Subaru Forester Electrical problems
295 of the 2,417 complaints about the Subaru Forester (12.2%) concern Electrical, making it the model's second-largest problem area. That share is 0.8× the Electrical share across all tracked vehicles.
Analysis
By model year, Electrical complaints peak with the 2019 model (103, 12% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2024 model (2). 36 Electrical complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 29 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
Owners most often describe: “battery”, “eyesight”, “dead”, “drained” and “jump”. 11 of these reports (3.1%) describe a crash or fire, with 6 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
No recall campaign addresses Electrical for the tracked model years.
By model year
When complaints were filed
Last 12 months: 36 · Previous 12 months: 29
Common terms in reports
- battery156
- eyesight42
- dead54
- drained33
- jump37
- parasitic16
What owners report
8/25/25: Seat Heater came on by itself on a hot day this Summer, it got so hot it burned my Right thigh. Seat Heaters are burning people.
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid. The contact stated that the hatchback had opened independently while the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that the doors had opened unintendedly while the vehicle was being washed at the car wash.
Airbag light came on - dealership confirmed it is an occupant detection system failure - wiring harness has gone bad. No history of moisture exposure, which would leave faulty part as the problem.
We are experiencing the exact same problem as the recall Under NHTSA Campaign No. 23V755000 (Subaru recall code WRQ-23) for an ineffective weld leading to moisture affecting the backup camera and dashboard lights.
I brought my vehicle to an authorized Subaru dealership (Byers Imports, LLC in Columbus, Ohio) to diagnose the reason for the airbag warning lamp illuminating.
I have been having problems with my 2025 Subaru Forester since I purchased it. It has failed multiple times to alert me of people and cars when I am backing up.
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
No recall campaign addresses Electrical for the tracked model years.
Problem areas · Subaru Forester
- Body & structure1021
- Electrical295
- Interior & equipment288
- Engine273
- Airbags & seat belts135
- Transmission / powertrain87
- Driver-assist systems75
- Brakes58
Subaru Forester problems, complaints & recalls by model year ›
Related reading
- What electric-vehicle owners complain about, compared with gas carsThe complaint categories that dominate EV reports, how they differ from combustion vehicles, why the numbers are skewed by a few brands, and the live problem mix of the electric segment.
Frequently asked questions
How common are Electrical problems on the Subaru Forester?
295 of the 2,417 complaints about the Subaru Forester (12.2%) concern Electrical, making it the model's second-largest problem area. That share is 0.8× the Electrical share across all tracked vehicles.
Which Subaru Forester model years have the most Electrical complaints?
By model year, Electrical complaints peak with the 2019 model (103, 12% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2024 model (2).
Is there a recall for Subaru Forester Electrical problems?
No recall campaign addresses Electrical for the tracked model years.