Fifth generation (SK)
2019 Subaru Forester
The most reported problem on the 2019 Subaru Forester is windshield, with 399 complaints, usually around 9,000 miles.
- 833owner complaints
- 3recalls
- 37involved a crash
- 10,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 5, 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 2019 model year.
Is the 2019 Subaru Forester reliable?
The 2019 Subaru Forester has 833 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 3.0 times the median of 281 for 2019 SUVs on this site. Of the 13 Forester model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2018 and 2020
- At 104 complaints for each year on the road, the 2019 runs 1.9 times the 2018 (55) and above the 2020 (86).
- Top problem
- One problem takes up much of the file: windshield, named in 399 of the 833 complaints (48%). Windshield tends to show up early. Of the 291 owners who gave a mileage for it, half were under about 9,000 miles and a quarter under about 4,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 42 of the 833 complaints (5%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 37 reports mention a crash, 11 mention a fire and 21 people were hurt. The reports record 1 death.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Stalling has a recall on the same system (19V-856). Windshield and dead battery have 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 2020 at 203 and have dropped every year since, to 32 in 2025. So far in 2026, 12 more have come in.
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: windshield cracks or distorts, 399 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
833 complaints is 3.5 times the median 2019 model on this site and 3.0 times the median 2019 SUV. Among the 12 Forester model years here it ranks 1st 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 2019 Subaru Forester
Subaru filed 568 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2019 Subaru Forester. 33 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.
Windshield cracks or distorts 2 bulletins · 399 complaints
This announcement is in regard to settlement in a class action lawsuit for vehicles that will receive a limited warranty extension for original equipment Subaru windshields experiencing a qualifying crack.
This bulletin announces a design change made to the rubber protector located between the top edge of the rear gate garnish and the glass.
Battery dies or the car will not start 3 bulletins · 61 complaints
Subaru Battery Drain Product Liability Litigation.
Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.
1 more on this problem
Announcement to Subaru Retailers regarding the preliminary settlement in a class action lawsuit regarding battery drain in certain Subaru vehicles.
Check engine light or misfire 8 bulletins · 52 complaints
This bulletin announces the design change made to the high-pressure fuel pump developed to prevent DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure – Too Low Bank 1). (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
This bulletin announces the availability of new oxygen sensors developed to address the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) detected by the Engine Control Module: • P0137: O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2 • P0138: O2 Sensor Circuit High ...
6 more on this problem
This bulletin announces the availability of new oxygen sensors developed to address the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs);
This Service Information Bulletin announces diagnostic service procedures to be followed when DTC P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1) is detected by the Engine Control Module (ECM).
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 announces the availability of NEW reprogramming files to correct DTC P0128.
This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the Engine Control Module (ECM) for hard starting in sub-freezing temperatures, DTC P0400, and surging in high altitudes.
This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 14 bulletins · 32 complaints
This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
This Bulletin is to inform you of the availability of the new auxiliary USB terminal and adapter cord designed to address cases of intermittent communication loss when using Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto application connected via the auxiliary USB ...
12 more on this problem
This bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for Harman Infotainment Systems when DTC B2255 is detected. This update should prevent unnecessary replacement of the head unit or USB cable.
This Service Bulletin is to inform you of the diagnosis procedure of the Harman Infotainment System when DTC B2255 is detected.
This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
This bulletin provides helpful information about operating conditions observed in the field for Technicians to use when diagnosing customer concerns which may arise while operating Harman Gen 3.0 and 3.1 Navigation and Display Audio systems.
This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing customer concerns of the Navigation systemâs functionality.
This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing a customer concern of the display screen being either frozen (unresponsive) or black (blank).
This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to use when diagnosing concerns of the Apple CarPlay and / or Android Auto feature not connecting or launching properly when a compatible device is connected to the head unit.
This Service Information bulletin provides a procedure to use for addressing a customer concern of a delayed or slow response when using the soft keys on the touch screen of the audio / navigation head unit.
This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing customer concerns involving Bluetooth (BT) functionality.
This bulletin announces availability of new Harman audio unit amplifier units with revised internal logic designed to optimize efficiency while addressing the following customer concerns: Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed ...
Plus 2 older ones not listed here.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 3 bulletins · 26 complaints
This bulletin announces availability of a Vehicle Dynamics Control Module (VDC) reprogramming file to address DTC B2809 & B2C22.
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.
1 more on this problem
This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips.
Airbag warning light or recall 1 bulletin · 17 complaints
This Service Information bulletin serves a quick reminder to always perform the Clear Memory function of the Airbag system using the Subaru Select Monitor 4 after replacement of any airbag system sensor.
Engine overheats or leaks coolant 1 bulletin · 14 complaints
This Bulletin announces the Service Manual Correction for the diagnostic procedures to be followed when performing diagnostic repairs for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P26A6 (Engine Coolant Bypass Valve “A” Position Sensor Circuit Low) and P26A7 (Engine ...
Car won't start 1 bulletin · 12 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 ...
Complaints filed by year
203 complaints came in 2020. 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 2019 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 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
All 3 recalls on the 2019 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 2019 Subaru Forester?
Windshield, with 399 of the 833 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 9,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2019 Subaru Forester problems start?
Of the 489 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 4,000 miles and half by about 10,000.
Is the 2019 Subaru Forester better or worse than the 2018 and 2020?
Counted per year on the road, the 2019 has more complaints than both the 2018 and the 2020: 104 a year against 55 and 86.
How many 2019 Subaru Forester complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
42 of them (5%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for windshield on the 2019 Subaru Forester?
No recall on file for the 2019 Subaru Forester is on the same system as windshield. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.