Subaru Forester 2019 problems

subaru logo

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.

Subaru Forester 2019

Social links

Common Subaru Forester 2019 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.

Subaru Forester 2019 engine

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.

Subaru Forester 2019 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 Subaru Forester 2019 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints Subaru Forester 2019

The NHTSA has received 786 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Subaru Forester 2019. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Subaru Forester 2019 vehicles.

2024-10-23

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.
2024-10-15

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.
2024-10-04

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.
2024-09-16

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.
2024-08-30

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-08-30
  • VIN: JF2SKACC3KH
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: See attached document for complaint.
2024-08-23

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)
2024-08-20

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.
2024-08-14

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.
2024-08-12

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-19
  • VIN: JF2SKAWC5KH
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: See attached document for complaint
2024-08-08

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.
2024-08-07

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
2024-08-01

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.
2024-07-26

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.
2024-07-16

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.
2024-07-09

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.
2024-06-12

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.
2024-06-12

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.
2024-06-07

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.
2024-06-05

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.
2024-06-04

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.
2024-05-29

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.
2024-05-23

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.
2024-05-20

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!
2024-04-27

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.
2024-04-27

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.

Subaru Forester 2019 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Subaru Forester 2019.

2021-04-15
  • 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.
2019-12-02
  • 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.
2019-02-06
  • 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 Subaru Forester 2019 car reviews

  1. 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!

  2. 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.

  3. Jean Pagac 2024-10-24

    The car is excellent, but I am experiencing some issues with the trunk. The power lift keeps locking itself, which is quite inconvenient. However, I am confident that the dealership will be able to reset it for me.

  4. Junior Volkman 2024-10-18

    The 2019 Subaru Forester is a reliable and safe car with strong safety features. I have owned one for 9 months and have had some mixed experiences. While the car has some disappointing features such as excessive sway during cornering and poor fit and finish in some areas, it still has some great qualities. However, I have found that the infotainment system is not very useful and most owners I know prefer to use their phone for navigation. Additionally, the driver's seat is showing some wear despite gentle use and the rear cargo cover is a two-piece design that could be improved. As a long-term Subaru owner and fan, I would suggest considering other SUV options before making a decision. Thank you for considering my experience with the Forester.

  5. Derek Boyle 2024-10-17

    If you're considering purchasing this car, I highly recommend taking it for a 30-minute test drive on a variety of roads and highways. Here are some of the things I noticed: The interior is of excellent quality and has a great look. The outward view and sight-lines are the best I've seen. The ride is super smooth and the safety features are top-notch. However, I did find that the seats on the sport model didn't fit me well, even though I'm an average-sized male. The bottom cushion was deep and narrow enough to cause me discomfort. Additionally, passing power seemed barely adequate, but there are a couple of buttons that change shift points which may help. There are many features to explore, but some may require a learning curve. Lastly, the engine stop/start feature was not very smooth or seamless when activated, and unfortunately, there was no way to permanently disable it. Overall, I think this car will be a great choice for most people, but it's important to keep in mind the potential issues I mentioned. Thank you for considering my thoughts!

Positive Subaru Forester 2019 car reviews

  1. Easter Robel 2024-11-05

    To disable stop/start, simply go to the rear defroster in the menu and select continuous mode. It's as easy as that!

  2. Ismael Walker 2024-10-09

    I have driven over 25,000 miles on my Premium and have had no complaints about the 2018 model. In this review, I will compare the 2019 model to the 2018. The 2019 model is noticeably quieter and feels a little more solid, although not enough to trade cars for. The motor is slightly stronger, but slightly noisier under acceleration and has 2 mpg less on mileage. The AWD system works flawlessly, maybe even a little better with less drama. The new standard tires (Ecopia?) are a little smoother and quieter, but they were at 3/32 (done) at 25,000 miles. The Geolanders on the previous models were always good for 35,000 miles in my driving conditions. The radio sounds better as well. Now for the differences, not good or bad, in no particular order, just to let you know. 1. The stereo no longer has a mute button anywhere. 2. The back door seals still leak dust in the cabin as before when driving on dusty roads. 3. The start/stop feature may save the planet, but the safety systems can be a bit alarming. 4. The cruise control is inoperative if your seatbelt is not fastened or when 'Eyesight' routinely shuts off, such as when ice/rain obscures the cameras or the AWD senses a tire slip. 5. Actual tire pressure readings on the display are great. If you do not notice, Skylink will email you about it a few hours later. 6. Collision avoidance will also firmly apply the brakes when you steer toward your mailbox to pick up your mail. 7. I stopped comfortably behind a car, but my auto start/stop shut the engine off just as the backup lights of the car in front came on. Before I could shift to reverse, the collision avoidance pulled the brake down away from my foot as he started moving and my engine would not start. The horn did work, and his wife yelling at him got things stopped in time. I see no problem with this feature. 8. Cubby holes and storage compartments are smaller than before. 9. Wheels are easy to clean but do not shed mud very well, so there is a lot of wheel washing required to keep tires in balance. 10. It is still the easiest car on the planet to change oil. 11.Heat shield above converter is still packed with mud. The headlight switch on the turn signal stem mostly works when the car is in park, but the lights are pretty much automatic when you are moving. Additionally, there are so many safety/alert/convenience things beeping at you all the time that you quickly learn to ignore them all. That's all for now. This car is great!

  3. Luis Ryan 2024-10-06

    I've been driving this vehicle for 6 months and 5000 miles, including through the snowy mountains of West Virginia, and it has performed like a champ! Here are my thoughts: (1) the steering radius is freaky tight for a vehicle this size; (2) the acceleration and engine performance give me everything I need, even in the aforementioned mountains; (3) it has been utterly reliable; (4) while it is easy to get into, my foot always catches on the rubber gasket at the bottom of the driver's door; (5) there are some flimsy parts - the outside mirrors feel like they would snap off if you bumped into them, the grille is absolutely cheap, and there are low-end plastic parts inside; (6) the stop/start is still unwanted - I press the override button every time I start the car; (7) I despise electronic radio buttons. There is always a delay, etc. Give me mechanical; (8) the rear hatch is a little buggy - you have to double-check that it's tight, or the light stays on all night; (9) Subaru, here's an idea: Make a stripped-down vehicle with no electronic assists, and I mean even the windows. Keep it simple enough so that a guy can change things out, and so that we don't have to worry about replacing some electronic switch down the road, which, as we all know, will cost hundreds and hundreds of dollars. In other words, keep it simple. You'd sell many such cars, I think. I'll be the first to buy one. Please?

  4. Jayce Davis 2024-08-17

    I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your new Limited trim level car with black leather interior and silver exterior! It sounds like a great choice. I completely agree with you that the interior build quality is top-notch and the redesign from the previous year's model is a subtle but nice improvement. The car's technology is also impressive, especially the Bluetooth connectivity and Apple Car Play. I'm glad to hear that the sound quality is good even without the upgraded sound system. While some of the technology menus can be a bit cumbersome to navigate, I'm sure with a bit of practice it will become much easier. The Lane keep assist feature seems like it could be really useful for long highway drives or late-night trips. And the Rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring are great features that make driving safer and easier. Overall, it sounds like you made a great choice with your new car! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on it.I've noticed that some people have mentioned that the start/stop feature can be a bit clunky, but I haven't experienced that myself. However, if it's not to your liking, it can easily be turned off with the push of a button. Earlier today, the collision avoidance system was put to the test when traffic unexpectedly came to a stop - the system applied the brakes for me. While I'm not sure if it would have been able to stop completely at the speed I was traveling, it definitely would have lessened the impact. I think it's a great feature. In mixed driving, I've been getting an average of about 29 miles per gallon, which is pretty good in my opinion. While it's not the fastest car out there, its acceleration is perfectly acceptable, and it's capable of passing other vehicles. It's only been a week, but I'm confident that I made the right choice.

  5. Herbert Schultz 2024-07-16

    I recently leased a 2019 Subaru Forester and overall, I'm really happy with it! As a female driver, I wanted to share my perspective since most online reviews are written by men who tend to focus on engine torque. After test driving several SUVs, I found that the Forester offered the best value for its price and safety rating (which is top in its class!). Plus, it comes standard with all-wheel drive, which can be an expensive option on other SUVs. The cabin is spacious with large windows that provide excellent visibility, and the cargo space is perfect for moms who are always on the go. The ride is smooth and the controls are easy to use. I live on a farm and the AWD has been a lifesaver in muddy conditions. However, there are a few downsides to the Forester. The console storage is a bit small, which can be frustrating for moms who need more space. Additionally, the limited model doesn't offer seat/mirror position memory or a built-in garage door opener. The acceleration is decent, but not the best. Overall, I'm really happy with my Forester and would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and safe SUV.

Leave your review of Subaru Forester 2019

Additional sources

More sources of information about Subaru Forester 2019 problems:

2019 Subaru Forester Complaints : r/SubaruForester
2019 Subaru Forester Complaints : r/SubaruForester
https://www.reddit.com/r/SubaruForester/comments/pk2gnn/2019_subaru_forester_complaints/

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 ...
2019 Subaru Forester Problems Include Issues with Stalled Engines ...
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/2019-subaru-foresters-problems-include-issues-with-stalled-engines-and-loss-of-power-steering-assist

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 ...
2019+ owners, have you had any issues with anything yet? : r ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/SubaruForester/comments/14owbil/2019_owners_have_you_had_any_issues_with_anything/

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
5th Generation (2019-2021) Forester Problems
http://www.subarucomplaints.com/models/forester/generations/5/

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
2019 Subaru Forester Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/subaru/forester/2019/common-problems/

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

subaru forester 2020 photo
Forester 2020
Subaru

549

0

25

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
subaru forester 2021 photo
Forester 2021
Subaru

156

0

28

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
subaru forester 2022 photo
Forester 2022
Subaru

70

1

21

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
subaru forester 2023 photo
Forester 2023
Subaru

43

1

21

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
subaru forester 2024 photo
Forester 2024
Subaru

9

2

22

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
subaru forester 1998 photo
Forester 1998
Subaru

112

1

24

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your Subaru Forester 2019?

Add car complaint
Subaru Forester 2019 photo