CarRecallDB

2019 Subaru Forester recalls and problems

3 recalls and 834 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2019 Subaru Forester.

3
recalls
834
owner complaints
37
complaints mentioning a crash
11
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2019 Subaru Forester recalls

Suspension: rear

NHTSA campaign 21V263000 · reported April 15, 2021 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 408,271 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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)

NHTSA campaign 19V856000 · reported December 2, 2019 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 51,613 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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

NHTSA campaign 19V065000 · reported February 6, 2019 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 10,417 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 11, 2026 · Wheels

Wheel studs on my 2019 Forester broke or stripped during a flat tire change. In …, studs on this vehicle broke after dealership service where the lug nuts were overtightened; the dealer replaced them at no charge. On … I had a flat tire on a rural road in […]. When we removed the wheel, multiple studs snapped or had…

Sep 5, 2026 · Air bags · crash reported

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…

Aug 21, 2026 · Vehicle speed control · 80,000 miles · crash reported

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…

May 16, 2026 · Unknown or other

Car swirving as if someone grabbed the steering and pulled right left quickly when applying breaks. First incident happened on interstate which nearly caused an accident. Carriage makes a “clunk” sound when moving forward or backwards and you feel the cabin continue in motion when first stopping. When taken to Subaru…

May 11, 2026 · Steering

I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2019 Subaru Forester related to failure of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Since April 21, 2026, I have been in communication with Subaru of America regarding whether this issue is related to an existing safety recall (WUC-88). During this time, I provided…

Forester model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2016 3416403
2017 1592401
2018 3498261
2019 38343711
2020 0603269
2021 0212165
2022 110086

Across all years, the 2019 Forester has the most complaints (834). All Subaru Forester years →

Questions

Does the 2019 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 Subaru Forester, the most recent reported on April 15, 2021 (Suspension: rear). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru Forester?
Owners have filed 834 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is visibility/wiper (370 complaints), followed by unknown or other (144).
How many 2019 Subaru Forester complaints mention a crash or fire?
37 of 834 complaints report a crash and 11 a fire; 21 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 11, 2026.