2021 Subaru Forester Problems and Complaints

Users Opinions on 2021 Subaru Forester

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Disliked by Users

S
Stacey
• 24/01/2023
Rating:
(2 Out Of 5 stars)
... been the same. I think it's the seatbelt but Subaru seems uninterested. Paint was also damaged when they "fixed" this. AC makes random loud humming noise, lots of wind noise got slightly better when they actually put the molding back in the drivers window which was missing. Now windshield has cracked, like 8 inches. After closer inspection the plastic mold around the windshield is warped,Read More
Source: edmunds
P
Pete
• 12/07/2022
Rating:
(2 Out Of 5 stars)
Purchased a brand new 2021 mid-level Forester and so far, have regretted the decision. This car is clearly aimed at folks my age (mid 50's) who more than anything are considered "immigrants to technology" but now are driving a vehicle loaded with tech that borders more of an autonomous experience. I can't tell you how many times my poor dog has been nearly launched through the front windshield as the "eyesight" featureRead More
Source: edmunds
M
Merlot57
• 02/01/2022
Rating:
(2 Out Of 5 stars)
I planned on buying a new 2022 Forester. But after test driving 2021 the engine is very underpowered, very noisy (I know it's a boxer engine), and leans too much going around corners. My wife has a CRV and it is much quieter, handles better and much more refined. Also, Windshield cracking issues...I willRead More
Source: edmunds

Nathan Dyer

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 26, 2024

Over the years, Subaru has established a niche in outdoor vehicles ranging from rally cars to family crossovers. The 2021 Subaru Forester shares the same roots with a standard turbocharged all-wheel drivetrain. Problems like fragile windshields and parasitic battery drains are common with the Forester. Yet, there are no major problems that force any 2021 Forester recalls. Subaru ensures genuine recall and after-sales customer services showing positive trends in sales.

The 2021 Forester gets a pretty solid reliability rating of 83/100 which is bettered by just the Nissan Rogue and overtakes its other rivals like the Honda CR-V, the Chevrolet Equinox, and the Toyota RAV4 in the compact-SUV segment. That said, many Subaru Forester owners have faced certain problems in their tenure of ownership and the video below by "Before Buying" showcases all the aspects to look at before buying a Subaru Forester.

User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Problems

Engine - Subaru Forester engine struggles vary from engine stalling to the car lurching forward under driving conditions. These problems are rare but can increase the chances of crashing.
Brakes - Customer complaints report brake system malfunctions which result in poor braking. Lack of braking compromises user safety and increases the risk of crashing.
Transmission - The transmission system is prone to gear-slipping. Gear-slipping induces shuddering of the vehicle body under driving conditions. Gear-slipping also leads to the car lurking forward without any user input.
Accelerator - The crossover tends to speed up without any input from the driver. Users also report instances of acceleration while depressing the brake pedal. Rogue acceleration can result in the vehicle crashing and increases the risk of injury.

Electrical Problems

Driver aids - Auto Emergency Braking malfunctions are the most common driver aid complaints. AEB malfunctions compromise the braking of the car. Few AEB malfunction cases report a lack of braking in the event of crashing. Few cases also mention AEB malfunction resulting in abnormal braking.
Wiring harness - The Soy-based wiring harness of the Subaru Forester is prone to rodent damage. Customers report rodent repellents to work to no avail. Subaru rejects to claim responsibility in case of wiring harness damaged by rodents. The fix to this requires repeated replacement of the wiring harness.
Battery - Parasitic battery drain is a common problem with the Subaru Forester. Users report the vehicle draining the battery while parked. The solution requires the customers to replace the battery. The problem is also observed with brand-new purchased vehicles.

Exterior Problems

Windshield -The most common problem with the Subaru Forester happens to be the fragile OEM windshields. The fragile windshield is prone to damage from minor impacts like pebbles. Users report a few cases of the windshield cracking and shattering without impact. This can lead to occupant injuries and crashes.

Recalls

As per NHTSA records, the 2021 model year of the Subaru Forester registers 68 complaints. The crossover has a fair share of user complaints and problems but the Forester maintains a clean slate with 0 registered recalls. Subaru shows a wilful approach to recalls. But, considering the nature of the problems, this need does not arise with the 2021 Forester. Drawing comparisons with its rivals, the 2021 Toyota Rav4 shares a 0 recall record with the 2021 Forester. The Chevrolet Equinox comes out on top with the most number of recalls (2) followed by the Honda CRV with 1 recall.

Should you buy the 2021 Subaru Forester?

The 2021 Subaru Forester is a great choice for those who prefer outdoor adventures. The crossover also makes for a versatile family wagon. With a spacious and comfortable cabin, the Forester is also a city-friendly ride. The Forester has its flaws but Subaru emphasizes timely resolution of customer grievances. Subaru aftersales assure customer satisfaction with on-road services and technical support. The 2021 Forester receives a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA and gets a pass from CarHp.

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