NHTSA has received 832 owner complaints about the 2019 Subaru Forester, or 108.4 per year on the road — far more complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 2.58, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 76 model-year 2019 vehicles we track, it ranks #67 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Subaru models its rate is 175% higher; against other Compact SUVs it is 74% higher.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2018-12-27 and 2026-08-21. Median delay from incident to filing: 6 days.
832Complaints
108.4Complaints per year on the road
2.58Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
3Recalls
4.8%Share involving a crash or fire
24Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2018) drew 56.8 complaints per year, fewer than this one. The following model year (2020) drew 89.3 per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2019 model collected 389 complaints, 382% higher than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Body & structure (49.4% of complaints), followed by Engine (13.3%) and Electrical (12.4%). Body & structure complaints are 5.4 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Body & structure reports, owners most often mention “windshield”, “crack”, “rock”, “chip” and “small”. 40 reports (4.8%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 20 injuries and 1 death.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 23 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was the first year (32% of incidents). In the last 12 months 24 new complaints were filed, versus 26 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for this model year. 15% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles2.58
vs. other Subaru models2.75
vs. other 2019 models2.37
vs. other Compact SUVs1.74
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (389)4.82
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.
Brakes · 2026-08-21 · ODI 11758532 · Crash
Dear National Transportation Safety Board, I would like to bring a situation that happened to me while driving my 2019 Subaru Forester last Saturday March 7th, 2026 at 10:40am. I was coming back to my house from an errand.
Interior & equipment · 2026-03-13 · ODI 11724205 · Crash
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.
Interior & equipment · 2026-05-16 · ODI 11738249
I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2019 Subaru Forester related to failure of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.
Steering · 2026-05-11 · ODI 11737088
We have replaced the battery twice and likely will need a third battery soon. I have learned that there is a known issue with the DCM trying to connect using 3G. This is causing a parasitic drain on the battery. The vehicle will fail to start.
Electrical · 2026-04-03 · ODI 11729108
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Summary: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Remedy: 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.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM Campaign 19V065000 · 2019-02-06
Summary: 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.
Remedy: 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.
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2019 Subaru Forester?
832 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Subaru Forester, or about 108.4 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2019 Subaru Forester?
The most common category is Body & structure, accounting for 49.4% of complaints.
Does the 2019 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall(s) for this model year.
Is the 2019 Subaru Forester still generating complaints?
In the last 12 months 24 new complaints were filed, versus 26 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
How does the 2019 Subaru Forester compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 832 owner complaints about the 2019 Subaru Forester, or 108.4 per year on the road — far more complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 2.58, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 76 model-year 2019 vehicles we track, it ranks #67 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Subaru models its rate is 175% higher; against other Compact SUVs it is 74% higher.