Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Forester vs Honda CR V
How the Subaru Forester and Honda CR V compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Subaru Forester vs Honda CR V: The Forester averages 305 complaints per year and 17 recalls, while the CR V averages 728 complaints per year and 40 recalls. Both have engine oil leak concerns, but the CR V also has steering and false braking complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Forester or Honda CR V more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that averages about 305 complaints per year over the last decade, with 17 recalls. The most common owner complaints involve visibility and wiper issues, such as windshields cracking or shattering, and electrical problems like dead batteries and melted side mirrors. Engine oil leaks that can lead to fires are also reported. Overall, it has a lower complaint rate than the Honda CR-V, but still has notable safety-related issues.
Honda CR V
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that averages about 728 complaints per year over the last decade, with 40 recalls. Owners frequently report steering problems, including sudden freezing or loss of power steering, and engine issues like oil leaks and fires. Forward collision avoidance systems sometimes trigger false braking, and electrical glitches affect infotainment and radar modules. The higher complaint volume suggests more frequent visits to the dealer for repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Forester | Honda CR V |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,050 Better | 7,275 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 40 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 176 Better | 248 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 305.0 Better | 727.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 99 Better | 221 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Subaru Forester
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER992
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER544
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM476
- 04ENGINE319
- 05AIR BAGS313
Owners report windshields that crack or shatter unexpectedly, sometimes from small impacts like a thrown bottle, sending glass shards into the cabin. This is a safety concern because it can impair vision and cause injury while driving.
Complaints include side mirrors melting, vehicles dying and failing to restart, and multiple dashboard warnings. These issues can leave you stranded and may require costly electrical repairs.
Some owners experience oil leaks after oil changes, and in severe cases, oil can leak onto the catalytic converter and cause a fire. This is a serious fire risk that needs immediate attention.
Reports include sudden unexpected acceleration and a hard plastic HVAC duct in the driver-side footwell that can interfere with pedals. These defects could lead to loss of control or crashes.
“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 h…”
“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 mileag…”
Honda CR V
- 01STEERING1,394
- 02ENGINE1,344
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1,322
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,045
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1,008
Owners describe sudden momentary freezing of steering, often accompanied by warning lights, especially in rain. This can make the vehicle hard to control, especially at higher speeds.
Complaints include engine noise, loud pops, smoke, and loss of oil pressure shortly after purchase. Some report fires, which are a major safety hazard.
The system can trigger false-positive braking events, such as on steep driveways, causing abrupt stops. This unexpected braking could lead to rear-end collisions.
Issues include infotainment glitches, wireless Apple CarPlay disconnecting, and radar module problems. These can distract the driver and affect safety features.
“I am requesting immediate assistance with an ongoing safety issue involving my 2026 Honda CR-V EX AWD, VIN [XXX], which I purchased in July 2025. Each time it rains, multiple warning lights come on in my vehicle. The warning message shown includes: “Electric…”
“While driving on a mountain road/ 2 lane highway, I experienced a sudden momentary freezing of my steering. I saw a warning flash on my dashboard and thought I saw the word "steering". I pulled over, turned my car off and then back on to "reset" the computer.…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Subaru Forester — 17 recalls
The defect: 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.
The risk: Leaking coolant can contact a hot exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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. Owne…
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The fix: 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…
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The fix: 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…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
The risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Honda CR V — 40 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017, 2020, and 2022 CR-V vehicles. The certification label on the driver's side door states incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and tire size information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with th…
The risk: An incorrectly sized tire may cause premature tread wear, or a tire blow out, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a new corrected label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is CF7.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV,…
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansi…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CR-V vehicles. The rear subframe bolts were improperly manufactured and may loosen, allowing the rear subframe to separate.
The risk: A separated rear subframe reduces vehicle handling and can suddenly disable the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear subframe bolts and retorque them or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Hon…
Buyer analysis
Subaru Forester or Honda CR V: which should you buy?
The Subaru Forester has fewer complaints per year (305 vs. 728) and fewer recalls (17 vs. 40) than the Honda CR-V. In practice, this means Forester owners may experience fewer trips to the dealer for repairs, but both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints that require attention.
Key differences
- The Forester has about 305 complaints per year, while the CR-V has about 728, indicating more than double the complaint volume for the CR-V.
- Forester owners frequently report windshield cracking and electrical issues like melting mirrors, whereas CR-V owners report steering freezing and false braking.
- Both have engine oil leak complaints, but the CR-V also has fuel system and forward collision avoidance issues.
- The CR-V has 40 recalls versus 17 for the Forester, covering fuel pumps, air bags, and structure.
- Check the windshield for any cracks or chips, especially near the edges, as many owners report spontaneous cracking.
- Inspect for oil leaks around the engine, particularly after an oil change, and look for any signs of oil on the catalytic converter.
- Test the steering at low speeds and in wet conditions for any momentary freezing or unusual resistance.
- Check for engine noises, smoke, or oil leaks, and verify that all recall repairs (especially fuel pump) have been performed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the windshield and electrical system for the Forester, and the steering and engine for the CR-V.
- Test drive in various conditions, including rain, to check for steering or braking anomalies.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any engine repairs.
- Check for open recalls by VIN on the NHTSA website before purchase.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Subaru Forester | Honda CR V |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 33 | 146 |
| 2025 | 95 | 253 |
| 2024 | 29 | 393 |
| 2023 | 73 | 515 |
| 2022 | 98 | 262 |
| 2021 | 207 | 331 |
| 2020 | 600 | 353 |
| 2019 | 833 | 1101 |
| 2018 | 496 | 2150 |
| 2017 | 586 | 1771 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Subaru Forester or Honda CR V in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Forester vs Honda CR V
- Subaru Forester total complaints
- 3,050
- Honda CR V total complaints
- 7,275
- Subaru Forester total recalls
- 17
- Honda CR V total recalls
- 40
- Subaru Forester avg complaints/year
- 305.0
- Honda CR V avg complaints/year
- 727.5
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Forester
- Subaru Forester top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Honda CR V top complaint area
- STEERING