2022 Subaru Forester Problems and Recalls (97 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2022 Subaru Forester is Glass / wipers / cameras (22% of 97 owner reports). There are 1 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Glass / wipers / cameras — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-09-07 97 complaints · 1 recalls

What problems show up on the 2022 Subaru Forester?

21 of 97 filings named Glass / wipers / cameras (22% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Automatic braking / collision warning (11 reports).

There are 1 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Transmission / driveline. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 2021 has 207 reports on file; this year has 97. A smaller lifetime total is not a clean bill of health. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 2022 Subaru Forester

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 1 campaigns on file below.
  2. Glass / wipers / cameras. Check windshield, wipers and any camera or sensor the listing claims is there.
  3. Automatic braking / collision warning. Ask whether the warning lights stay off and whether related recalls were done.
  4. Lights. Walk around the vehicle: headlights, brake lights and turn signals all working.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Glass / wipers / cameras. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Glass / wipers / cameras 21 complaints · 21.7% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 8
  • Fires 6
  • Injuries 5
  • Deaths 0
All Subaru Forester years →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) appears in 21 of 97 owner complaints (21.7%) in this vehicle snapshot. Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY): 21 complaints, 21.7% of reports Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 21 · 21.7% Automatic braking / collision warning (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE): 11 complaints, 11.3% of reports Automatic braking / collision warning (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE) 1 crash reports 11 · 11.3% Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING): 8 complaints, 8.3% of reports Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 8 · 8.3% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 8 complaints, 8.3% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 2 crash reports 8 · 8.3% Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 6 complaints, 6.2% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 2 fire reports 6 · 6.2% Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL): 5 complaints, 5.2% of reports Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 3 crash reports 1 fire reports 5 · 5.2% Engine (ENGINE): 4 complaints, 4.1% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 1 crash reports 2 fire reports 4 · 4.1% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 4 complaints, 4.1% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 4 · 4.1% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 3 complaints, 3.1% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 3 · 3.1% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 39 complaints, 40.2% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 4 crash reports 2 fire reports 39 · 40.2% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 21 21.7% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Automatic braking / collision warning (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE) 11 11.3% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 8 8.3% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 8 8.3% 2 crashes · 0 fires
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 6 6.2% 0 crashes · 2 fires
Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 5 5.2% 3 crashes · 1 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 4 4.1% 1 crashes · 2 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 4 4.1% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 3 3.1% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 39 40.2% 4 crashes · 2 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Jan 2022; the first recall shown was reported in Nov 2023. 2022-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 2022-Q2: 5 owner reports 5 2022-Q3: 15 owner reports 15 2022-Q4: 13 owner reports 13 2023-Q1: 9 owner reports 9 2023-Q2: 6 owner reports 6 2023-Q3: 5 owner reports 5 2023-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2024-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2024-Q2: 3 owner reports 3 2024-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2025-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2025-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2025-Q3: 5 owner reports 5 2025-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2026-Q1: 8 owner reports 8 2026-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2026-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 Owner reports Jan 2022 Jul 2026 Recall campaign 23V755000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V755000
  • Campaign 23V755000 was reported 461 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2022-Q1 Owner reports 4
2022-Q2 Owner reports 5
2022-Q3 Owner reports 15
2022-Q4 Owner reports 13
2023-Q1 Owner reports 9
2023-Q2 Owner reports 6
2023-Q3 Owner reports 5
2023-Q4 Owner reports 4
2024-Q1 Owner reports 3
2024-Q2 Owner reports 3
2024-Q3 Owner reports 3
2025-Q1 Owner reports 5
2025-Q2 Owner reports 1
2025-Q3 Owner reports 5
2025-Q4 Owner reports 2
2026-Q1 Owner reports 8
2026-Q2 Owner reports 2
2026-Q3 Owner reports 4
Recall campaign 1 23V755000
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-09-06 Open source record

Safety Recalls (1)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Transmission / driveline.

  1. Recall campaign 23V755000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    Consequence:
    An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-09-07
Safety incident filters
Showing 7 of 97 complaints · page 1 of 4
2026-08-27Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11759893
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The affected product is a Kuat Sherpa 2.0 hitch-mounted bicycle rack (2-bike, [1.25" / 2"] receiver), purchased new in January 2023, mounted on a 2022 Subaru Forester. On two occasions in the past several months, the front ratchet/hook arm that secures the front wheel released on its own while the vehicle was in motion, allowing the bicycle to come off the tray. On July 17th 2026, at approximately 15 mph on a gravel driveway, the bike released and was retained only by the rear wheel strap. On August 26th 2026, at approximately 15 mph, the bike released again and was retained only because a supplemental lock cable was attached; the bike ended up on the ground behind the vehicle with the rack still mounted and deployed (photo attached, timestamped 8/26/26 21:56). The rack was installed and used per the manufacturer's user guide: correct hitch class, provided hitch pin, torqued to spec, genuine unmodified parts, and within the stated weight limit. There was no crash, curb strike, or overloading. No injury or property damage to other vehicles occurred, but a bicycle detaching from a rack at highway speed presents a clear risk of a crash to following traffic. Note for investigators: NHTSA recall campaign 24E044 addressed a similar carrier-drop failure on Kuat's Transfer v2, in which a pivot mechanism could disengage and let the carrier/bike drop while driving. The failure I experienced on the Sherpa 2.0 is the same class of failure. I have not seen a recall covering the Sherpa 2.0.
2026-08-19Automatic braking / collision warning (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11758116
CrashFireInjuryDeath
On 8/15/2026 my car's EyeSight system falsely automatically engaged Pre-Collision Braking on a clear road with no cars, obstacles or potholes ahead, on a sunny day, accelerating at 10–15 mph from a traffic light stop. The car was brought to an abrupt stop with no warning beeps from the Eyesight system that are supposed to precede its activation. This event almost caused a chain-like rear end collision involving 2-3 cars behind my car. On 8/19/2026 a Subaru dealership scanned for DTC codes, found none, stated that since no codes were found,there is no problem found. Dealership did not offer to recalibrate the Eyesight system or do any additional diagnostic work.
2026-08-12BACK OVER PREVENTIONUnclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11756597
CrashFireInjuryDeath
We are experiencing the exact same problem as the recall Under NHTSA Campaign No. 23V755000 (Subaru recall code WRQ-23) for an ineffective weld leading to moisture affecting the backup camera and dashboard lights. However, our VIN is NOT included in the recall.
2026-07-09LANE DEPARTUREUnclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11749419
CrashFireInjuryDeath
While driving my 2022 Subaru Forester, the factory EyeSight autonomous safety system completely failed and disabled itself permanently. The total system shutdown caused an immediate loss of Pre-Collision Emergency Braking, Lane Change Detection, and Adaptive Cruise Control, creating an active highway safety hazard. A subsequent diagnostic scan by an authorized retailer confirmed hard fault code B1402, indicating that the internal factory camera software permanently corrupted itself and erased its own model code data profile. The manufacturer has issued TSB 07-225-24 to address this exact internal memory logic crash, but is currently refusing to replace this critical, failed safety system on a vehicle with only 32,364 miles.
2026-06-23Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
NHTSA ODI 11746009
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Forester. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed inhibitor switch. The contact was informed that the inhibitor switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact was informed that parts were on back order. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
2026-05-12Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11737260
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the contact was advised that the batter was defective. The contact was informed that the battery was not large enough for the power of the vehicle. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure of the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,200.
2026-03-18Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11725294
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Back window shattered spontaneously. No known cause. No evidence of vandalism. Temperature did drop 45 degrees over night. Shut side door and back window shattered. Had not started car yet. Rear defroster not engaged.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2022 Subaru Forester?

Owners named Glass / wipers / cameras most often — 21 of 97 reports (22%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2022 Subaru Forester?

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Transmission / driveline. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2022 Subaru Forester?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Check windshield, wipers and any camera or sensor the listing claims is there. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-09-07. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources