2021 Subaru Forester recalls

No safety recalls, 214 owner complaints and a 5-star NHTSA crash rating. Official NHTSA data.

No recalls found for the 2021 Subaru Forester in NHTSA’s database.

0Recalls
214Complaints
21Crashes & fires reported
5/5NHTSA overall rating

Not every 2021 Subaru Forester is affected by every recall. Check your VIN to see open recalls on your exact vehicle.

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2021 Subaru Forester owner complaints

214 complaints filed with NHTSA, including 16 crashes, 5 fires, 9 injuries and 0 deaths.

Problems by component

Visibility/Wiper76
Unknown or Other42
Engine35
Electrical System34
Forward Collision Avoidance17
Power Train16
Visibility14
Vehicle Speed Control12
Lane Departure8
Fuel/Propulsion System7

Recent complaints

October 28, 2026Engine

Component Failed & Inspection Availability: The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical engine block failure at 74,000 miles. The dealership teardown confirmed a failed/spun lifter bearing and a fractured connecting rod cap, requiring a complete engine replacement. This sudden oil pressure failure/blockage occurred while the engine oil pan was verified completely full. This sudden mechanical failure is directly consistent with severe localized thermal breakdown from a failing Thermo Control Valve (TCV)—a component subject to Subaru Warranty Extension WMM23—or loose factory RTV silicone debris clogging the oil galleries. The failed components, including the engine block, rod cap, a

October 28, 2026Power Train

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating from a stop, the vehicle started bucking and hesitating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission control valve body was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The transmission control valve body was replaced and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under an extended warranty associated with the failure. The failure mileage was 66,902.

October 25, 2026Electrical SystemEngine

I was stopped at a red light. When the light changed to green I put my foot on the gas and the car totally stalled out. There were no lights, fans or radio on just total silence. I tried to restart the car putting it is park and depressing the brake while pushing the start button and nothing. It didn't even try to turn over. silent, dead. I tried several times with no luck. I got out of the car to signal to the bus and row of cars behind me to pass me. I got back into the car and tried to start it again and this time it started. I drove immediately to the mechanic near my house. They couldn't see what was going on without me leaving the car next week. The battery had been replaced 6 months a

October 21, 2026Structure

There’s two brackets that are at the top of the tailgate, and also at the top of the body where they meet to match up, The bracket on the right sits flush, the bracket on the left since indented about a 1/4” give or take. Because it’s painted by the factory, there’s no cracks around the bracket and the paint, meaning it happened at the factory. I’ve looked at other cars that are in that same model year bracket between 2018 and 2025, and they’re all variations of the Subaru Forrester. Didn’t matter if a sport or limited any of that. They all have the same indented left hand bracket that is causing mold on the interior of the car, some worse than others, and I spoke to the people that own the

October 11, 2026Unknown or Other1 injury

Driver side rear window spontaneously failed while driving on the highway. Passenger experienced cuts due to glass fragments

2021 Subaru Forester crash test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 Subaru Forester SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Driver aids on the tested 2021 Subaru Forester: electronic stability control standard, forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard. Rollover risk: 16.9%.

2021 Subaru Forester recall FAQ

Does the 2021 Subaru Forester have any recalls?

No recalls are currently listed for the 2021 Subaru Forester. Check again before buying, as new recalls can be issued at any time.

What are the most common 2021 Subaru Forester problems?

Owners have filed 214 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported area is visibility/wiper (76 reports), followed by unknown or other.

Is the 2021 Subaru Forester safe?

The 2021 Subaru Forester earned up to a 5-star overall safety rating in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program crash tests.

How do I get a recall fixed on my 2021 Subaru Forester?

Contact any authorized Subaru dealer. Recall repairs are free, even if you are not the original owner or the warranty has expired.