OBD diagnostics · purchase protection

2019 Subaru Forester
Common Problems & Inspection Guide

Verify baseline vehicle system stability data. Learn what to check on the physical vehicle computer before signing a bill of sale.

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Platform Heritage

The Subaru Forester (Japanese: スバル・フォレスター, Hepburn: Subaru Foresutā) is a compact crossover SUV that has been manufactured by Subaru since 1997. The first generation was built on the platform of the Impreza in the style of a taller station wagon, a style that continued to the second generation, while the third-generation model onwards moved towards a crossover SUV design. A performance model was available for the second-generation Forester in Japan as the Forester STi.

Source: Wikipedia intro extract · as of Jun 19, 2026

Key facts for this model year

831NHTSA owner complaints
3Safety recalls on file
149Top issue reports · Visibility/Wiper
$0Typical OEM recall remedy cost to you

~3.5k average monthly buyer searches in the US (google ads data · as of Jun 19, 2026). Run a MotoMetrics scan for your VIN to see live repair exposure.

Verify the data — open primary sources · as of Jun 19, 2026

System Defect Summaries & Field Data

Active safety recalls on file: 3 (source: NHTSA Recalls API · as of Jun 19, 2026)

Top NHTSA complaint categories

Recent recall summaries

Campaign 21V263000 · SUSPENSION:REAR · API record

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.

Campaign 19V856000 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) · API record

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.

Campaign 19V065000 · STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · API record

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.

YouTube voice themes below are research hints only — verify against NHTSA data before citing.

Search demand cross-check: ~3,517 avg monthly intent searches (source: google ads data · as of Jun 19, 2026)

On-Site Subaru Forester Pre-Purchase Checklist

  1. Verify OBD-II readiness monitors are complete (not recently cleared) using a full protocol scan.
  2. Compare dashboard mileage to ECU-stored odometer modules where accessible.
  3. Pull permanent and pending DTCs — not only stored codes visible on the dash.
  4. Inspect systems related to VISIBILITY/WIPER (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  5. Inspect systems related to ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  6. Inspect systems related to UNKNOWN OR OTHER (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  7. Inspect systems related to ENGINE (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  8. Inspect systems related to VISIBILITY (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  9. Confirm recall remedy completed for SUSPENSION:REAR (campaign 21V263000).
  10. Confirm recall remedy completed for ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) (campaign 19V856000).
  11. Confirm recall remedy completed for STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM (campaign 19V065000).
  12. Run a MotoMetrics on-site scan for Subaru Forester before signing the bill of sale.

Alternative Inferences & Cross-Shopping Matrix

Adjacent model years for this nameplate and equivalent footprints shoppers compare across brands.

Generational cohorts

2011 Subaru Forester

Class competitors

2019 Honda Cr-V 2019 Toyota Rav4 2018 Mazda Cx-5 2019 Subaru Outback

Vehicle health varies wildly by individual history. Aggregate recall and complaint data cannot tell you whether the specific car on the lot had its monitors cleared or its odometer rolled back. Verify the physical or digital scan before you sign a bill of sale.

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