2024 Subaru Forester: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2024 Subaru Forester? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 28 complaints, with Uncategorized Issues as the top reported area.
2024 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2024 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. 2 trims analysed.
2024 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 2024 Subaru Forester has 28 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Uncategorized Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Forester
- Model year
- 2024
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 28
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Uncategorized Issues
- 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 2024 Subaru Forester Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Uncategorized Issues
Airbag Malfunctions
Visibility/Wiper
Complaint patterns center on Uncategorized Issues, Airbag Malfunctions, Visibility/Wiper. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2024 Subaru Forester?
The 2024 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 2024 Subaru Forester
Inspection Focus
- Inspect vehicle for any uncategorized issues reported by previous owners.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and visibility systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the forward collision avoidance system before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect vehicle for any uncategorized issues reported by previous owners.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and visibility systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the forward collision avoidance system before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2024 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 28 complaints for the 2024 Subaru Forester, issues are concentrated in uncategorized problems and airbag malfunctions, with fewer reports in visibility, forward collision avoidance, and other areas. The data is limited to one model year and a small sample size, so patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Uncategorized Issues account for the highest number of complaints (9).
- Airbag Malfunctions are the second most reported component (6 complaints).
- Visibility/Wiper issues have 5 complaints, and Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB has 3.
- Uncategorized Issues (9 complaints) – the most frequent complaint category.
- Airbag Malfunctions (6 complaints) – a recurring theme in the data.
- Visibility/Wiper problems (5 complaints) – buyers may want to inspect these systems.
All 2024 Subaru Forester Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2024 Subaru Forester. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncategorized Issues | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 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 2024 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I am writing to formally request that the NTSB investigate an apparent defect in the EyeSight driver assistance system installed on the 2024 Subaru Forester. I have experienced repeated instances of unreliable and unsafe behavior, including unexpected alerts and the EyeSight syst…
Windshield cracks/chips very easily even when nothing has touched it. I have had 4 cracks in less than 6 months with no reason as to why they are occurring and they are ALL on the driver side, NOTHING on passenger side, which seems very odd. This car was bought brand new in Fe…
4 Subarus and this is my 5th spontainious windshield crack (2nd on this vehicle).
On the morning of December 13, 2026, an incident occurred involving our 2024 Subaru Forester. While attempting to make a right-hand turn, the vehicle failed to decelerate as expected and subsequently struck a utility pole. The vehicle’s safety systems did not appear to activate i…
Took to Local dealership for 20,000 mile oil change. After the oil change the service advisor informed me of an oil leak on the right side of the engine. He could not confirm where the leak was from. I have scheduled to have it repaired under factory warranty. After researching o…
The eyesight system fails on almost a daily basis. When this happens, multiple safety features shutdown. Lane assist and departure warning stops working. Collision avoidance stops working. Cruise control stops working. Proximity warning alarms stop going off. The local deale…
The driver side mirror is distorted. It is not only dizzying but I believe it to be a safety hazard. I have taken it into the dealership many times. They agree that it is distorted but stated that it is no different than other of that style. I have looked in the 2025 model an…
The passenager airbag on won't activate at the 88lb weight per local Subaru of Gallatin dealership where I purchased the car from. They did a test with 88lbs in another Subaru vehicle and the passenger airbag on activated but won't activate on in the 2024 Subaru Forester. The loc…
On 6/10/2025 noticed a small crack on the left side drivers windshield when getting ready to go to work. Nothing hit it that I know of, it just appeared one afternoon. Since then the crack has been growing and blocking drivers view. This is 2024 Subaru Forester. There is a won l…
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 mileage of 7900 since deli…
I opened the back hatch of my 2024 Subaru Forester to retrieve an item. I then pressed the button to close the hatch. It was an extremely windy day and right when I pressed the button to close the hatch an empty grocery bag blew out of the car. I caught it and shoved it back into…
Windshield cracked in same exact spot on bottom of windshield with no point of impact while sitting in our garage. Looks like it started at heating element. Our windshield was replaced for this same reason 2 months ago
Bridgestone Ecopia H/L Plus tires are M+S rated. They actually have almost no traction in the snow. I can be going under 5 mph on level ground and apply roughly 30% breaking power and the tires start to slip. They are going to kill someone.
UNKNOWN
What Component or system failed or malfunctioned. A control system (I am guessing a computer or software problem occurred. The car had a sudden unexpected acceleration. On [XXX] my 2024 Subaru Forester Sport while completing parking in a parking spot had a sudden unintended a…
Left the house and at about 1.5 miles while approaching a stop sign the vehicle brakes did not engage even when pushing all the way down. Resulting in a collision that landed in a corn field and jumping over a ditch. Vehicle has not been inspected by a mechanic but will be head…
While I was driving my brand new car on a wide highway, with no other cars or buildings nearby, the driver's side rear-door window suddenly blew out with a loud "pop," shattering completely. Glass pieces came into the passenger area, and fortunately missed hurting my child who wa…
The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the passenger’s side front seat was occupied by an 85-pound adult carrying a purse and holding a dog weighing 19 pounds, the air bag warning light was off. The contact stated that the air bag was inoperable. T…
The Car is available for Inspection. Front Passenger Side Air Bag. When My Wife Sits in the Front Passenger Seat, The Air Bag indicator Indicates the Air Bag System is Off. This Means My Wife seated in the front passenger seat is not protected by the air bag system, this is un a…
My backup camera would not operate after washing my car. When I was backing up, I got an alert that something was in my way. There was no picture, so I could not see what it was. I had to stop and get out to see. This could lead to serious problems, like getting hit by other vehi…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2024 Subaru Forester.
2024 Subaru Forester Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2024 Subaru Forester. 2 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.
2024 Subaru Forester Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2024 Subaru Forester reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 28 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2024 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 2024 Subaru Forester?▾
#1: Uncategorized Issues (9 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (6 complaints). #3: Visibility/Wiper (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2024 Subaru Forester?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2024 Subaru Forester?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2024 Subaru Forester, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 28 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2024 Subaru Forester have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2024 Subaru Forester. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 2 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 2024 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2024 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 Uncategorized Issues 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 2024 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.