2024 Subaru Forester Safety Report

2024 Subaru Forester achieves 5-star crash ratings but faces early recalls and owner complaints regarding airbags, windshields, and driveshaft issues.

26Complaints
2Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
3Crash Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (5)Air Bags (5)Visibility/Wiper (4)Air Bags,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Engine (1)Forward Collision Avoidance,Lane Departure (1)Structure (1)Tires (1)Vehicle Speed Control,Unknown Or Other (1)Service Brakes (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2024 Subaru Forester

The 2024 Subaru Forester presents a mixed safety picture, with excellent crash test performance but emerging concerns from owner complaints and two significant recalls. NHTSA awarded the vehicle a perfect 5-star overall safety rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side crash tests, and a respectable 4 stars for rollover. This indicates strong structural integrity and occupant protection in typical collision scenarios. However, despite being a new model year with only 26 total complaints, several patterns are concerning. There have been 3 reported crashes, 1 injury, and 0 fires or deaths, which is notable for a vehicle with such low complaint volume. Common complaint patterns include issues with the 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' category (5 complaints), 'AIR BAGS' (5 complaints), and 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' (4 complaints). Specifically, multiple owners report spontaneous windshield cracks, with some experiencing repeat failures and concerns about repair coverage. Airbag system malfunctions are also frequently cited, particularly the passenger airbag failing to activate for occupants around 88-100 lbs, despite dealership assurances. The 'EYESIGHT' forward collision avoidance system is also mentioned as failing daily, disabling multiple safety features. Two recalls have been issued for the 2024 Forester. One addresses a potential issue with the front driveshaft assemblies, where the outer race may crack and break, leading to a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway. The second recall concerns loose attachment bolts on the engine water pipe, which could cause a coolant leak and increase the risk of fire if coolant contacts a hot exhaust pipe. These recalls highlight critical component failures that could severely impact safety. While the crash test ratings are excellent, the early complaint data and recalls suggest potential reliability and safety system issues that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Reliability Score

The 2024 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 2024 Subaru Forester

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2024 Subaru Forester:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Passenger Airbag Malfunction
Multiple reports of the passenger airbag failing to activate for occupants weighing 88-100 lbs, despite the indicator showing 'off'. Dealerships often state the system is working as designed, citing a 105 lbs minimum for activation.		 High Common new-low miles
Spontaneous Windshield Cracking
Several owners report windshields cracking spontaneously, often without impact, sometimes repeatedly. Cracks can grow and obstruct driver's view, and some repairs are not covered by warranty.		 Medium Common new-low miles
Eyesight System Failure
The Eyesight system (forward collision avoidance, lane assist, cruise control) reportedly fails almost daily for some owners, disabling multiple critical safety features.		 High Occasional new-low miles
Front Driveshaft Assembly Cracks
Recall issued for front driveshaft assemblies where the outer race may develop cracks and break, leading to loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway.		 High Common new-low miles
Engine Water Pipe Coolant Leak
Recall issued for loose attachment bolts on the engine water pipe, potentially causing coolant leaks and increasing fire risk if coolant contacts a hot exhaust pipe.		 High Occasional new-low miles
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
At least one complaint of sudden unintended acceleration while parking, leading to a crash.		 High Rare new-low miles
Brake Failure
At least one complaint of brakes failing to engage when pushed all the way down, resulting in a collision.		 High Rare new-low miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2024 Subaru Forester:

Air Bags 19% of complaints

Frequent complaints about passenger airbag not activating for lighter occupants (88-100 lbs) and general airbag system malfunctions.

Visibility/Wiper 15% of complaints

Multiple reports of spontaneous windshield cracking, sometimes repeatedly, and issues with distorted side mirrors.

Unknown Or Other 19% of complaints

A significant portion of complaints fall into this category, indicating various unspecified issues or general malfunctions.

Forward Collision Avoidance 4% of complaints

Issues with the Eyesight system failing, disabling collision avoidance and other safety features.

Engine 4% of complaints

One complaint of an oil leak and a recall for a coolant leak from the engine water pipe.

Power Train 0% of complaints

Recall for front driveshaft assembly issues, which could lead to loss of drive power or rollaway.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 Subaru Forester

Is the 2024 Subaru Forester safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2024 Subaru Forester received excellent 5-star overall, frontal, and side crash test ratings, indicating strong occupant protection. However, it has two significant recalls for driveshaft and engine coolant leak issues, and early owner complaints highlight concerns with passenger airbag activation, spontaneous windshield cracking, and Eyesight system failures. While crashworthy, potential reliability and safety system glitches are emerging.

What are common problems with the 2024 Subaru Forester?

The most reported issues for the 2024 Subaru Forester include passenger airbag malfunctions (5 complaints), spontaneous windshield cracking (4 complaints), and general 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' issues (5 complaints). There are also specific complaints about the Eyesight forward collision avoidance system failing and a recall for front driveshaft issues and engine coolant leaks.

Are there any recalls for the 2024 Subaru Forester?

Yes, there are two recalls for the 2024 Subaru Forester. One recall addresses potential cracks in the front driveshaft assemblies, which could lead to a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway. The second recall is for loose attachment bolts on the engine water pipe, which could cause a coolant leak and increase the risk of fire.

How does the 2024 Subaru Forester perform in crash tests?

The 2024 Subaru Forester performed 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.

What should I know about the passenger airbag in the 2024 Subaru Forester?

Several owners have reported that the passenger airbag indicator remains 'off' even with an occupant in the seat, particularly for individuals weighing around 88-100 lbs. Dealerships have sometimes stated this is normal, citing a factory design minimum of 105 lbs for activation, which raises concerns for lighter passengers.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2024 Subaru Forester boasts excellent crash test scores, prospective buyers should be aware of early recalls for critical components and emerging owner complaints regarding airbag functionality and windshield durability. Consider verifying recall repairs are completed and thoroughly test the Eyesight system and passenger airbag functionality during a test drive.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2024 Subaru Forester

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2024 Subaru Forester. The data includes 26 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2024 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.