2024 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 2024 Subaru Forester problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2024 Subaru Forester, several common problems have been highlighted:
- Handling and Ride Quality: Another issue raised by owners is the handling and ride quality of the Forester. Despite offering a comfortable ride, the vehicle has been criticized for its lackluster handling, noisy cabin, and subpar driving dynamics. This aspect has left some owners unimpressed, particularly when driving on varied terrains or demanding road conditions.
- Outdated Technology: The tech features in the 2024 Forester have been a point of contention among owners. While the infotainment system is user-friendly, the overall technology has been described as dated and slow. Owners have highlighted issues with the busy cluster and screen above the infotainment system, indicating a need for more modern and advanced tech features in line with industry standards.
- Limited Trim Level Luxury: Owners have noted that the upper trim levels of the Forester are less luxurious compared to rivals in the same class. This discrepancy in luxury features and overall refinement has been a concern for some buyers, especially when considering the price point of the vehicle. The Forester's interior design and styling have also been criticized for not being as distinctive or appealing as other models in the market.
- Glass Durability: Some owners have reported issues with the durability of the glass components in the Forester, particularly windshields. Instances of cracked windshields have been mentioned, with owners having to replace them at additional costs. While this may not be a widespread problem, it has been a point of concern for those who have experienced such issues.
These common problems with the 2024 Subaru Forester, as reported by owners, highlight areas where the vehicle falls short in terms of performance, technology, luxury, and durability. Addressing these concerns could enhance the overall ownership experience and competitiveness of the Forester in the SUV market.
What is the most common problem 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.
Will 2024 Forester be redesigned?
The 2024 model year brings about no changes for the Forester.
How many miles per gallon does a 2024 Subaru Forester get?
This compact SUV gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined, earning up to 33 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city. Whether you're making your daily commute or heading out on a longer road trip, you'll save money on fuel when you drive the Forester.
What year Subaru Foresters are being recalled?
Subaru Recalls Sedans and SUVs to Fix Backup Cameras and Reverse Lights. Subaru is recalling over 95,000 Crosstrek SUVs from the 2021 model year, Forester SUVs from the 2022 model year, and Legacy sedans and Outback SUVs from the 2021 through 2023 model years.
What is the most common problem 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.
Will 2024 Forester be redesigned?
The 2024 model year brings about no changes for the Forester.
What is the gas mileage on the Subaru Forester 2024?
2024 Forester Base, Premium, Sport, Limited & Touring Trim Fuel Economy: Highway: 33 mpg* City: 26 mpg*
What year Subaru Foresters are being recalled?
Subaru Recalls Sedans and SUVs to Fix Backup Cameras and Reverse Lights. Subaru is recalling over 95,000 Crosstrek SUVs from the 2021 model year, Forester SUVs from the 2022 model year, and Legacy sedans and Outback SUVs from the 2021 through 2023 model years.
2024 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:
- Unknown or other problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Air bags problems
- Back over prevention problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2024 Subaru Forester vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2024 Subaru Forester complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2024 Subaru Forester.
BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- VIN: JF2SKAMC5RH
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: My backup camera would not operate after washing my car. When I was backing up, I got an alert that something was in my way. There was no picture, so I could not see what it was. I had to stop and get out to see. This could lead to serious problems, like getting hit by other vehicles while have to get out and look for obstacle. This could also be a risk to children crossing behind the car, because eventually the driver will tire of getting out and walking around the car. When I went to take the vehicle to the dealer the next day, the car had dried off, and the camera came back on. I looked at other Subaru forums and found many NHTSA recalls on cameras on different year Subaru's. The problem still seems to persist on my model, but no recall.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-27
- VIN: JF2SKAGC6RH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: I was driving down the road and a bottle was thrown out of a vehicle going the opposite direction as me. Upon impact my windshield shattered and sent shards of glass flying into the cabin of my vehicle. The shards of glass were thrown into my face and would have gone into my eyes had I not been wearing glasses. The glass broke into small shards and splinters that could have easily damaged my eyes or blinded me or a passenger. When I took it to the dealership the staff was shocked by how easily a plastic bottle punctured through the windshield and the amount of glass debris that was thrown into the vehicle.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-10
- VIN: JF2SKALC9RH
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: When the daytime running lights are on in normal conditions, the instrument panel little green headlight indicator does not illuminate. But in low light conditions such as the thunderstorms we get here in Florida very often, or at dusk as the ambient light starts to lessen, the instrument panel headlight indicator will illuminate if the daytime running lights are on and only they are on. So, I have witnessed drivers many times past dusk, in nighttime conditions driving with no taillights, no side running lights, and no headlights, just low intensity daytime running lights apparently thinking their headlights were turned on. I dismissed it as forgetful drivers or "old age" until it happened to me! The scenario was my headlights were not on automatic setting, it was late in the afternoon but decent light so I did not turn on my headlights on manually. Then on the 20-30 minute drive home clouds rolled in and it darkened substantially. The headlight indicator illuminated because the daytime running lights were on, leading me to think I had turned my headlights on as well. I had not, and I had driven almost 20 minutes with no tail lights or running lights in full darkness. I have witnessed this happen to at least three other vehicles on my route home from my work and they were a variety of SUV newer models likely with the same headlight control system. The solution is easy, I think. The instrument panel headlight indicator should never illuminate based on daytime running lights regardless of conditions. I have not taken this to the dealer yet to check it out but I plan to, although I fear it will be difficult to reproduce for them.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-04
- VIN: JF2SKADC8RH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: This is the second windshield crack on my new 2024 Subaru Forester. I have only had the car 4 months. The first crack happened after I only had the car about 3 weeks, it was small and repairable. When I got in my car on 7/4/24, I noticed another crack, this one was good size, about 3 in long. I marked it with a marker to see if it became bigger while just parked, I checked it after a few hours and it had cracked about another inch and a half. When I bought the car they offered a windshield protection insurance which I thought was absolutely ridiculous, it's a Subaru they would not sell and item of poor quality. Never in my life have I ever heard of windshield insurance. Looking back on it now it's obvious they know there is a problem with the windshield. Now I am going to have to get a whole new windshield which is going to have to be recalibrated because of the Eyesight technology. This is a total rip off because Subaru knows they are selling and inferior product and something needs to be done about it. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-19
- VIN: JF2SKAMC2RH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Vehicle: 2024 Subaru Forester Touring Date of Report: [July 3, 2024] What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? On June 19th, 2024 I noticed the side mirror of my 2024 Subaru Forester Touring has melted. This component is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The melting of the side mirror poses a potential risk of fire if it continues to deteriorate. This not only endangers the occupants of the vehicle but also poses a threat to nearby vehicles and property. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by the dealer. Subaru has declined to cover the issue under warranty, attributing it to user-caused damage, which I strongly dispute. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by Subaru, who declined to cover the issue under warranty. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the melting of the side mirror. The problem was first noticed recently, within two months of owning the vehicle. Additional Comments: I have owned the car for less than two months and have taken meticulous care of it. The car is always parked in my garage, ensuring no sun exposure. The only place I have had the car washed is at the Subaru dealership, which further confirms that I have not done anything to damage the car.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-05
- VIN: JF2SKADC1RH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The airbag does not go on all the time when my wife is in the passenger seat. My wife weighs approximately 100lbs. We have been at the dealer 2x's and they say that the airbag is working perfectly. I disagree with them very strongly. We have had multiple cars and do not have this problem. We just traded in a Buick encore gx and no problem with the airbag. Subaru claims there is nothing more they can do.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-01
- VIN: JF2SKALC6RH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Cracked windshield. Happened out of nowhere overnight.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-29
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was pulling to the right. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,000. The VIN was not available.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-07
- VIN: JF2SKAKC2RH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The passenger air bag remains off per the indicator when my 5'3" 100lb wife sits in the seat. The system was inspected at Peoria Subaru in Peoria, AZ and no problem was found. The service manager told me the factory design is 105 lbs minimum before the air bag is on. I find no warning labels in the vehicle and nothing in the owners manual referencing a 105 lb minimum. In fact, the manual states that a jug of water in the passenger's seat will turn the air bag indicator from off to on. If federal regulations require a minimum weight, there should be warning labels stating the minimum weight.
2024 Subaru Forester recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2024 Subaru Forester.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
- Consequence: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.
- Consequence: Leaking coolant can contact a hot exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Subarus independent distributor processing facilities will tighten the water pipe attachment bolts. The affected vehicles have not been delivered to dealers or sold to owners and therefore, no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRO-23.
Negative 2024 Subaru Forester car reviews
Positive 2024 Subaru Forester car reviews
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Finally, Subaru has developed a style that matches its ruggedness and reliability. We absolutely love all the safety features and standard items on our Touring model. The interior is spacious and the visibility is fantastic. They have truly created a car that is both enjoyable and comfortable to drive. The only negative aspect we have found is that we are not particularly fond of the sound of the horn.
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I'm so glad to hear that you love your Forester Touring! It sounds like it rides well, is built well, and is very fun to drive.
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Quality vehicle. Fun to drive. Reliable. Superior safety record.
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Drives smoothly, has good pickup, and is an all-around nice car.
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying the electronics! It's great to know that the Face ID feature is convenient for multiple drivers with different heights. The safety features are truly unmatched, and I completely agree that the rear view radar is worth it for better odds of avoiding a rear-end collision. Additionally, the seats in the back have plenty of headroom, and the moon roof is nice and long. Overall, it sounds like this car is a great choice for anyone who wants a comfortable and safe driving experience.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2024 Subaru Forester problems:
2024 Subaru Forester pre-purchase questions : r/SubaruForester
Jan 30, 2024 ... Any problems with low mileage usage? This car will only be driven about 5k miles a year (2k city, 3k highway road trips). Some cars don't do ...
('19+) - 2024 - Sport - Stability issues? | Subaru Forester Owners ...
Feb 8, 2024 ... The instability is caused by the steering damper. The steering damper lockdown fixes it. Costs abot $80 and takes less than an hour to install.
Most common problems with 2014 foresters? : r/SubaruForester
Jul 3, 2023 ... r/SubaruForester - 2024 Forester Sport, less than 200 miles, water leaking into. 29 upvotes · 46 comments ...
What are the common problems to look for when buying a 2001 ...
Sep 10, 2015 ... What are the common problems to look for when buying a 2001 Subaru Forester S with 116k miles? All related (37).
10 Reasons Why You Don't Want To Buy The 2024 Subaru Forester ...
Aug 19, 2023 ... If you are shopping for a Subaru Forester, here is why you don't want the current fifth-generation compact SUV. And why waiting another year ...
Other years of Subaru Forester
Are you having problems with your 2024 Subaru Forester?
Brycen Cremin 2024-10-27
The storage in the front is limited and the cup holders are awkwardly placed. Additionally, the console is deep but not very wide, and the glove box is only suitable for holding manuals. The engine can be noisy when starting up, and the sporadic engine turn off when stopping can be quite annoying. It can also be difficult to see out of the back window due to the cargo cover and headrests, even with the driver's seat raised to its highest position. For this reason, a back-up camera is necessary. While the lane departure feature can be annoying, it can be turned off for in-town driving. After driving 600 miles, the MPG is 20. It's worth noting that in Florida, you cannot put any tint on the front windshield due to the driving assist camera. The front windshield also did not come tinted, so it's important to apply sunscreen when going on longer drives in daylight hours. Overall, I would not purchase this vehicle again. However, there is supposed to be a revamp in 2025.
Jalon Hoppe 2024-02-26
The car is great, but unfortunately, the front passenger seat is not a power seat and the seatbelt base/receptacle is too high/fixed, which can be uncomfortable for some people. This was disappointing for my spouse and me as we were hoping to take long trips in this car now that we are semi-retired. We never noticed this issue until we got possession of the car, as the salesman was always in the front passenger seat when we were driving/trying out the car. Has anyone else experienced discomfort with the front passenger seat digging seatbelt receptacle?
Dwight Yost 2024-01-22
The car's adaptive cruise is excellent, however, the seats are not comfortable. Despite my car having only 500 miles, both the driver's and passenger's seats are already breaking down. It is worth noting that I am 220 lbs, but even my wife, who is only 140 lbs, is experiencing the same issue.