Fourth generation (SJ)
2015 Subaru Forester
The most reported problem on the 2015 Subaru Forester is airbag, with 99 complaints, usually around 72,000 miles.
- 607owner complaints
- 3recalls
- 49involved a crash
- 47,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 27, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Forester doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2015 model year.
Is the 2015 Subaru Forester reliable?
The 2015 Subaru Forester has 607 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 1.9 times the median of 314 for 2015 SUVs on this site. Of the 13 Forester model years since 2014, it has the 2nd most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to other model years
- Complaints filed before 2015 aren't in the files this site reads, so the 2015 count runs short and isn't compared with the model years next to it.
- Top problem
- No problem dominates. The largest, airbag, covers 99 of the 607 complaints (16%), and stalling is next with 79 (one complaint can fall under more than one problem, so these overlap). A quarter of the 41 owners who gave a mileage for airbag saw it by about 40,000 miles, and half by about 72,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 57 of the 607 complaints (9%) report a crash, a fire or an injury. The typical vehicle on this site sits at 6%, so this one runs well above it. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 49 reports mention a crash, 7 mention a fire and 33 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 15 of 49, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Airbag and stalling each have a recall on the same system (19V-701; 16V-162). Suspension has none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2019 at 131 and have dropped every year since, to 20 in 2025. So far in 2026, 14 more have come in. Filings on record start in 2015.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: airbag warning light or recall, 99 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
607 complaints is 2.2 times the median 2015 model on this site and 1.9 times the median 2015 SUV. Among the 12 Forester model years here it ranks 2nd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2015 Subaru Forester
Subaru filed 497 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2015 Subaru Forester. 40 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Suspension noise, struts or alignment 4 bulletins · 66 complaints
Due to incomplete repair instructions previously provided in the WQK-47 recall bulletin, the WQQ-52 recall will involve applying additional anti-corrosion material to the four-way (2-2 way) joint connector area of the brake line system on Forester, Impreza, ...
This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
2 more on this problem
This bulletin announces a design change made to the forward bushing used in the front lower control arm to address customer concerns of a rattle-type sound and / or a possible vibration felt in the steering wheel.
This bulletin announces a design change to the front strut mounts intended to address customer concerns of a popping-type sound which may be heard when making low speed turns.
Passenger airbag sensor problems 1 bulletin · 49 complaints
This Service Information bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis of Occupant Detection System (ODS) DTC B1760- Sensor Mat Abnormal and/or B1650- Occupant Classification System Malfunction.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 4 bulletins · 35 complaints
This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
This Service Information bulletin announces availability of a new front brake pad shim kit to specifically address customer concerns of a squeaking or squealing sound on the models listed above.
2 more on this problem
This bulletin announces availability of a new front disc brake pad, shim, grease and clip kit designed to reduce customer concerns of excessive brake squeal.
This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips.
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 1 bulletin · 27 complaints
THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE FOR DIAGNOSING A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF A DELAYED AND / OR HARSH ENGAGEMENT OF THE CVT (MODEL TR580) WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE FROM NEUTRAL. ALL 2013-16MY, 4-CYLINDER, N/A MODELS WITH CVT
Seat belt or seat problems 4 bulletins · 25 complaints
This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of a squeaking sound originating from where the front seat belt buckle assembly attaches to the seat frame.
This Service Information Bulletin provides a revised troubleshooting procedure and tips to follow when diagnosing a DTC B1650- ?Occupant Classification System Malfunction?.
2 more on this problem
This Service Information bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis of Occupant Detection System (ODS) DTC B1760- Sensor Mat Abnormal and/or B1650- Occupant Classification System Malfunction.
This bulletin announces a design change made to the front seat outer hinge cover trim panels. In some cases, when exiting the vehicle, the trim panel may inadvertently get kicked and become dislodged from the seat cushion assembly.
Battery dies or the car will not start 6 bulletins · 24 complaints
This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.This is an revised ...
Subaru Battery Drain Product Liability Litigation.
4 more on this problem
Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.
Announcement to Subaru Retailers regarding the preliminary settlement in a class action lawsuit regarding battery drain in certain Subaru vehicles.
On Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models, after re-connecting the battery, if the ignition switch is turned back ?ON? within one minute after the first time the ignition is turned ?OFF?, it becomes possible for the CEL to illuminate storing DTC P0606 in ...
This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models. The engine management system is equipped with a back-up memory.
Windshield cracks or distorts 4 bulletins · 23 complaints
This bulletin provides a service procedure to address customer concerns of a rattling-type sound coming from the defroster vent grille area of the instrument panel (IP) near the base of the windshield.
This bulletin announces a design change made to the front door glass run channels. Water can enter the run channels and cause a stick-slip (judder) condition to occur as the door glass opens and closes.
2 more on this problem
This bulletin provides a repair procedure for replacing the foam cushion installed between the top front edge of the IP and the windshield glass.
This bulletin describes a design change to the center bracket component of the window regulator assembly. The change was made to address customer concerns of the front door glass shuddering while opening or closing.
Check engine light or misfire 16 bulletins · 20 complaints
This bulletin provides a new flow chart and additional diagnostic tools to assist technicians with troubleshooting DTC P0841- SECONDARY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR PERFORMANCE.
This bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis and repair of DTC P0300 which may result from fluctuation of the alternator's current output outside of the specified limits.
14 more on this problem
This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign for certain 2015-2018 Forester 2.0L Turbo and 2016-2018 WRX models which may experience a loosening of the front exhaust pipe nuts.
This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM. These new files will address customer concerns of: ? Spark knock (ping) during high intake air temperature operation ? Surge on acceleration due to phantom knock detection ? ...
This Service Information bulletin announces availability of a new control valve assembly (valve body) designed to prevent false detection of DTC P0841 and / or illumination of the AT Temp light.
This Service Information Bulletin announces design changes to the engine?s knock sensor which will help improve vehicle assembly line efficiency and increase durability.
TURBO MODELS ONLY. This bulletin announces availability of new parts to address a limited number of reports involving an engine vibration felt when at idle after the engine is up to operating temperature.
2.0L Turbor Models only. This Service Information Bulletin announces design changes to the engine?s knock sensor which will help improve vehicle assembly line efficiency and increase durability.
2.5L MODELS ONLY. This bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis and repair of DTC P0300 which may result from fluctuation of the alternator's current output outside of the specified limits.
Turbo models only. This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM. These new files will address customer concerns of: ? Spark knock (ping) during high intake air temperature operation ? Surge on acceleration due to phantom ...
New Alternator Assembly. This bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis and repair of DTC P0300 which may result from fluctuation of the alternator?s current output outside of the specified limits.
Plus 4 older ones not listed here.
Complaints filed by year
131 complaints came in 2019, 2.5 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2015 Subaru Forester
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
All 3 recalls on the 2015 Subaru Forester, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2015 Subaru Forester?
Airbag, with 99 of the 607 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 72,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2015 Subaru Forester problems start?
Of the 418 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 24,000 miles and half by about 47,000.
How many 2015 Subaru Forester complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
57 of them (9%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for airbag on the 2015 Subaru Forester?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 19V-701. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.