2024 Subaru Forester: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 29 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Nov 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Windshield cracks/chips very easily even when nothing has touched it. I have had 4 cracks in less than 6 months with no reason as to why they are occurring and they are ALL on the driver side, NOTHING on passenger side, which seems very odd. This car was bought brand new in February 2025 and this should not be happening. I believe the windshield is faulty. There is a settlement but my 2024 is not included as it cuts off at 2022. but this is not ok and i can't keep submitting comprehensive windshield repair claims to my insurance.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2026
“Took to Local dealership for 20,000 mile oil change. After the oil change the service advisor informed me of an oil leak on the right side of the engine. He could not confirm where the leak was from. I have scheduled to have it repaired under factory warranty. After researching on the internet it has been noted that the valve cover/ spark plug boot seals are known to split and cause an engine oil leak. I am concerned that this oil leak could come in contact with the exhaust manifold which may lead to an engine compartment fire. Would your administration department please check into this concern.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2026
“The eyesight system fails on almost a daily basis. When this happens, multiple safety features shutdown. Lane assist and departure warning stops working. Collision avoidance stops working. Cruise control stops working. Proximity warning alarms stop going off. The local dealership has repeatedly just indicated that this is how it works.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance,Lane Departure · Dec 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“On the morning of December 13, 2026, an incident occurred involving our 2024 Subaru Forester. While attempting to make a right-hand turn, the vehicle failed to decelerate as expected and subsequently struck a utility pole. The vehicle’s safety systems did not appear to activate in an effort to prevent the collision, and the airbags did not deploy. The driver sustained minor injuries, including a concussion. No vehicle inspections have been completed at this time. We are currently coordinating with the manufacturer to arrange a formal inspection. There were no warning indicators, malfunction lights, or known mechanical issues present prior to the incident.”Owner report · Air Bags,Forward Collision Avoidance · Dec 2025
“The passenager airbag on won't activate at the 88lb weight per local Subaru of Gallatin dealership where I purchased the car from. They did a test with 88lbs in another Subaru vehicle and the passenger airbag on activated but won't activate on in the 2024 Subaru Forester. The local dealership stated that the airbag sensor is off by 10lbs in the vehicle I have. I have asked the dealership to address this issue three times. The third time they stated that Subrau is aware of the issue but there is no current solution.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2025
“On 6/10/2025 noticed a small crack on the left side drivers windshield when getting ready to go to work. Nothing hit it that I know of, it just appeared one afternoon. Since then the crack has been growing and blocking drivers view. This is 2024 Subaru Forester. There is a won lawsuit for Subaru windshields doing similar thing on 2019-2022 models.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Jun 2025
“Windshield cracked during rainstorm [XXX] in San Diego in upper right corner, After 3 days crack appeared which has now spread to 4 inches Dealer has confirmed that winsheild needs reapir and is not covered by bumper to bumber warranty Vehicle only has mileage of 7900 since delivery Estimated cost of replacement $1400 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Mar 2025
“Windshield cracked in same exact spot on bottom of windshield with no point of impact while sitting in our garage. Looks like it started at heating element. Our windshield was replaced for this same reason 2 months ago”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Feb 2025
“Bridgestone Ecopia H/L Plus tires are M+S rated. They actually have almost no traction in the snow. I can be going under 5 mph on level ground and apply roughly 30% breaking power and the tires start to slip. They are going to kill someone.”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2025
“I was driving down the road and a bottle was thrown out of a vehicle going the opposite direction as me. Upon impact my windshield shattered and sent shards of glass flying into the cabin of my vehicle. The shards of glass were thrown into my face and would have gone into my eyes had I not been wearing glasses. The glass broke into small shards and splinters that could have easily damaged my eyes or blinded me or a passenger. When I took it to the dealership the staff was shocked by how easily a plastic bottle punctured through the windshield and the amount of glass debris that was thrown into the vehicle.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other,Visibility/Wiper · Aug 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.
Remedy: Subaru's independent distributor processing facilities will tighten the water pipe attachment bolts. The affected vehicles have not been delivered to dealers or sold to owners and therefore, no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRO-23.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2024 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
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 2024 Subaru Forester reliable?
NHTSA has 29 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2024 Subaru Forester. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2024 Subaru Forester have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.