2021 Subaru Forester: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 207 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is visibility/wiper (40% of complaints); the 2022 and 2023 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 3 new complaints in the last 90 days
0
recalls
207
owner complaints
5
fire reports
8,750
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★★Front ★★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★★
5-star NHTSA overall safety ratingNo recall campaignsWeak spot: visibility/wiper (40%)5 fire reportsProblems reported early (median 8,750 mi)
Common problems
Computed from 207 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Visibility/Wiper (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)40% · 71 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)13% · 23 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)10% · 18 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)8% · 14 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance (automatic emergency braking, sensors)6% · 10 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)5% · 9 complaints
“The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while trying to roll up vehicle windows from driver sits and passenger sit they would roll up to 3/4th all the way up and they would roll back down after. The contact stated this was a recurring event. The dealer was aware of failure and diagnosed issue needing repairs for window regulator and run channels for driver and passengers side. Manufacturer was made aware of failure and let contact know it was outside of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 22,500.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2026
“Automatic start/stop fails to turn car on - intermittent. Taken it to Subaru detailer miltiple times and paid for services to correct the issue, but the issue persists. Fist time - replaced the battery in July 2025. 2nd time, went on a ride along for 1 hour, issue did not happen, replaced spark plugs, issue persists. 3rd time, updated TCM software, issue still persists. Subaru of America is aware of the issue and have not gotten a resolution either.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2026
“While driving the car, the engine stops completely. After a few seconds, it can be restarted. It does this several times a week at random intervals. It's very dangerous since it usually happens when we're driving in traffic. The dealer checked it out in July but couldn't find anything wrong. Even though it's a serious safety problem, they said to keep driving it until it does it every time the car is driven or until the car won't run. When this happens, all the dashboard warning lights come on and the word "Eyesight" is displayed with a diagonal line through it. A warning buzzer also sounds. This started last summer with very infrequent occurrences and is now several times a week.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“Driving along and various system warnings came on, then started losing power, then the engine died and the car was completely dead. Got a jump start and the car ran for a couple of minutes and died again. Had it towed to a repair shop and when they checked it the next morning, they couldn't find a problem and it ran great for them. I replaced the battery and alternator just to be safe because we were about to leave on a trip.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2026
“Car drains battery. 45,000 miles and has had 3 batteries and have been told it needs another. Dealer says start stop switch, requires a battery of 750 CCA and not the Subaru recommend battery. Car will die in traffic and driver seat adjusts to different positions by itself. Told that these problems will never stop unless I get a higher rated battery than required.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2026
“Vehicle was delivered with the wrong battery - reserve capacity. The car stalls out in idle position creating safety issues. My wife was stranded and we had the original battery replaced with the specs from the previous battery...causing the same issues to occur. Finally, we were informed of the improper battery installation”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2025
“The vehicle has experienced four separate engine shutdowns while stopped in traffic. Each time, the engine turned off unexpectedly, requiring a manual restart. One incident occurred near a railroad crossing with my child in the car. The vehicle also lurches forward at low speeds and hesitates when accelerating after being stopped. These issues persist despite service visits. I believe they may relate to Technical Service Bulletins regarding the Auto Start/Stop and battery systems (TSBs #16-147-24, #10232217, #07-218-23R, #10251098). Subaru service staff have acknowledged awareness of these problems. I'm submitting this complaint to ensure the safety risk is documented and investigated.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2025
“Issue started with hearing a clunking noise from the front of the car, had the dealer inspect at 37,000 miles. They said they the clunking was caused by ECU issue and reprogrammed the ECU to correct it. Obviously, a software update did not correct the noise. Had an independent repair shop inspect the vehicle and found both front control arm bushings were cracked and torn allowing the control arm to move around causing the noise. Since the control arms are an integral component of steering the failure of these bushings could've caused loss of control, or an accident. They were replaced by the independent shop and now the noise is gone.”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2025
“Vehicle began surging during acceleration. Dealer stated that the Engine Intake Valves had carbon deposits that were causing performance issues including poor fuel economy, increased emissions and running concerns. The valves required a cleaning to correct the issue. This is a 4 year old vehicle with only 38,000 miles, this is unacceptable for issues like this so soon. Estimated cleaning cost is $300 and is mentioned no where in the scheduled maintenance information.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2025
“Vehicle unexpectedly brakes for no apparent reason, has almost caused us to be rear ended. Subaru inspected vehicle, says the Eyesight ADA camera needs to be replaced at our cost. This vehicle is only 4 years old and has 38,000 miles. This is clearly a safety defect.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Aug 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 16 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2021 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Engines2.5L
Cylinders4
FuelGasoline
Body stylesSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
How other years compare
Check your exact Forester by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Subaru Forester reliable?
NHTSA has 207 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2021 Subaru Forester. The most complained-about area is visibility/wiper (40% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2021 Subaru Forester problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 8,750 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.