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#BS-2026-SUBFOR-326B2026 Subaru ForesterProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 48 owners and 4 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Proceed with Caution
Based on 48 complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 4 recalls. Complaint rate is 4.8x the class average.
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
7 owners reported electrical issues — failures commonly reported around 6K miles.
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Electrical (7 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
2026 Subaru Forester: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 15% of all reports filed for the 2026 Subaru Forester, with 7 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 6,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 6K-mile mark.
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking Issues
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking complaints account for 13% of all reports filed for the 2026 Subaru Forester, with 6 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Visibility Issues
Visibility complaints account for 13% of all reports filed for the 2026 Subaru Forester, with 6 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to visibility-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Collision Avoidance Issues
Collision Avoidance complaints account for 8% of all reports filed for the 2026 Subaru Forester, with 4 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to collision avoidance-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.
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Recall History (4 recalls)
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
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.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles. The castle nut on the left-front lower control arm ball joint may be improperly fastened, which can lead to the ball joint separating from the lower control arm.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2026 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.
2026 Subaru Forester vs. Class Average (Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD)
This vehicle
48
Class avg
10
4.8x 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. 48 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 4 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Subaru Forester Model Years
2026 Subaru Forester: Frequently Asked Questions
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Get the Full 2026 Subaru Forester Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 48 owner reports. Know before you buy.