Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Forester vs Subaru Crosstrek
How the Subaru Forester and Subaru Crosstrek 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 Subaru Crosstrek: The Forester averages 305 complaints per year and has 2 deaths, while the Crosstrek averages 100 complaints per year with 0 deaths. Both share windshield and electrical issues, but the Forester also has more air bag complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Forester or Subaru Crosstrek 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 has averaged about 305 complaints per year over the past decade, with 17 recalls. The most common owner complaints involve windshield and wiper issues, electrical glitches, and engine problems, including oil leaks and rare fires. With 176 crash-related reports, 99 injuries, and 2 deaths, the data suggests that while many issues are nuisance-type, some can have serious safety consequences.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a smaller crossover that has averaged roughly 100 complaints per year, with 16 recalls. Owners most frequently report windshield cracks, electrical problems like seat heaters turning on by themselves, and engine noises. There have been 58 crash-related reports and 34 injuries, but no deaths in the data provided.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Forester | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,050 | 997 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 | 16 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 176 | 58 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 305.0 | 99.7 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 99 | 34 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 0 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 easily, sometimes from small impacts like a thrown bottle, sending glass shards into the cabin. This is the top complaint category, so buyers should inspect the windshield for chips or cracks and consider protective film.
Complaints include side mirrors melting, the vehicle dying and failing to restart with multiple dashboard warnings, and sudden acceleration. These electrical faults can leave you stranded or cause loss of control, so a pre-purchase electrical check is wise.
Reported issues include oil leaks after oil changes and, in rare cases, oil leaking onto the catalytic converter and causing a fire. This means regular oil leak inspections and immediate attention to any burning smells are critical.
With 313 complaints, air bag problems are a significant concern, though specific failure patterns are not detailed in the sample. Buyers should verify that all recalls related to air bags have been performed.
“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…”
Subaru Crosstrek
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER287
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER229
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM154
- 04ENGINE115
- 05POWER TRAIN79
Windshield cracks are commonly reported, often forming on the inside or with minimal impact, leading to expensive replacements. This suggests a potential design or material weakness that buyers should check carefully.
Owners report seat heaters activating without being turned on and becoming dangerously hot, as well as loud roaring noises when starting the engine. These electrical gremlins can be a safety hazard and a source of frustration.
Complaints include loud roaring sounds on startup and issues with the auto start/stop system, such as the engine shutting off when the door is opened. These may affect drivability and require dealer attention.
Some owners report a high-frequency ringing or whining tone at highway speeds, suggesting a drivetrain issue. This can be annoying and may indicate a larger problem, so a thorough test drive is essential.
“The component that is compromised on my '23 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is the windshield. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Monday, Jan 13, 2025, a crack formed on my windshield. The crack happened on the inside of the vehicle. It was positione…”
“Overall I’m disappointed in the quality of the manufactured parts and accessories. It leads me to believe low grade materials were used in manufacturing this vehicle. My vehicle is brand new and has 2500 miles on it and the front windshield has a crack that i…”
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.
Subaru Crosstrek — 16 recalls
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.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing…
The risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
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 and Impreza vehicles. Due to insufficient clearance, the instrument panel harness may contact the steering beam bracket, damaging the wire insulation and causing a short circuit.
The risk: A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the harness and install an additional clamp on the steering beam bracket. If damage is found, dealers will add protective tape or replace the instrument panel harness, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of ch…
Buyer analysis
Subaru Forester or Subaru Crosstrek: which should you buy?
The Subaru Crosstrek has far fewer complaints per year (about 100) compared to the Forester (about 305), and no deaths in the provided data. In practice, this means the Crosstrek may have fewer reported problems overall, but both models share similar windshield and electrical issues.
Key differences
- The Forester has about three times as many complaints per year as the Crosstrek (305 vs. 100), suggesting more frequent owner-reported issues.
- Both models have windshield problems as the top complaint, but the Forester also has a high number of air bag complaints (313) not seen in the Crosstrek's top five.
- The Forester has 2 reported deaths and 99 injuries, while the Crosstrek has 0 deaths and 34 injuries, indicating a difference in severity of reported incidents.
- Engine issues in the Forester include oil leaks and fires, while Crosstrek engine complaints focus on noises and start/stop behavior.
- Check for any signs of oil leaks around the engine, especially after an oil change, as some owners reported fires when oil dripped onto the catalytic converter.
- Inspect the windshield for cracks or chips, and test all electrical functions including mirrors, lights, and infotainment, as electrical failures are common.
- Test the heated seats thoroughly to ensure they do not turn on unexpectedly or overheat, as this is a reported electrical issue.
- Listen for any unusual whining or ringing noises during a highway test drive, particularly around 72-76 mph, which could indicate a power train problem.
Before you buy
- Verify that all open recalls for the specific vehicle have been repaired by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
- Take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any unusual noises, especially from the engine and drivetrain, and test all electrical components.
- Inspect the windshield carefully for any cracks or chips, and ask about replacement history.
- For the Forester, specifically check for oil leaks and ask for maintenance records; for the Crosstrek, test the heated seats and auto start/stop feature.
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 | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 33 | 10 |
| 2025 | 95 | 44 |
| 2024 | 29 | 119 |
| 2023 | 73 | 34 |
| 2022 | 98 | 31 |
| 2021 | 207 | 115 |
| 2020 | 600 | 69 |
| 2019 | 833 | 284 |
| 2018 | 496 | 194 |
| 2017 | 586 | 97 |
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 Subaru Crosstrek in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Forester vs Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Forester total complaints
- 3,050
- Subaru Crosstrek total complaints
- 997
- Subaru Forester total recalls
- 17
- Subaru Crosstrek total recalls
- 16
- Subaru Forester avg complaints/year
- 305.0
- Subaru Crosstrek avg complaints/year
- 99.7
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Forester top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Subaru Crosstrek top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER