CarComplaints.com Notes: Subaru thinks burning through a quart of oil every 1,000 miles or so is perfectly normal. That's a crude stance if you ask us.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
22 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
8 / 0
Average Mileage:
35,148 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2015 Subaru Forester engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2015 Subaru Forester:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2015 Subaru Forester Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #24

Mar 232017

Forester

  • 44,200 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Problem is with the Subaru "eyesight" system on this vehicle. The system has been sutting itself off more and more over the past few weeks until now, it shuts down the system and cruise control multiple times daily even at night.daytime or whenever it wants to. The local dealer checked it and found no problem that he could see for it.

- Jacksonville, NC, USA

problem #23

Jan 042017

Forester

  • 160,000 miles
After shifting the transmission to the reverse position, backing in to a parking space, lightly stepped on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle accelerated uncontrollable locked at a fast speed, hitting the column and windows of the restaurant.

- Glendale, AZ, USA

problem #22

Mar 122016

Forester

  • 18,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. While the vehicle was stopped with the brake pedal depressed and the gear shift in the drive position, the vehicle independently lunged forward without warning. On another occasion, while the vehicle was in the park position, it continued to rev. The failure recurred more than twelve times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was unable to be duplicated. The contact mentioned that the transmission was reprogrammed, but the failure continued. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,000.

- North Huntingdon, PA, USA

problem #21

Dec 062016

Forester 4-cyl

  • 27,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving the car on a parking lot I slowed down to park and I had the foot on the gas pedal. The car accelerated on its own and went over the sidewalk. I could have injured someone walking or hit the glass window in front of me. The Subaru dealer inspected the car and did not found any issue and could not reproduce the problem. I have read that this has happened to other owners and it represents a safety risk to the driver and everyone else.

- Holly Springs, NC, USA

problem #20

Nov 142016

Forester

  • 37,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power while driving various speeds. The check engine warning indicator illuminated when the failure occurred. The dealer diagnosed that the throttle body and brake sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 37,000.

- Mcgill, NV, USA

problem #19

Nov 062016

Forester

  • 13,209 miles
Most recent near-miss fatal incident happened on Nov.6, 2016 driving on a highway at the speed of about 65- 68 miles, car suddenly died, and stopped completely without any warning signs and warning lights, it felt like car suddenly lost the power and completely stopped. When tried to re-start immediately, car didn't start. After a few minutes, car started. Total driving distance on the highway before this incident happened was about 260 miles. I was able to pull the car on the shoulder; I was driving in a right lane at the time of the incident. It could have been a major fatal accident, as I was driving on a 2 lane highway, 90 East thruway, because sudden change in the speed from 68 mph to zero speeds without any warning in a matter of less than 1 minute. There was lot of traffic on the thruway. Timing of the incident was at about 5 pm on Nov.6, 2016. There were 2 other passengers in the car. This was the scariest experience I ever had. Car was not set for cruise control while driving on the highway. There were no emergency lights or signs visibly or no noise alert at all. I took the car to Subaru dealer for a check on 11/ 8/2016 and reported this incident. Subaru dealer in service reported that they didn't find the cause for this near fatal incident. Second near miss fatal incident occurred on April 21, 2016 at about 3 pm.I was backing up the care in a driveway, vehicle suddenly would not stop, breaks didn't work, I had no control of the steering wheel. I was able to put the vehicle in the park to gain control of the vehicle again. I took the care for a service and reported this incident to Subaru dealer on April 22, 2016. Subaru dealer service department were not able to find the reason for this terrible incident. Speed at the time of the incident was 5 mph, estimated.

- Williamsville, NY, USA

problem #18

Oct 082016

Forester

  • 21,185 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Driving with eyesight enabled at 75mph in heavy traffic on loop 202 freeway at approximately 2:30pm local time. Weather was sunny and dry, approximately 97 degrees. Nearly resulting in a crash. Feet were not on any pedal. Vehicle suddenly lost power and revd to redline as if the car was in neutral, engine then shut off. Instrument cluster showed every warning light illuminated. Eyesight display showed a vehicle directly in front yet there was no vehicle present. I checked to make sure gear selector was still in drive. Pressed the accelerator which had no affect, no RPM change. Was able to coast a short distance but still obstructed traffic. Police had to shut down freeway to move my vehicle to the shoulder. Attempts to restart vehicle failed, all warning lights on instrument cluster illuminate any time the key is turned to the "on" position. Subaru roadside assistance towed vehicle to local Subaru dealer, awaiting diagnosis.

- Avondale, AZ, USA

problem #17

Aug 032016

Forester

  • 18,000 miles
Vehicle may accelerate on its own. Stopped at stop sign and vehicle accelerated hard after removing foot from brake. Had to reapply brakes hard to stop car and maintain control. Luckily there was no traffic. As I ended up a lane further than were I intended..

- Lead, SD, USA

problem #16

May 062016

Forester

  • 2,000 miles
Since I bought the car new, when at intersections, car hesitates and stumbles on acceleration when requiring instant acceleration to avoid collision with on coming traffic. I reported this at the first oil change, that this has happened several times, and does it intermittently, and also reported it to Subaru dealers at my second and third oil changes, and left car for 3 days but dealer cant duplicate. It scares the hell out of me not knowing if car will respond or not and getting hit for cutting in fron of on coming traffic. Subaru of America believes this is not a problem but this is a safety defect and refuse to buy back car. I drive defensively until I can get rid of vehicle due to this safety problem, car itself does fine but the accelerator problem is too dangerous to keep vehicle for me or anyone that would buy it if traded in without being informed of past history. I like Subaru but failure to buy back car is putting other drivers at risk, and why would a dealer want to take my car in trade with this history since August of 2014. Subaru needs to buy back this car or risk liability or negligence on Subaru of America and its dealers. Just buy back the car and get it off the road. This is the second report because I did not put the full VIN number previously which was FH403648

- Quaker Hill, CT, USA

problem #15

May 062016

Forester

  • 18,600 miles
Since I bought the car new, when at intersections or stop signs, car hesitates and stumbles on acceleration when requiring instant acceleration to avoid collision with on coming traffic. I reported this to Subaru dealers and told there is no problem. Vehicle does this intermittently but scares the hell out of me not knowing if the car is going to accelerate or not and get hit by on coming traffic

- Milford, MA, USA

problem #14

Apr 172015

Forester

  • 15,720 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated while driver was parking while applying brakes. Vehicle hit house and porch, shearing off the gas meter where it meets the underground line. Eyesight object detection system did not stop the vehicle.

- Apollo, PA, USA

problem #13

Aug 242015

Forester

  • 5,814 miles
While finalizing parking within a parking lot space at very low speed (last 2 feet) with foot on brake, the engine suddenly revved and the car accelerated without warning and struck the parked car on the opposite parking space. Both cars sustained moderate front-end damage. The other car was able to be driven away but ours had front fender parts pushed into the front drivers tire and had to be towed away to the repair shop. Not sure of the cost to repair the other (parked) car but ours ran approximately $5000 due to front frame damage. No air bags deployed, no one was injured. Police officer who responded said low speed impacts do not normally set off the air bags. Repair shop said they were not able to tell on the car computer what the sudden acceleration was due to. Contacted our insurance agent who recommended we report the sudden acceleration to Subaru and NHTSA. Subaru dealer denied any such accelerations and said there was no recourse. Found several instances very similar to our on NHTSA site for Subaru Foresters in 2014 and 2015 model years and decided to make a report. Odometer reading at time of accident: 5,814.

- Lubbock, TX, USA

problem #12

Jan 042016

Forester

  • miles
Car suddenly accelerated, about 10-15 feet, from reverse to drive into a brick building, in a private parking lot causing 7K damage to my cars. Prior to this crash, the lane departure and auto breaking lights were flashing on and off. I was going to take the car to the dealer however, the crash prevented that. The car was repaired and taken to the Subaru dealer where purchased, and they examined the car and said it was working properly. Since then, my screen date was set and then reverted back to Feb 4, 2010. Also, the lane departure and auto braking lights have turned off while driving twice since getting the car back. Additionally, the screen now displays additional messages that it hadn't in the past, such as vehicle ahead has moved, and road conditions might be icy. The latter should have shown up prior to this accident, living in the snow belt of ne Ohio. Has there been any "silent recalls" placed on this car since 2010 regarding the sudden acceleration issues that have not received a formal recall on, rather that Subaru has issued this information to it's techs only? I am concerned that this gas pedal issue has been dismissed due to weather mats, drivers age or driver's foot missing the correct pedal. I am an experienced and safe driver who does not like getting scammed by a manufacture of inferior product. Subaru is love....questionable since it seems to me they are making changes without informing the government of these problems.

- Painesville, OH, USA

problem #11

Dec 012015

Forester

  • 2,200 miles
While starting the car with only 2.2K miles the check engine light came on and disabled the vehicle dynamics control, the cruise control and the incline start assist leaving the vehicle without important safety features in bad weather conditions.

- Malverne, NY, USA

problem #10

May 052015

Forester

  • 57 miles
Car was driven out of new car dealer without incident by driver with 50 plus years experience. Approximately three to four miles into trip car experienced sudden unintended acceleration after going through a traffic light. Car proceeded into wooded area and hit tree causing lower leg injuries to driver and moderate to severe damage to car. Driver was not entrapped upon emt arrival. Engine returned to normal idle speed. Driver is confident car has problem with vehicle speed control and /or engine computer. Car traveled at over 40 mph during incident and could not be stopped through normal braking action.

- Katonah, NY, USA

problem #9

Aug 032015

Forester

  • 24,000 miles
I'm having an issue with my 2015 Forester 2.5I cvt that has nearly caused accidents, but when I took it in for service today I was dismissed without being helped. My car has about 24,700 miles on it, so it's thoroughly broken in and I'm used to the way the cvt works. In the past month or so, I've noticed bucking, shuddering, and power loss during initial acceleration from a stop. Sometimes this is just a little bumping, but other times it's a near total loss of power for several seconds, long enough to be very dangerous while accelerating or especially while turning. When I took the car in for service, the advisor there started to tell me that the behavior is normal even before anyone had started to look at the car. After a tech took it for a test drive, the advisor told me that my concerns "describe a perfect cvt" and he doesn't see a problem, and that it's expected behavior to have dangerous power loss like this. I was told that my problem is not a problem and sent away. Power loss like this during acceleration is clearly a problem, despite the claims of the Subaru employees, and I do not feel safe in this car. Subaru refuses to address this issue. The service advisor suggested that I avoid accelerating or turning any time power loss would be a danger or issue - this is clearly not an acceptable solution.

- Stoughton, WI, USA

problem #8

Aug 112015

Forester 4-cyl

  • 3,277 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. While pulling into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into a brick wall. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,277....updated 10-13-15 the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired. Updated 10/15/15

- White Plains, NY, USA

problem #7

Jul 292015

Forester

  • 1,200 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. While driving the vehicle during the daytime at 25 mph, the speedometer was not as visible and failed to illuminate properly. The vehicle was to taken the dealer where it was diagnosed that it was standard for those models of vehicles. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,200.

- Tewksbury, MA, USA

problem #6

Jul 072015

Forester

  • 4,829 miles
Sudden unintended acceleration: The vehicle vigorously accelerated immediately after shifting from park to drive without touching the accelerator pedal. The vehicle crashed through a fence ~8 feet away, pushed over 2 eight foot trees behind the fence then became high centered on a 30" "retaining ~5 feet beyond the fence. The vehicle accelerated in spite of full application of the brakes. The vehicle was unable to move forward any more after it was high centered on the retaining wall but the engine speed remained at a high RPM. The engine slowed down only when the ignition was turned off.

- Bellevue, WA, USA

problem #5

Jun 132015

Forester

  • 11,265 miles
From a full stop, A/C on, I began to accelerate at a green light. Car stopped acceleration at aprox. 2 miles per hour and coasted thru large intersection before accelerating again. I checked to see if the car was in drive and that the emergency brake was off. I took car to dealer who said no "error code" is available that would indicate a problem and they were unable to replicate the issue. Obviously there is an issue because another driver made this same report. This is a huge concern for me because 1) what happens if the car fails again when I pull into traffic with my kid in the car? and 2) I bought a Subaru because they are supposed to be safe and reliable. I'm seriously reconsidering my decision now.

- Medford, OR, USA

Read the next 4 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?