2015 Subaru Forester: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
Known weak spot on this generation: FB20 / FB25 oil consumption. 3 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 22% about engine & cooling.
Ask to see oil level now; ask the seller how often they add oil. A ring-replacement or an oil-consumption test on record means it was addressed.
Known problems on the 2015 Subaru Forester
FB20 / FB25 oil consumption $1,200–$3,500 to fix
The FB 'boxer' engines of this era burn oil — often a quart every 1,000–1,200 mi — from a piston-ring design later revised. Subaru settled a class action and did ring replacements under an oil-consumption test.
Check for: Ask to see oil level now; ask the seller how often they add oil. A ring-replacement or an oil-consumption test on record means it was addressed.
Basis: Subaru oil-consumption class-action settlement; TSB 02-157-14
Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.
2015 Subaru Forester recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2015 Subaru Forester. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Lights
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Details 19V149000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
- Airbags
If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
Details 19V701000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
- Engine & cooling
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Details 16V162000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.
2015 Subaru Forester safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Battery: Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.
- Engine: Is initiating a program to extend the original New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage for excessive engine oilconsumption on applicable…
- Warranty extension: This program extends warranty coverage for dashboards on all 2005-2009 subaru outback and subaru legacy vehicles sold or leased in the united states.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2015 Subaru Forester safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
613 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Subaru Forester years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
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