2021 Subaru Forester: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Subaru Forester? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 200 complaints, with Visibility/Wiper as the top reported area.
2021 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2021 Subaru Forester.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2021 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 2021 Subaru Forester has 200 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Visibility/Wiper. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Forester
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 200
- Crash-related complaints
- 16
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Visibility/Wiper
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 29
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 26 / 33
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Subaru Forester Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Visibility/Wiper
Uncategorized Issues
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Visibility/Wiper, Uncategorized Issues, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Subaru Forester?
The 2021 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 2021 Subaru Forester
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the windshield wipers and visibility systems thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the windshield wipers and visibility systems thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 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
Based on 200 NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Subaru Forester, issues are concentrated in the Visibility/Wiper category, which accounts for a large share of reports. Engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance problems also appear frequently. However, the confidence level is low, so these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Visibility/Wiper complaints are the most reported component category for the 2021 model year.
- Engine problems and electrical faults each account for a notable number of complaints.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB and Unintended Acceleration are among the top reported components.
- Visibility/Wiper issues are the most frequently reported concern.
- Engine problems are a recurring theme in complaints.
- Electrical faults appear in a significant number of reports.
All 2021 Subaru Forester Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Forester. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 76 | β | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 40 | 3 | 3 | β | |
| Engine Problems | 31 | 4 | 3 | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 28 | 1 | 1 | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 16 | β | 1 | β | |
| Visibility | 14 | β | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 13 | 5 | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 12 | 6 | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 7 | 1 | β | β | |
| Brake System | 7 | 3 | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | 1 | 2 | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | 1 | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 2 | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Chest Clip | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Buckle | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Harness | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | β | β | β |
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 2021 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
While driving this car on April 4, 2026 at around 6PM, I experienced the distinct smell of gasoline. I had driven for about 5 minutes on our way to a local restaurant that is approximately an 8 minute drive from our residence. My wife said that she had just filled the gas tank β¦
While driving the car, the engine stops completely. After a few seconds, it can be restarted. It does this several times a week at random intervals. It's very dangerous since it usually happens when we're driving in traffic. The dealer checked it out in July but couldn't findβ¦
Automatic start/stop fails to turn car on - intermittent. Taken it to Subaru detailer miltiple times and paid for services to correct the issue, but the issue persists. Fist time - replaced the battery in July 2025. 2nd time, went on a ride along for 1 hour, issue did not happen,β¦
The contact owned a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 4 MPH and slowing to park, the vehicle accelerated on its own. The contact stated that the vehicle drove out of the parking lot and crashed into a wall. The contact stated that the aiβ¦
Car drains battery. 45,000 miles and has had 3 batteries and have been told it needs another. Dealer says start stop switch, requires a battery of 750 CCA and not the Subaru recommend battery. Car will die in traffic and driver seat adjusts to different positions by itself. Tβ¦
On January16,2026 while driving from Houston,TX to Austin TX the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power on Highway 71 W. We were traveling at approximately 70 MPH when the engine completely failed. We were forced to immediately pull over onto a narrow shoulder Our situatioβ¦
Vehicle was delivered with the wrong battery - reserve capacity. The car stalls out in idle position creating safety issues. My wife was stranded and we had the original battery replaced with the specs from the previous batteryβ¦causing the same issues to occur. Finally, we were β¦
I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding repeated, severe, and dangerous malfunctions of the vehicle's engine Start/Stop (Idle Stop) feature. The system is failing to operate as intended, resulting in the engine stalling while the vehicle is in motion or under crucial drβ¦
My Subaru has an auto start/stop. I was at a complete stop, making a left-hand turn, and my car completely shuts off with the following message: For safety, auto restart disabled; eyesight with a \ through the words, put car in park and restart vehicle. In the time it took me toβ¦
The vehicle has experienced four separate engine shutdowns while stopped in traffic. Each time, the engine turned off unexpectedly, requiring a manual restart. One incident occurred near a railroad crossing with my child in the car. The vehicle also lurches forward at low speeds β¦
Issue started with hearing a clunking noise from the front of the car, had the dealer inspect at 37,000 miles. They said they the clunking was caused by ECU issue and reprogrammed the ECU to correct it. Obviously, a software update did not correct the noise. Had an independent reβ¦
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving over railroad tracβ¦
Unintentional Acceleration - 2 times within 4 days of each incident. 9/17/25 while stopped to pull into a parking lot my 2021 Subaru Forester accelerated as I was stopped. I had to slam on the brakes, take a deep breath and was shocked at the pull and speed the car wanted to goβ¦
I was going down a highway using the lane keeping assistance feature. Suddenly the vehicle stopped following the road and ran me into a ditch. I was able to steer back onto the road, but if the ditch had been deeper I believe there would have been a rollover accident. The root caβ¦
driving on [XXX] in NJ on [XXX] at approximately [XXX] my car just stopped in traffic and steering locked up and all lights came on dashboard along with a constant beeping sound-I was in the middle of a four lane highway traveling south-I could not get out of my car and feared soβ¦
After arriving home from a short drive to the grocery store I parked my car in the drive way and went inside. On the drive home I could hear a low humming coming from the speakers and the car was decelerating when the accelerator was not being pressed, no warning lights or soundβ¦
On 8/12/15, I had stopped at a stoplight. When the light changed and I attempted to move forward with traffic, the Eyesight Disabled warning came on and my car completely stalled and refused to move. The car prompted me to put it into park, I attempted this and it did not resolveβ¦
On August 12, 2025, at approximately 10:16 AM, while driving at normal speed on CR-43 NW southbound just past Minnesota Ave in Big Lake, MN, my Subaruβs EyeSight Driver Assist System, specifically the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) / Pre-Collision Braking System, suddenly actiβ¦
Vehicle began surging during acceleration. Dealer stated that the Engine Intake Valves had carbon deposits that were causing performance issues including poor fuel economy, increased emissions and running concerns. The valves required a cleaning to correct the issue. This is a 4β¦
Vehicle unexpectedly brakes for no apparent reason, has almost caused us to be rear ended. Subaru inspected vehicle, says the Eyesight ADA camera needs to be replaced at our cost. This vehicle is only 4 years old and has 38,000 miles. This is clearly a safety defect.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Subaru Forester.
2021 Subaru Forester Recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Subaru Forester. No recall campaigns are currently listed for this model year in the dataset, but VIN-level recall checks are still essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No recall campaigns found for this model year in the current data. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls directly for the latest information.
2021 Subaru Forester Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Subaru Forester reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 200 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 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 2021 Subaru Forester?βΎ
#1: Visibility/Wiper (76 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (40 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (31 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Subaru Forester?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Subaru Forester?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Subaru Forester, NHTSA complaints include 16 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 200 total complaints. 8 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Subaru Forester have any recalls?βΎ
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2021 Subaru Forester in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2021 Subaru Forester?βΎ
The 2021 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 Visibility/Wiper 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 2021 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.