VehicleVerdict

2015 Subaru Forester problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 891 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.7 times the median Forester year — the 2015 model ranks #2 of 29 Forester years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 52 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (135), airbags (112), and electrical system (98), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

891

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

89

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

52

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other Forester years?

Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted1,084 complaints1998: 138 complaints1999: 156 complaints2000: 95 complaints2001: 169 complaints2002: 109 complaints2003: 238 complaints2004: 270 complaints2005: 105 complaints2006: 121 complaints2007: 89 complaints2008: 67 complaints2009: 228 complaints2010: 307 complaints2011: 195 complaints2012: 140 complaints2013: 94 complaints2014: 576 complaints2015: 891 complaints2016: 609 complaints2017: 787 complaints2018: 669 complaints2019: 1,084 complaints2020: 798 complaints2021: 281 complaints2022: 134 complaints2023: 102 complaints2024: 38 complaints2025: 103 complaints2026: 15 complaints
Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forester years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Subaru Forester problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine13515%
Airbags11213%
Electrical System9811%
Transmission9411%
Other738%
Speed Control718%
Suspension667%
Fuel System566%
Brakes354%
Visibility & Wipers283%
Tires & Wheels253%
Seats222%
Body & Structure202%
Steering192%
Lighting152%
Driver Assistance121%
Seat Belts91%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2015 Subaru Forester have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V701000AirbagsOctober 3, 2019 · 366,282 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.

Consequence

If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.

19V149000LightingFebruary 28, 2019 · 1,303,530 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Consequence

Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

16V162000EngineMarch 21, 2016 · 18,187 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.

Consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE PARKING AND APPLY THE BRAKES THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. MY WIFE WAS PARKING THE CAR AND WHILE PULLING INTO THE PARKING STALL SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND RAMMED INTO A STEEL CABLE THAT SEPARATED THE PARKING STALLS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 12, 2016 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO TREES AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 9, 2014 · crash

“The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the fan switch failed to operate at high speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fan switch had burned and melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 1, 2022 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO TREES AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 9, 2014 · crash

“In the parking lot of my condo/home I was slowly approaching and driving in to my regular assigned parking space. As I applied the brakes preparing to stop, the car suddenly and without warning quickly accelerated and crashed into the building causing extensive damage to the building and the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 21, 2023 · crash

2015 Subaru Forester — common questions

Is the 2015 Subaru Forester reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 891 complaints put the 2015 model at #2 of 29 Forester years. It is one of the Forester years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 Forester problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (135 complaints), airbags (112 complaints), electrical system (98 complaints).

Does the 2015 Subaru Forester have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Subaru Forester. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Forester years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Forester years to avoid are 2019, 2015, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2010, 2021, 2004, 2003. The cleanest record among Forester years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2015 Subaru Forester?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Subaru Forester earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.