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2019 Subaru Forester: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Forester years.
One of the Subaru Forester years to avoid. All Forester years
833 owner complaints, most about visibility/wiper. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2019 Forester?The 2019 Subaru Forester has 833 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2019 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2019 Subaru Forester vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Forester years only. How we score it
Is 2019 a good year for the Forester?
Across the 29 Forester model years we track, complaint volume runs from 50 (2008) to 833 (2019). With 833 complaints, the 2019 Forester sits above the model's median of 141.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2019 Forester
suspension:rear
Campaign 21V263000Subaru 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.
engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
Campaign 19V856000Subaru 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.
steering:electric power assist system
Campaign 19V065000Subaru 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.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment across multiple generations, with the Forester consistently praised for its practicality, safety, all-weather capability, and long-term reliability when properly maintained.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Forester. See the full Forester owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Forester listings typically run $15,000–$24,194.
Other Forester model years
Compare every Forester year side by side to see how 2019 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Forester against its rivals
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