2019 Subaru Forester electrical system problems
134 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2019 Subaru Forester — 16% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“We have replaced the battery twice and likely will need a third battery soon. I have learned that there is a known issue with the DCM trying to connect using 3G. This is causing a parasitic drain on the battery. The vehicle will fail to start. This has occurred many times over the last few years…”
filed Apr 3, 2026
“The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, with several unknown warning lights intermittently illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was…”
filed Mar 10, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This bulletin announces the design change made to the high-pressure fuel pump developed to prevent DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure – Too Low Bank 1). (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
09-123-24R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 28, 2026This bulletin announces design changes made to the fuel injector in response to the DTCs listed. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
09-81-21R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 27, 2026This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the orignal bulletin.)
16-156-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 2, 2026
Electrical System problems in other Forester years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Forester | 8 | 9% |
| 2024 Forester | 1 | 4% |
| 2023 Forester | 7 | 10% |
| 2022 Forester | 10 | 11% |
| 2021 Forester | 33 | 16% |
| 2020 Forester | 99 | 17% |
| 2018 Forester | 69 | 14% |
| 2017 Forester | 105 | 18% |
| 2016 Forester | 93 | 23% |
| 2015 Forester | 82 | 13% |
| 2014 Forester | 42 | 10% |
| 2013 Forester | 3 | 4% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2019 Subaru Forester
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.