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Subaru Forester
Model Overview
The Forester brings Subaru's AWD expertise to the compact crossover segment. This small-but-tall utility feels larger than it is thanks to generous headroom, and a tall greenhouse makes for great visibility. A taut but compliant ride contributes to good driving responses. A 2019 redesign made the Forester larger and brought nicer interior finishes. A turbo engine available through 2018 generated WRX-like thrust.
Photos
Reviews and News
Owner Scores
Comfort
9
Performance
9
Fuel Economy
8
Interior Design
8
Exterior Styling
8
Reliability
9
Owner Reviews
Ted7908
Performance, handling and reliability can’t be beat!
August 15, 2018
2.5X
Overall Score
We bought our 2013 Forester based on the Subaru’s excellent reputation and we were not disappointed! Excellent performance and handling, especially on the highways; and it handles winter conditions beautifully! We can’t be more pleased with our 2013 Subaru Forester!
Comfort
10
Performance
10
Fuel Economy
10
Interior Design
10
Exterior Styling
10
Reliability
10
Recall Information
* Data provided by Transport Canada
Recall number
Recall date
System affected
Model year(s) affected
Recall number
2023-606
Recall date
2023-11-09
System affected
Powertrain
Model year(s) affected
2024
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WRP-23
Units Affected:
97
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the front axle shafts may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the axle shaft(s) could break and cause a loss of power to the wheels. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked and the parking brake isn't applied, the vehicle could roll away.
Safety Risk:
A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. A parked vehicle that rolls away could also create the risk of an injury or a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Subaru will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the front axle shafts and, if necessary, replace them.
Recall number
2023-576
Recall date
2023-10-26
System affected
Engine
Model year(s) affected
2024
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WRO-23
Units Affected:
1
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On one vehicle, the coolant pipe attachment bolts may not have been tightened properly. Over time, the bolts could loosen and create a coolant leak.
Safety Risk:
A coolant leak onto the exhaust system could create a fire risk.
Corrective Actions:
The affected vehicle has not been sold to a customer. Subaru will instruct the dealer to tighten the water pipe attachment bolts before the vehicle is sold.
Recall number
2021-466
Recall date
2021-07-29
System affected
Fuel Supply
Model year(s) affected
2018
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WRG-21
Units Affected:
13,717
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the low-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, then engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may turn on. This could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving.
Safety Risk:
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Subaru will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the fuel pump.
Recall number
2021-226
Recall date
2021-04-15
System affected
Suspension
Model year(s) affected
2019
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WRD-21
Units Affected:
39,502
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the bolts for the rear stabilizer bracket could loosen over time. This may cause a rattling notice from the rear of the vehicle. If you continue to drive with this problem, the bolts could detach. If this happens, vehicle stability could be reduced.
Safety Risk:
Reduced vehicle stability could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Subaru will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the condition of the bolts on the rear stabilizer bracket, and tighten them, if necessary. If a bolt is missing, the dealer will install a new bolt.
Recall number
2020-001
Recall date
2020-01-02
System affected
Airbag
Model year(s) affected
2009
Manufacturer Recall Number:
TKC-20
Units Affected:
23,159
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair.
Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function.
Safety Risk:
If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury.
Corrective Actions:
Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the passenger-front airbag inflator. The passenger-front airbag module or inflator will be replaced as necessary. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall number
2019-604
Recall date
2019-12-02
System affected
Engine
Model year(s) affected
2019
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WUW-08
Units Affected:
5,539
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve could fail. If you continue to operate the vehicle after this happens, pieces of the PCV valve may enter the engine and cause an engine failure.
Safety Risk:
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Subaru will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the PCV valve. Additionally, the replaced PCV valve will be inspected. If the valve is found to have separated, the separator cover and oil pan will be removed. If the separated parts are not located, the engine short block assembly will be replaced.
Recall number
2019-492
Recall date
2019-10-04
System affected
Airbag
Model year(s) affected
2015 2016 2017 2018
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WUM-98
Units Affected:
35,806
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the passenger occupant detection system (ODS) may malfunction. This could cause the airbag system to turn off the passenger-front airbag even when a passenger is seated.
Safety Risk:
An airbag that is turned off could increase the risk of injury to a passenger in a crash.
Corrective Actions:
The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the ODS sensor mat harness. It will be replaced if necessary.
Recall number
2019-191
Recall date
2019-04-18
System affected
Electrical
Model year(s) affected
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WUF-91
Units Affected:
100
Notification Type:
Service Campaign Mfr
Issue:
A problem with certain replacement ignition switches may allow the key turn out of the “ON” position while driving. This could cause the engine to turn off suddenly. It could also cause the airbag system not to work properly in a crash.
Note: This is a voluntary service campaign that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This problem only affects certain parts used for replacement of original parts.
Safety Risk:
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. An airbag system that does not work properly in a crash could cause an increased risk of injuries.
Corrective Actions:
The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary.
Recall number
2019-104
Recall date
2019-03-01
System affected
Brakes
Model year(s) affected
2014 2015 2016
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WUE-90
Units Affected:
135,814
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the brake lamp switch could fail. This would cause the brake lamps not to turn on when the brakes are applied. Depending on the model, this could cause an inability to shift from park or to start using the push-button ignition. This may also cause problems with the following: anti-lock brake system (ABS), vehicle dynamics control (VDC), and/or Eyesight system.
Safety Risk:
If the brake lights do not work, a following driver may not to recognize that a vehicle ahead is braking, increasing the risk of crash.
Corrective Actions:
The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the brake lamp switch replaced.
Recall number
2019-013
Recall date
2019-01-10
System affected
Airbag
Model year(s) affected
2010 2011 2012 2013
Manufacturer Recall Number:
TKC-19
Units Affected:
102,110
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function.
Safety Risk:
If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury.
Corrective Action:
Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the passenger-front airbag inflator replaced.
Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall number
2018-019
Recall date
2018-01-10
System affected
Airbag
Model year(s) affected
2009
Manufacturer Recall Number:
TKC-18
Units Affected:
20,453
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.
Recall number
2016-492
Recall date
2016-10-07
System affected
Electrical
Model year(s) affected
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WTM-73
Units Affected:
15,378
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain turbocharged vehicles, the relay which controls the secondary air injection pump may have been manufactured incorrectly. As a result, the relay may allow the pump to operate continuously. If this condition were to occur, the pump may overheat and melt, causing burning smell or smoke and possibly resulting in a fire. This could increase the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install a revised relay.
Recall number
2016-122
Recall date
2016-03-17
System affected
Engine
Model year(s) affected
2015 2016
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WTA-62
Units Affected:
2,163
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles, a portion of the engine turbocharger air intake duct may crack due to incorrect material being used during production. If the air intake duct were to crack, it could result in the engine developing a rough idle, reduced power and possibly a stall. Engine stalling would result in lost propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the engine turbocharger air intake duct, and replace as necessary.
Recall number
2015-206
Recall date
2015-05-15
System affected
Accessories
Model year(s) affected
2014 2015
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WQO-51
Units Affected:
3,500
Notification Type:
Compliance Mfr
On certain vehicles equipped with EyeSight driver assist technology, the French version of the EyeSight Owner’s Manual my contain incorrect translations of certain text. If the vehicle were to be operated as described in the mistranslated French text, it could increase the risk of a crash. Correction: Subaru will send corrected French EyeSight manuals directly to affected vehicle owners and additional corrected manuals will be available to all Dealers.
Recall number
2014-586
Recall date
2014-12-22
System affected
Brakes
Model year(s) affected
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WQQ-52
Units Affected:
33,000
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles, the center and rear brake lines may become perforated due to corrosion. This would cause a leak in the brake system potentially increasing stopping distances, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect vehicles and either apply an anti-corrosion coating to the 4-way joint connector and brake lines, or replace them as necessary. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2013092 and 2014223. Vehicles that were inspected and/or repaired under the previous recall will require re-inspection and/or repair.
Recall number
2014-223
Recall date
2014-06-12
System affected
Brakes
Model year(s) affected
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WQK-47
Units Affected:
105,649
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles, the center and rear brake lines may become perforated due to corrosion. This would cause a leak in the brake system potentially increasing stopping distances, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect vehicles and either apply an anti-corrosion coating to the lines, or replace them as necessary. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2013092. Vehicles that were inspected and/or repaired under the previous recall will require re-inspection and/or repair.
Recall number
2013-134
Recall date
2013-04-24
System affected
Other
Model year(s) affected
2014
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WQH-44
Units Affected:
1,000
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles, the floor mats can curl when exposed to heat. A deformed mat could interfere with the driver when shifting his/her foot from one pedal to another. This could cause a delay in brake pedal application, which could increase stopping distance, possibly causing a crash resulting in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the vehicle’s four carpeted floor mats.
Recall number
2012-444
Recall date
2012-12-27
System affected
Accessories
Model year(s) affected
2009 2010 2011 2012
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WQE-41
Units Affected:
293
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles equipped with dealer-installed accessory puddle lights, a short circuit may develop causing the lights to melt and/or emit smoke. This could result in a fire causing property damage and/or injury. Correction: Dealers will install an additional fused wiring harness to protect against short circuits.
Recall number
2012-189
Recall date
2012-06-22
System affected
Seats And Restraints
Model year(s) affected
2009 2010 2011 2012
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WQA-37
Units Affected:
35,585
Notification Type:
Safety TC
On certain vehicles, the center rear seating position seatbelt, when used in automatic locking retractor mode, may not allow the proper installation of a child restraint system or booster seat and could revert to emergency locking mode while in use. Although the seatbelt would still lock in the event of a crash, the belt could loosen during normal operation and cause the child restraint or booster seat to shift or become improperly positioned, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Subaru will send owners a locking clip to be used to properly secure a child restraint system or booster seat, and an owner's manual supplement with instructions on its use. Also, dealers will replace the center seatbelt retractor upon request.
Recall number
2011-344
Recall date
2011-09-19
System affected
Suspension
Model year(s) affected
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WVX-34
Units Affected:
59,432
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles, the front lower control arms could corrode due to exposure to humid environments and road de-icing chemicals. Over time, corrosion could progress causing thinning and perforation of the steel, which could allow the control arm to fracture near the forward pivot attachment to the chassis. Lower control arm failure could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the front lower control arms and, depending on the degree of corrosion exhibited, will either rustproof or replace them.
Recall number
2008-333
Recall date
2008-09-09
System affected
Engine
Model year(s) affected
2009
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WVF-16
Units Affected:
1,489
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5L turbo engine, the oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack at the stay brazing on the cylinder head-side. If the pipe cracks it will allow oil to leak and if the leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, an engine compartment fire could occur. Correction: Dealers will replace the cracked pipe with a modified unit or if no crack is found an additional bracket will be installed to increase the rigidity of the pipe.
Recall number
2007-033
Recall date
2007-02-08
System affected
Airbag
Model year(s) affected
2006
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WVC-13
Units Affected:
1,279
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles, the wiring harness for the airbag occupant detection system in the front passenger seating position might have been pinched during vehicle assembly. Pinching of the wiring harness between the floor cross member and the seat mounting bracket could result in an electrical short which would blow the circuit fuse. If this happens, the passenger airbag would be unable to deploy during a crash, leaving the seat occupant susceptible to increased injuries. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, repair wiring damage.
Recall number
2005-344
Recall date
2005-11-04
System affected
Electrical
Model year(s) affected
2006
Manufacturer Recall Number:
Units Affected:
485
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles, a wire for the Immobilizer Control Module was pinched between the two halves of the ICM security cover. As a result, the engine may not start, or may stall while driving. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair damaged wiring.
Recall number
2003-054
Recall date
2003-03-04
System affected
Seats And Restraints
Model year(s) affected
2003
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WWL-95
Units Affected:
44
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles, the seat belt tongue plate may become disengaged with the seat belt buckle latch with a force less than the value specified in CMVSS 209. This condition is caused by a slight lack of parallelism between the latch and the buckle body stamped section. Correction: Dealer will replace the front seat belt buckles.
Recall number
2002-200
Recall date
2002-11-05
System affected
Powertrain
Model year(s) affected
2002 2003
Manufacturer Recall Number:
WWK-94
Units Affected:
11,597
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, the parking pawl actuating rod ("parking rod") spring retainer may be defective. The parking pawl may not engage the parking gear fully and could cause the vehicle to move if the parking brake is not applied. Correction: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Replacement parts will not be available until January 2003.
Recall number
2000-069
Recall date
2000-03-17
System affected
Other
Model year(s) affected
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
Units Affected:
46,003
Notification Type:
Compliance TC
Certain vehicle do not comply with Regulation 6 - Statement of Compliance. Compliance label was not expressed in both official languages in regard to vehicle classification. Correction: No corrective action will be taken for existing vehicles. Correct compliance label will be affixed in current production vehicles.
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