VehicleVerdict

2026 Subaru Forester problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 2026 Subaru Forester — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

15

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2026 compare to other Forester years?

Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2026 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, 2026 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forester years to avoid →

What are the most common 2026 Subaru Forester problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System427%
Visibility & Wipers427%
Other320%
Driver Assistance213%
Fuel System17%
Transmission17%

Does the 2026 Subaru Forester have recalls?

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

26V346000Visibility & WipersMay 28, 2026 · 69,663 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid vehicles. The sliding glass panel of the power moonroof assembly may have been improperly bonded to the sliding frame, allowing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

A detached glass panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the power moonroof glass panel for proper adhesion and, if necessary, replace the glass panel assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 24, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRF-26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.

25V889000Body & StructureDecember 18, 2025 · 5,603 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester vehicles. These vehicles may have been manufactured with an incorrect and/or incorrectly oriented rear hatch support bracket which can detach without prior warning.

Consequence

A rear hatch support bracket that detaches can allow the rear hatch to fall unexpectedly during use and increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the rear hatch support brackets and, if necessary, replace the stay and support bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-25. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 20, 2025.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I was working on fitting a cargo box on the crossbars the dealer had recently installed and noticed a milky white discoloration and moisture in the front driver's corner of the moonroof. I arranged for an appointment at the dealer who confirmed the glass had delaminated. They happened to have a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · April 25, 2026

“Brand new 2026 Forester's factory amplifier system completely failed within a week from purchasing at approximately 570 miles, disabling hands-free communication. California law strictly requires drivers to use phones in a hands-free manner. Drivers are prohibited from holding or physically…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 22, 2026

“Brand new 2026 Forester's factory amplifier system completely failed within a week from purchasing at approximately 570 miles, disabling hands-free communication. California law strictly requires drivers to use phones in a hands-free manner. Drivers are prohibited from holding or physically…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 22, 2026

“ [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] VIA CERTIFIED MAIL – RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Compliance Division (NVS-210) 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Wednesday, May 6, 2026 RE: SAFETY DEFECT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · January 7, 2026

“Vehicle stopped at light,auto start stop engine off,stepped on gas to go engine didn’t restart,my passenger and I jumped out and grabbed a Noco GB40 jump box I carry and jump started car,we were on a road trip out of town and could not wait for the dealership so finished our trip with the auto…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 1, 2026

2026 Subaru Forester — common questions

Is the 2026 Subaru Forester reliable?

The record is thin — 15 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2026 Forester problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (4 complaints), visibility & wipers (4 complaints), other (3 complaints).

Does the 2026 Subaru Forester have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2026 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 2026 Subaru Forester?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2026 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.