EZ Swap LLC services the Subaru Forester in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2005 to 2027. If your Forester has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help Forester owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 5,578 owner complaints on file for the Forester and 39 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are visibility/wiper (1,059), engine (786), electrical system (778).
Most-Reported Subaru Forester Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Forester (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 1,059 | 18% | |
| Engine | 786 | 14% | |
| Electrical System | 778 | 13% | |
| Air Bags | 742 | 13% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 429 | 7% | |
| Power Train | 421 | 7% | |
| Suspension | 283 | 5% | |
| Service Brakes | 268 | 4% |
Visibility/Wiper
1,059 of the 5,578 complaints (18%) mention lighting and visibility. Lights, wipers and visibility items are quick to fix and are on every rideshare inspection checklist. We check them as part of our inspection prep. See our rideshare inspection prep page.
Engine
786 of the 5,578 complaints (14%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Electrical System
778 of the 5,578 complaints (13%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Subaru Forester Complaints by Model Year
The Forester model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2019, 2015, 2020. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 93 | |
| 2006 | 88 | |
| 2007 | 74 | |
| 2008 | 50 | |
| 2009 | 178 | |
| 2010 | 262 | |
| 2011 | 147 | |
| 2012 | 105 | |
| 2013 | 78 | |
| 2014 | 403 | |
| 2015 | 615 | |
| 2016 | 416 | |
| 2017 | 591 | |
| 2018 | 498 | |
| 2019 | 834 | |
| 2020 | 602 | |
| 2021 | 211 | |
| 2022 | 100 | |
| 2023 | 74 | |
| 2024 | 31 | |
| 2025 | 98 | |
| 2026 | 30 |
Most Common Subaru Forester Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Forester. The most-cited is B1760 (manufacturer-specific body code), mentioned in 21 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| B1760 | Manufacturer-specific body code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 21 |
| B1650 | Manufacturer-specific body code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 15 |
| P26A3 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 15 |
| P2682 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 6 |
| P26A5 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 6 |
| P2138 | Throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation Failing accelerator pedal sensor or throttle sensor; can cause reduced power. | 5 |
| P26A6 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 5 |
| P2441 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 4 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Subaru Forester Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 39 recall campaigns for the Forester in these model years, most often involving air bags, engine and engine cooling, equipment. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2026 recall, Equipment (campaign 26V436000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles.
- 2026 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 26V106000): Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek hybrid, and 2025 Forester hybrid vehicles.
- 2025 recall, Wheels (campaign 25V033000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles equipped with 18" aluminum alloy wheels.
- 2025 recall, Child Seat (campaign 25V419000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles. The child seat anchor bolts may have been improperly tightened, allowing the bolts to come loose.
- 2023 recall, Power Train (campaign 23V755000): Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
- 2023 recall, Power Train (campaign 23V754000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Forester, 453 involved a crash, 92 involved a fire, 249 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Subaru Forester Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Subaru will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Forester that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Forester owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Subaru Forester, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Subaru Forester Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Subaru Forester repair service, or choose a service below.
Rideshare Inspection Prep
Get approved for Uber, Lyft and more.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Subaru Forester FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Subaru Forester?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Subaru Forester are visibility/wiper (1,059), engine (786), electrical system (778). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Forester model years have the most complaints?
The Forester model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2019, 2015, 2020. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Subaru Forester?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Subaru Forester, the codes cited most often are B1760 (manufacturer-specific body code), B1650 (manufacturer-specific body code), P26A3 (powertrain code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Subaru Forester have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 39 recall campaigns for the Subaru Forester across model years 2005 to 2027. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Subaru Forester in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Subaru vehicles including the Forester, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Subaru Forester?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Subaru Forester in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Subaru Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.