There are no safety recalls for the 2021 Subaru Forester, but owners have filed 215 complaints with NHTSA.
2021 Subaru Forester problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 76 | |
| Unknown or Other | 42 | |
| Engine | 36 | |
| Electrical System | 35 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 22 | |
| Power Train | 17 | |
| Visibility | 14 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 12 | |
| Lane Departure | 9 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | |
| Service Brakes | 7 | |
| Suspension | 4 | |
Most reported parts
- Visibility › Windshield — 13
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 13
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 7
- Structure › Body — 4
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 4
- Lane Departure › Warning — 3
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 8,500 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 2021 Subaru Forester complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Electrical System · reported Nov 1, 2026
When coming to a stop, the auto start/stop system shuts the engine off and it fails to restart. All dashboard warning lights illuminate. The vehicle must be shifted to Park and restarted manually with the start button. The component that failed is the auto start/stop system; the exact cause is UNKNOWN. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This put safety at risk because the vehicle was left immobile in live traffic at stops until it could be restarted. There were no warning lamps or symptoms before the failure; the warning lights come on when the failure occurs. The vehicle…
Power Train · at 66,902 miles · reported Oct 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating from a stop, the vehicle started bucking and hesitating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission control valve body was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The transmission control valve body was replaced and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under an extended warranty associated with the failure. The failure mileage was 66,902.
Engine · reported Oct 28, 2026
Component Failed & Inspection Availability: The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical engine block failure at 74,000 miles. The dealership teardown confirmed a failed/spun lifter bearing and a fractured connecting rod cap, requiring a complete engine replacement. This sudden oil pressure failure/blockage occurred while the engine oil pan was verified completely full. This sudden mechanical failure is directly consistent with severe localized thermal breakdown from a failing Thermo Control Valve (TCV)âa component subject to Subaru Warranty Extension WMM23âor loose factory RTV…
Electrical System · reported Oct 25, 2026
I was stopped at a red light. When the light changed to green I put my foot on the gas and the car totally stalled out. There were no lights, fans or radio on just total silence. I tried to restart the car putting it is park and depressing the brake while pushing the start button and nothing. It didn't even try to turn over. silent, dead. I tried several times with no luck. I got out of the car to signal to the bus and row of cars behind me to pass me. I got back into the car and tried to start it again and this time it started. I drove immediately to the mechanic near my house. They couldn't…
Structure · reported Oct 21, 2026
Thereâs two brackets that are at the top of the tailgate, and also at the top of the body where they meet to match up, The bracket on the right sits flush, the bracket on the left since indented about a 1/4â give or take. Because itâs painted by the factory, thereâs no cracks around the bracket and the paint, meaning it happened at the factory. Iâve looked at other cars that are in that same model year bracket between 2018 and 2025, and theyâre all variations of the Subaru Forrester. Didnât matter if a sport or limited any of that. They all have the same indented left hand…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2021 Subaru Forester as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Subaru Forester?
Owners report visibility/wiper problems most often (76 reports), followed by unknown or other (42). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 8,500 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.