What NHTSA's records show for the 2015 Subaru Forester: 617 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns. Owners report problems most often with the Engine (131), Air Bags (102), Power Train (95). 53 complaints mention a crash and 7 a fire. Own one or shopping for one? Share what broke, what it cost to fix, and what you'd check before buying.
2015 Subaru Forester owner discussion: problems, repairs and buying advice
Posted by CleanVins Research on
What NHTSA's records show for the 2015 Subaru Forester: 617 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns. Owners report problems most often with the Engine (131), Air Bags (102), Power Train (95). 53 complaints mention a crash and 7 a fire. Own one or shopping for one? Share what broke, what it cost to fix, and what you'd check before buying.
2015 Subaru Forester recalls and complaints at a glance
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns and 617 owner complaints for the 2015 Subaru Forester. The most-reported problem areas are Engine (131), Air Bags (102), Power Train (95). The most recent recall (NHTSA #19V701000, October 2019) covers the Air Bags. Recall repairs are free at a franchised Subaru dealer. Recalls and complaints describe the model year, not a specific car — check the VIN for open recalls free, and for title, salvage and odometer history with a $9.99 report (Carfax charges $49.99).
Recall campaigns
3
Owner complaints
617
Complaints mentioning a crash
53
Complaints mentioning a fire
7
Most-reported problem areas
Component
Complaints
Engine
131
Air Bags
102
Power Train
95
Electrical System
84
Vehicle Speed Control
70
Suspension
66
Recall campaigns
NHTSA #19V701000 — Air Bags (October 2019): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
NHTSA #19V149000 — Exterior Lighting (February 2019): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake…
NHTSA #16V162000 — Engine and Engine Cooling (March 2016): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack…
Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints databases, retrieved 2026-11-07.
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