2021 Subaru Forester Problems: Glass / wipers / cameras (207 Complaints)

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while trying to roll up vehicle windows from driver sits and passenger sit they would roll up to 3/4th all the way up and they would roll back down after. The contact stated this was a recurring event. The dealer was aware of failure and diagnosed issue needing repairs for window regulator and run channels for driver and passengers side. Manufacturer was made aware of failure and let contact know it was outside of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 22,500.

My 2021 Subaru Forester has a recurring, worsening defect in the Idle Stop/Start (ISS) system that creates a stalling hazard. When ISS shuts the engine off at a stop, the engine intermittently fails to restart when I try to move again. It cranks progressively slower, warning lights illuminate, a continuous alert sounds, and the vehicle cannot proceed until I shift to Park and restart manually. This has left me immobile in live traffic at lights, stop signs, and mid-turn. The system also attempts to shut down in unfavorable moments, such as mid-turn, or as I am already releasing the brake (meaning it was depressed only lightly or briefly); it then tries to restart while still mid-shutdown, producing a pronounced shake. This is not a battery-charge problem. It has occurred even when the battery tested above its rated cold-cranking amps, and after each failure the engine restarts smoothly by manual start, indicating the starter, engine, and fuel systems function normally. I raised this before 2024, but it was not recorded until May 2024. At that visit the dealer performed the TCM reprogramming in Service Bulletin 16-147-24 (Forester, auto start/stop engine speed drop on restart) plus an ECM update. A later visit added another ECM update. A dealer has now identified yet another TCM reprogramming, quoted for a fee. The failure has persisted across all of these updates. Dealer staff acknowledge repeated customer complaints with these exact symptoms and say there is no known effective fix. Because ISS cannot be permanently disabled through any factory control, I must remember to disable it manually every drive to avoid a restart failure in traffic. The vehicle is available for inspection. This is an ongoing, unresolved safety defect that repeated manufacturer software remedies have failed to correct, and it can leave the vehicle disabled in live traffic.

Persistent Battery Drain on a 2021 Subaru Forester Limited. Problems began in year 4 of ownership (~17,000 mileage), after Subaru Starlink Subscription services expired. Red (Error) Starlink SOS indicator light was evident, where a normal light would show green. Battery would fully drain after about 3-4 days of inactivity while parked in a commercial garage. After repeated dead batteries, a jump-starter battery pack was used regularly, as well as a wall-outlet battery charger. The problem has not resolved with a new and appropriately specified AGM battery, replaced in December 2025. The only solution is to pull the engine-bay fuse #5, which disables the Data Communication Module (DCM), as well as other features (hands-free microphones and audio system). By pulling the fuse #5 consistently, the problem has ceased, even after a two-week period of no use. This provides irrefutable evidence that the DCM powered by fuse #5 is the source of the battery drain. The only resolution Subaru would offer was to insist on a dedicated diagnostic visit to a dealership, with the associated costs of hundreds of dollars to be borne by me, the customer, without a clear understanding of the costs or remedies to resolve this problem. I feel unsafe driving my vehicle for more than short trips given the risk of stranding or further electrical malfunctions that would impact critical vehicle functions or safety systems.

Driving along and various system warnings came on, then started losing power, then the engine died and the car was completely dead. Got a jump start and the car ran for a couple of minutes and died again. Had it towed to a repair shop and when they checked it the next morning, they couldn't find a problem and it ran great for them. I replaced the battery and alternator just to be safe because we were about to leave on a trip.