Subaru Forester Body & structure problems
1,021 of the 2,417 complaints about the Subaru Forester (42.2%) concern Body & structure, making it the model's largest problem area. That share is 4.6× the Body & structure share across all tracked vehicles.
Analysis
By model year, Body & structure complaints peak with the 2019 model (411, 49% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2024 model (6). 14 Body & structure complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 30 in the 12 months before — the pace is falling.
Owners most often describe: “windshield”, “crack”, “rock”, “chip” and “small”. 1 of these reports (0.1%) describe a crash or fire, with 2 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
No recall campaign addresses Body & structure for the tracked model years.
By model year
When complaints were filed
Last 12 months: 14 · Previous 12 months: 30
Common terms in reports
- windshield936
- crack623
- rock184
- chip151
- small202
- impact172
What owners report
I opened the back hatch of my 2024 Subaru Forester to retrieve an item. I then pressed the button to close the hatch. It was an extremely windy day and right when I pressed the button to close the hatch an empty grocery bag blew out of the car.
The power lift gate closes on people when trying to open it.
Sunroof cracked completely on its own while vehicle was parked. No surface impact, chip, marking or exterior imperfection in the glass was present.
Two occurences of rear hatch window shattering spontaneously while vehicle was parked, powered off. No symptoms, warning lamps, or messages were present.
The air conditioning system of my 2017 Subaru Forrester suddenly went out without warning. I noticed a defect when the A/C started buzzing with a high pitched sound and blowing semi-warm air instead of cool. I took my auto to a car repair shop.
On March 12, 2026, my 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, owned for less than 1 month at the time and purchased on 2/14/2026, sustained a star chip to the windshield during normal driving conditions.
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
No recall campaign addresses Body & structure 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 ›
Frequently asked questions
How common are Body & structure problems on the Subaru Forester?
1,021 of the 2,417 complaints about the Subaru Forester (42.2%) concern Body & structure, making it the model's largest problem area. That share is 4.6× the Body & structure share across all tracked vehicles.
Which Subaru Forester model years have the most Body & structure complaints?
By model year, Body & structure complaints peak with the 2019 model (411, 49% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2024 model (6).
Is there a recall for Subaru Forester Body & structure problems?
No recall campaign addresses Body & structure for the tracked model years.