2022 Subaru Forester recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2022 Subaru Forester and 100 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are visibility/wiper (20), unknown or other (18), forward collision avoidance (15). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 26–29 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2022 ranks #5 of 14 Forester model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (332). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
Recalls 1
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2022 Subaru Forester. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Power train · automatic transmission · park/neutral start interlock switch
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
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
Head gasket failure. Caused oil in coolant. Caused coolant hose to break while driving. Subaru dealership says need to replace head gaskets, radiator, all hoses, cvt cooler(?), and will cost about $6400. My car has about 130000 miles. This seems to be rather unusual at this mileage.
On [XXX], my [XXX] son was driving our Forester on [XXX] at [XXX]. At red light, Auto Start-Stop shut off engine as designed. On green, releasing brake triggered restart attempt. Dash lights cycled continuously, engine failed to restart. Brake pedal pushed back firmly and would not depress. Simultaneously, Electronic Parking Brake auto-engaged and would NOT disengage, preventin…
On two occasions now, one on XXX and another in XXX our vehicle initiated a pre collision breaking sequence with no visible object in our path. On XXX this occurred while turning off of a main road into a shopping center located on route XXX in [XXX]. I was traveling at about 15-20mph with no cars in front of me. The vehicle displayed a pre- collision warning and the vehicles b…
Safety ratings
2022 Subaru Forester SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2022 Subaru Forester.
Forester AWD
Auto (AV-S7) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Forester Wilderness AWD
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2022 Subaru Forester, most recently for power train · automatic transmission · park/neutral start interlock switch (11/09/2023). 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 2022 Subaru Forester?
Based on 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (20), unknown or other (18), forward collision avoidance (15).
Is the 2022 Subaru Forester safe?
The 2022 Subaru Forester earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2022 a good year for the Subaru Forester?
The 2022 ranks #5 of 14 Forester model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (332). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2022 Subaru Forester get?
EPA ratings for the 2022 Subaru Forester range from 26 to 29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2022 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.