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#BS-2019-SUBFOR-326B2019 Subaru ForesterProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 1,089 owners and 3 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Red Flag
Based on 1,089 complaints, 67 crashes, 26 fires, and 3 recalls. Complaint rate is 4.6x the class average.
Top reported problems
battery always dying
10 complaints • Severity 7.2/10
tailgate becomes inoperable
6 complaints • Severity 5.3/10
windshield chips easily
5 complaints • Severity 7.6/10
windshield cracked
5 complaints • Severity 9.2/10
some phone features unavailable
4 complaints • Severity 8/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
376 owners reported visibility issues — failures commonly reported around 9K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (490 reports) • Median: 9K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Visibility (376 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2019 Subaru Forester: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Visibility Issues
Visibility complaints account for 35% of all reports filed for the 2019 Subaru Forester, with 376 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 8,800 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 9K-mile mark.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 12% of all reports filed for the 2019 Subaru Forester, with 132 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 10% of all reports filed for the 2019 Subaru Forester, with 111 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to engine-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 3% of all reports filed for the 2019 Subaru Forester, with 37 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2019 Subaru Forester. Recent trend: decreasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (3 recalls)
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
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.
SUSPENSION:REAR
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.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2019 Subaru Forester NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
The worst model year for the Subaru Forester is the 2014 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is engine.
2019 Subaru Forester vs. Class Average (Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD)
This vehicle
1,089
Class avg
235
4.6x the class average — significantly more complaints than typical small sport utility vehicle 4wd vehicles.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 1,089 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 3 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 30, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Subaru Forester Model Years
2019 Subaru Forester: Frequently Asked Questions
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Get the Full 2019 Subaru Forester Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 1,089 owner reports. Know before you buy.