2019 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 2019 Subaru Forester problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2019 Subaru Forester, several common problems have been reported:
- Unintended Acceleration: Some owners have reported incidents of unintended acceleration, often linked to the Subaru EyeSight safety system. This issue has led to complaints of crashes and lawsuits against Subaru. Instances of unintended braking have also been mentioned, posing safety concerns for drivers.
- Electrical Issues: Recent models have been reported to have various electrical problems, ranging from issues with opening the tailgate to problems with the GPS system. While these issues may not render the car inoperable, they can cause inconvenience to the owners.
- Transmission Problems: Owners have reported transmission issues such as shuddering or jerking, particularly when shifting gears or driving uphill. Despite attempts to resolve these problems through software updates, the issues persist, affecting the driving experience.
- Oil Consumption: Another common problem reported is excessive oil consumption, leading to the need for more frequent oil changes compared to other vehicles. This issue is often attributed to oil leaks in seals like the camshaft and crankshaft seals, as well as the oil pump seal.
- Engine Issues: Owners have faced problems related to the Check Engine light being illuminated, often due to issues with the oxygen sensor or catalytic converter efficiency. These issues can lead to failed smog tests and impact the vehicle's performance and emissions compliance.
These common problems with the 2019 Subaru Forester highlight various challenges faced by owners, ranging from safety concerns to maintenance issues. Addressing these issues promptly and effectively is crucial to ensure the reliability and performance of the vehicle.
Are there any issues with the 2019 Subaru Forester?
What's Wrong with the 5th Generation (2019–2021) Forester? Forester owners have made 38 complaints about the 2019–2021 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 22nd out of 38 Subaru generations in overall reliability , with some interior and electrical concerns.
What is the most common issue for 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 2019 Subaru Forester last?
The 2019 Subaru Forester lasts around 250,000 miles with only minor battery and windshield issues reported. At $21,275 to $28,325, it's a good value for a dependable small SUV with an excellent all-wheel drive system.
What years are good for the Subaru Forester?
A: For those looking to buy a Subaru Forester, the best model years to consider are the most recent ones, specifically 2019, 2020, and 2021. These models have received favorable customer reviews, feature better connectivity and technology, and have excellent safety ratings.
What is the common problem for a Subaru Forester?
When it comes to Forester engine issues, one of the most common complaints is related to the oxygen sensor. Due to a crack in the oxygen sensor (the cause of the Check Engine light illuminating), the sensor fails and in some cases was recalled by Subaru.
How many miles will a 2019 Subaru Forester last?
The 2019 Subaru Forester lasts around 250,000 miles with only minor battery and windshield issues reported. At $21,275 to $28,325, it's a good value for a dependable small SUV with an excellent all-wheel drive system.
Is Subaru Forester fuel efficient?
Each model starts at a unique price point and brings something a little different to the Bethel Park roads, but one thing that stays the same is the fuel efficiency! Check out the Subaru Forester MPG ratings for each trim below: Base: 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway. Premium: 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway.
What years are good for the Subaru Forester?
A: For those looking to buy a Subaru Forester, the best model years to consider are the most recent ones, specifically 2019, 2020, and 2021. These models have received favorable customer reviews, feature better connectivity and technology, and have excellent safety ratings.
2019 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:
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2019 Subaru Forester vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2019 Subaru Forester
The NHTSA has received 786 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2019 Subaru Forester. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2019 Subaru Forester vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-18
- VIN: JF2SKAGC5KH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: As I was driving, every warning light came on, my car emitted a high pitched alarm and the car stopped working. This happened twice. I had to put my car in park. Turn off the car and turn it back on to make it driveable. I took it to the dealer and was informed that the battery and starter required replacement. The battery was covered by an extended warranty (I paid $100 or 20% of the cost), but the starter was not covered by any warranty since my car has 41K miles and is 5 yrs old. I contacted Subaru and they agreed to pay $800 towards the $1209.13 repair. My Subaru Case # 241016-1801159. I believe my starter failed because of the automatic start/stop engine feature. I asked the dealer if the starter failure could have been detected during a regular maintenance and they said no.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
- VIN: JF2SKAGC1KH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic for diagnosis or repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-04
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JF2SKASC5KH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The power lift gate closes on people when trying to open it.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-12
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF2SKAGC4KH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: While driving, the engine stalled and many dash lights came on. The thermo control valve was the cause. There was no warning and fortunately I was able to park off of the roadway. The car was towed to the nearest Subaru dealership at a cost of $223.00. The car was repaired under the extended warranty, but I am out the towing fee. Had the defective part been recalled, I would not have experienced this engine failure.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-30
- VIN: JF2SKACC3KH
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: See attached document for complaint.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-06
- VIN: JF2SKASC1KH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: On [XXX], while driving back home in the evening, the car started to make noises, that became quite loud very fast. I was able to drive to my home, less than 3 miles away, but I could not restart the car anymore. No warning lights were on. It was around [XXX] pm and I was afraid of what might have happened it the car became disabled. The next morning, the car was towed to the MileOne Herb Gordon Subaru Dealer in Silver Spring, MD. I was informed that the rod crankshaft bearing had failed. The engine short block had to be replaced. It is unbelievable to me that a car that had less than 58,000 miles and have been properly maintained will have such a catastrophic failure. The cost to fix this failure: $10676.39 since it is out of warranty for time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- VIN: JF2SKAGC4KH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: My SUBARU has a Start-Stop feature which automatically stops and restarts the engine when the vehicle is stationary for a short time, such as at a stop sign or red light. Several times within the last month I was stopped for a light or stop sign and the vehicle shut down completely. Engine turned off. I have attached a file showing the display on the dash. This was very unsafe as cars behind me were getting impatient while I had to figure out how to restart the car. It was very scary. After researching the problem online and taking the car to my mechanic it turns out that the battery was low. The battery was replaced and auto restart is working correctly now. It seems that with all the warning messages that are displayed (windshield washer fluid is low) that some indicator that the battery is low should display rather than this unsafe scenario.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-01
- VIN: JF2SKAKC2KH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Cracked exhaust manifold for no apparent reason. I live in Florida, which does not have extreme temperature fluctuations. It caused toxic fumes to leak into the cabin, confirmed by Subaru tech and handheld carbon monoxide detector.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-19
- VIN: JF2SKAWC5KH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: See attached document for complaint
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-07
- VIN: JF2SKAPC8KH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: After starting these lights came on the dashboard: check engine, flashing I drive, no eyesight, rab off. Seems related to start/stop system which randomly dies when I release the brake. The whole dash lights up and I have to put the car in P and start it again. Thanks.
LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-05
- VIN: JF2SKAJC0KH
- Components: LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Improper glass installed by safelight adas unable to be calibrated
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
- VIN: JF2SKACC3KH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Car suddenly stopped accelerating several times over the course of several months, at seemingly random speeds, once even at a full stop when attemptign to begin acceleration. Required to turn it off and on again (in park, break still works) and it works again. I towed the car to the dealership, and they told me after a few days that they could not recreate the issue and nothing was certifiably wrong with it. The only thing that came up on the sceen was the EYE LIGHT system wording with a slash through it.
WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-25
- VIN: JF2SKASC9KH
- Components: WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Upon getting a flat tire on the front passenger side tire, two of the vehicles wheel studs and lug nuts were seized together and broke off when using hand tools to remove the lug nuts. The metal was extremely soft and broke off easily. All 5 lugs and nuts needed replacement.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-15
- VIN: JF2SKASC0KH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The rear window glass imploded while on the freeway. This created a loud bang noise and sent small pieces of glass throughout the passenger cabin creating a substantial distraction.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-07
- VIN: JF2SKAPC4KH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started hesitating while depressing the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact activated the hazard lights and coasted the vehicle off to the shoulder. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective thermal control valve. The contact was informed that the thermal valve was covered under an Extended Warranty by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
- VIN: JF2SKAKC1KH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The battery on my 2019 Subaru Forester was replaced in September 2022. It was the best battery available offered at Les Schwab. But a few days ago, the battery was completely dead again and couldn’t even be jump started with my Jump N Carry after being parked in my garage for ~3 weeks. After taking out the battery and getting it fully recharged at Les Schwab, they also tested the battery saying it’s still in good shape. I suspect there is parasitic battery drain issue going on with this model.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-11
- VIN: JF2SKAJC2KH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The auto stop/start function is erratic. Many times the function fails to start the car after a stop. The car stalls. It requires car to put in park and have to restart the car. This causes delay for traffic to move. When this happens, it creates a safety issue. The car behind may start to move and cause accident because the rest of the traffic has started to move. Sometimes the car driver behind you honks the horn as the rest of the traffic starts to move. The 2019 Subaru Forester has only 31000 miles. This has been happening once a week since June 2023. It is becoming a safety concern for me. This started to happen around 25000 miles on the car.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-06
- VIN: JF2SKAKC3KH
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: I started my car and turned on the windshield wipers and fluid to clear the windshield. Within a few seconds of wiping the windshield, I heard a pop and a crack directly down the center of the windshield starting at the top developed along the line of the eyesight system and rearview mirror mount. There were no known rock chips and I had not experienced any debris hitting this section of the windshield. This appears to be a stress crack.
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-04
- VIN: JF2SKAUC1KH
- Components: SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: I have had multiple issues with my car for the past month. First, my rear right wheel has been making a fan-like sound when going above 35mph and it gets louder until 70mph. It is most likely the wheel bearings going out but, I only have around 50,000 miles on the car. This seems to be a common issue with Foresters. Secondly, my rear Harman Kardon speakers have stopped working. This also appears to be a recurring issue with Forester's, with both their standard and premium sound systems. Lastly, my engine check light turned on and shut off my adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, emergency braking, and rear automatic braking. I'm surprised that these issues are still happening to Subaru since they have been complained about by consumers for years.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-13
- VIN: JF2SKAUC3KH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while his son was driving at approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's son stated that the vehicle was emitting smoke from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that his son pulled off the highway and stopped the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the positive crankcase ventilation valve (PCV) had separated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised by the dealer that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V856000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which was already completed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-10
- VIN: JF2SKASC8KH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: most of the safety quiet. motor cut out, eyesight quiet working, check engine light came on service person said the diagnostic showed a code p2682 engine coolant bypass valve control low. steering light came on. No prior warnings. happened while driving at speed limit on interstate.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-04
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF2SKAPC6KH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: An electrical failure of the auto start/stop feature led to an unavoidable accident. I came to a stoplight, going slightly uphill, and the car shut off as designed. Releasing the brake re-engages the starter to continue driving, however when I released the brake, the car’s electrical system went haywire and the car immediately rolled BACKWARDS, damaging the car behind me. I took it to Subaru and the mechanic said the battery was low, but the car is designed NOT to initiate the start/stop feature, to prevent this from happening. They acknowledged that the accident was not my fault, but provided no further assistance. I was found at fault in the accident despite having no control over the scenario.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-30
- VIN: JF2SKAEC0KH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: I purchased this vehicle brand new in 2019, and since them i have had to replace my windshield once in January of 2023 (piece of gravel on highway), then in February of this year, my passenger front window busted out .. nothing hit it, it just blew out while i was driving. Weather that day was 53. Then Friday, another windshield crack near eyesite device. This will require another full replacement. At this pace, i cannot afford to keep this car. Before i purchased this car i searched long and hard for the safest vehicle i could find and Subaru always came up on top. Now that i'm an owner having to dish out of pocket every few months for glass replacement, i'm starting to rethink my purchase. I've done research and have found thousands of the same complaints online.. Its a shame that the company is not taking any steps to improve this huge design flaw!
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-29
- VIN: JF2SKAGC9KH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My windshield mysteriously cracked there was not existing damage. When I research my car's make model and year I learned that there was a class action lawsuit that was settled that requires Subaru to cover the cost of the windshield. At the time of purchase this defect was not disclosed to me. I reached out to the dealership and they seem to have no knowledge of this. Additionally, they are not taking any responsibility.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-16
- VIN: JF2SKASC7KH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: On April 16, 2024 the Thermo Control Valve on my 2019 Subaru Forester failed while I was going 70 mph in the middle lane of rush hour traffic. All of the warning lights came on at once as my engine stalled. I lost all mechanical power and was barely able to make it off the highway without getting hit. There was no prior warning that the Thermo Control Valve was bad. I had the car serviced at a Subaru dealership three weeks before the incident and was told that everything looked good on my car. The dealership replaced the Thermo Control Valve under extended warranty coverage. I have a second 2019 Subaru Forester that also falls in this group of vehicles, but Subaru will not replace the Thermo Control Valve until it fails.
2019 Subaru Forester recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2019 Subaru Forester.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
- Consequence: Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
- Consequence: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
- Consequence: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
Negative 2019 Subaru Forester car reviews
Positive 2019 Subaru Forester car reviews
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This is our third Forester. My wife drives a 2016 model, and I chose this one for its size, safety features, upright seating position, great window visibility, cargo space, and tried and true AWD. Our Foresters have always been peppy enough for us, except for climbing mountain peaks. I have no complaints about the Forester being underpowered, and the gas mileage is quite good. I also have no complaints about its handling. The Auto Stop feature does not bother me, but my wife finds it makes stopping and starting too herky-jerky. The safety features all work great, and I especially like the new backup warning system. The navigation system is also improved over the 2016 model, although it still has some quirkiness. Updating maps from the Harman Kardon site can be a bit of a pain, but I love the Subaru phone app with the Starlink remote services. Subaru FINALLY offers a power passenger seat, which is great for me when my wife is driving. My wife likes the dual temperature control, and the heated steering wheel is one of my favorite features, especially for my arthritic hands in the winter. We never use the panoramic moonroof and wish it was an option for this model. I have driven the car about 17,000 miles now, and overall, I enjoy driving it very much. However, there are a few design flaws and defects to be aware of. The power tailgate can be erratic and often gives me the dreaded 3 beeps and refuses to open with either the dash button or the key fob, which is apparently a fairly common problem. I have to force it to open using the rear button, as described in the owners manual. EDIT: THERE WAS A RECENT RECALL TO INSTALL A PART TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. SO FAR, SO GOOD. The front seats are a bit too firm and irritate my tailbone when driving long distances.c) Some users have reported that the low-beam headlights have a sharp cutoff and limit visibility when looking through the top half of the windshield. d) The facial recognition system can be hit-and-miss, with some users reporting that it does not recognize them about 25% of the time. e) Some users have found that there are too many buttons and controls, and many of them are hard to see and locate, such as the grouping low on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel. Trying to identify and find each of the buttons in the owners manual can be unnecessarily frustrating. The same goes for the various dashboard and warning symbols. f) Some users have reported that the coffee cup holders in the front seat are awkwardly placed too far back and too close to the console cover, making it difficult to reach back for one's coffee or water and could result in an accident. g) The storage console is relatively small compared to other models. h) Some users have suggested that splash guards should be standard equipment on the Touring and Sport models. i) The two-section cargo cover can be a bit of a pain, with some users reporting that the rubber bumpers that are supposed to hold the back end up frequently slide off their holders causing the back section to droop down. j) Some users have found the owners manuals to be poorly written, poorly organized, poorly indexed, hard to understand in various sections, and exhausting to read through and comprehend. Some have suggested that the instructions could be condensed and made more user-friendly.Some of this is due to government regulations, but there are too many places where one looks something up only to be referred to another section of the manual. EDIT: I've been driving my 2019 Subaru Forester Touring model for about four years now, and my impressions of it have not changed. I like its size and enjoy driving it. I would buy it again.
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I've driven the 2019 Forester for 1500 miles now and I think I have enough experience with the vehicle to write a review. Overall, I find the Forester to have many virtues. The seating position and overall visibility are excellent from the driver's seat. The AWD system greatly helps to maintain control of the vehicle in snowy conditions. The vehicle is quiet overall with only some wind noise apparent when traveling at highway speed. The infotainment system is fast and easy to use. The size of the cargo space is excellent, the lift hatch is both large and fast, and the cargo floor is low and easy to access. In 1500 miles, I’ve gotten a combined 31mpg. The vehicle is very comfortable to drive on longer trips. The adaptive cruise control works very well, maintaining a lock on the vehicle ahead and controlling the Forester’s speed smoothly without jerkiness or surging the engine. The lane departure warnings and lane keep assist are accurate and do help keep the vehicle in the proper lane while being at the same time easy enough to override to quickly make lane changes if you need to. I’ve only once had the automatic pre-collision brakes activate, but once again the system recognized a potential collision and activated to prevent it. The blind spot detection will not only activate when there is another vehicle in the Forester’s blind spots, but will also activate if another vehicle is rapidly approaching the Forester’s blind spots. However, there are several downsides to the Forester:The engine horsepower is adequate for the Forester's intended use, and while it may not be a speedster, I don't find this to be a major downside. While there are times when I wish for an extra 30 or 40 horsepower, the opportunities to use a more powerful engine are few. Most of my driving is on suburban streets with a speed limit of 35-45 mph, or on the highway traveling at 65-75 mph. There is little use for a bigger engine in suburban or urban conditions. On the highway, once the Forester is up to speed, it performs well and generally gets 32-34mpg in highway driving. The engine noise is noticeable during hard acceleration, but is quiet during normal cruising. The vehicle handles well for its intended purpose, and while competitors like the Mazda CX-5 may handle better, the Forester's handling is just fine. A few other notes: The LED low beam headlights have a very sharp upper vertical cutoff, meaning that the road ahead is either illuminated very well or not at all. This can be disconcerting when driving downhill as the low beams don't illuminate the next uphill very well. However, the Forester has automatic high beams that cover the vertical gap in the low beam's illumination. In my experience, you are either driving in an area at night that is lit well enough by streetlights or other cars' headlights so that the low beams are all you need, or you are driving in an area that has no other cars present so that the auto high beams activate and provide all the illumination that is needed. Lastly, I really wish there was some way to edit the screens on the upper information display. While there are a number of different screens that are useful, several of them are borderline useless (I'm especially thinking of the weather screen that only shows picture-graph current, 3 hour, and 6 hour forecast).Hi there! I noticed that there's only one button to cycle through all the screens, which can get a bit tiring when you have to push it repeatedly to find the screen you want.
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I absolutely love driving this car! The CVT and AWD make for a smooth ride and excellent handling. The seating is spacious and comfortable, with great lumbar support. The car also boasts excellent visibility from all angles, making it easy to navigate tight spaces. The backup camera and display are large, well-lit, and very helpful. I also appreciate the automatic dimming mirror, which is a new feature for me. While the horsepower is not the strongest, it is still manageable for an SUV. One thing I found frustrating is that the radio automatically turns on and requires a long press to turn off, but this is a minor issue. The out of lane alerts can be turned off with one push of a button, which is convenient. The Eyesight assist is a great safety feature, although it can be a bit annoying at times. The horn is quite loud, but it gets the job done. The acceleration can also be a bit noisy, but it's not a major issue. The auto stop/start feature can be bothersome, but it's easy to turn off. Overall, I highly recommend this car! Although, I have had some trouble with my phone staying connected to Bluetooth and retaining phonebook information for calls.
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***Note: This review is based on my first impressions with my base model Forester - I have not had it long*** I was initially drawn to the Forester for its reputation of reliability, and I must say, it has not disappointed me so far. The good sightlines make it a pleasure to drive, and the vehicle's size makes it easy to park without feeling overwhelmed by traffic. As a driver over 6 feet tall, I find the Forester to be very comfortable, with a solid road feel. It tracks very well, and there are no rattles or unwanted noises; it seems to absorb rough roads with ease. My family reports
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I'm so glad to hear that you recently purchased the 2019 Forester Touring! As someone who has driven a 2014 Forester and a Toyota 4Runner for many years, your opinion carries a lot of weight. It's great to hear that the Forester handles everything so well, with the exception of the giant boulders. I completely agree that the Forester is perfect for 90% of off-road adventures. Adding the aluminum engine underguard (skidplate) accessory was a smart move to provide more underbody protection when off-road. It's impressive that the 2019 Forester drives even better than the 2014 model, which was already a great car. The new global platform has certainly delivered both interior and exterior quality improvements. You did your research and compared the 2019 Honda CR-V, 2019 Toyota RAV4 and 2019 Mazda CX-5 before settling on the Forester, which shows that you made an informed decision. The 2019 Forester is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a capable, small AWD vehicle that gets great gas mileage and comes with state-of-the-art safety features. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2019 Subaru Forester problems:
2019 Subaru Forester Complaints : r/SubaruForester
Sep 8, 2021 ... What has been everyone's experience here? Electrical problems? Cracked windshields? Bolts falling out? Should I buy this car?
2019 Subaru Forester Problems Include Issues with Stalled Engines ...
Oct 21, 2021 ... Three NHTSA recalls have been issued for the 2019 Subaru Forester, addressing a loose rear suspension stabilizer, a faulty PCV valve that can ...
2019+ owners, have you had any issues with anything yet? : r ...
Jul 2, 2023 ... I will say that I love my forester, despite the issues. ... I'm beginning to understand why people on the Subaru forums said that after 2012, ...
5th Generation (2019-2021) Forester Problems
Common 2019-2021 Subaru Forester Problems · CAN System Parasitic Drain on the Battery · Cracked Windshields · Subaru EyeSight Problems.
2019 Subaru Forester Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2019 Subaru Forester? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
Other years of Subaru Forester
Are you having problems with your 2019 Subaru Forester?
Hayley Hyatt 2025-07-08
Although I initially regretted purchasing the base model due to the lack of a power seat with adjustable pan, I have come to appreciate some of its features. The Forester has a tighter feel than previous models and the CVT seems better tuned. The rear doors swing wide for easy entry/egress for elderly passengers, and the cargo space is impressive. The Eyesight system has been a lifesaver in touch-and-go, congested traffic. While there have been some issues with the vehicle, such as the rear hatch not closing properly and a bad window channel run, these were eventually resolved. The fuel range software recall has been a concern, but I am confident that it will be addressed soon. Overall, the Forester is a reliable vehicle that has served me well. However, as someone who values a more refined driving experience, I am considering other options for my next vehicle.
Ewald Ferry 2025-06-27
I used to own an Outback and when it was time for a new car, I decided to stick with Subaru but try something different. I must say, I'm really enjoying the 2019 Forester. While some reviews have criticized the car for poor and noisy acceleration, I personally have no complaints about it. However, the software on this car is quite glitchy and has caused me some trouble. Within the first few hundred miles, I had to take it back to the dealer to open the trunk for me as the automatic gate lift system had to be rebooted manually by detaching the battery and draining the electrical system. The dealer blamed it on the computer. Additionally, the infotainment system is a disaster. Every other day, something is not working - the CD player won't play, there'll be no sound on the radio, Pandora won't load. Even when it's working, the system is poorly designed. My concern is that all the safety features are computer-controlled and I don't have a lot of confidence in their software. I was hoping for an Apple operating system experience, but it feels more like Windows Vista. Hopefully, Subaru will release some updates to their software soon.
Herman Herman 2025-04-14
Despite some issues, the Forester is still a great car for my lifestyle. The seats are very comfortable and the ride is stable on corners and dirt roads. The cargo space is perfect for my two large dogs. The 17in wheels handle well and the climate controls provide quick heat/cooling. While there are some concerns with the auto stop/start feature, the car's safety features are reliable and effective. I trust the car to keep me safe in hazardous conditions. The cupholders could be placed further from the heated seat switches to avoid spills, but this is a minor issue. Overall, I am confident in the Forester's performance and would recommend it to others.
Derick Halvorson 2024-11-22
The auto stop-start feature can be frustrating at times. It can be inconvenient to have to remember to push a button every time you start the car to disengage it. However, it is a standard feature on all models and cannot be disabled. We understand that this may not be ideal for everyone, but it is designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. We appreciate your feedback and hope that you can still enjoy the other great features of the car!
Vincent Kautzer 2024-11-20
I purchased my 2019 Forester in October 2018, right when they came out. The car has many great features, including lots of natural light from the big windows and panoramic sunroof, a smooth and comfortable drive, and ample cargo space. Compared to other cars in its class, the Forester has the most comfortable handling. However, I did experience some issues with the entertainment and warning systems, which were both defective. The dealership replaced the entire entertainment system in April 2019, and it appears to be working properly now. The sound quality when making calls through Bluetooth or CarPlay is not great, and the cup holders are in an awkward position. Additionally, the power lift gate can be problematic, and the car is a bit high off the ground for some dogs to jump in. Overall, I believe that either the 2019 design has some kinks that need to be worked out, or I simply got a bad one. Despite these issues, I am still working to resolve them and remain optimistic about my Forester. Either way, for me the Forester was a mistake, and I don’t recommend it. I expected such an expensive, brand new car to be free from problems. However, I have since traded it in for a 2016 CRV and I am much happier with my reliable car.