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2019 Subaru Forester Electrical Problems

116 owner-reported electrical complaints from NHTSA data

116
Complaints
6
Crashes
7
Fires
Jan 2022Dec 2023
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (116)

criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Nov 2025

I have reported this before but it never went anywhere. When at a red light or in a traffic slowdown, the car will activate the auto start/stop system. Three times in the past 2 days, the car would not turn back on and required me to turn the car off and back on again.

NHTSA #: 11699899
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2025

My 2019 forester touring. The sound system will randomly raise to extremely high volume. It’s an extremely loud, distorted, static version of what you were listening to.

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NHTSA #: 11685026
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CrashFiled: May 2024

An electrical failure of the auto start/stop feature led to an unavoidable accident. I came to a stoplight, going slightly uphill, and the car shut off as designed. Releasing the brake re-engages the starter to continue driving, however when I released the brake, the car’s electrical system went haywire and the car immediately rolled BACKWARDS, damaging the car behind me. I took it to Subaru and the mechanic said the battery was low, but the car is designed NOT to initiate the start/stop feature, to prevent this from happening. They acknowledged that the accident was not my fault, but provided no further assistance. I was found at fault in the accident despite having no control over the scenario.

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NHTSA #: 11590471
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Crash / FireFiled: Dec 2023

On November 30th around 5:30 PM on [XXX] my wife struck and killed a 6 point buck. Thankfully a SC Highway officer was coming in the opposite direction saw the accident and aided my wife in getting out of the car as he had seen a fire in the engine compartment area. Shortly thereafter the car exploded and was engulfed in flames and totally destroyed.

NHTSA #: 11558550
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Oct 2023

I own a 2019 Subaru Forester. Approximately 5 months ago, I experienced a failure in the auto start-stop feature. My car intermittently shuts down when stopped at traffic lights or in the middle of an intersection.

NHTSA #: 11552695
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Sep 2023

2019 subaru forester failed thermo control valve. There are literally 1000s of complaints on this issue and SOA refuses to issue a recall. Subaru has issued a bulletin to replace the faulty design with redesigned part.

NHTSA #: 11545701
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Crash / FireFiled: Aug 2023

On our way to a vacation in NJ, we were driving on the expressway and a deer jumped over the rail into the hood of the car. The car immediately started to smoke ( dark black). We got out of the car, retrieved two luggage bags, and the car burst into flames.

NHTSA #: 11537644
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Oct 2022

While on freeway at night on 9/28/22 about 8pm several dashboard lights activated including check engine, eyesight assisted safety light, steering and safety controls disabled, all at once! I pulled over and called Subaru for assistance. Called AAA.

NHTSA #: 11487788
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2022

In July my car kept dying and I had to jump the battery frequently. I Had it serviced at Hayesville firestone and was told it was ok. Problem continued.

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NHTSA #: 11486399
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION
Filed: Aug 2022

I recently bought this vehicle (used) with ~1900 miles. After 1.5 months of owning the vehicle, I suddenly had several warning lights as well as systems disabled within the vehicle.

NHTSA #: 11478546
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2022

vehicle stalled for no reason causing a dangerous situation, dashboard had 'eyesight' come on, possible crash avoidance feature ??

NHTSA #: 11475861
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Jul 2022

My car started on fire while parked and turned off. The fire was electrical and appeared to be caused by issues in the main wiring harness under the console between the driver and passenger seats.

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NHTSA #: 11475016
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Crash / FireFiled: Apr 2022

The contact owned a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH on the interstate, a deer jumped in front causing a crash. All the air bags deployed, and immediately soon after a fire was coming from the hood.

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NHTSA #: 11460731
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
Crash / FireFiled: Apr 2022

Car caught fire after a relatively slow (less than 35 MPH) collision with a Chevrolet Tahoe. Other vehicle was driveable, my Subaru Forester caught fire.

NHTSA #: 11459286
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2022

Battery drains extremely quickly. I replaced with brand new battery and it completely drained overnight. When I tried to start car next morning the Engine clicked repeatedly then the infotainment and dash lights started blinking and acting strangely then went black but the music still played (with a black screen and car off).

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NHTSA #: 11445879
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FireFiled: Apr 2020

The vehicle had an electric mirror where the back casing was broken. We went to the dealer where we were told it was a cosmetic issue only and they ordered a mirror for us. We left and the vehicle caught on fire while sitting in a driveway turned off.

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NHTSA #: 11320974
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2019

The homelink garage door opener does not function when the ignition is off. This could be a dangerous situation for a woman, driving into her garage, shutting off the engine, then getting out of the car to walk to the front of the garage where the wall button is located.

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NHTSA #: 11290875
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,LANE DEPARTURE
Crash / FireFiled: Dec 2019

Tl* the contact owned a 2019 subaru forester. The contact stated that all the automatic safety features failed on the vehicle. While driving between 50-55 MPH and changing lanes, the lane departure warning failed.

NHTSA #: 11287979
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2019

The rear, automatic tailgate periodically fails to operate and effectively locks one out of that area. There is no known by-pass or workaround and based on subaru user site, appears to be a widespread problem. It also seems that subaru itself does not understand the issue and has many explanations but no solution or workaround.

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NHTSA #: 11217148
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: May 2019

Accidentally left the moonroof slightly open. Rainwater got inside the adaptive cruise control causing it to malfunction .

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NHTSA #: 11208868
criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2019

Tl* the contact owns a 2019 subaru forester. While turning the vehicle, the entire electrical system shut off, including the power steering and emergency braking system. The contact was almost involved in a crash due to the failure.

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NHTSA #: 11191388
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 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.

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NHTSA #: 11723269
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2025

Subaru Forester 2019 January - February of 2025: issue initially presented as the hatch beeping, indicating that it was not closing fully. The hatch would not pop back up as if something was in the way, just remain down & continue beeping. The car would then not start, with only the hatch beeping noise (beep beep beep) going off.

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NHTSA #: 11702536
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2025

The issue started last year over a period of several months when my car kept stalling at a traffic light. After stopping on a red light my car stalled. I had to shut off the car then restart to get it going.

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NHTSA #: 11635934
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2024

[XXX], driving home, dark at [XXX] in Airway Heights WA. About 10 mins to home, lights in dashboard suddenly lit (brake, check engine, battery icon, water temp icon, 2 yellow colored pictures that had the word “off”, park, ABS, exclamation point next to a circle that had a symbol in circle like a Mercedes Benz, and another symbol colored yellow).

NHTSA #: 11632986
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2024

Car suddenly stopped accelerating several times over the course of several months, at seemingly random speeds, once even at a full stop when attemptign to begin acceleration. Required to turn it off and on again (in park, break still works) and it works again.

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NHTSA #: 11606007
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2023

This is a follow up from previous complaint 11525953 dated 6/8/2023. My subaru forester stalled again on 8/2 at an intersection after 15 minutes of driving, and then again on 10/4 at an intersection after 45 minutes of highway driving. There are no warning signals or any indication of engine problems.

NHTSA #: 11550049
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH in a thunderstorm, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently. The check engine, the Vehicle Dynamic Control, and the Eyesight Driver Assist system warning lights were illuminated.

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NHTSA #: 11546002
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Jul 2023

Over a dozen times now, when at a traffic light, the automatic on/off feature turns the cars engine off. When you take your foot off the brake to reactivate the engine, there is an EyeSight Disabled warning and the car stalls and fails to turn off. You have to turn the car completely off to restart it.

NHTSA #: 11531636
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Dec 2022

Car stalls out sometimes when running while stopped. This is not the stop/start system. Also, driver door power window will sometimes raise and lower on its own.

NHTSA #: 11496876
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Sep 2022

when driving and stopped at a light the car died, I had to put it in park and restart it , this has happened on 4 different occasions, and I've taken it to the dealer and was told nothing checked out as failing, also, the radio has gone wild on occasion, dialing contacts in my phone numerous times, and me being unable to stop it.

NHTSA #: 11486068
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2022

Part #21319aa010 coolant control valve assembly. There is a huge line 25 customers for the same part at the subaru dealer I purchsaed the 2019 base forester from. Code has been read.

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NHTSA #: 11484851
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2022

Battery constantly drains and fails to start the car almost from 2019 when I purchased the car. I’ve had to replace the original battery when the car was less than two years old and one year later the new battery has the same problem. No battery is able to hold a charge in this car and it continues to be a problem.

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NHTSA #: 11482906
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2022

The car has a power assisted hatchback. When it fails to latch, the power is completely drained from the car, and there is zero indication of this happening, until the next day when an attempt is made to start the car. We've been stranded twice in our car and twice on the road.

NHTSA #: 11465745
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2022

The battery drains when the car is not driven for 5 days or more. This newly-engineered battery was necessitated to support the auto-stop-start feature on the car. The battery was replaced on 1-26-2021.

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NHTSA #: 11459156
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2022

Repeated battery failure issues. Vehicle has had to be jumped anytime the vehicle has sat more than eight hours since approximately 01/18/2022. Vehicle has been taken to an auto shop where battery and alternator test was done.

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NHTSA #: 11453312
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2022

Battery Failure for the second time since purchase. Yesterday, 2/1/2022, I took my Subaru in due to the battery they replace about 15 months ago went dead two days ago. I was able to jump start to get back home.

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NHTSA #: 11449854
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2021

8 days ago I replaced the battery on this car as the lights/radio would come on but it would not start. Today the car is totally dead. It will have to be towed to the dealer whenever the towing companies can get around to it.

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NHTSA #: 11445124
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Dec 2021

12/6 - 3:30pm. My dashboard warning lights all came on as I turned right into my driveway, the car stalled so I turned it off. Next day 12/7 - 9:00 am all the warning lights came on when I turned the key.

NHTSA #: 11443192
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2021

On at least 4 or five occasions my car has been dead in the garage of my home. So far I have been lucky and it has not gone dead while I was out. After the first three dead issues, I had the AAA come and they replaced the battery.

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NHTSA #: 11435759
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2021

Repeated SUDDEN BATTERY DRAIN when car sits overnight, car is disabled. Note that Key FOB is kept away from the car when not in use, no accessories are left on (I.e. lights, door ajar, etc.) and car is only sitting for one night.

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NHTSA #: 11427353
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Oct 2019

There are actually three issues with the vehicle. The biggest issue, and potentially the most dangerous, is the vehicle randomly shutting itself off - not stalling. The problem occurs most often while stopped at lights, but has occurred in other situations as well.

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NHTSA #: 11270984
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Apr 2019

In our 2 week old 2019 forester, we were driving on the freeway at 65mph and felt a sudden jolt and the car shut off: the lights on the dashboard went off, the headlights went off, the turn signals would not work and the accelerator wasn't working. We guided the car off the freeway and sat on the side of the freeway.

NHTSA #: 11195742
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: May 2025

During severe stop/go, thick, holiday traffic on I-495 (DC Beltway), during daylight hours, once AGAIN (this has happened several times before), the auto engine shutoff feature catastrophically malfunctioned, turning the car off, and simultaneously, activated the entirety of the dashboard to flash on/off, causing nearly every indicator light to come on, and then had difficulty restarting.

NHTSA #: 11663006
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, there was an alarm heard before several unknown warning lights illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to 35 MPH. The contact shifted to neutral to restart the vehicle.

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NHTSA #: 11640640
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2024

As I was driving, every warning light came on, my car emitted a high pitched alarm and the car stopped working. This happened twice. I had to put my car in park.

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NHTSA #: 11621528
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2024

After starting these lights came on the dashboard: check engine, flashing I drive, no eyesight, rab off. Seems related to start/stop system which randomly dies when I release the brake. The whole dash lights up and I have to put the car in P and start it again.

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NHTSA #: 11607292
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2024

The battery on my 2019 Subaru Forester was replaced in September 2022. It was the best battery available offered at Les Schwab. But a few days ago, the battery was completely dead again and couldn’t even be jump started with my Jump N Carry after being parked in my garage for ~3 weeks.

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NHTSA #: 11593798
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: May 2024

most of the safety quiet. motor cut out, eyesight quiet working, check engine light came on service person said the diagnostic showed a code p2682 engine coolant bypass valve control low. steering light came on. No prior warnings. happened while driving at speed limit on interstate.

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NHTSA #: 11591360
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Apr 2024

4/2/2024 at 5:30am my Eyesight system flashed a message in orange that the Eyesight system was off - not temporarily disabled. This is NOT due to an obstruction of the cameras by weather/glare/dirt etc. All functions controlled by Eyesight including lane departure, adaptive cruise control, and forward emergency braking, as well as reverse automatic braking are disabled by this malfunction. I removed the negative lead from my battery in an attempt to reset the system which did not clear the error. No check engine light accompanied this error and all other systems seem to be functioning normally.

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NHTSA #: 11580717
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Mar 2024

Start / stop feature. Multiple incidents. Continuing issue. Stop at a light or in traffic. The car turns off. Let off the brake the car completely looses power sometimes or dies. Need to move shifter to park to restart. When the vehicle dies completely. Unable to move shifter of use hazards. This has happened on the highway at stop lights leaving me stranded in the middle of the road with no vehicle power. Or having to restart. Battery, starter and Alternator have been tested and are good. Safety issue.

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NHTSA #: 11576421
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 2024

My 2019 Suburu Forester battery will not hold a charge. Whenever I want to use it, my husband must jump the Forester with cables from his car's battery. I am careful not to park it for long and use it for trips to dentist, doctor, and other necessities. We bought the Suburu Forester brand new off the car lot in 2019. The car has under 3k miles of use--it looks in perfect condition. We've changed batteries but that did not solve the start up problem. It is a safety hazard depending upon where I have to stop the car. The "incident" is one of many recurrences. After 7 days of nonuse, parked in my garage, the car fails to start.

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NHTSA #: 11573108
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Dec 2023

All of a sudden, the eyesight and collision prevention stopped working, the check engine light came on, the blue light thermostat indicator came on. We had no heat. The flashing "S" (sportsmode indicator) came on. We were driving on the highway and still over an hour from home. It was snowing, we could not adequately clear the windshield of fog so our visibility was severely compromised. We lost all Eye Sight capability which meant that we were vulnerable if there was ever a crash or an obstruction in the roadway.

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NHTSA #: 11562800
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE
Filed: Dec 2023

On Friday, December 15, 2023 I started my car, Subaru Forester Touring 2019. After starting these lights came on the dashboard: check engine, flashing S drive, no eyesight, RAB off. I was reading online that there have been complaints to NHTSA similar to my problem ( NHTSA ID # 11490232, 12479843, 11511658, 11490977, 11479843, 11499756, 11480952, 11491752, 11474804) to name a few reports.This has never happenedbefore. The mileage on my car is about 54,400 miles at time of incident. It seems to me that there is a pattern here that needs to be resolved and the owners informed so they can get if fixed before it happens and causes safety problems for Subaru Forester owners. I am kindly asking your office to seriously look into this specific problem and help us, the consumers, to inform Subaru to fix these issues. I thank you for taking the time to read my letter.

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NHTSA #: 11560375
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2023

Subaru has issued a service bulletin regarding this issue. The vehicles auto engine on/off (gas saving feature) fails to restart while driving due to OEM battery is known to be too weak. Only way to resolve the issue is to replace with higher capacity battery requiring new battery tray and additional new equipment.

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NHTSA #: 11550549
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Sep 2023

Termal control valve 2. Traveling out of state and engine light came on 3. Warning light (check engine was on) 4 confirmned by dealer 5.

NHTSA #: 11546663
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jun 2023

2019 Subaru Forester Premier. 6/29/23 All ok while driving for 3 hours on highways. Never had any issues before.

NHTSA #: 11529846
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2023

First, the driver's side window would not go up when rolled down, but instead went up and down on its own, until I stopped the car and restarted it. A few days after that, on Friday, January 13, 2023 while on my way to work, I was stopped at a traffic light. All of a sudden beeping started happening, the "Eyesight" light came on, other things were showing, and the car died.

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NHTSA #: 11502071
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Dec 2022

The Thermo Control Valve has stopped working It causes the engine to overheat while drive. The windows fog up in the cold making it hard to because the defrost does not work Yes by an independent service center No No the engine light came while I was drive.

NHTSA #: 11497782
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2022

Failed thermo control valve assembly, Subaru part #21319aa010 Subaru is aware of the problem but new parts are backordered, with delivery perhaps weeks away as this is apparently a common problem. The local dealer indicated Subaru will pay for parts and labor (this is a verbal offer only), which again suggests this is a known problem.

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NHTSA #: 11491223
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE
Filed: Oct 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH the RBD warning light stated off, as well as the Lane Keep, Eyesight, ABS off, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated he noticed that several unknown safety features became inoperable.

NHTSA #: 11488034
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2022

Auto start failed multiple times leaving car disabled for a short period of time in traffic creating safety hazard. After asking the Subaru service center about it they said there was nothing they could do about it because there was no lights on the dashboard. Eventually they informed me at the last service that the battery needed to be replaced.

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NHTSA #: 11486504
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2022

The car's battery is unable to start the car. If the car isn't used for one or two days, the battery power is drained so low that I can't start the car. This problem began very soon after purchase and has not gotten better.

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NHTSA #: 11485902
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2022

While driving, the vehicle stopped driving midride. I attempted to turn off the car and restart the car, but it had issues. This happened on 3 separate occasions.

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NHTSA #: 11483810
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2022

In my Subaru Forester, my battery continues to drain while the car is off and locked. I am unable to start the car in the mornings when I go to work because of this. To get the car to start, I am constantly jumping it.

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NHTSA #: 11459095
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2022

Battery keeps on dying and doesn’t hold charge. Vehicle has less than 8000 miles on it. 3 weeks ago my vehicle was parked in my garage for one week while I was on vacation and the battery was dead and needed to be jump started.

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NHTSA #: 11458603
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2022

I purchased a used 2019 Forester in the summer of 2020. By September 2021, I was having electrical issues - the car wouldn't start and the battery died. I had the car taken to a dealership, they replaced the battery and the alternator (they told me that the alternator was defective and broke the battery).

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NHTSA #: 11457536
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the battery had drained while parked overnight on several occasion. The contact had experienced the failure approximately seven times.

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NHTSA #: 11454630
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2022

There is a software problem which caused the alternator to not charge the battery correctly, causing the battery to go bad prematurely. The battery was just a few months outside of it's warranty, with it needing to be jump started frequently. It was tested at an Autozone then at the Subaru dealership confirming the bad battery.

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NHTSA #: 11452915
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2022

Battery 620 CCA. Batter is 28 months old. Inspected by dealer.

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NHTSA #: 11449377
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2022

> 5 total jump starts and 3 dead batteries requiring battery replacement since purchase 2 years ago. Total mileage currently <10k. Multiple diagnostics from dealer reported to be negative.

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NHTSA #: 11447721
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2021

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the battery would become drained after three days of the vehicle not being driven. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him that the failure was not due to the battery.

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NHTSA #: 11445660
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2021

Battery is repeatedly drained while parked, even with taking care to close all doors and turn off interior lights. This has happened 6-7 times in the last 6 weeks. The dealer tells us the car is fine.

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NHTSA #: 11443912
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2021

Dome light left on overnight. Battery was completely drained, not even the doors would unlock. Called a jumpstart service, they could not jumpstart it without getting thicker jumper cables. Store-bought cheap jumper cables would not work. Second jumpstart service worked, I left it running for 1hr before cutting engine and parking for the night. The next morning, battery was dead again. Called tow, took it to dealership, they replaced the battery. One month later, dome light was left on again, battery was completely dead again. Once again, store-bought jumper cables would not work. Jumpstart service came with thicker cables and got it started again. Dome light has not been left on since then.

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NHTSA #: 11424568
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2021

Battery hesitated when starting engine within 7-9 months of ownership. Spoke to mechanics and service staff several times then and later and was told I need to drive it every 2-3 days to keep battery charged. By 18 months of ownership it was completely dying by fourth day of not driving so I took it into service. After 9 days in service and then service not waiting my advised 4 days to cold start it, they said it’s fine and drive more or get a battery tender. (And that the battery compartment will not accommodate a larger, more powerful replacement battery!). So I purchased a battery tender and keep it attached at all times, just in case. And, I had to purchase a portable charger to keep in my car because an outlet isn’t always available and I could get stranded somewhere. I bought this car upon retirement as my forever car but I do not feel safe or comfortable owning it. I shouldn’t be forced to drive my car every 2-3 days. And should I really be going through all this when purchasing a new car?

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NHTSA #: 11420756
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2021

THE BATTERY OF THE CAR DRAINED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE IT WAS OFF AND PARKED. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN AND THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE BATTERY WAS FINE. ONE MONTH LATER THE BATTERY DRAINED AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE BATTERY OF THE CAR AFTER THAT. THE CAR HAS TO BE PLUGGED INTO A CHARGER WHEN IT IS NOT IN USE.

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NHTSA #: 11416793
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2021

TWICE LAST WINTER I NEEDED TO JUMP START THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE BATTERY HAD BEEN DRAINED. THIS OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS UNUSED FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. WE LATER REALIZED THAT THE CONTROLLER AREA NETWORK (CAN) WAS OPERATING EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. WE LEARNED THIS WHEN WE HEARD A WHIRRING NOISE COMING FROM THE CAR AT TIMES WHEN IT WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND NOT BEING USED. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THIS WAS NORMAL, AND THE CAR WAS DOING WHAT IT SHOULD. DRAINING THE BATTERY IS NOT NORMAL.

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NHTSA #: 11416813
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2021

TWICE WE WERE STRANDED AFTER TRYING TO USE THE CAR IN THE MORNING AND IT WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. THERE WAS NO WARNING THE NIGHT BEFORE. WE'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY - AT 20,000 MILES! GETTING ROAD SERVICE WAS VERY DIFFICULT, SINCE THE CAR IS HARD TO REACH IN A GARAGE ON A HILL. ANOTHER TIME MY WIFE DROVE 15 MILES WITH A CONSTANT BEEPING DUE TO THE REAR GATE LATCH NOT CLOSING PROPERLY. WE HAVE RESET THE THING DOZENS OF TIMES.

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NHTSA #: 11416730
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: May 2021

THE CAR BATTERY GOES STONE COLD DEAD IF THE CAR SITS FOR MORE THAN A WEEK WITHOUT DRIVING. LAST GUY WHO JUMPED THE CAR HAD A HARD TIME GETTING IT TO CHARGE. THE CAR WAS SITTING FOR 2 MONTHS WHILE I WAS AWAY.

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NHTSA #: 11416237
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOWS FAILED TO FULLY CLOSE WHICH CAUSED MOLD TO DEVELOP INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GATEWAY SUBARU (30275 WINNER BLVD, DELMAR, MD 21875, (410) 896-3800) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WOULD BE NO ASSISTANCE IN REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000.

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NHTSA #: 11390025
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2020

LEAVING A PARKING LOT GETTING READY TO TURN ONTO A DIVIDED 4 LANE HIGHWAY AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN THE CARE DID NOT GO WILE I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR DOWN AND I DID IT AGAIN AND STILL NOTHING. BEFORE I REALIZED SOMETHING WAS WRONG THE CAR DRIFTED INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION WITH NO POWER EXCEPT THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AT IDLE SPEED AND IN GEAR BUT STILL NO ACCELERATION SO I LEFT THE CAR DRIFT TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CAR STARTED TO GO JUST BEFORE THE LIGHT CHANGED BACK. THE START-STOP WAS TURNED OFF AND THE ENGINE NEVER STOPPED THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING, BUT THEY WOULD NOT GUARANTEE THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. THIS HAPPENED 6 OR 7 TIMES IN ABOUT 4 MONTHS BUT THIS WAS THE MOST SERIOUS.

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NHTSA #: 11375397
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2020

I STARTED THE CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY, WANTED TO BACK IN TO PARK, GOT OUT OF THE RUNNING CAR TO CHECK SOMETHING, CLOSED THE DOOR BEHIND ME AND THEN TRIED TO GET BACK IN BUT THE CAR LOCKED ITSELF. I HAVE MY KEY ON ME BUT I CAN'T DO ANYTHING TO OPEN THE CAR, THE KEY DOESN'T WORK. I TRIED TO OPEN THE DOOR MANUALLY AND THAT DIDN'T WORK EITHER. I'M STANDING NEXT TO MY LOCKED, RUNNING CAR. IT'S AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE. HAD MY BABY BEEN IN THE CAR, IT WOULD BE LIFE THREATENING! THIS IS ABSURD! THIS CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE AND IT'S SCARY. THIS SHOULD BE A LAWSUIT. THIS IS A HORRIBLE MISTAKE THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED STAT. I'M EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED AND DISAPPOINTED WITH SUBARU.

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NHTSA #: 11352666
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2020

Vehicle completely dead first thing in the morning. No warning. I take 27 mile each way trips several limes a week as well a daily short 3mile each way trips.

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NHTSA #: 11340071
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2020

Frequently the rear tail gate will not open. Sometimes I can continue to depress the button and it will release and then I can manually lift it. Then I press the close button and it will close.

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NHTSA #: 11308486
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2020

The vehicle was stationary. I pressed the power rear gate open button on the driver side dash, but the rear gate didn't open, and the car just beeped three times. The beeps would happen every time I tried to press the gate button on the car or on the faub.

NHTSA #: 11308060
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2019

Automatic rear lift gate will not open (with either key fob or inside auto release). Beeps three times and still will not release. (this started on 12/15/19).

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NHTSA #: 11290307
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Oct 2019

Since owning car since december 2018, I have noticed intermittently that the rear hatch will not open manually when I press the buttons in the back. Also sometimes it does not open when I press the button on left side of dashboard. There is a release mechanism on the inside rear door panel but it is difficult to reach because I have to crawl into the rear of car from a side door.

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NHTSA #: 11271372
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Sep 2019

Rear hatch will not open. This issue has been random and periodic since we took delivery from dealer at end of may, 2019. Today after shopping I tried to place items in the hatch.

NHTSA #: 11258213
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2019

I took delivery of a 2019 suburu forrester on friday june 7, 2019. Less than 3 days later the entire starlink command head unit failed leaving the backup camera, radio, audio, cell phone and navigation systems inoperable. The dealer could not fix the problem.

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NHTSA #: 11219312
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
Filed: May 2019

I had the new 2019 subaru forester for not even a month yet, and I have been in the dealership for 5 times regard of power rear gate not opening and cracked right rear quarter glass, which of the two I considered manufacturer defects, but they denied on both issues but could not provide me the reason and proper way of how they're going to handle the problem.

NHTSA #: 11207122
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Sep 2025

Car has died 10+ times in the last 2 weeks. Will not hold a charge and it’s getting to the point that my car is dying in the middle of the road, during heavy traffic. That or the car will just not start unless jumped

NHTSA #: 11689526
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2023

The original battery does not support the CAN system and replacing the battery does resolve the issue. The system will shut off while stopped at a light to save fuel, and turn back on when you press on the brake or the gas. There is an error where the vehicle will try to start itself when you’re not even cranking it.

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NHTSA #: 11560377
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Oct 2023

Three times in the last week or so, coming to a stop, in traffic, the car throws a warning about the EyeSight not working and it shuts the car off. The first time I was still rolling and had not come to a stop. The other two times I was just barely stopped and it happened.

NHTSA #: 11551141
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2023

Sun roof malfunction. Would not open. Once open, went on highway and had to close it.

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NHTSA #: 11533425
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2023

Automatic Rear lift gate will not raise (but does unlatch); the lift gate cannot be raised manually after latch is released. One can only open it about 6 inches until there is heavy resistance- like the strut has seized or a sensor has triggered a brake. Now, the rear gate cannot be opened in an emergency.

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NHTSA #: 11528382
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2023

The Starlink Infotainment system started to continually reboot despite any attempts to reset it. With the car shut off, the CD player began continuously spinning up then winding down. This drained the battery.

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NHTSA #: 11524377
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2023

Apparently the electrical system drains the battery when the car is not being used. If I let my car sit for 3 days the battery will be dead when I come out to use it.

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NHTSA #: 11505534
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2022

Battery drain quickly. Overnight battery drain. Car driven for over 40 miles and the following day the battery is drained and won't start.

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NHTSA #: 11497436
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2022

Car is continually draining battery, causing vehicle to fail twice now due to a completely dead battery, once was while parked, once while idling with car in drive on road.

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NHTSA #: 11492187
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Sep 2022

Vehicle will not start after it has rained or if auto shut down occurs while it is raining. Vehicle has to be jump started if raining. Might start if “dried out” or left in dry conditions.

NHTSA #: 11485090
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2022

Battery has died

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NHTSA #: 11485001
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2022

Something drained my battery completely dead (to less than 1V) overnight. The car was locked and the key fob wasn't near the car. In fact I keep it in a Faraday bag.

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NHTSA #: 11484419
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2022

There is some sort of battery drain issue causing the battery to die and prevent my car from starting. The battery has been tested independently at two different locations, both of which found the battery was operating properly. My mechanic checked for anything causing any phantom power drain from the battery and could not locate anything.

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NHTSA #: 11469582
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2022

Car battery drained. Have had to call AAA twice. Have now purchased another battery and it failed to auto start when I attempted to cross the intersection.

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NHTSA #: 11462345
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2022

Driving vehicle in a busy intersection and all of a sudden the electrical power went out. Battery is completely drained.

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NHTSA #: 11456221
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2022

The car battery in my 2019 Subaru Forester drained completely overnight. The car was stuck in the garage and I could not go anywhere. I had to call for roadside assistance to get the car jumped.

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NHTSA #: 11452537
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2021

Battery died.

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NHTSA #: 11434772
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2021

For the third time my battery has died. After the second time I had them replace the battery. And now it has died again.

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NHTSA #: 11433382
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2021

Was at the cemetery unloading mulch bags for family gravesite, with rear gate up, for about 30 - 40 minutes total late May 2021. Battery was dead. Had to have someone come and jump start.

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NHTSA #: 11425769
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2020

Tl* the contact owns a 2019 subaru forester. The contact stated that the GPS was providing unsafe directions when driving. The contact stated that it was unsafe when driving.

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NHTSA #: 11330848
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2020

The touch screen system (radio-am/fm and satellite) frequently do not work on the touch screen system. Turning off the engine, taking the key out and repeating the starting process of the vechicle does not fix the problem. It occurs about 1 out of 3 times starting and/or driving the vehicle.

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NHTSA #: 11323195
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2020

On multiple occasions, the rear lift gate has not opened as commanded by the key fob and/or the dashboard control. There is no electronic override or manual latch. This issue leaves you without access to the rear cargo compartment.

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NHTSA #: 11317087
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2020

Infortainment touch screen become unresponsive time to time, causing unnecessary distraction to operate radio, navigation.

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NHTSA #: 11311368
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2019

Rear lift gate will not open with fob or using the button within the cab.

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NHTSA #: 11266700
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Jul 2019

When I start my car via subaru starlink the following technical issues occur voice over bluetooth gets distorted, apple carplay does not connect or affects radio first was noticed jan 23, 2019. Also, power rear gate door would fail and would not open with rear gate button, dash button or via key fob as this on and off problem also noticed after car is started via remote app starlink.

NHTSA #: 11230315
lowELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2019

Rear gate door would not open whether using keyless fob, rear gate door button or dash button. Had to have car battery disconnected for a short period of time and then reconnected it to get the rear gate door to work.

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NHTSA #: 11181561

Other 2019 Subaru Forester Issues