2015 Subaru Forester: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2015 Subaru Forester? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 606 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2015 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2015 Subaru Forester trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2015 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2015 Subaru Forester has 606 owner complaints, 52 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Forester
- Model year
- 2015
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 606
- Crash-related complaints
- 52
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2015 Subaru Forester Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2015 Subaru Forester?
The 2015 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2015 Subaru Forester
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for known issues and request service records.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain.
- Check for any airbag-related recalls or repairs.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for known issues and request service records.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain.
- Check for any airbag-related recalls or repairs.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2015 Subaru Forester, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2015 Subaru Forester are concentrated in engine problems, airbag malfunctions, and transmission/drivetrain issues. A recurring theme appears to be unintended acceleration and electrical faults, though confidence in these patterns is low due to the single model year analyzed.
- Engine Problems account for the highest number of complaints among the 2015 model year.
- Airbag Malfunctions and Transmission/Drivetrain issues are also frequently reported.
- Unintended Acceleration and Suspension Failures are notable concerns.
- Engine Problems
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Transmission/Drivetrain issues
All 2015 Subaru Forester Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Subaru Forester. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 134 | 9 | 3 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 99 | 17 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 93 | 6 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 82 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 71 | 5 | 2 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 70 | 26 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 66 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 55 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 35 | 4 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 22 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 19 | 4 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 18 | 7 | 2 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 14 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2015 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Front passenger airbag sensor light stays on continuously
Vehicle: 2015 Subaru Forester Mileage at Failure: 85,000 miles Component: Powertrain – CVT Transmission My 2015 Subaru Forester is experiencing a premature safety‑related CVT transmission failure at approximately 85,000 miles. The vehicle developed a pronounced whining noise that…
This has now happened twice to my daughter, both times on the highway. One time the car shut down completely and the 2nd time the car just started slowing while pressing the gas and coasted to a stop. Luckily she was able to avoid other cars and get to the shoulder. The car resta…
On 3 different occasions the car randomly accelerated at a high speed without stepping on the gas pedal. The first time was in a parking lot. The second time was on a busy road while traveling at 35 mph. The car accelerated to about 60 mph, fortunately once applying the brakes th…
I bought a used 2015 subaru forester with 117,000 miles from an auto shop/used car dealer in March of 2024. In September of 2025, 11,000 miles of driving later, a bunch of lights came on my dash. Check engine, traction control, ABS, at oil temp, and incline assist. I took it to …
REPORT OF FAILED RECALL REMEDY (RECALL 19V-149 / WUE-90) My 2015 Subaru Forester experienced a total recurrence of the defect addressed in 2019. The vehicle became trapped in 'Park' intermittently on several occasions before remaining immobilized. During one incident, the manual…
Passenger airbag sensor intermittently works and turns off when passenger is in the seat. Dashboard light for airbag is constantly on and passenger airbag is constantly off. Issues with seat sensor going off when no one is sitting in the passenger seat. Abs system error message. …
Airbag light intermittently turns on to indicate that airbag may not deploy even if there is someone in the passenger seat. This is a known safety issue with a recall in 2019 but for some reason is affecting a much larger set of vehicles than in the recall, including mine.
Getting an SRS Airbag system needs to be checked. Took the 2015 Subaru Forester to Williams Subaru in Lansing MI and they stated the code B1760 for the occupant detection system Mat was determined. The seat has not been wet and nothing spilled on it and was also determined dry…
PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF EVEN IF THERE IS NO ONE SITTING IN THE SEAT
My passenger and rear airbags are not working due to a failure in this part: CUSHION AY OCPANTRH 64139SG002. I have been waiting for the part for around 10 months. My safety is put at risk as my airbags are not working and Subaru has not provided a solution while we are waiting f…
I am reporting a recurring safety defect in my 2015 Subaru Forester (VIN: [XXX] ) that directly relates to Recall WUM-98 / NHTSA Recall 19V-701 (Occupant Detection System wiring harness). Original Recall (2019–2020): The Occupant Detection System (ODS) failed, disabling the pass…
The ignition key kept getting stuck in the ignition. Subaru acknowledged a defect in the shifter plate and parking range switch. They replaced it on 8/30/25 under service bulletin 16-12-18R but the dealer charged me $584.94 and Subaru North America refused to reimburse, stating t…
SRS air bag system needs to be checked Alert on
The rear door hinges do not open fully and it is easy to hit your head. I hit my head unloading groceries, and my boyfriend did as well. It is dangerous.
I own a 2015 Subaru Forester that was involved in the NHTSA recall ID 19V-701 - Subaru safety recall WUM-98 in 2020. My VIN is [XXX] and my dealer is Lancaster County Subaru in Lancaster, PA. For about four months in the end of 2019 until February of 2020 we were unable to use t…
Sounds like the differential in the transmission is making a horrendous noise
My vehicle has a capacitive sensor in the passenger seat that determines if someone is sitting in the seat and turns the airbag on or off accordingly. Starting towards the beginning of March, my vehicle stopped detecting if someone was sitting in that seat and permanently disable…
The wheel hub bolt stud and nut freeze/lock up. They break apart when the technician attempts to remove to perform tire rotation. It is a common problem with the Subaru Forester. I have had to replace 2, so far. Dealer charges $200+ for replacing it. Subaru has not stepped u…
UNKNOWN. Often when I attempt to accelerate after stopping at a stop sign, the car hesitates, sometimes lunges ahead and then sometimes practically dying before accelerating normally. There have been times when It simply feels like a fuel pump problem and I know that Toyotas with…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2015 Subaru Forester.
2015 Subaru Forester Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2015 Subaru Forester. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2015 Subaru Forester Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2015 Subaru Forester reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 606 owner complaints, 52 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2015 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Subaru Forester?▾
#1: Engine Problems (134 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (99 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (93 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2015 Subaru Forester?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2015 Subaru Forester?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2015 Subaru Forester, NHTSA complaints include 52 crash-related reports and 7 fire reports out of 606 total complaints. 33 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2015 Subaru Forester have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2015 Subaru Forester. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2015 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2015 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Forester reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2015 Subaru Forester based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.