2021 Subaru Forester Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2021 Subaru Forester recalls

No safety recalls on file for the 2021 Subaru Forester.

Most common 2021 Subaru Forester problems

Problem areas named in the 214 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Visibility/Wiper	76
Unknown Or Other	42
Engine	35
Electrical System	34
Forward Collision Avoidance	22
Power Train	16
Visibility	14
Vehicle Speed Control	12
Lane Departure	9
Fuel/Propulsion System	7

What owners report

2026-10-28, Engine
Component Failed & Inspection Availability: The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical engine block failure at 74,000 miles. The dealership teardown confirmed a failed/spun lifter bearing and a fractured connecting rod cap, requiring a complete engine replacement. This sudden oil pressure failure/blockage occurred while the engine oil pan was verified completely full. This sudden mechanical failure is directly consistent with severe localized thermal breakdown from a failing Thermo Control Valve (TCV)—a component subject to Subaru Warranty Extension WMM23—or loose factory RTV silicone debris clogging the oil galleries. The failed components, including the engine block, rod ca

2026-10-28, Power Train
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating from a stop, the vehicle started bucking and hesitating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission control valve body was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The transmission control valve body was replaced and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under an extended warranty associated with the failure. The failure mileage was 66,902.

2026-10-25, Electrical System
I was stopped at a red light. When the light changed to green I put my foot on the gas and the car totally stalled out. There were no lights, fans or radio on just total silence. I tried to restart the car putting it is park and depressing the brake while pushing the start button and nothing. It didn't even try to turn over. silent, dead. I tried several times with no luck. I got out of the car to signal to the bus and row of cars behind me to pass me. I got back into the car and tried to start it again and this time it started. I drove immediately to the mechanic near my house. They couldn't see what was going on without me leaving the car next week. The battery had been replaced

2026-10-21, Structure
There’s two brackets that are at the top of the tailgate, and also at the top of the body where they meet to match up, The bracket on the right sits flush, the bracket on the left since indented about a 1/4” give or take. Because it’s painted by the factory, there’s no cracks around the bracket and the paint, meaning it happened at the factory. I’ve looked at other cars that are in that same model year bracket between 2018 and 2025, and they’re all variations of the Subaru Forrester. Didn’t matter if a sport or limited any of that. They all have the same indented left hand bracket that is causing mold on the interior of the car, some worse than others, and I spoke to the people

2026-10-11, Unknown Or Other
Driver side rear window spontaneously failed while driving on the highway. Passenger experienced cuts due to glass fragments

2021 Subaru Forester questions

Does the 2021 Subaru Forester have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls on file for the 2021 Subaru Forester at this time.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Forester?

Based on 214 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Visibility/Wiper (76), Unknown Or Other (42), Engine (35).

How do I check if a recall on my 2021 Subaru Forester has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.