2025 Subaru Forester recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2025 Subaru Forester and 98 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are unknown or other (19), forward collision avoidance (13), fuel/propulsion system (13). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 29–35 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2025 ranks #4 of 14 Forester model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (332). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2025 Subaru Forester. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Equipment · other · labels
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
Risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
Child seat
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles. The child seat anchor bolts may have been improperly tightened, allowing the bolts to come loose.
Risk: A loose child seat anchor bolt increases the risk of injury to a child during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the child seat anchor bolts and, if necessary, tighten the bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-25.
Wheels
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles equipped with 18" aluminum alloy wheels. The wheels may have been manufactured with an incorrectly specified lug seat surface, which can result in the wheel being improperly attached and cause a loss of vehicle stability.
Risk: A loss of vehicle stability increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the wheels, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRB-25.
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
my car came to a sudden and immediate stop, causing the car behind me to collide with my rear end. in researching this, i have discovered that my car make and model are subject to a class action suit for what is called "phantom braking." I was not injured but the driver of the other car claimed that his son in the back seat was injured. There were no warning indicators going of…
On October 7, 2026 at approximately 7:40 PM, the EyeSight system inexplicably stopped working with a warning light notification. Prior to the EyeSight failure, the touchscreen froze completely with subsequent inability to control the climate and other control options. After pulling over and stopping the engine and then restarting several times, the problem did not resolve. Afte…
I never ride in the back seat and very infrequently have back seat passengers. However, every time I do they all complain about how difficult it is to "buckle up", I never thought much about it until I started visiting my grandkids and would have to buckle them; it is very difficult to access the clip. That in itself is bad enough, but there have been two occasions now where th…
Safety ratings
2025 SUBARU FORESTER SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2025 Subaru Forester.
Forester AWD
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Forester Hybrid AWD
Auto (AV-S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2025 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2025 Subaru Forester, most recently for equipment · other · labels (07/07/2026). 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 2025 Subaru Forester?
Based on 98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are unknown or other (19), forward collision avoidance (13), fuel/propulsion system (13).
Is the 2025 Subaru Forester safe?
The 2025 Subaru Forester earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2025 a good year for the Subaru Forester?
The 2025 ranks #4 of 14 Forester model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (332). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2025 Subaru Forester get?
EPA ratings for the 2025 Subaru Forester range from 29 to 35 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2025 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.