2019 Subaru Forester recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 Subaru Forester and 834 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are visibility/wiper (370), unknown or other (144), electrical system (134). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is about 29 mpg combined.
The 2019 has the most owner complaints of any Forester model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2019 Subaru Forester. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Suspension · rear
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Risk: Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
Engine and engine cooling · exhaust system · emission control · crankcase (pcv)
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
Steering · electric power assist system
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Risk: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Wheel studs on my 2019 Forester broke or stripped during a flat tire change. In XXX, studs on this vehicle broke after dealership service where the lug nuts were overtightened; the dealer replaced them at no charge. On XXX I had a flat tire on a rural road in [XXX]. When we removed the wheel, multiple studs snapped or had stripped threads. We were left with a wheel held on only…
On 9/2/2016, my 2019 Subaru Forester was involved in a right-front collision. During the collision, the driver's frontal airbag did not deploy. Actually none of the airbags deployed. As a result, the driver's chest and upper abdomen struck the steering wheel.And sustained significant bruising and other injuries and required evaluation and treatment at an emergency department.…
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH with the adaptive cruise control engaged, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact depressed the brake pedal; however, the engine revved loudly, the vehicle continued to accelerate and collided with the rear of a minivan. The contact was able to steer the vehicle to the side of th…
Safety ratings
2019 Subaru Forester SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2019 Subaru Forester.
Forester AWD
Auto (AV-S7) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 Subaru Forester, most recently for suspension · rear (04/15/2021). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru Forester?
Based on 834 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (370), unknown or other (144), electrical system (134).
Is the 2019 Subaru Forester safe?
The 2019 Subaru Forester earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2019 a good year for the Subaru Forester?
The 2019 has the most owner complaints of any Forester model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Subaru Forester get?
The 2019 Subaru Forester is EPA-rated at about 29 mpg combined.
Own a 2019 Subaru Forester in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: FORESTER, Forester.