Does the 2015 Subaru Forester have recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2015 Subaru Forester, including Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch; Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger; Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2015 Subaru Forester problems?

Owners filed 617 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (131), air bags (102), power train (95), electrical system (84).

How much does a 2015 Subaru Forester cost to own for 5 years?

About $38,244 over 5 years ($637/month) at an estimated $8,250 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2015 Subaru Forester

The 2015 Subaru Forester earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 67/100. Expect about $38,244 to own it for five years, or $637 a month. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 617 complaints.

Recalls: 3
Complaints: 617
5-yr cost: $38k
MPG (EPA): 25

Fair

Ownership Score

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3 recalls may apply

For the 2015 Subaru Forester. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

What's wrong: 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: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: 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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

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5-year cost to own

Estimated $8,250 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$38,244

$637/month · $0.64/mile

Depreciation	$1,867
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,000
Fuel / charging	$8,040
Maintenance	$8,533
Repairs	$4,000
Loan interest	$2,309
Taxes & fees	$1,495

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

617 complaints53 involved a crash7 involved a fire

Engine131
Air Bags102
Power Train95
Electrical System84
Unknown Or Other73
Vehicle Speed Control70

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Rated as: 2015 Subaru Forester SUV AWD

What to check on a used 2015 Subaru Forester

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Airbags
- The airbag light should come on at start-up and then go out.
- Ask for proof that any airbag recalls were completed.
Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2015 Subaru Forester problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2015 Subaru Forester a good car to buy?: The 2015 Subaru Forester earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 67/100. Expect about $38,244 to own it for five years, or $637 a month. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 617 complaints.
Does the 2015 Subaru Forester have recalls?: NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2015 Subaru Forester, including Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch; Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger; Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2015 Subaru Forester problems?: Owners filed 617 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (131), air bags (102), power train (95), electrical system (84).
How much does a 2015 Subaru Forester cost to own for 5 years?: About $38,244 over 5 years ($637/month) at an estimated $8,250 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.