2019 Subaru Forester: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2019 Subaru Forester: 3 recalls, 833 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #19V065000 · 2019 · 10,417 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #19V856000 · 2019 · 51,613 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #21V263000 · 2021 · 408,271 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Missing bolts May allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 11 mention a fire, 21 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility/Wiper (370): the most common themes are noise or vibration (12), stalls / loses power (11).
- Other / unknown (144): the most common themes are electrical failure (19), stalls / loses power (13).
- Electrical (134): the most common themes are electrical failure (69), stalls / loses power (29), warning light on (27).
- Engine (106): the most common themes are warning light on (47), stalls / loses power (32), electrical failure (14).
The 2019 Subaru Forester has 833 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 29 Forester model years for complaints (3.7× the average Forester year). Complaints peaked in 2020 (203 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 8,575 miles. Neighboring years: 2018 (498 complaints, 3 recalls), 2020 (602 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 33 | 29 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2019 Subaru Forester.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2019 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2019 Subaru Forester. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2019 Subaru Forester problems?
Owners have filed 833 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (370), other / unknown (144), electrical (134).
What gas mileage does the 2019 Subaru Forester get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (AV-S7)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2019 Subaru Forester repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.