2021 Subaru Forester Safety Report

2021 Subaru Forester: Strong Crash Ratings, but Significant Real-World Complaints for Stalling, Unintended Acceleration, and Windshield Issues

197Complaints
0Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
16Crash Reports
4Fire Reports
8Injuries
Most reported components: Visibility/Wiper (67)Unknown Or Other (19)Visibility (13)Electrical System (12)Engine (10)Vehicle Speed Control (6)Power Train (5)Suspension (4)Power Train,Engine (3)Forward Collision Avoidance (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Subaru Forester presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings from NHTSA, and a 4-star rollover rating, the vehicle has accumulated 197 complaints, including 16 crashes and 8 injuries. A significant concern is the high number of complaints related to 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' (67 complaints), often involving windshield cracking. More critically, there are recurring patterns of engine stalling, unexpected acceleration, and issues with the auto start/stop system, which have led to dangerous situations for drivers. For instance, multiple complaints describe the engine shutting down unexpectedly while in traffic or at intersections, and several reports detail unintended acceleration incidents, one of which resulted in a crash. Despite the absence of any recalls for the 2021 model year, the nature of the complaints suggests underlying issues that could compromise safety. The 'ENGINE' component has 10 complaints, with descriptions pointing to complete power loss at highway speeds and stalling. The 'VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL' component, with 6 complaints, is linked to unintended acceleration. Furthermore, the 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' system (3 complaints) has been cited for unexpected braking or veering, as seen in a complaint where the vehicle ran into a ditch due to the lane keeping assistance feature. The high number of 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' complaints, specifically regarding windshield cracking, indicates a potential quality control issue that could impair driver visibility. The recurring problems with the auto start/stop system leading to stalls, and the reports of unintended acceleration, are particularly alarming as they directly impact vehicle control and could increase the risk of collisions. While the crash test ratings are strong, the real-world complaint data highlights several areas of concern that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Subaru Forester receives a reliability score of 65 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.

Known Issues for the 2021 Subaru Forester

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Subaru Forester:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Stalling/Auto Start/Stop Malfunction
The engine unexpectedly shuts down while driving or at a stop, often related to the auto start/stop system failing to restart, leading to loss of power and control in traffic. Multiple complaints describe the car dying in traffic or at intersections, requiring manual restart.		 High Common variable miles
Unintended Acceleration
Vehicle accelerates on its own, sometimes rapidly, even when the driver is braking or stopped. One complaint describes a crash into a wall after the vehicle accelerated from 4 MPH.		 High Occasional variable miles
Windshield Cracking
Windshields are prone to cracking from minor impacts, requiring frequent and costly replacements. This is the most reported issue under 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' with 67 complaints.		 Medium Common early ownership miles
Battery Drain/Electrical System Issues
Vehicle batteries drain prematurely, requiring multiple replacements. Some complaints link this to the auto start/stop system or incorrect battery specifications. Electrical system has 12 complaints.		 Medium Occasional 45000+ miles
Eyesight/Forward Collision Avoidance Malfunction
The Eyesight system, including Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist, can malfunction, leading to unexpected braking, veering off-road, or system disablement. Three complaints are specifically for 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE'.		 High Occasional variable miles
Cvt Transmission Issues
Transmission inadvertently shifts from drive to neutral while driving, causing a loss of power. Reported under 'POWER TRAIN' complaints.		 High Rare variable miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Subaru Forester:

Visibility/Wiper 34% of complaints

Predominantly related to windshield cracking from minor impacts, leading to frequent replacements and visibility concerns. This component accounts for 67 of 197 total complaints.

Engine 5% of complaints

Issues include complete engine failure, stalling, and carbon deposits on intake valves causing performance problems. There are 10 complaints specifically for 'ENGINE'.

Electrical System 6% of complaints

Frequent battery drainage, issues with the auto start/stop system, and other electrical malfunctions. This component has 12 complaints.

Vehicle Speed Control 3% of complaints

Reports of unintended acceleration where the vehicle speeds up on its own, sometimes leading to crashes. This component has 6 complaints.

Power Train 3% of complaints

Includes issues like CVT transmission inadvertently shifting to neutral and general power train malfunctions. There are 5 complaints for 'POWER TRAIN'.

Forward Collision Avoidance 2% of complaints

Malfunctions of the Eyesight system, such as unexpected braking or lane keeping assist veering the vehicle. This component has 3 complaints.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Subaru Forester

Is the 2021 Subaru Forester safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Subaru Forester received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side, 4-star rollover). However, it has 197 complaints, including 16 crashes and 8 injuries. Recurring issues like engine stalling, unintended acceleration, and Eyesight system malfunctions raise significant safety concerns despite strong crash test performance.

What are common problems with the 2021 Subaru Forester?

The most reported issues are related to 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' (67 complaints), primarily windshield cracking. Other common problems include engine stalling and malfunctions of the auto start/stop system, unintended acceleration ('VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL' with 6 complaints), and electrical system issues like battery drain (12 complaints).

Are there any recalls for the 2021 Subaru Forester?

No, there are currently no recalls issued by NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Forester.

Does the 2021 Subaru Forester have issues with its Eyesight system?

Yes, there are complaints regarding the Eyesight Driver Assist System, specifically under 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' (3 complaints). These include unexpected braking, the system veering the vehicle into a ditch, and general malfunctions that disable the system.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2021 Subaru Forester?

When considering a used 2021 Subaru Forester, pay close attention to the windshield for cracks, check the vehicle's service history for battery replacements or engine-related repairs, and test the auto start/stop system for smooth operation. Be alert for any signs of unintended acceleration or Eyesight system warnings during a test drive.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of significant real-world complaints regarding engine stalling, unintended acceleration, and frequent windshield cracking. Thoroughly inspect the vehicle's service history and test all safety and engine systems before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Subaru Forester

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Subaru Forester. The data includes 197 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 16 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 8 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Subaru Forester an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 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.