VehicleVerdict

2022 Subaru Forester problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2022 Subaru Forester sits mid-pack among Forester years: 134 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 156, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across visibility & wipers (24), driver assistance (20), and other (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

134

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2022 compare to other Forester years?

Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 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, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forester years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Subaru Forester problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers2418%
Driver Assistance2015%
Other1713%
Engine107%
Electrical System107%
Speed Control97%
Brakes97%
Fuel System86%
Lighting86%
Airbags43%
Transmission43%
Suspension32%
Steering21%
Body & Structure21%
Tires & Wheels21%
Seat Belts11%
Seats11%

Does the 2022 Subaru Forester have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V755000TransmissionNovember 9, 2023 · 95,830 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.

Consequence

An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The windshield seems to crack and get chipped very easily. I have been driving on the same freeway for 10 years. I bought the Subaru last year and have received four windshield cracks in one year. This can’t be a coincidence that this only became an issue with this specific vehicle. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · February 2, 2023

“I had adaptive cruise control set to the speed limit of 55, I looked down to input directions and then heard the collision warning tone. There was a large box truck sitting at the stop light ahead of me. I slammed on the breaks and swerved into the right-hand turn lane. The vehicle did not make it…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · July 31, 2022 · crash

“The vehicle was started with the remote start to warm up. It was about -15F. It ran for 10 minutes and then shut off as it is supposed to. The driver got in the car, started the car, all the gauges went crazy and all the dash lights lit up. The driver heard a popping sound and then there was smoke…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 15, 2024 · fire

“I was driving to work and my car started stalling. So i pulled into a parking spot and when I got out I noticed a trail of oil behind the car. I closed the door and the car started smoking and within seconds it was in flames. I bought it on 7/25 and on 8/3 it was gone. It only had 78 miles on it,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 3, 2022 · fire

“I was driving to work and my car started stalling. So i pulled into a parking spot and when I got out I noticed a trail of oil behind the car. I closed the door and the car started smoking and within seconds it was in flames. I bought it on 7/25 and on 8/3 it was gone. It only had 78 miles on it,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 3, 2022 · fire

2022 Subaru Forester — common questions

Is the 2022 Subaru Forester reliable?

It is close to typical for the Forester: 134 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2022 Forester problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (24 complaints), driver assistance (20 complaints), other (17 complaints).

Does the 2022 Subaru Forester have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2022 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 2022 Subaru Forester?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2022 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.