2021 Subaru Forester problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 281 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Forester year — the 2021 model ranks #9 of 29 Forester years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 18 injuries in total across these filings.
Visibility & Wipers leads the complaint categories with 90 reports (32% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
281
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
28
Crash-involved
10
Fires reported
18
Injuries
0
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2021 compare to other Forester years?
What are the most common 2021 Subaru Forester problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility & Wipers | 90 | 32% | ▼ down |
| Other | 42 | 15% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 33 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 31 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 31 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 13 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 12 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 7 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 6 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 4 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 3 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“The windshield cracked at 1,700 miles, while parked. The car had no visible chips/cracks and is brand new. After researching, it is apparently a common defect with the Subaru windshield. Crack is comparable to photos of other Subaru Forester owners. Seems that Subaru should already be aware of this…”
“I purchased a 2021 Subaru Forester with approximately 9000 miles on the odometer. Purchase was made on October 18, 2022, then on October 19, 2022 I experienced unintended acceleration on my way home that day with the car. The car just seemed to have a mind of its own and just "took off" at high…”
“After arriving home from a short drive to the grocery store I parked my car in the drive way and went inside. On the drive home I could hear a low humming coming from the speakers and the car was decelerating when the accelerator was not being pressed, no warning lights or sounds came on. About 10…”
“1. The car shut off several times, with the steering wheel locking up and becoming stiff, the brakes failing to respond, and loud, erratic sounds emanating from the vehicle. The car is available for inspection. 2. Yes, the car crashed resulting in damage to the car, driver, and other driver (e.g.…”
“on 7/9/22 @ 6:00p I was with my wife & 2 grandsons going into a diner parking lot. as I was slowly going into a spot the car suddenly and without warning accelerated causing the car to drive over a cement parking stop, over a 1foot high cement wall, through a chain linked fence which had privacy…”
2021 Subaru Forester — common questions
Is the 2021 Subaru Forester reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 281 complaints put the 2021 model at #9 of 29 Forester years. It is one of the Forester years to avoid.
What are the most common 2021 Forester problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (90 complaints), other (42 complaints), driver assistance (33 complaints).
Does the 2021 Subaru Forester have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2021 Subaru Forester.
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 2021 Subaru Forester?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 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.