2021 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 2021 Subaru Forester problems
The 2021 Subaru Forester has been praised for its comfort, headroom, superb views from all windows, substantial cargo area, large glove compartment, and quiet highway driving.
One of the most common issues reported by Subaru Forester owners is a sudden loss of power or stalling. This problem has been attributed to engine complaints, with several owners reporting crashes due to the sudden loss of power. The issue appears to be related to the vehicle's electronic throttle control system, which can malfunction and cause the engine to stall.
Another issue reported by Subaru Forester owners is vehicle speed control problems. Some owners have reported that the vehicle's speed control system can suddenly accelerate or decelerate without warning, causing the vehicle to become difficult to control. This issue has been attributed to a malfunction in the vehicle's electronic throttle control system, which can cause the vehicle's speed control system to malfunction.
In addition to engine and speed control issues, some Subaru Forester owners have reported problems with the vehicle's electronic emergency brake. Some owners have reported that the electronic emergency brake can fail to disengage, causing the vehicle to become difficult to move. This issue has been attributed to a malfunction in the vehicle's electronic brake system, which can cause the electronic emergency brake to become stuck in the engaged position.
In summary, while the 2021 Subaru Forester has been praised for its comfort, headroom, and cargo space, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle's engine, speed control system, and electronic emergency brake. These issues have been attributed to malfunctions in the vehicle's electronic throttle control system and electronic brake system. Owners who experience these issues are encouraged to contact their dealership or Subaru's customer service department for assistance.
Are there any problems with the 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 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.
What are the downsides of a Subaru Forester?
Common Subaru Forester Problems
- Transmission issues: Many Subaru Forester models with CVT transmissions reportedly had numerous issues. ...
- Excessive oil consumption: Various Subaru models, including the Forester, had oil consumption issues. ...
- Check engine light: An illuminated check engine light points to a dozen issues.
How long will a Subaru Forester engine last?
Most impressive is the user that shared their 1998 Forester S with almost 320,000 miles on it with the same engine and transmission. Overall, while individual experiences may vary, a well-maintained Subaru Forester has the potential to last for several hundred thousand miles.
Are there any problems with the 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 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.
What is the reliability score of the 2021 Subaru Forester?
The 2021 Subaru Forester has a predicted reliability score of 83 out of 100.
Does the 2021 Subaru Forester hold its value?
Kelley Blue Book: Subaru nabbed “Best Resale Value” awards in 2020 and 2021, and models retained around 14% more of their original value compared to other brands.
2021 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
- Visibility problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Subaru Forester vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2021 Subaru Forester
The NHTSA has received 156 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Subaru Forester. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2021 Subaru Forester vehicles.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-16
- VIN: JF2SKAJC1MH
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: The front windshield is covered in chips all over it I've got a few bigger ones repaired. However the whole windshield needs to be replaced I don't even know where they've come from I mean the whole windshield is just covered and tiny little chips and when the sun shines on it while you're driving It makes visibility extremely hard. And from what I gather researching windshields on Subaru this is a flaw... I've had plenty of vehicles and never have seen such a bad windshield. I recently purchased this vehicle in August and it has $112,000 mi on it. I did not see the issue with the windshield until after purchasing it and driving in direct sunlight. I did notice a few big chips in The windshield and the dealership did repair those...
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-04
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while waiting at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle immediately shut off. During the failure, the message "Eyesight Disabled" was displayed and the vehicle could not immediately be restarted. The gear shifter was shifted to neutral(N) and the vehicle was pushed to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was eventually restarted and operated normally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 37,000. The VIN was not available.
VISIBILITY/WIPER,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-22
- VIN: JF2SKASC6MH
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: **Component Malfunction**: The windshield developed cracks shortly after purchase, which expanded without impact, affecting visibility and causing the Safety Eyesight system to malfunction. **Safety Risk**: The expanding crack impaired vision and led to safety system malfunctions, posing a risk to driver and passenger safety. **Problem Reproduction**: It is unclear if the issue has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center. **Inspection Status**: The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. **Warning Signs**: There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure; the issue appeared in the first week after purchase.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-15
- VIN: JF2SKARC6MH
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Windscreen cracked for no apparent reason
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-15
- VIN: JF2SKAJC9MH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: While driving on the highway on 8/15/24, the rear driver's side door randomly opened. The warning/indicator light came on, as well as the overhead lights. I also immediately was able to hear extra road noise coming from that side and could clearly see through my side view mirror that the door was ajar (it was not wide open). I have not had the car inspected by anyone.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-16
- VIN: JF2SKAJC7MH
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: See attached document for complaint
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-15
- VIN: JF2SKAJC6MH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Windshield has spontaneously cracked 2 times within ~30 days in the lower passenger side. No preceding event or chips in the windshield before cracking.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- VIN: JF2SKARC5MH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I’ve owned the vehicle under a year and am already on my second window replacement. I drive the same route everyday and ever experienced windows cracking in any other vehicle before this vehicle.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-07
- VIN: JF2SKAUC1MH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Thermo control valve defective. Not informed one week ago when I purchased car at end of lease. Problem known to Subaru since 2019 or sooner. Would not have purchased if I had been notified about this major problem
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
- VIN: JF2SKAJC8MH
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: I was driving along the highway when I heard the sound of a pebble hitting my windshield. When I got home, I immediately checked my windshield and did not see any damage. I was quite relieved. Two hours later, I looked out and saw a very long crack had appeared. The crack went from nothing to about 22 inches long in a matter of hours. I went to investigate further and saw that the pebble created a small pit on the edge of the windshield. Unfortunately, like typical windshields, the pit did not remain consistent in size and stay put. Instead, it spread out as a very large crack on the window. I read today that Subaru has a lawsuit against this very thing - faulty windshields. I have had this vehicle two weeks and now have a very costly repair because of the eyesight technology. I bought this car for its reliability without knowing that it had faulty windshields.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-30
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JF2SKAJC5MH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: To whom this may concern, My name is [XXX] . I was the owner of a 2021 Subaru Forester. I bought this car brand new and I loved this car. One of the biggest reasons I bought a Subaru is because of the multiple safety features the car has. I've had this car for three years and always felt safe until last week. During a road trip on [XXX] at [XXX] My car hit a deer on the front drivers side and within seconds caught on fire. The entire car was engulfed in flames within 3 minutes. All passengers were unharmed and we were able to get 95% of our stuff out of the car. This experience was pretty traumatic knowing that I was supposed to be driving the safest car in America and it caught on fire very easily from a baby deer hit. Not only did my car catch on fire but it left us stranded in the middle of Utah. Thank god it was in a big enough town that had a car rental. Insurance is still assessing my car and I'm currently in the market for a new car but with everything that happened it makes me feel very uneasy about getting another Subaru. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-06
- VIN: JF2SKARC3MH
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield cracked without impact. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,350.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-28
- VIN: JF2SKALC3MH
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Just discovered this morning that the windshield of my car has a long crack without being hit by any item like stone or small debris. It also affects the eyesight as it malfunctions occassionally
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-04
- VIN: JF2SKAXC9MH
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed micro-fractures developing on the front windshield of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 15,000.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-10
- VIN: JF2SKAUC9MH
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Windshield has cracked twice with no visual impact site or minimal impact. Occurred almost ‘spontaneously.’ Both incidents had significant splintering on the windshield impairing visibility. Incidents occurred within 6 months of each other. The windshield cracking can also affect the ‘Eye Sight’ camera with the car safety features. Appears to be a known issue with the type of glass used.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-06
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JF2SKASC4MH
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Vehicle was parked and idling unoccupied for under 5 minutes when an extremely noxious, hot blast of fumes came from underneath the back. Black smoke immediately entered the passenger cabin through the vents and flames were visible in the engine compartment and running onto the ground. Entire vehicle was burned beyond recognition in a matter of minutes. Ten days earlier the TCV, a known problem, had been replaced at a dealership per TSB 09-80-21. The vehicle had been driven under 300 miles since the replacement. Afterwards, a manufacturer rep inspected the vehicle, indicated the fire started in right rear of the engine compartment, could have possibly been a fuel leak, but damage was too extensive to determine the exact cause. The referenced TSB explicitly requires a new fuel line for every TCV replacement.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-12
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF2SKAJC2MH
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: The 2021 Subaru Forester had been functioning normally with no warning lights. About 25 minutes into the drive I had come to a stop light on an upward incline. When the light turned green I moved from the brake to the gas as usual. However the auto-start function on the car failed, causing the engine to stall. A loud clunking sound was heard and the dashboard lit up with multiple lights, although I do no recall which ones were illumined. I attempted to press the gas again and the car did not respond. During this short time my foot was pressing on the gas the car rolled backwards and collided with the vehicle behind me. I continued attempting to press the gas pedal and still no acceleration was made. After parking and restarting the car it has resumed normal function. I have not yet visited the dealership so this issue has not yet been reproduced, nor has the offending system been inspected. I'm summary, the automatic engine start failed at a critical location, putting myself and others in serious danger and ultimately caused a crash.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-09
- VIN: JF2SKAJC3MH
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The automatic shut off feature causes the car to lose all power. No power at all in the middle of traffic and I can't even use hazard lights to warn anyone. When at a stop the auto shut off turns off the car and when I take my foot off the brake it completely dies. It has happened 5 times in the last 3 days. Very dangerous. Imagine this happening on the freeway during rush hour. It's a miracle if no one has been killed. I saw countless posts from others on different forums. I have only owned this car for a week and half, taking it to the dealer today. This needs to be a recall paid for by Subaru, it is unacceptable.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-16
- VIN: JF2SKAUC3MH
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Had a rock barely touch my windshield causing a crack
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-22
- VIN: JF2SKAJC6MH
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Once or twice a day my vehicle hesitates from a light and I have to almost floor it to get it going again.I have brought it to 2 different Subaru dealers 3 times and they say they can't fix the problem.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-17
- VIN: JF2SKAJC9MH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My vehicle starlink infotainment system does not work. This is a safety hazard because it prevents drivers from using their back up cameras and this car has many blind spots. This also frustrates drivers and causes distraction as navigation is not available. The screen display abruptly stopped working. I brought my vehicle to the dealer and their solution was to spend $1700 on a new infotainment system. Owners should not have to be paying to utilize safety features marketed for the vehicle they bought. There were no warnings prior to the system breaking.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-15
- VIN: JF2SKAUC6MH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My Forester was parked and when I started the car I heard a pop, pop, pop. Looked at my front windshield and watched it crack from the lower left - driver side - up to the center of window, with each pop. Googled - the community has posted similar problems with Subaru windshields. Temperature on [XXX] in Phoenix was 60 degrees at the time of windshield popping. No impact, parked car, started engine and crack just started and I watched it expand from 2 inches to 24". Very scary! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-08
- VIN: JF2SKAJC8MH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Thermo control valve failed at about 42000 miles on 2021 Subaru Forester Premium, on 1/1/24. Owned 3 yrs 1 mo. Car was parked at work. Immediately after car was started up for return commute -- check engine light was on, ADAS systems ("Eyesight") disabled, blue low coolant temperature light on, and no heat through HVAC. Fortunately car driveable, despite safety being compromised with disabling of the safety features (blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert) and concern about damaging engine being forced to drive home with check engine light on. Engine failed to warm despite 40+ min highway trip. As this was commute vehicle, forced to take next day off work to have check engine light looked at. The next morning windshield ice had to be manually scraped (no heat). Drove car gingerly to dealership (<10 mins) avoiding freeways, for fear of damaging engine. Unknown if windshield defroster would've worked if started fogging mid-trip (safety concern). Dealership inspected vehicle - diagnosed thermo control valve failure, and replaced part. I was not charged as the car was still covered under powertrain warranty. No warning prior to the failure. Drove normally on the morning drive to work. Dealership replaced TCV with a part that has the same part number, per Subaru's TSB. Given experience of others indicating high failure rates of TCV after 3-4 years, and what I suspect is genuine design defect, I expect replacing the part to only have temporarily reset the clock -- seems certain to fail again. I have no confidence that Subaru has implemented an actual solution. I do not know if the next failure of this powertrain component will happen under warranty, or if it will incur signficant out of pocket costs (well over >$1000 to replace). Furthermore, if TCV fails whilst driving (as could have happened, and has been reported by others elsewhere), this will be a safety hazard with sudden disabling of blind spot monitor / rear cross traffic alert.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-30
- VIN: JF2SKAUC7MH
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the automatic emergency braking system activated, bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,000.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-02
- VIN: JF2SKADC5MH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: Tire size: P225/60R/17 98T Was driving around a roundabout @ about 25mph. There was a "Bang" and the right front tire went instantly flat. At no time did the vehicle either hit an object on the road or a curb. Vehicle was pulled over immediately. There is no rim damage that might indicate a curb strike. Upon examination of the tire there is a 2 inch rip in the sidewall of the tire. The tires (4) had been installed on the car @ 20,988 miles. They had been rotated at 27,427 miles. The blowout occurred @ 33,721 miles (12,733 miles from installation. I was told that there is no warranty on the tire(s) since we were not the original owner of the car when they were installed.
Negative 2021 Subaru Forester car reviews
Positive 2021 Subaru Forester car reviews
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I recently purchased this car and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed! The ride is incredibly smooth, even on rough farm backroads. It is much more comfortable than my previous car, a 2017 Ford Edge Titanium, and the engine has plenty of power. The only downside is that the Harmon Carden stereo does not accept iPhones, which was a bit of a disappointment for me as an Apple user. However, I later found out that the issue was resolved within the first month of owning the car. The car has a lot of accessories, especially for safety, and it takes some time to learn them all. The eyesight feature is a little too sensitive, but it can be turned off. The best feature is that the car is programmed to shut down at stops, although there is a button to turn off this feature if needed. The car is also great in the snow! Overall, I am very happy with my Subaru and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable car.
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This car has everything you could possibly want in a well-appointed vehicle. It's my favorite vehicle I've ever driven, and I'm looking forward to many years of service with my Forester.
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The car is not as quiet as most new cars while driving it but it is very comfortable to ride in.
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with my new Subaru Forester. As someone who has always driven Lexus and Acura cars, I was a bit hesitant to switch things up. However, I have to say that I am absolutely loving my new Forester! It drives incredibly smoothly and I have no complaints whatsoever.
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This SUV is incredibly practical and capable, making it the perfect workhorse.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Subaru Forester problems:
2021 Forester lots of issues all of a sudden : r/SubaruForester
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May 2, 2023 ... What Common Problems Does the 2021 Subaru Forester Have? · The windshield chipping easily is the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Subaru ...
2021 Subaru Forester Reliability - Consumer Reports
What Owners Say ... "Consistent battery failure, passenger airbag won't arm." ... "05/19/2023 - Driving at about 50 mph on a two-lane road on a clear day with no ...
2021 Subaru Forester Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2021 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 2021 Subaru Forester?
Domenic Prohaska 2024-11-10
I was considering purchasing a new 2022 Forester, but after test driving the 2021 model, I found the engine to be underpowered and noisy (although I understand it's a boxer engine), and the car leaned too much when going around corners. In comparison, my wife's CRV is much quieter, handles better, and is more refined. Additionally, there have been some issues with windshield cracking. While the Forester does excel in off-road handling, I have decided to pass. Thank you for the opportunity.
Norbert Collier 2024-09-23
I strongly dislike the ESS. The car shakes and shudders every time when stopped at the red light and shakes and shudders again when it restarts. Despite switching it off, the ESS mode reactivates as soon as I turn it on.
Nickolas Boehm 2024-09-01
I have owned three Subarus in the past three years, but unfortunately, I have experienced some quality issues. The ride quality of my 2021 Forester, which is my sixth Subaru, is not up to my expectations. While it is okay on highways, it tends to throw you around when driving around town. Additionally, the road noise is terrible, and it sounds like there is no insulation on wet roads. I also had some body assembly issues with my 2019 Legacy. When I traded it in for a 2020 Forester, I was disappointed to find out that the dealer only offered me $7500, which was not the best trade-in value. Recently, my 2021 Forester's windshield broke, and the dealer advised me to contact my insurance company. After some effort, I was able to get it replaced. It seems like there might be an issue with windshields breaking.
Stephan Lesch 2024-07-11
I purchased my Forester sport in June 2021 and my first impression was great. However, after using the car for a week, I started noticing some quality issues. The engine noise and interior noise, such as plastic cracking and stuff moving, were not to my liking. Additionally, the MPG was not as advertised, and I only got 22MPG combined after driving for 4 months. The driver seat is not very comfortable for long distances and the Eyesight system can be unreliable in tunnels or in the city. The engine power is not as strong as I would like and the towing capacity is only 1500lb. The wind noise can be a bit distracting and the sound system quality is not the best. Lastly, there were some water leaks inside the door panel after car wash which could damage your speakers. Overall, I wish I had done more research before purchasing the car. While there are some areas where Subaru can improve, I still appreciate the car's luxury and safety features.
Jarod Hettinger 2024-04-27
I've been driving the 2021 Forester Touring for about a week now and I have some thoughts to share. Let's start with the positives - the stereo system is amazing and blows away the Bose I had in my Acadia. The steering is very responsive and the mileage is good. The ride is also very smooth. However, there are some negatives that I've noticed. For example, the gas tank access is on the passenger side which can be inconvenient. Additionally, I'm not sure why there are perforations in the seats if the car doesn't have ventilated seats. It seems like they could be difficult to clean and maintain over time. Another issue is the Subaru head up or head straight ahead system, which is cool, but it would be even better if there was a heads up display on the inside windshield to keep your eyes on the road. Overall, I think the Forester Touring is a decent vehicle, but it seems like there could have been more thought put into the design. I would give it 3.5 out of 5 stars as of today.