VehicleVerdict

2015 Subaru Forester airbags problems

The 2015 Subaru Forester has 112 airbags complaints filed with NHTSA — 13% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

112

Airbags complaints

13%

Share of year

17

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Airbags complaints by year

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many airbags complaints does the 2015 Subaru Forester have?

NHTSA has 112 complaints about the 2015 Subaru Forester airbags — 13% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2015 Subaru Forester airbags?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the airbags: 19V701000.

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.