22
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 22
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 11
  • Lane Departure › Warning — 6
  • Lane Departure › Assist — 5
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 8,650 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2019 Subaru Forester complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Wheels · reported Oct 11, 2026
Wheel studs on my 2019 Forester broke or stripped during a flat tire change. In XXX, studs on this vehicle broke after dealership service where the lug nuts were overtightened; the dealer replaced them at no charge. On XXX I had a flat tire on a rural road in [XXX]. When we removed the wheel, multiple studs snapped or had stripped threads. We were left with a wheel held on only by 3 studs and had to drive 3 hours home that way, on a weekend when nearly everything was closed. COMPONENT: Wheel studs and lug nuts. I kept the broken parts and they are available for inspection. SAFETY RISK: A wheel…
Air Bags · reported Sep 5, 2026
On 9/2/2016, my 2019 Subaru Forester was involved in a right-front collision. During the collision, the driver's frontal airbag did not deploy. Actually none of the airbags deployed. As a result, the driver's chest and upper abdomen struck the steering wheel.And sustained significant bruising and other injuries and required evaluation and treatment at an emergency department. The vehicle has substantial damage and may be considered a total loss. I am reporting this because the driver's frontal airbag did not deploy during an injury-producing collision. Actually  no airbags deployed. I would…
Vehicle Speed Control · at 80,000 miles · reported Aug 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH with the adaptive cruise control engaged, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact depressed the brake pedal; however, the engine revved loudly, the vehicle continued to accelerate and collided with the rear of a minivan. The contact was able to steer the vehicle to the side of the bridge and stopped the vehicle. The side air bags deployed after the crash. No injuries were reported. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard by the Port Authority Police. The dealer was not…
Unknown or Other · reported May 16, 2026
Car swirving as if someone grabbed the steering and pulled right left quickly when applying breaks. First incident happened on interstate which nearly caused an accident. Carriage makes a “clunk” sound when moving forward or backwards and you feel the cabin continue in motion when first stopping. When taken to Subaru, “trailing arm” was not attached to vehicle. Car is currently being fixed at Subaru of Olympia.
Steering · reported May 11, 2026
I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2019 Subaru Forester related to failure of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Since April 21, 2026, I have been in communication with Subaru of America regarding whether this issue is related to an existing safety recall (WUC-88). During this time, I provided detailed information about multiple occurrences of EPS warning light activation and intermittent loss of steering assist while driving. A local repair shop also inspected the vehicle and confirmed EPS-related diagnostic trouble codes (including B2811 and C2512), which are…

Other Subaru Forester years

Compare all Subaru Forester years · All Subaru models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 Subaru Forester have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 Subaru Forester: 21V-263 (suspension), 19V-856 (engine and engine cooling), 19V-065 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2019 Subaru Forester?

Owners report visibility/wiper problems most often (370 reports), followed by unknown or other (144). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 8,650 miles.

Are Subaru recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.