2015 Subaru Forester problems
The Subaru Forester (Japanese: スバル・フォレスター, Hepburn: Subaru Foresutā) is a compact crossover SUV that has been manufactured by Subaru since 1997. The first generation was built on the platform of the Impreza in the style of a taller station wagon, a style that continued to the second generation, while the third-generation model onwards moved towards a crossover SUV design. A performance model was available for the second-generation Forester in Japan as the Forester STi.
First generation (SF; 1997)
The Forester was introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show in November 1995 as the Streega concept, and available for sale in February 1997 in Japan, and to the US market in 1997 for MY1998. The Forester was one of the first crossover SUVs; the idea was inspired by Volkswagen (VW). It was built in the style of a station wagon, but had a taller stance, higher h-point seating, and an all-wheel drive drivetrain. Subaru advertising employed the slogan "SUV tough, Car Easy". It used the Impreza platform but with the larger 2.5-liter DOHC EJ25D four-cylinder boxer engine from the Subaru Outback, making 123 kW (165 hp; 167 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 220 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Japan
In its domestic market, the Forester replaced the Impreza Gravel Express, known in the US as the Subaru Outback Sport. However, the Outback Sport remained in production for the U.S. market. The Forester appeared after the introduction of the Nissan Rasheen in Japan with a similar appearance, and the Forester's Japanese competitors include the Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi RVR, and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Because of the Forester's low center of gravity, it meets the United States federal safety standards for passenger vehicles and does not require a "risk of rollover" warning label on the driver's visor. Size- and price-wise, it fits between the shared Impreza platform and the larger Legacy.
The automatic transmissions used on AWD-equipped vehicles will normally send 60% of the engine's torque to the front wheels and 40% to the rear wheels, using a computer-controlled, continuously variable, multi-plate transfer clutch. When the transmission detects a speed difference between the front and rear axle sets, the transmission progressively sends power to the rear wheels. Under slip conditions, it can achieve an equal split in front and rear axle speeds.
When accelerating or driving uphill, the vehicle's weight shifts rearward, reducing front-wheel traction, causing the transmission to automatically send torque to the rear wheels to compensate. When braking or driving downhill, the vehicle's weight shifts towards the front, reducing rear-wheel traction. The transmission again compensates by sending torque to the front wheels for better steering control and braking performance. If the automatic is placed in reverse or first gear, the transmission divides the torque 50/50 to both front and rear wheels. The manual transmission cars are set up with a near 50/50 torque split as a base setting, and it varies from there. Essentially, manual cars are set up with more bias towards the rear than automatic cars.
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Common 2015 Subaru Forester problems
The 2015 Subaru Forester has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners of this car. One of the most frequently reported issues is engine failure or loss of power at highway speeds, which accounts for nearly a quarter of the complaints to the NHTSA.
Another significant problem with the 2015 Subaru Forester is the stalling engine, which may cause a crash. The NHTSA has issued a recall for Forester 2.0XT models due to a faulty turbocharger air intake duct that may easily crack and result in an engine stall.
Furthermore, the 2015 Subaru Forester has been reported to have issues with the steering and suspension system. Owners have reported problems with shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage, power steering pumps and hoses, wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, and electronic or air suspension.
Lastly, the 2015 Subaru Forester has been reported to have issues with the in-car electronics, including problems with the radio and Bluetooth system, as well as the AC system.
In summary, the 2015 Subaru Forester has several common problems, including engine issues, inaccurate fuel gauges, stalling engines, malfunctioning brake lights, and problems with the steering and suspension system, as well as in-car electronics. While the 2015 Subaru Forester is a popular and versatile CUV, potential buyers need to be aware of these issues and consider them when making a purchasing decision.
What is the issue with the 2015 Subaru Forester?
(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 and possibly result in an engine stall.
Is 2015 a good year for Subaru Forester?
Competitive fuel economy, a spacious cabin and available turbocharged power make the 2015 Subaru Forester a solid pick for a small crossover SUV.
What is the most common problem with the Subaru Forester?
Most Common Subaru Forester Problems
- Engine Issues. There are a variety of issues that owners have reported that are related to the Check Engine light being illuminated. ...
- Transmission Problems. Subaru Forester transmission problems typically occur in two ways – shuddering or jerking. ...
- Oil Consumption. ...
- Electrical Issues.
How many miles will a 2015 Subaru Forester last?
Throughout its more than two decades of production, the Forester has gained a reputation for easily crossing the 200,000-mile threshold. Based on various sources and owner accounts, Foresters can last 200,000 and 250,000 with proper TLC – nothing short of impressive.
What is the issue with the 2015 Subaru Forester?
(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 and possibly result in an engine stall.
Is 2015 a good year for Subaru Forester?
Competitive fuel economy, a spacious cabin and available turbocharged power make the 2015 Subaru Forester a solid pick for a small crossover SUV.
What is the most common problem with the Subaru Forester?
Most Common Subaru Forester Problems
- Engine Issues. There are a variety of issues that owners have reported that are related to the Check Engine light being illuminated. ...
- Transmission Problems. Subaru Forester transmission problems typically occur in two ways – shuddering or jerking. ...
- Oil Consumption. ...
- Electrical Issues.
How many miles will a 2015 Subaru Forester last?
Throughout its more than two decades of production, the Forester has gained a reputation for easily crossing the 200,000-mile threshold. Based on various sources and owner accounts, Foresters can last 200,000 and 250,000 with proper TLC – nothing short of impressive.
2015 Subaru Forester car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Forester problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2015 Subaru Forester vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2015 Subaru Forester
The NHTSA has received 577 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2015 Subaru Forester. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2015 Subaru Forester vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-08
- VIN: JF2SJAHC5FH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Passenger airbag says to be checked. Was a recall previously fixed in 2020. Same issue is arising and dealership will not fix for free Passenger airbag is off even with person sitting in it with seatbelt buckled
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-19
- VIN: JF2SJADC0FG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: My clutch fork was nearly broken in two.(pics available). I asked the mechanic to save the old parts. My 6MT was never modified; the vehicle was neither raced, taken off-road nor used for towing. A friend discovered the following article online: [XXX] Based on said article , I believe the part on my vehicle was defective. How may other manual transmission Subarus have been affected by this defect ? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-04
- VIN: JF2SJADC0FH
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: My wife’s 2015 Subaru Forester is reported to have a bad rear driver side wheel bearing from our mechanic. She only has 58,464 miles at the time of the incident/ diagnosis. I believe this wheel bearing has prematurely failed. We both drive normally and are not reckless. Please look into the batches/ lot# of the wheel bearings that went into their vehicles around the 2015 models and who makes them. Even multiple manufacturers or mixed batches being installed into new vehicles. They refuse to cover this as our new vehicle warranty has expired.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- VIN: JF2SJADCXFH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated, and the message "SRS Air Bag System Failed" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the message "Passenger Air Bag Off" was displayed while the front passenger's side seat was being occupied. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V701000(Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 120,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-27
- VIN: JF2SJADC9FH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the horn was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,300.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-24
- VIN: JF2SJADC9FH
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: This year, an error message indicated that the SRS system has ceased functioning on the passenger seat. According to the Subaru Service Center, a sensor within the seat has malfunctioned. This issue appears to be common, based on online research. The failed sensor poses a risk to the front passenger, as it may disable the SRS system and potentially the airbag. Despite this, the dealer has informed us that the repair will not be covered under warranty due to the vehicle's 2015 model year. The dealer has recommended replacing the entire seat, which seems to be an unusually premature failure for a part expected to last the vehicle’s lifetime.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-29
- VIN: JF2SJABC7FH
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The horn stopped working. Upon inspection at the Subaru dealership they confirmed that the steering wheel roll connector had an open circuit. After researching this, I found it can also affect the air bag. When I asked the dealership if the airbag could be effected, they said yes and couldn’t confirm or deny if it would or wouldn’t work. The passenger airbag also stopped working around the same time, so that was concerning.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-29
- VIN: JF2SJABC7FH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The passenger airbag kept turning off while someone was sitting in the seat. It would turn off intermittently, but then turned off for a very extended period. Photo attached is a screenshot of a video we took while driving.
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-29
- VIN: JF2SJADC3FH
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: My issue (which started a week ago) is that the Occupant Detection System (ODS) shows the passenger airbag as OFF and gives an SRS Airbag warning when my spouse is sitting in the passenger seat. When I sit in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag shows ON. But then when the car is driven with no passenger, the system dings until the driver hooks the passenger seatbelt--it thinks the passenger is still there. (I weigh 190; my spouse weighs 125). The consequences are that if the vehicle is involved in a crash and my spouse is in the passenger seat, her airbag will fail to deploy. If anyone is driving without a passenger (after I have been in the passenger seat) the passenger airbag may deploy unnecessarily, should a crash occur. My ODS harness was replaced in Feb., 2020 as part of NTSA Safety Recall ID 19V-701 (Subaru Safety Recall WUM-98) to address faulty ODS issues. (I was not having an issue then). Yesterday my local Subaru dealer recommended "Seat frame bottom replacement and ODS harness DTC B1760, 17067" to address this "ODS Internal Failure." "Part is on back order" so repair is pending.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-09
- VIN: JF2SJADC6FH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: After replacing the valve body (part of cvt transmission). The car was released to me. Immediately upon leaving the dealership, the car kept jolting and shuddering, but no maintenance lights were lit on the dashboard. Upon returning it to the dealership, we were notified that the whole transmission would need to be replaced. Subaru is aware of the faulty transmission as they increased the cvt transmission warranty for approx 2010-2017 forester/outback/impreza/etc. cars to 10yr/ 100,000 miles. Upon further review, several other Subaru owners have expressed their transmissions needing to be replaced around 110,000-120,000 miles, most after just replacing the valve body. It appears Subaru knew the transmission was about to die, but they encouraged replacing just the valve body causing me to invest $2,200 knowing it would not fix the actual problem.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-02
- VIN: JF2SJAWCXFH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Oil consumption issue starting within the first 3 years of owning the vehicle. Oil light comes on generally after driving 2,000 miles or less from the last oil change or oil fill up, but prior to the light turning on there are acceleration issues. Vehicle bucks and lunges when accelerating. Lunging seems to occur after vehicle seems to loose power to accelerate and then lunges forward shuddering as power returns. These issue worsen after oil light has come on. Vehicle feels very unsafe when trying to merge if acceleration is needed. Also almost hit from behind when car seems to lose power when trying to accelerate after stopping for a red light. Vehicle has been serviced repeatedly at dealership and oil consumption issues documented. Vehicle’s make/model with known oil consumption issues, but this vehicles VIN has not been included in recalls.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-20
- VIN: JF2SJADC4FH
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: Every right hand turn, I hear a light metallic ‘tap’ on the rear, inside fender well…. I’ve been told by an independent auto mechanic, that it’s the ‘rear coil springs’ that are making the noise. There is No Recall for this issue or Rear Struts. I was told by a Subaru Service Manager….. No recall for either.. Has your Organization heard anything, on the contrary? Thank you… (*Just an annoying noise!)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-20
- VIN: JF2SJAUC7FH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Horn on steering wheel stopped working. Don't know when it stopped working, no lights, warnings on dash, nothing. You only use horn when you need it and when needed for safety concerns, it did not work. Almost got in an accident when needing horn which did not work and was first discovery of this safety defect. Same situation twice after first discovery of no horn while waiting for Dealership appointment day. But horn would work by pressing panic button on fob. Steering wheel, nothing. Dealer confirmed Steering Roll Connector causing horn to be inoperative on steering wheel. Very expensive basic safety component repair for Subaru customers. Best extended factory warranty back in 2015 was 7yr/100k mi. Our Subaru was only 8yrs 8mo old and with only 79k miles. Out of warranty, but Subaru of America did help with bill as a good faith jester being so close to being in warranty. Much appreciated. However, this basic safety feature should last much longer than 8yrs or almost 9yrs, especially with no prior or current warning it has failed. Everything else on steering wheel electrically functioned fine. This defect can cause an accident, possibly a serious accident. Glad my wife and I were not in that statistic. This is not the only complaint involving horn not working on this 2015 model here and elsewhere. Makes me wonder what other Subaru years and models experience this safety defect. I strongly believe this should be a safety recall before there's a fatality, if not already, from horn function on steering wheel becoming inoperative without warning.
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-05
- VIN: JF2SJAFC0FH
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: The vehicle is a 2015 Subaru Forester. At that time, the car had 47800 miles on it. I started to sense a shaking or vibration on the steering wheel, especially at highway speeds. I took it to a local Subaru dealer and the dealer technician found the lower control arm bushings to be work/torn. I have been driving for over 40 years and have never had to have the bushings replaced in any of my (Toyota) cars, especially at 47800 miles. I bought the car new. I live in the city and do not do any off road driving. I bought the car because of the Eyesight safety system. I didn't realize Subaru's quality was not at the same level as Toyota. According to J.D. Power, "The bushings prevent metal-to-metal contact (friction) hence safeguarding the metal joints." and "Driving around with worn-out bushings can pose a threat to the driver and other road users. Worn-out bushings may also cause damage to the vehicle when its components snap." (website: [XXX] ) I believe it may be a "lemon". I have had to take it to the dealership regarding the transmission problem of hesitation on acceleration. The technician tested it and (of course) found nothing wrong. The service advisor did inform me, over the phone, that the technician experienced the issue during testing. Subaru denied my request for reimbursement of the defective battery. They indicated that I was not eligible for reimbursement because I did not pay the dealership to replace the battery. I had bought an Interstate battery at Costco and replaced it myself. Replacing a car battery is not rocket science. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-31
- VIN: JF2SJGDC0FH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owned a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a cracking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was sold to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the repair would not be covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-25
- VIN: JF2SJADC8FH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The horn stopped working. I have yet to determine exact fix. Subaru forums suggest that it may be the clock spring, a relay, the horn itself, or a fuse.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-14
- VIN: JF2SJADC2FH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The passenger occupancy sensor does not accurately detect if there is a passenger. This results in the airbag being "off" when a passenger is in the car. This is a known defect for other 2015 subaru foresters, but is not listed as a defect with my VIN. The sensor will also error and require a buckle when there is no weight on the seat.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-18
- VIN: JF2SJADCXFH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: While driving i noticed my hood bouncing up and down as if the hood latch was pulled. I havent pulled the hood latch in a while and thought it couldn't be open. Upon pulling off the roadway i noticed it was able to be opened simply by sliding the lever to open the hood. I then shut the hood thinking maybe I accidentally pulled the lever somehow with my foot. This was not the case because I then tested it by pulling up on the hood and it released again as if the lever was pulled. I checked the lever and it looks as it is ok and i gave it a pull to see if it seemed broken but it does not appear that way. I have not gone to a dealer yet and will bring it to my mechanic as soon as im able to safely get it there.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-02
- VIN: JF2SJGUC4FH
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: vehicle feels like it is always stuck in first gear. the Subaru dealership says its a rear hub bearing, drivers side. Cost to repair over $500. The vehicle has less than 60k miles on it.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-16
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF2SJARC0FH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owned a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, in a residential parking lot, the contact stated while he was parking, the vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into a nearby tree. The contact stated before crashing into the nearby tree the vehicle also hit a nearby pole. The contact stated that the acceleration continued to get faster and faster. The contact also stated that none of the air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The contact's wife was transferred by ambulance to a hospital for medical attention. The contact's wife suffered a compression fractured vertebra and she had been experiencing severe pain. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was condemned to total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-06
- VIN: JF2SJADC8FH
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: The error message for air bag/seat belt warning comes on and off. It turns the passenger side air bag to off. It seems to be activated by weight on the seat.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-19
- VIN: JF2SJABC2FH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: After driving for about 15 minutes, I was stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of 2 hilly and curvy roads with poor visibility. When I stepped on the accelerator to go, all of the lights on my dash lit up and the car died. I tried several times to restart the car and it wouldn't start. We managed to get the car pushed into someone's yard and had it towed to my mechanic. When my mechanic tried to start it the next day, it started right up. In looking at the codes, it showed a code for an air flow meter sensor, so they replaced that. I got the car back 2 days later. Drove for about 20 minutes, parked my car in my driveway, and when I went to restart it about 30 minutes later the same thing happened. The lights on the dash lit up and the car died. After waiting about another 30 minutes I was able to start the car, and moved it out of the way so it could be towed. Since I live in a very hilly area with 2 lane curvy roads, it's just not safe for me to drive it anywhere with the possibility of it stopping again. The car started up for the tow truck driver, and again for my mechanic. This time there was no error code when my mechanic checked.
AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-21
- VIN: JF2SJADC8FH
- Components: AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: A small crack appeared mysteriously on the front windshield and has spread - over the past month - where it now covers 1/2 of the windshield. Nothing hit my car, to create the crack or make it spread. The right air bag light keeps going on and keeps beeping when there is no one sitting in the seat. The only way i can get it to stop is to engage the seat belt - again, even though there is no one in the seat.
ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-11
- VIN: JF2SJABC9FH
- Components: ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was shifted into drive however, the steering wheel failed to turn as intended. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ECU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,739.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-21
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF2SJAHC7FH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: In the parking lot of my condo/home I was slowly approaching and driving in to my regular assigned parking space. As I applied the brakes preparing to stop, the car suddenly and without warning quickly accelerated and crashed into the building causing extensive damage to the building and the vehicle. The air bag did not react.
2015 Subaru Forester recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2015 Subaru Forester.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: 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 light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
- Consequence: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
- Summary: 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 and possibly result in an engine stall.
- Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.
Negative 2015 Subaru Forester car reviews
Positive 2015 Subaru Forester car reviews
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I've been reading reviews of this car and some say it's too spartan. But for me, it's exactly what I need and nothing more. The Forester has some features that you simply can't find anywhere else, regardless of how much money you're willing to spend. For example, it has the best visibility of any vehicle I've ever driven, the best AWD system, the best fuel economy for an AWD compact SUV, the best safety rating in its class, and is among the most spacious compact SUVs with one of the biggest panoramic sunroofs. I'm extremely happy with my purchase for these reasons alone! I don't see the need to pay more for a name or for gadgets that wouldn't make a difference in a snowstorm when I need to go somewhere.
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I had the best customer experience ever in over 40 years of car buying when I purchased my car in Auburn, Washington. During a road trip to Yellowstone, I was very satisfied with the car's performance, handling, and standard radio system. I was able to average over 32 mpg on a trip that was mostly highway driving, but also included mountains and a few days of backroad touring on paved roads. While around town mileage is somewhat lower, I'm still averaging better than 24 mpg in suburban driving. The only disappointment so far has been the air conditioning effectiveness - cooling is marginal in direct sun when over 90 degrees (perhaps due to untinted windows on base model). However, not a single mechanical problem has surfaced so far. Overall, I'm very satisfied with the car and my ownership experience to date.
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with the XT premium that my family and I recently purchased. We've taken it on a few road trips, including some highway grades and dirt roads, and I have to say, this vehicle is a real powerhouse! It's so fast that I had to keep using the cruise control to avoid getting pulled over for going over 85mph, even though my foot was barely on the gas. I'm not usually a fan of CVTs, but I have to admit that this one is pretty decent, probably because of the horsepower and torque, which means that the drone is nonexistent. We also love the appearance of the car - we got fog lights, fender guards, and some other accessories, which really make it stand out. Overall, we think that this car is a great value for the price. While we didn't opt for the eyesight or nav features, which have received negative reviews, we still think that this car is a fantastic choice. Thanks for reading!
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I had a Ford pickup before which I really loved, but it wasn't very fuel efficient. When my son needed a vehicle, I decided to pass it on to him and look for something that got at least 30 mpg overall and had a higher ride profile. I didn't need anything fancy like navigation, 12 speakers, or a sunroof, and I definitely didn't want anything with a turbo in it. After test driving several vehicles, I found the base model Forester at my local Subaru dealer and knew it was the one for me within the first mile. Although I had to order it in the color I wanted, it was worth the wait. After 14 months of driving, I'm still very happy with my decision. The visibility is great, the handling on wet roads is excellent, and the acceleration is plenty good. The room and storage inside is very good, and my dog loves it too. The maintenance is covered by the dealer for 2 years, which is a nice bonus, and the gas mileage is fantastic. I've actually averaged 35.5 mpg on a trip, which is amazing. Overall, I'm a very happy owner!I have 15k miles on my vehicle after 14 months. The only negative thing I can say about it is that the paint seems to be too thin. Living in Florida, there are many dump trucks that are supposed to be tarped/covered, but many tarps are nothing but rags. If you get stuck behind one, and I have, you may end up with several little chips on the hood and fenders where small stones have chipped the paint to the metal. However, I have waxed it several times and I am hoping that will keep rust at bay. The only other minor issue I have experienced is that the overhead storage for my sunglasses gets pretty hot in the heat, and I now have a ritual to hold the sunglasses in front of the AC vent to cool them before putting them on. Overall, I think the Forester is an excellent vehicle. The gas mileage, visibility, peppy engine, and handling are all very good. Additionally, it has a very high safety rating. I would definitely buy it again and recommend it to others. While the paint issue should be improved by Subaru, it is not that big of a deal. However, given that it is advertised as an adventurous-type vehicle for camping, nature, and pet-friendly activities, you would think the paint could handle roughing it a bit more.
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1,500 mile review: I recently traded in my 10-year-old CR-V and overall, I'm quite happy with my new purchase. While I've experienced some challenges driving in snowy conditions with the factory Geolanders, I plan to replace them soon. Additionally, I've noticed an annoying rattle coming from the moonroof since I purchased the car, but I'm confident that the dealership will be able to resolve the issue. Although I've had some trouble regulating the heater, the ride is generally smooth and the car has a beautiful exterior, roomy interior, comfy seats, and no blind spots. Plus, the MPG's are great, even in the frigid northeast!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2015 Subaru Forester problems:
2015 a Good Year? Head Gasket Issues? : r/SubaruForester
May 16, 2023 ... Head gasket is not an issue after 2012 with the F series engines. What you have to worry about is the CVT and PCV system. I have a 2015 myself ...
2015 Checklist and common problems. | Subaru Forester Owners ...
Nov 11, 2017 ... The manuals have oil consumption issues, as does mine. Mine required a rear wheel bearing at 100k which would likely be a $500 dealer item. My ...
2015 Forester nothing but trouble : r/SubaruForester
Oct 16, 2023 ... Wow, very similar story with my own 2015 Subaru Forester ... Seems like this kind of problems are common with last gen forester. ... r/subaru - 2016 ...
('14-'18) - 2015 - Forester reliability? | Subaru Forester Owners Forum
Apr 11, 2023 ... Overall, I haven't had any serious issues with my 2015 Forester. If you maintain it well, especially oil changes and even cvtf replacements, it ...
2015 Subaru Forester Problems Include Engine Issues and Faulty ...
Feb 15, 2022 ... The NHTSA has issued three recalls for the 2015 Subaru Forester. The first recall was launched in 2016 and applies to Forester 2.0XT models. A ...
Other years of Subaru Forester
Are you having problems with your 2015 Subaru Forester?
Reilly Waters 2024-09-14
I've driven about 14,000 miles with this car and it handles great. The mileage is impressive, averaging about 27 mpg, and can even reach nearly 40 mpg on the highway if you maintain a lower speed. While the engine power is adequate, it may require downshifting into 4th gear for mountain driving. The interior is spacious and the sunroof is a nice touch, although it can be a bit noisy over 55 mph. As someone who is 6'1The latest engine does use a quart or so between changes but don't worry, it's nothing to be too concerned about. However, it's important to be aware of the oil consumption issue and to be cautious of certain Subaru dealers in Fresno, Ca! I wanted to update you on my experience with the car - unfortunately, the AC system failed completely. The compressor, hoses, evaporator and all the O-rings in the system were leaking. Thankfully, the extended warranty covered all the repairs, but it did mean two trips to the dealer to find all the problems. One other small issue I've noticed is that the cargo light in the rear is quite dim and is positioned low down where cargo blocks it anyway. I can't wait to unload this car, but one thing I can recommend is the Subaru backed zero dollar deductible extended warranty. We have used it a lot and the coverage is terrific. Out of pocket repair expenses have been very low. It's a shame it runs out at 100,000 miles. At 110,000 miles, there have been no further problems, but it does use 2 quarts of expensive synthetic in between oil changes. Additionally, in mountain driving, it eats tires in 25,000 miles like our 2003 Forester did. This is probably due to the AWD. Overall, I hope this information helps you make an informed decision about your car purchase.
Rowan Pfannerstill 2024-08-17
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to ask if anyone has had any experience with rear tire wear on their Subaru. I've noticed that my 75000 mile tires are only lasting around 30000 miles, even though my alignment is fine. I've been a Subaru fan for a long time, but I'm a bit disappointed. I used to own a 92 Legacy and it was the best car I ever had. Have a great day!
Zachariah Brekke 2024-07-19
While I have had some negative experiences with Subarus, I believe that they have improved significantly since the late 1990s. Unfortunately, my personal experience with both a 2012 Impreza and a Forester has been less than satisfactory. I have had to take my cars in for multiple repairs, including issues with the radio/bluetooth system, battery, A.C. compressor, excessive oil consumption, rattles/squeaks, and undercarriage rust. Despite these issues, I appreciate that Subaru offered me a replacement car and I regret that it has not met my expectations. While I may not consider purchasing a Subaru again, I understand that others may have had different experiences and opinions.
Seth McCullough 2024-07-12
I've been having some trouble with my car lately. It seems to run out of oil between oil changes, even though I use synthetic oil and go between 6,000-7,000 miles between changes. The dealer did an oil consumption test and suggested that I check the oil more frequently, like they used to do in the old days when pumping gas at each fill up. While it's been frustrating to deal with these issues, I'm grateful that I don't have to worry about disposing of used oil since there isn't any left. On the other hand, my husband's Chevy truck and my boss's two Kia's have all been running smoothly with no issues, even with over 100,000 miles on them. I've been a loyal Subaru owner for over 30 years, but with all the recent problems I've had with my car, I'm starting to consider other options.
Chesley Schuster 2024-06-06
I've had quite a few cars in my time, but after some issues with German cars, I switched to a Subaru. Overall, it's a decent car, but the pricing seems a bit high for the quality. The gas mileage isn't quite as good as advertised either. However, it handles well around town and gets a respectable 24 MPG in suburban areas. The visibility and accessibility are also great, making errands and getting the kids in and out a breeze. It also performs well on flat highways, but I did notice some struggles during a recent trip through the mountains, with gas mileage dropping to 17 MPG, which is worse than my wife's full-size luxury SUV.