2019 Subaru Forester Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners report that the 2019 Subaru Forester frequently experiences issues with the thermo control valve (TCV), leading to engine stalling and loss of power. Typical symptoms include the engine shutting down unexpectedly, misfiring, and entering limp mode, often accompanied by multiple warning lights on the dashboard. These issues are commonly reported at mileage ranging from 17,000 to 58,000 miles. Some complaints involve safety concerns, with stalling incidents occurring in traffic, and two reports involve crashes. Additionally, the auto start/stop feature malfunctions, causing the engine to fail to restart after stopping, further contributing to safety risks.

Owners report frequent windshield cracking in the 2019 Subaru Forester, often without any apparent impact. Complaints frequently mention cracks appearing while the vehicle is parked or stationary, with some noting the issue occurring shortly after windshield replacement. Many describe cracks forming at various mileages, commonly around 10,000 to 50,000 miles, and in some cases as early as 3,400 miles. There are no reports of crashes or injuries directly associated with these windshield issues, but some owners express concern about visibility obstruction. This pattern of windshield fragility may be a consideration for used car buyers evaluating this model.

Owners report frequent issues with the 2019 Subaru Forester's powertrain, particularly involving the Thermo Control Valve (TCV) and the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Complaints commonly mention TCV failures leading to engine stalling, loss of power, and the disabling of safety systems like EyeSight and pre-collision braking, often accompanied by multiple warning lights on the dashboard. These issues typically arise between 50,000 and 75,000 miles. Some owners also describe CVT failures requiring costly replacements. Safety implications include crashes and near-misses due to sudden loss of power or engine shutdowns while driving. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported issues and potential repair costs.

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with airbag deployment failures during crashes, with eight complaints involving crashes and several noting that airbags did not deploy upon impact. These incidents often result in injuries, with reports indicating a total of 10 injuries across various complaints. Some owners describe problems with the airbag system's sensors, including the passenger seat airbag sensor failing to detect occupants consistently. Complaints also mention electronic warning lights related to the airbag system activating unpredictably, which sometimes coincides with other system alerts. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 600 miles. Additionally, one complaint details a fire following a crash, adding to the safety implications for potential buyers.

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the braking system, including unexpected braking activation and brake failure. Complaints often describe incidents of the automatic collision braking system engaging without obstacles, leading to potential loss of control. Instances of brake pedal failure and unintended acceleration are also noted, sometimes resulting in crashes. These issues typically occur at various mileages, with some reports around 20,000 to 50,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as several complaints involve crashes, some with injuries, highlighting the importance of thorough inspection for potential buyers.

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the steering system, notably describing the steering as overly sensitive and twitchy at highway speeds, which requires constant corrections and makes maintaining a consistent path challenging. Several complaints also highlight instances where the steering seizes or becomes stiff, particularly after stalling or during engine shutdowns. These issues are often noted at various mileage points, with some reports as low as 4,000 miles and others around 64,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control, especially in high-speed or emergency situations, as some owners mention difficulty steering away from obstacles or during lane changes. Additionally, there are mentions of the steering wheel locking mechanism failing, leaving drivers temporarily unable to start the vehicle. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers considering a used 2019 Subaru Forester.

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with unintended acceleration and vehicle speed control failures. Common symptoms include sudden acceleration when parking or at low speeds, and the vehicle accelerating independently while braking or coasting. These incidents often occur at mileages ranging from 6,000 to 29,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, with two reports involving crashes, one of which resulted in two injuries, and another causing a laceration injury. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential hazards, as they may impact both the vehicle's control and safety.