2022 Subaru Forester

98 complaints on file, page 1 of 5.

1. Filed Sep 13, 2026Failure Sep 11, 2026Simsbury, CTAutomatic emergency braking, Warnings, Unknown or other

   On two occasions now, one on XXX and another in XXX our vehicle initiated a pre collision breaking sequence with no visible object in our path. On XXX this occurred while turning off of a main road into a shopping center located on route XXX in [XXX]. I was traveling at about 15-20mph with no cars in front of me. The vehicle displayed a pre- collision warning and the vehicles breaks locked up. No injuries but I had both my children with me in the car and we were all quite shaken up. The event in XXX happened while my husband was traveling on climax rd in [XXX]. On a sunny day with no one ahead of him traveling at about 45mph the same pre collision warning happened and the breaks locked up on him causing his tires to scratch and the car to come to a Hault. no injuries as a result. Additionally we have had multiple failures of the auto start/stop system while in active traffic. At this point it is about 5 times. Each failure resulted in the car having to be turned off and back on while in active traffic. The vehicle is scheduled to be brought into the suburu dealer of Purchase for inspection for these issues. An issues has also been filed with Suburu of America. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11763953
2. Filed Aug 27, 2026Failure Aug 26, 2026Leavenworth, WACarrier/rack

   The affected product is a Kuat Sherpa 2.0 hitch-mounted bicycle rack (2-bike, [1.25" / 2"] receiver), purchased new in January 2023, mounted on a 2022 Subaru Forester. On two occasions in the past several months, the front ratchet/hook arm that secures the front wheel released on its own while the vehicle was in motion, allowing the bicycle to come off the tray. On July 17th 2026, at approximately 15 mph on a gravel driveway, the bike released and was retained only by the rear wheel strap. On August 26th 2026, at approximately 15 mph, the bike released again and was retained only because a supplemental lock cable was attached; the bike ended up on the ground behind the vehicle with the rack still mounted and deployed (photo attached, timestamped 8/26/26 21:56). The rack was installed and used per the manufacturer's user guide: correct hitch class, provided hitch pin, torqued to spec, genuine unmodified parts, and within the stated weight limit. There was no crash, curb strike, or overloading. No injury or property damage to other vehicles occurred, but a bicycle detaching from a rack at highway speed presents a clear risk of a crash to following traffic. Note for investigators: NHTSA recall campaign 24E044 addressed a similar carrier-drop failure on Kuat's Transfer v2, in which a pivot mechanism could disengage and let the carrier/bike drop while driving. The failure I experienced on the Sherpa 2.0 is the same class of failure. I have not seen a recall covering the Sherpa 2.0.

   NHTSA complaint 11759893
3. Filed Aug 19, 2026Failure Aug 15, 2026Dobbs Ferry, NYWarnings, Service brakes

   On 8/15/2026 my car's EyeSight system falsely automatically engaged Pre-Collision Braking on a clear road with no cars, obstacles or potholes ahead, on a sunny day, accelerating at 10–15 mph from a traffic light stop. The car was brought to an abrupt stop with no warning beeps from the Eyesight system that are supposed to precede its activation. This event almost caused a chain-like rear end collision involving 2-3 cars behind my car. On 8/19/2026 a Subaru dealership scanned for DTC codes, found none, stated that since no codes were found,there is no problem found. Dealership did not offer to recalibrate the Eyesight system or do any additional diagnostic work.

   NHTSA complaint 11758116
4. Filed Aug 12, 2026Failure Aug 12, 2026Chico, CACamera

   We are experiencing the exact same problem as the recall Under NHTSA Campaign No. 23V755000 (Subaru recall code WRQ-23) for an ineffective weld leading to moisture affecting the backup camera and dashboard lights. However, our VIN is NOT included in the recall.

   NHTSA complaint 11756597
5. Filed Jul 9, 2026Failure May 21, 2026Youngsville, NCWarnings, Adaptive cruise control, Warning

   While driving my 2022 Subaru Forester, the factory EyeSight autonomous safety system completely failed and disabled itself permanently. The total system shutdown caused an immediate loss of Pre-Collision Emergency Braking, Lane Change Detection, and Adaptive Cruise Control, creating an active highway safety hazard. A subsequent diagnostic scan by an authorized retailer confirmed hard fault code B1402, indicating that the internal factory camera software permanently corrupted itself and erased its own model code data profile. The manufacturer has issued TSB 07-225-24 to address this exact internal memory logic crash, but is currently refusing to replace this critical, failed safety system on a vehicle with only 32,364 miles.

   NHTSA complaint 11749419
6. Filed Jun 23, 2026Failure Jun 17, 202651,000 milesCollingsworod, NJPower train

   The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Forester. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed inhibitor switch. The contact was informed that the inhibitor switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact was informed that parts were on back order. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11746009
7. Filed May 12, 2026Failure May 11, 202630,200 milesGeorgetown, TX12v/24v/48v battery

   The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the contact was advised that the batter was defective. The contact was informed that the battery was not large enough for the power of the vehicle. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure of the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,200.

   NHTSA complaint 11737260
8. Filed Mar 18, 2026Failure Mar 17, 2026Jacksonville, FLUnknown or other

   Back window shattered spontaneously. No known cause. No evidence of vandalism. Temperature did drop 45 degrees over night. Shut side door and back window shattered. Had not started car yet. Rear defroster not engaged.

   NHTSA complaint 11725294
9. Filed Mar 13, 2026Failure Mar 11, 2026Sanford, NCAutomatic emergency braking, Service brakes, Vehicle speed control

   I had two codes on my 2022 Forester over last two weeks. First one u0284 was for the Active Grill Shutter. This happened because for some reason Subaru decided to put the fog lights on the same fuse as the AGS. Fog light blew, shorted out blew the fuse, this caused every safety system in the car to turn off. By default these are open so why does loosing 1-2MPG, or longer time to warm up a car cause every safety feature to turn off. Answer is they kill everything so you have to come in and pay hundreds for $15 bulb. This week had a o2 sensor go bad while I was driving. Had lane assist on , adaptive cruise, etc. Check engine went on and car start to rapidly decelerate, and again all safety features where turned off for something that is not fixed would potential cause reduce MPG, damage the catalytic converter, cause black smoke. None of this should require all safety features to be turned off. This is going to kill someone. I know your not suppose to have your hands off the wheel when using lane assist but people do it. I was in bumper to bumper traffic on 40 going 65 MPH. Not only would I have been at risk but everyone around me. Worse case is I do not have my hands on the wheel, the o2 sensor fails, car pulls into the car beside me and someone dies because Subaru wants money more than safety.

   NHTSA complaint 11724029
10. Filed Mar 5, 2026Failure Mar 5, 202616,764 milesKingston, NYService brakes

    The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the brakes inadvertently activated. The contact was unaware whether any warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the brakes, and the brakes locked up during the failure. The contact regained control of the vehicle and continued driving after the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 16,764. The VIN was not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11722279
11. Filed Feb 25, 2026Failure Jan 22, 2026Torrance, CASuspension

    I am filing this complaint regarding repeated premature strut failure on my 2022 Subaru Forester. The original set of struts failed at approximately 36,000 miles. The issue was not covered under warranty and required replacement. At approximately 60,000 miles, the replacement struts are again failing. This means two full sets of struts have failed before 100,000 miles, which is highly abnormal for a vehicle of this age and mileage. Premature strut failure affects vehicle stability, ride control, and braking performance. This raises safety concerns, particularly at highway speeds and during emergency maneuvers. Suspension components such as struts should not require replacement this frequently under normal driving conditions. Given the repeated nature of this issue, I believe this may represent a broader defect rather than normal wear and tear. I have seen many other 2022 Subaru Foresters have this same issue but have not heard of a recall to date. I am requesting that this matter be investigated for potential recall or technical service action.

    NHTSA complaint 11720395
12. Filed Feb 13, 2026Failure Feb 11, 2026Bannockburn, ILAdaptive cruise control, Automatic emergency braking, Unknown or other

    My Subaru Forrester Eyesight system cuts out and is disabled while driving, including while the cruise control was engaged causing me to brake hard while driving to avoid a collision and a message announcing it is disabled is displayed on the screen. I took the car to my dealership who confirmed that there is a software problem but because I was out of the initial warranty I would have to pay to have the fix installed on my car. They charged me for an hour of service ($288.60) to install a software update to the "EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology[ ] the culmination of everything Subaru engineers know about safety". Obviously they know there is a problem with their safety system and have created a fix but are charging the customers to correct it.

    NHTSA complaint 11717893
13. Filed Feb 5, 2026Failure Feb 5, 2026las Vegas, NVVisibility/wiper

    I was driving along and noticed my windshield was cracked on the passenger side. The crack is vertical from the bottom of the windshield to about halfway up. It was fine the day before. No rocks, etc struck my windshield. I understand that Subaru has had issues with windshields cracking for no reason.

    NHTSA complaint 11715806
14. Filed Jan 15, 2026Failure Jan 13, 2026Portland, ORGlass, Side/rear

    I was driving to work in the morning and was going down a slow side street when I heard a soft noise behind me. When I looked in my rearview I noticed that my back window was cracked all over it though nothing had hit it or fallen in it. The glass then completely fell out.

    NHTSA complaint 11711104
15. Filed Jan 4, 2026Failure Mar 31, 2023Downingtown, PAElectrical system, Steering, Suspension

    My 2022 Subaru Forester Sport, <24,640 miles, suffers from persistent, life-threatening safety failures. Thick white exhaust is present in every temperature, and a heavy burning smell fills the cabin during acceleration regardless of outside temperature. I have been dealing with these failures since March/April of 2023. My car was in a rear-end collision in May 2023 and was repaired at an authorized Subaru body shop. Despite these authorized repairs, the mechanical and electronic failures have continued to deteriorate. My car has required 4 emergency tows and was out of service for around 90 days in 2025 alone. It has been to several independent mechanics and they tell me that since everything happens intermittently, I must take it back to Subaru as it should be covered under warranty due to the low mileage. However, four different authorized dealerships consistently claim "nothing is wrong". My car sits at these dealerships for weeks at a time without a significant change in the odometer. I had 2 claims with Subaru of America this year, including a claim for the vehicle randomly unlocking itself (not via remote), but they closed both claims and nothing was done. Ongoing failures in steering, suspension and braking systems make the vehicle unstable and dangerous to drive. I have a 2-inch thick file documenting repeated service visits for these specific issues yet Subaru refuses to acknowledge or repair them. The primary computer system, media system, and Eyesight (ADAS) safety suite fail daily. The dashboard lights up constantly when these safety features fail. The system frequently freezes and resets while driving, which disables all safety and navigation features without warning. The remote start fails to warm the car after 10 minutes in cold weather; once the heat functions, the car is filled with chemical fumes. All of these issues continue to get worse as time goes on.

    NHTSA complaint 11708697
16. Filed Dec 4, 2025Failure Nov 12, 2025Los Angeles, CABody

    The exterior B-pillar trim on my 2022 Subaru Forester (passenger side) has warped, bubbled, and lifted away from the vehicle. At approximately 24,700 miles, the trim began deforming significantly, with visible bubbling and separation at the top edge. The dealer inspected it and recommended replacing the entire window panel assembly, stating it is not covered under warranty. I am concerned that the loose and distorted trim could detach while driving, especially at highway speeds, creating a hazard for me and other drivers. The damage also affects visibility around the door frame and may compromise the door and window sealing. Subaru of America declined to cover the repair, and I believe this may be a material or manufacturing defect that could impact other owners.

    NHTSA complaint 11703066
17. Filed Oct 4, 2025Failure Sep 26, 2025Buffalo, WYEngineCrashFire

    I hit a deer going 45 mph, the air bags deployed, and my engine caught on fire. Within 10 minutes my car burned to the ground.

    NHTSA complaint 11691363
18. Filed Sep 30, 2025Failure Sep 30, 2025New City, NYEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Vehicle speed control

    I was steering my car into my own garage as I do daily. Suddenly, as the car was making the turn, the car accelerated abruptly on its own. I was somehow able to steer into the garage, but the rapid acceleration continued. I braked and stopped the car just before it went into the wall that adjoins the interior of my home. There was an inch to spare. There were no warnings or messages or sympoms prior to this event.

    NHTSA complaint 11690671
19. Filed Sep 9, 2025Failure Aug 24, 2025Middletown, NYElectrical system, Power train

    I am writing to report a serious safety concern involving my '22 Subaru Forester, which is equipped with the Auto Start/Stop feature. This issue created a dangerous driving situation that could have resulted in severe injury or death to myself, my family, or other drivers on the road. While driving on the highway, our Forester's Auto Start/Stop system malfunctioned causing the engine to shut off completely while the vehicle. Specifically, the vehicle shut down in the left lane of traffic and failed to restart immediately leaving us unexpectedly immobile. Fortunately, my husband remained calm and immediately placed his foot back on the brake, placed the vehicle in park and restarted the vehicle manually by pressing the ignition button. However, had he hesitated during the confusion by not placing his foot back on the brake we could have been rear-ended, possibly by a large semi-truck which would have propelled us into the vehicle in front of us. Our dealer said the Auto Start/Stop system failing to restart the vehicle due to a weakening battery—for which there is no warning. The fact that a non-critical feature like fuel-saving Start/Stop is allowed to override the engine's operability based on battery voltage is deeply concerning. Batteries degrade over time. But a degraded battery should not be allowed to disable a moving vehicle.Having spoken directly with Subaru of America about this issue, they acknowledged and documented my case however I was told that it would be used as data for potential future action if other similar cases arise. In the meantime, no corrective action is being taken by Subaru, with me as an owner or proactively with the feature design.I respectfully urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter as a potential safety defect. The Auto Start/Stop system, as implemented in certainSubaru models (specifically the 2022 Forester in my case) may compromise safe vehicle operation when battery voltage drops below a certain threshold which is a safety flaw.

    NHTSA complaint 11686115
20. Filed Aug 26, 2025Failure Jun 14, 2025Oak Harbor, WAAdaptive cruise control, Warnings, Vehicle speed control

    Several months ago, the automatic front collision activated on the freeway doing about 65mph. There was nothing in front of us, but there was a car behind us that almost rear ended us. I thought this was a one-off thing but reading this site I am not the only one. Also, with in the last 2 weeks the Eye Site has turned off. This I see is also a known problem.

    NHTSA complaint 11683266