2015 Subaru Forester Safety Report
2015 SUBARU FORESTER Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2015 Subaru Forester
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2015 Subaru Forester. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (3) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (604) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 59 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Subaru Forester with 197 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Subaru Forester before buying across this generation. |
Subaru Forester Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Subaru Forester years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Subaru Forester | 400 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Subaru Forester | 564 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Subaru Forester | 480 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Subaru Forester | 828 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Subaru Forester | 588 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 197 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2015 Subaru Forester Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2015 Subaru Forester, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
62 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Subaru onlySuspension
62 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension issues Subaru onlyAir Bags
61 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Subaru onlyUnknown Or Other
39 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru onlyElectrical System
38 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Subaru onlyPower Train
37 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Subaru Forester
Reliability Score
The 2015 Subaru Forester receives a reliability score of 52 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2015 Subaru Forester
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2015 Subaru Forester
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Subaru Forester:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling Issues Some 2015 Subaru Foresters have experienced engine and engine cooling issues, leading to complete shutdowns or random acceleration without pedal input. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Passenger Airbag Sensor Problems A high frequency of reports indicate that the passenger airbag sensor intermittently works, causing the airbag light to turn on even when no one is in the passenger seat. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Recall Issues Several recalls have been issued for various components, including the SRS airbag system, with some defects recurring despite remedial actions. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Transmission Differential Noise Some owners report a loud noise from the transmission differential, though it is less common. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Subaru Forester:
Issues with engine and engine cooling have been reported, leading to complete shutdowns or random acceleration.
High frequency of reports indicate problems with the passenger airbag sensor, causing the airbag light to turn on intermittently.
Several recalls have been issued for various components, with some defects recurring.
Some owners report a loud noise from the transmission differential, though it is less common.
Recall Details for the 2015 Subaru Forester
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2015 Subaru Forester by NHTSA:
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
Consequence: If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Consequence: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2015 Subaru Forester
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2015 Subaru Forester with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
This has now happened twice to my daughter, both times on the highway. One time the car shut down completely and the 2nd time the car just started slowing while pressing the gas and coasted to a stop. Luckily she was able to avoid other cars and get to the shoulder. The car restarted both times...1st time after about an hour wait and 2nd time within minutes. Both incidents happened when the gas ga...
On 3 different occasions the car randomly accelerated at a high speed without stepping on the gas pedal. The first time was in a parking lot. The second time was on a busy road while traveling at 35 mph. The car accelerated to about 60 mph, fortunately once applying the brakes the vehicle slowed down to gain control. The third time it happened was recently on [XXX] while slowly backing down [XXX]....
I bought a used 2015 subaru forester with 117,000 miles from an auto shop/used car dealer in March of 2024. In September of 2025, 11,000 miles of driving later, a bunch of lights came on my dash. Check engine, traction control, ABS, at oil temp, and incline assist. I took it to Autozone to get the codes read and the part it suggested was the transmission oil pressure sensor. I then took it to a t...
REPORT OF FAILED RECALL REMEDY (RECALL 19V-149 / WUE-90) My 2015 Subaru Forester experienced a total recurrence of the defect addressed in 2019. The vehicle became trapped in 'Park' intermittently on several occasions before remaining immobilized. During one incident, the manual shift-lock override failed to function. While the brake lights functioned during these incidents, the failure to shift ...
Passenger airbag sensor intermittently works and turns off when passenger is in the seat. Dashboard light for airbag is constantly on and passenger airbag is constantly off. Issues with seat sensor going off when no one is sitting in the passenger seat. Abs system error message. All identical to recall symptoms.
Airbag light intermittently turns on to indicate that airbag may not deploy even if there is someone in the passenger seat. This is a known safety issue with a recall in 2019 but for some reason is affecting a much larger set of vehicles than in the recall, including mine.
Getting an SRS Airbag system needs to be checked. Took the 2015 Subaru Forester to Williams Subaru in Lansing MI and they stated the code B1760 for the occupant detection system Mat was determined. The seat has not been wet and nothing spilled on it and was also determined dry by the repair specialist at time of service. They were able to reset sensor and did a test drive. Less than a week la...
PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF EVEN IF THERE IS NO ONE SITTING IN THE SEAT
My passenger and rear airbags are not working due to a failure in this part: CUSHION AY OCPANTRH 64139SG002. I have been waiting for the part for around 10 months. My safety is put at risk as my airbags are not working and Subaru has not provided a solution while we are waiting for this part. I have asked for a rental car and they refused. It has been confirmed by multiple dealerships. The vehicle...
I am reporting a recurring safety defect in my 2015 Subaru Forester (VIN: [XXX] ) that directly relates to Recall WUM-98 / NHTSA Recall 19V-701 (Occupant Detection System wiring harness). Original Recall (2019–2020): The Occupant Detection System (ODS) failed, disabling the passenger airbag. Subaru performed the recall remedy at that time. Reoccurrence (August 2025): The exact same defect reappe...
The ignition key kept getting stuck in the ignition. Subaru acknowledged a defect in the shifter plate and parking range switch. They replaced it on 8/30/25 under service bulletin 16-12-18R but the dealer charged me $584.94 and Subaru North America refused to reimburse, stating that they had extended the warranty period to 2022, and therefore I was not covered for repair. However, they acknowledge...
SRS air bag system needs to be checked Alert on
The rear door hinges do not open fully and it is easy to hit your head. I hit my head unloading groceries, and my boyfriend did as well. It is dangerous.
I own a 2015 Subaru Forester that was involved in the NHTSA recall ID 19V-701 - Subaru safety recall WUM-98 in 2020. My VIN is [XXX] and my dealer is Lancaster County Subaru in Lancaster, PA. For about four months in the end of 2019 until February of 2020 we were unable to use the passenger seat due to the air bag problem which was intermittent. This required either my wife or I to ride in the ba...
Sounds like the differential in the transmission is making a horrendous noise
My vehicle has a capacitive sensor in the passenger seat that determines if someone is sitting in the seat and turns the airbag on or off accordingly. Starting towards the beginning of March, my vehicle stopped detecting if someone was sitting in that seat and permanently disabled the airbags. I took the vehicle in to a Subaru dealer to get this fixed, as I view airbags as necessary to the safet...
The wheel hub bolt stud and nut freeze/lock up. They break apart when the technician attempts to remove to perform tire rotation. It is a common problem with the Subaru Forester. I have had to replace 2, so far. Dealer charges $200+ for replacing it. Subaru has not stepped up to take responsibility for the defect.
UNKNOWN. Often when I attempt to accelerate after stopping at a stop sign, the car hesitates, sometimes lunges ahead and then sometimes practically dying before accelerating normally. There have been times when It simply feels like a fuel pump problem and I know that Toyotas with this same Denso fuel pump have had documented problems similar to mine. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FR...
Airbag/seatbelt system failure August, 2024. Passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) failure. Detection system fails to correctly detect passenger in the seat. Sometimes it thinks there is no passenger, when there is one (will fail to deploy airbag in a crash); sometimes it thinks there is a passenger when there is none (requires seat belt to be buckled with no one in the seat). Recall (1...
SRS airbag system not registering that there is a passenger in the passenger seat and therefore the airbag is not turning on.
Showing 20 of 604 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Subaru Forester
Has the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER been recalled?
Yes, the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER has 3 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER have?
The 2015 SUBARU FORESTER has 604 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 52 involved crashes. 33 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER?
The 2015 SUBARU FORESTER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER involve engine (62 complaints), suspension (62 complaints), air bags (61 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, electrical system, power train.
How many crash reports does the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER have?
There are 52 crash reports associated with the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER out of 604 total complaints (8.6% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER have?
There are 7 fire reports for the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER out of 604 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER?
33 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2015 SUBARU FORESTER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER is proceed with caution. It has 604 complaints, 3 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER?
The components with the most failures on the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER are: 1. ENGINE (62 complaints), 2. SUSPENSION (62 complaints), 3. AIR BAGS (61 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (39 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (38 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 62 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2015 SUBARU FORESTER?
Be cautious of potential engine and engine cooling issues, as well as passenger airbag sensor problems. Ensure the SRS airbag system is checked regularly. The 2015 SUBARU FORESTER has 604 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER?
The 2015 SUBARU FORESTER receives a reliability score of 52/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 604 owner complaints, 3 recalls, and 59 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and Engine Cooling Issues and Passenger Airbag Sensor Problems.
What are the known issues with the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER?
Known issues with the 2015 SUBARU FORESTER include: Engine and Engine Cooling Issues, Passenger Airbag Sensor Problems, Recall Issues, Transmission Differential Noise. These are based on patterns found across 604 NHTSA complaints. 3 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common safety issues with the 2015 Subaru Forester?
Engine and engine cooling issues and passenger airbag sensor problems are the most common safety concerns.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 Subaru Forester?
Yes, several recalls have been issued for various components, including the SRS airbag system.
What should I do if I experience random acceleration without stepping on the gas pedal?
Have your vehicle checked by a professional to diagnose and address the issue.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential engine and engine cooling issues, as well as passenger airbag sensor problems. Ensure the SRS airbag system is checked regularly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Subaru Forester
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Subaru Forester. The data includes 604 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 52 reported crashes, 7 fire incidents, 33 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2015 Subaru Forester an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16