2015 Subaru Forester transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 7, 2026108,000 miNCBrakesTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact's spouse owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop or at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle hesitated and failed to accelerate as intended. The Hill Assist and Automatic Transmission Oil Temperature warning lights flashed, and the ABS, Traction Control, and VDC warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off to cool down on each occurrence. After approximately…

   NHTSA complaint #11748724 · source
2. Filed May 1, 2026AKEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   I was pulling into a parking spot almost stopped when the vehicle suddenly surged forward. I slammed on the brake and put the car in reverse since it had driven upon the walkway. This happened earlier today and I plan to have it checked out as soon as possible . Never have had this problem before, no warning lights or messages.

   NHTSA complaint #11735015 · source
3. Filed Apr 1, 2026WATransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle: 2015 Subaru Forester Mileage at Failure: 85,000 miles Component: Powertrain – CVT Transmission My 2015 Subaru Forester is experiencing a premature safety‑related CVT transmission failure at approximately 85,000 miles. The vehicle developed a pronounced whining noise that increases with vehicle speed, consistent with internal CVT bearing or pulley failure. This is a known defect pattern in Subaru Forester CVTs and is not related to maintenance or wear. The noise is…

   NHTSA complaint #11728666 · source
4. Filed Jan 24, 2026TNLightingTransmission & Drivetrain

   I bought a used 2015 subaru forester with 117,000 miles from an auto shop/used car dealer in March of 2024. In September of 2025, 11,000 miles of driving later, a bunch of lights came on my dash. Check engine, traction control, ABS, at oil temp, and incline assist. I took it to Autozone to get the codes read and the part it suggested was the transmission oil pressure sensor. I then took it to a trusted mechanic who said they weren’t able to get the lights to turn back on and…

   NHTSA complaint #11713143 · source
5. Filed Jan 5, 2026TXBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   REPORT OF FAILED RECALL REMEDY (RECALL 19V-149 / WUE-90) My 2015 Subaru Forester experienced a total recurrence of the defect addressed in 2019. The vehicle became trapped in 'Park' intermittently on several occasions before remaining immobilized. During one incident, the manual shift-lock override failed to function. While the brake lights functioned during these incidents, the failure to shift is a documented symptom of a failing brake light switch. I had the switch…

   NHTSA complaint #11708987 · source
6. Filed Jan 24, 2025ORAirbagsTransmission & DrivetrainWheels & Tires

   The Vehicle was sold to me by a local dealership not SUBARU Manufacturer themselves with the conditions marked above and more, the wheels when purchased as i turned any corners it would sound like the underside of the vehicle would explode even when driving straight it was just less frequent and caused the ABS system to activate and would pull one way or another. the Transmission has never been inspected by the dealership that sold it to me and the manufacturer seal was…

   NHTSA complaint #11638241 · source
7. Filed Oct 15, 2024ILTransmission & Drivetrain

   My clutch fork was nearly broken in two.(pics available). I asked the mechanic to save the old parts. My 6MT was never modified; the vehicle was neither raced, taken off-road nor used for towing. A friend discovered the following article online: [XXX] Based on said article , I believe the part on my vehicle was defective. How may other manual transmission Subarus have been affected by this defect ? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5…

   NHTSA complaint #11620007 · source
8. Filed Dec 4, 202375,000 miCACrash1 injuredTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owned a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, in a residential parking lot, the contact stated while he was parking, the vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into a nearby tree. The contact stated before crashing into the nearby tree the vehicle also hit a nearby pole. The contact stated that the acceleration continued to get faster and faster. The contact also stated that none of the air bags deployed. A police report…

   NHTSA complaint #11558358 · source
9. Filed Jul 23, 2023VATransmission & Drivetrain

   Both Rear Wheel bearings failed and required replacement at 65,000 miles. Apparently this is a common issue as a TSB was issued and a new backer plate was installed as water is getting into the bearings (design issue)

   NHTSA complaint #11533929 · source
10. Filed Jun 20, 202373,600 miCATransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle accelerated at high speed and stability, the traction control, the check engine, and the cruise control warning light illuminated, and the vehicle would not accelerate. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no failure was found. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken…

    NHTSA complaint #11527981 · source
11. Filed Mar 10, 202371,545 miVATransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the vehicle made abnormal grinding sounds. Additionally, the vehicle was vibrating while turning the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a faulty bearing. The bearing was replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving approximately 70-75 MPH. The vehicle was then taken to Farrish Subaru (10407 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030)…

    NHTSA complaint #11511217 · source
12. Filed Mar 8, 2023MDEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    We were driving at 75 mph in the left lane when our car suddenly dropped in speed to 40 mph as though the transmission had dropped into neutral. There were no warning lights or any indication about what was happening. We were in heavy traffic, with trucks and car hitting their brakes. This could have caused a very serious accident. We managed to move our car to the right shoulder. The car's transmission re-engaged and we picked up our speed. This happened 3 times in the…

    NHTSA complaint #11510749 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology