Does the 2019 Subaru Forester have recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2019 Subaru Forester, including Suspension › Rear; Steering › Electric Power Assist System; Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv). 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 2019 Subaru Forester problems?

Owners filed 834 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (370), electrical system (134), engine (106), forward collision avoidance (43).

How much does a 2019 Subaru Forester cost to own for 5 years?

About $39,821 over 5 years ($664/month) at an estimated $13,250 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.

2019 Subaru Forester

The 2019 Subaru Forester earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 65/100. Expect about $39,821 to own it for five years, or $664 a month. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 834 complaints.

Recalls: 3
Complaints: 834
5-yr cost: $40k
MPG (EPA): 29

Fair

Ownership Score

2019 Subaru Forester vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

Looking at a specific Forester?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

3 recalls may apply

For the 2019 Subaru Forester. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

What's wrong: 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: Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

5-year cost to own

Estimated $13,250 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$39,821

$664/month · $0.66/mile

Depreciation	$3,632
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,000
Fuel / charging	$6,930
Maintenance	$7,820
Repairs	$4,000
Loan interest	$3,644
Taxes & fees	$1,795

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

834 complaints37 involved a crash11 involved a fire

Visibility/Wiper370
Unknown Or Other144
Electrical System134
Engine106
Forward Collision Avoidance43
Power Train38

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

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
Frontal: 5 out of 5 stars
Side: 5 out of 5 stars
Rollover: 4 out of 5 stars

Rated as: 2019 Subaru Forester SUV AWD

What to check on a used 2019 Subaru Forester

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

Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Driver-assist systems
- Ask if the systems work as designed and if any warnings stay on.
- Test the backup camera and parking sensors if fitted.

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 2019 Subaru Forester problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2019 Subaru Forester a good car to buy?: The 2019 Subaru Forester earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 65/100. Expect about $39,821 to own it for five years, or $664 a month. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 834 complaints.
Does the 2019 Subaru Forester have recalls?: NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2019 Subaru Forester, including Suspension › Rear; Steering › Electric Power Assist System; Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv). 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 2019 Subaru Forester problems?: Owners filed 834 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (370), electrical system (134), engine (106), forward collision avoidance (43).
How much does a 2019 Subaru Forester cost to own for 5 years?: About $39,821 over 5 years ($664/month) at an estimated $13,250 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.