NHTSA has received 90 owner complaints about the 2025 Subaru Forester, or 53.8 per year on the road — more complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 1.28, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 85 model-year 2025 vehicles we track, it ranks #57 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Subaru models its rate is 36% higher; against other Compact SUVs it is 13% lower.
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 2024-09-02 and 2026-08-18. Median delay from incident to filing: 14 days.
90Complaints
53.8Complaints per year on the road
1.28Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
3Recalls
12.2%Share involving a crash or fire
60Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2024) drew 10.8 complaints per year, fewer than this one.
The most common problem area is Body & structure (23.3% of complaints), followed by Interior & equipment (15.6%) and Fuel system (14.4%). Body & structure complaints are 2.5 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Body & structure reports, owners most often mention “mirror”, “vibrates speeds”, “distortion”, “windshield” and “chip”. 11 reports (12.2%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 6 injuries and 1 death.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 10 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was the first year (59% of incidents). In the last 12 months 60 new complaints were filed, versus 29 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for this model year. 21% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space, the brake pedal was slightly released to move the vehicle forward; however, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated, failed to respond upon depression of the…
Brakes · 2026-07-28 · ODI 11753338 · Crash
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving into a parking space and applying the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration, surged forward and drove over a parking bump before crashing into the…
Other · 2026-07-06 · ODI 11748437 · Crash
Sunroof cracked completely on its own while vehicle was parked. No surface impact, chip, marking or exterior imperfection in the glass was present.
Body & structure · 2026-08-18 · ODI 11757614
Noticeable noise after oil change and tire rotation that became progressively worse over time. Constant humming/growling noise from the rear that increases in volume and intensity with speed.
Wheels, tires & suspension · 2026-08-18 · ODI 11757616
Purchased new 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Sport on 01 May 2025 (owned 19 months). Approximately 156 DAYS (a little over 5 months) after purchase we began having trouble with an unknown fuel system defect which prevents the vehicle from being refueled…
Fuel system · 2026-08-13 · ODI 11756731
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 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
Risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 24, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles. The child seat anchor bolts may have been improperly tightened, allowing the bolts to come loose.
Risk: A loose child seat anchor bolt increases the risk of injury to a child during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the child seat anchor bolts and, if necessary, tighten the bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-25.
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles equipped with 18" aluminum alloy wheels. The wheels may have been manufactured with an incorrectly specified lug seat surface, which can result in the wheel being improperly attached and cause a loss of vehicle stability.
Risk: A loss of vehicle stability increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the wheels, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRB-25.
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2025 Subaru Forester?
90 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2025 Subaru Forester, or about 53.8 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2025 Subaru Forester?
The most common category is Body & structure, accounting for 23.3% of complaints.
Does the 2025 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall(s) for this model year.
Is the 2025 Subaru Forester still generating complaints?
In the last 12 months 60 new complaints were filed, versus 29 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.
How does the 2025 Subaru Forester compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 90 owner complaints about the 2025 Subaru Forester, or 53.8 per year on the road — more complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 1.28, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 85 model-year 2025 vehicles we track, it ranks #57 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Subaru models its rate is 36% higher; against other Compact SUVs it is 13% lower.