2021 Subaru Forester forward collision avoidance problems
17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the forward collision avoidance on the 2021 Subaru Forester — 8% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“My Subaru Forester has a significant safety defect. If my web searches are representative this software problem affects multiple models and years of Subaru. I have addressed this problem with the local dealer, Subaru America, and Subaru Japan and have been told "that is the way it was designed and…”
filed May 15, 2026
“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 driving…”
filed Dec 4, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Forward Collision Avoidance problems in other Forester years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Forester | 9 | 10% |
| 2024 Forester | 3 | 11% |
| 2023 Forester | 13 | 18% |
| 2022 Forester | 13 | 14% |
| 2020 Forester | 43 | 7% |
| 2019 Forester | 42 | 5% |
| 2018 Forester | 8 | 2% |
| 2017 Forester | 6 | 1% |
| 2016 Forester | 8 | 2% |
| 2015 Forester | 8 | 1% |
| 2006 Forester | 2 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 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.