2024 Subaru Forester Safety Report
2024 SUBARU FORESTER Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2024 Subaru Forester
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2024 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 | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (26) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 3 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Unknown Or Other | Compare unknown or other issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2026 | Compare against the 2026 Subaru Forester with 0 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2020 | Check the 2020 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Subaru Forester | 59 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Subaru Forester | 64 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2026 Subaru Forester | 0 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Subaru Forester | 91 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 197 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Subaru Forester | 588 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2024 Subaru Forester Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2024 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.
Unknown Or Other
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru onlyAir Bags
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Subaru onlyVisibility/Wiper
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Subaru onlyAir Bags,Forward Collision Avoidance
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags,Forward Collision Avoidance issues Subaru onlyEngine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Subaru onlyForward Collision Avoidance,Lane Departure
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Forward Collision Avoidance,Lane Departure issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2024 Subaru Forester
Reliability Score
The 2024 Subaru Forester receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2024 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 2024 Subaru Forester
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2024 Subaru Forester:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags Passenger airbag failure at low weights has been reported, potentially compromising passenger safety. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Windshield Cracks Spontaneous windshield cracks have been reported, posing a significant safety hazard. |
High | Common | 20k-40k miles |
| Driveline Issues Recalled driveline issues can lead to unexpected vehicle behavior, affecting safety. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Water Pipe Engine water pipe issues can cause engine cooling problems, leading to potential engine failure. |
Medium | Rare | 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 2024 Subaru Forester:
Spontaneous windshield cracks have been reported.
Passenger airbag failure at low weights has been reported.
Recalled driveline issues can lead to unexpected vehicle behavior.
Engine water pipe issues can cause engine cooling problems.
Recall Details for the 2024 Subaru Forester
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2024 Subaru Forester by NHTSA:
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
Consequence: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.
Consequence: Leaking coolant can contact a hot exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subarus independent distributor processing facilities will tighten the water pipe attachment bolts. The affected vehicles have not been delivered to dealers or sold to owners and therefore, no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRO-23.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2024 Subaru Forester
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2024 Subaru Forester with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
4 Subarus and this is my 5th spontainious windshield crack (2nd on this vehicle).
On the morning of December 13, 2026, an incident occurred involving our 2024 Subaru Forester. While attempting to make a right-hand turn, the vehicle failed to decelerate as expected and subsequently struck a utility pole. The vehicle’s safety systems did not appear to activate in an effort to prevent the collision, and the airbags did not deploy. The driver sustained minor injuries, including a ...
Took to Local dealership for 20,000 mile oil change. After the oil change the service advisor informed me of an oil leak on the right side of the engine. He could not confirm where the leak was from. I have scheduled to have it repaired under factory warranty. After researching on the internet it has been noted that the valve cover/ spark plug boot seals are known to split and cause an engine oil ...
The eyesight system fails on almost a daily basis. When this happens, multiple safety features shutdown. Lane assist and departure warning stops working. Collision avoidance stops working. Cruise control stops working. Proximity warning alarms stop going off. The local dealership has repeatedly just indicated that this is how it works.
The driver side mirror is distorted. It is not only dizzying but I believe it to be a safety hazard. I have taken it into the dealership many times. They agree that it is distorted but stated that it is no different than other of that style. I have looked in the 2025 model and it does not have the same distortion. I feel that this makes the car dangerous to drive.
The passenager airbag on won't activate at the 88lb weight per local Subaru of Gallatin dealership where I purchased the car from. They did a test with 88lbs in another Subaru vehicle and the passenger airbag on activated but won't activate on in the 2024 Subaru Forester. The local dealership stated that the airbag sensor is off by 10lbs in the vehicle I have. I have asked the dealership to addres...
On 6/10/2025 noticed a small crack on the left side drivers windshield when getting ready to go to work. Nothing hit it that I know of, it just appeared one afternoon. Since then the crack has been growing and blocking drivers view. This is 2024 Subaru Forester. There is a won lawsuit for Subaru windshields doing similar thing on 2019-2022 models.
Windshield cracked during rainstorm [XXX] in San Diego in upper right corner, After 3 days crack appeared which has now spread to 4 inches Dealer has confirmed that winsheild needs reapir and is not covered by bumper to bumber warranty Vehicle only has mileage of 7900 since delivery Estimated cost of replacement $1400 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C...
I opened the back hatch of my 2024 Subaru Forester to retrieve an item. I then pressed the button to close the hatch. It was an extremely windy day and right when I pressed the button to close the hatch an empty grocery bag blew out of the car. I caught it and shoved it back into the car. The hatch was closing at the time and it struck me on the head. I contacted a local Subaru dealer and Subaru c...
Windshield cracked in same exact spot on bottom of windshield with no point of impact while sitting in our garage. Looks like it started at heating element. Our windshield was replaced for this same reason 2 months ago
Bridgestone Ecopia H/L Plus tires are M+S rated. They actually have almost no traction in the snow. I can be going under 5 mph on level ground and apply roughly 30% breaking power and the tires start to slip. They are going to kill someone.
UNKNOWN
What Component or system failed or malfunctioned. A control system (I am guessing a computer or software problem occurred. The car had a sudden unexpected acceleration. On [XXX] my 2024 Subaru Forester Sport while completing parking in a parking spot had a sudden unintended acceleration event. My foot was not on the acceleration. The automobile travelled at least 27 feet before I was able to...
Left the house and at about 1.5 miles while approaching a stop sign the vehicle brakes did not engage even when pushing all the way down. Resulting in a collision that landed in a corn field and jumping over a ditch. Vehicle has not been inspected by a mechanic but will be heading to repair shop soon. Would like to know any information the NHTSA would like to collect during repairs to rely the i...
While I was driving my brand new car on a wide highway, with no other cars or buildings nearby, the driver's side rear-door window suddenly blew out with a loud "pop," shattering completely. Glass pieces came into the passenger area, and fortunately missed hurting my child who was in her safety seat. Also glass pieces damaged the paint on that side of the car. I was not aware of any previous dama...
The Car is available for Inspection. Front Passenger Side Air Bag. When My Wife Sits in the Front Passenger Seat, The Air Bag indicator Indicates the Air Bag System is Off. This Means My Wife seated in the front passenger seat is not protected by the air bag system, this is un acceptable. This Condition Existed Since the car was new. Current Car Milage is 14,052 11/12/2024.
The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the passenger’s side front seat was occupied by an 85-pound adult carrying a purse and holding a dog weighing 19 pounds, the air bag warning light was off. The contact stated that the air bag was inoperable. The contact stated that while the passenger’s side front seat was occupied, the air bag warning light was on. The vehicle...
My backup camera would not operate after washing my car. When I was backing up, I got an alert that something was in my way. There was no picture, so I could not see what it was. I had to stop and get out to see. This could lead to serious problems, like getting hit by other vehicles while have to get out and look for obstacle. This could also be a risk to children crossing behind the car, because...
I was driving down the road and a bottle was thrown out of a vehicle going the opposite direction as me. Upon impact my windshield shattered and sent shards of glass flying into the cabin of my vehicle. The shards of glass were thrown into my face and would have gone into my eyes had I not been wearing glasses. The glass broke into small shards and splinters that could have easily damaged my eyes ...
When the daytime running lights are on in normal conditions, the instrument panel little green headlight indicator does not illuminate. But in low light conditions such as the thunderstorms we get here in Florida very often, or at dusk as the ambient light starts to lessen, the instrument panel headlight indicator will illuminate if the daytime running lights are on and only they are on. So, I hav...
Showing 20 of 26 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 Subaru Forester
Has the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER been recalled?
Yes, the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER have?
The 2024 SUBARU FORESTER has 26 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 3 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER?
The 2024 SUBARU FORESTER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER involve unknown or other (5 complaints), air bags (5 complaints), visibility/wiper (4 complaints). Other affected components include air bags,forward collision avoidance, engine, forward collision avoidance,lane departure.
How many crash reports does the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER have?
There are 3 crash reports associated with the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER out of 26 total complaints (11.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER have?
There are no fire reports for the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2024 SUBARU FORESTER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER is generally recommended. It has 26 complaints, 2 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 2024 SUBARU FORESTER?
The components with the most failures on the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints), 2. AIR BAGS (5 complaints), 3. VISIBILITY/WIPER (4 complaints), 4. AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints), 5. ENGINE (1 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 5 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2024 SUBARU FORESTER?
Be aware of spontaneous windshield cracks and airbag malfunctions. Regularly check for recalls and address any issues promptly. The 2024 SUBARU FORESTER has 26 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER?
The 2024 SUBARU FORESTER receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 26 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 3 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Airbags and Windshield Cracks.
What are the known issues with the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER?
Known issues with the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER include: Airbags, Windshield Cracks, Driveline Issues, Engine Water Pipe. These are based on patterns found across 26 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common safety issues with the 2024 Subaru Forester?
Common issues include spontaneous windshield cracks and airbag malfunctions.
Are there any recalls for the 2024 Subaru Forester?
Yes, recalls have been issued for driveline and engine water pipe issues.
What should I do if I notice a spontaneous windshield crack?
Take your vehicle to a dealership for inspection and repair as soon as possible.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of spontaneous windshield cracks and airbag malfunctions. Regularly check for recalls and address any issues promptly.
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.
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