2019 Subaru Forester: problems, recalls and what it’s worth

Known problems on the 2019 Subaru Forester

No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.

2019 Subaru Forester recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2019 Subaru Forester. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.

• Suspension

  Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Details 21V263000

  Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.

  Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.

• Steering

  Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Details 19V065000

  Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.

  Fix: None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.

• Engine & cooling

  An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

  Details 19V856000

  Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.

  Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.

2019 Subaru Forester safety investigations and free repairs

No open safety investigations.

Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):

• Glass: (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the Front Windshield used in the above listed models and model years from three (3) years / 36,000 miles to eight (8) years / 100,000 miles (whichever comes first).
• Warranty extension: This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed.
• Battery: Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.

A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.

Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.

2019 Subaru Forester safety and fuel

From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.

What owners complain about

833 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.

What a 2019 Subaru Forester is worth

Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.

Other Subaru Forester years

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024