2022 Subaru Forester Safety Report

2022 Subaru Forester: Excellent Crash Ratings, but Concerning Complaints on AEB, Visibility, and Unexpected Acceleration

91Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
8Crash Reports
6Fire Reports
5Injuries
Most reported components: Visibility/Wiper (16)Unknown Or Other (13)Exterior Lighting (8)Forward Collision Avoidance (6)Service Brakes (3)Visibility (3)Vehicle Speed Control (3)Suspension (2)Engine (2)Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Subaru Forester

The 2022 Subaru Forester presents a mixed safety picture, achieving excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA but showing concerning patterns in owner complaints. It earned a perfect 5-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars in frontal and side crash tests, and a respectable 4 stars in rollover resistance. This indicates strong performance in protecting occupants during a collision. However, the vehicle has accumulated 91 total complaints, including 8 crashes, 6 fires, and 5 injuries, which is notable for a relatively new model year. A single recall addresses a potential issue with the power train's inhibitor switch, which could affect reverse lights and the rearview camera, increasing collision risk. Analysis of complaint data reveals several recurring issues. 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' is the most frequent complaint component with 16 reports, often related to spontaneous windshield and rear window shattering, as well as headlight projection problems. 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' systems are also a significant concern, with 6 complaints detailing instances of inadvertent automatic emergency braking or Eyesight system malfunctions, posing a risk of rear-end collisions. Other notable issues include unexpected vehicle acceleration (3 complaints under 'VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL') and premature strut failure, indicating potential reliability issues beyond crash safety. The recall for the power train's inhibitor switch, affecting reverse lights and rearview camera, is a critical safety concern that Subaru has proactively addressed. While the crash test ratings are top-tier, the volume and nature of owner complaints, particularly regarding critical safety systems like automatic emergency braking and visibility, suggest that real-world safety performance might not always align with controlled test environments. The 6 fire incidents, including one where the engine caught fire after a deer collision, also warrant attention.

Reliability Score

The 2022 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 2022 Subaru Forester

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Subaru Forester:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking (Aeb)
The Forward Collision Avoidance system, including AEB and Eyesight, frequently engages without an actual obstruction, leading to sudden braking at highway speeds and near-misses with vehicles behind.		 High Occasional all miles
Spontaneous Windshield/Rear Window Cracking/Shattering
Owners report windshields and rear windows cracking or shattering spontaneously, often without impact, potentially due to manufacturing defects or temperature changes.		 Medium Common all miles
Unexpected Vehicle Acceleration
Vehicles surge forward unexpectedly while braking or at low speeds, posing a significant risk of collision.		 High Occasional all miles
Premature Strut Failure
Struts fail prematurely, sometimes as early as 36,000 miles, requiring costly replacements not always covered by warranty.		 Medium Occasional 36000-60000 miles
Headlight Projection Issues
Headlights exhibit rectangular dark spots in their projection, creating blind spots and distractions during night driving.		 Medium Rare all miles
Power Train Inhibitor Switch Malfunction
An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, preventing reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera from displaying, increasing collision risk (subject of a recall).		 Medium Rare all miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2022 Subaru Forester:

Visibility/Wiper 17% of complaints

Frequent complaints about spontaneous glass cracking (windshields, rear windows) and issues with headlight projection.

Forward Collision Avoidance 6% of complaints

Reports of the automatic emergency braking system activating without cause and Eyesight system malfunctions.

Vehicle Speed Control 3% of complaints

Incidents of unexpected acceleration, particularly at low speeds or while braking.

Suspension 2% of complaints

Complaints regarding premature failure of struts.

Exterior Lighting 8% of complaints

Issues related to fog lights blowing fuses and affecting other safety systems, and headlight projection problems.

Engine 2% of complaints

Reports of thick white exhaust, burning smells, and engine fires (6 total fire incidents reported).

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Subaru Forester

Is the 2022 Subaru Forester safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 Subaru Forester achieved excellent 5-star overall, frontal, and side crash test ratings, indicating strong occupant protection in collisions. However, owner complaints highlight significant concerns with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, spontaneous glass shattering, and unexpected acceleration, which could compromise real-world safety. There is also one recall for a power train inhibitor switch issue.

What are common problems with the 2022 Subaru Forester?

The most reported issues for the 2022 Subaru Forester include problems with 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' (16 complaints), often related to spontaneous windshield and rear window cracking. 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' systems (6 complaints) frequently trigger automatic emergency braking without cause. Other concerns involve unexpected vehicle acceleration (3 complaints), premature strut failure, and issues with exterior lighting.

Are there any recalls for the 2022 Subaru Forester?

Yes, there is one recall for the 2022 Subaru Forester concerning the 'POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH'. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, potentially preventing reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.

How does the 2022 Subaru Forester perform in crash tests?

The 2022 Subaru Forester performs exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for both frontal and side crash tests, and a 4-star rating for rollover resistance, indicating a high level of occupant protection in various collision scenarios.

What should I know about the Eyesight system in the 2022 Subaru Forester?

The Eyesight system, which includes features like automatic emergency braking, has been a source of concern for some 2022 Subaru Forester owners. There are 6 complaints related to the 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' system, with reports of the system engaging inadvertently, causing sudden braking when no obstruction is present, and sometimes disabling itself while driving.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2022 Subaru Forester boasts excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of recurring complaints regarding the automatic emergency braking system, spontaneous glass issues, and unexpected acceleration. Consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on these known problem areas and ensure all recall work has been completed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Subaru Forester

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Subaru Forester. The data includes 91 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 8 reported crashes, 6 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2022 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.