2019 Subaru Forester transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Feb 18, 2026NYElectrical SystemLightingTransmission & Drivetrain

   The electrical system fails, and the battery is not charging sufficiently. When the auto start/stop engages, the car does not restart in traffic. Requested a battery test at the dealership in May 2025; was told it could not be done that day because it would require leaving the dealer service shop. Eventually, the electrical system became unstable, and the car stopped in traffic on 11/07/2025. Replaced battery following OEM specs. In February 2026, symptoms reappeared with a…

   NHTSA complaint #11718775 · source
2. Filed Jan 17, 2026HICrashElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   While at a Stop as the engine turns off and awaits decompression of brake to turn on again vehicle moves forward bit, then the engine shuts down while in drive (stalls) had a vehicle hit me in rear but luckily I had my trailer hitch on because it saved me from body damage . I had to place in park and restart this has happened several times before and I’m kinda nervous and makes my wife nervous when stopping at lights or stop signs it might turn off in the middle of the…

   NHTSA complaint #11711684 · source
3. Filed Oct 3, 2025WAElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   - *Incident 1 (2023):* While driving, my vehicle suddenly stopped while in drive gear, accompanied by a high-pitched alarm and multiple engine service lights. It took over 30 seconds to shift into park and restart the vehicle. The incident occurred at an intersection, and I was fortunate to avoid any collisions. - *Incident 2 (September 2025):* The same problem recurred on two separate occasions- AFTER CERTIFIED REPAIRS. The vehicle came to a complete stop while driving…

   NHTSA complaint #11691148 · source
4. Filed Sep 24, 2025CAElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   50k Mileage Mark: When the vehicle turned off at the stop light to save gas, the car stalled. I had to frequently put the car back in Park, and restart the engine. Since then, I had to turn off the “auto turn off” function for fear of the car stalling on the road. This has caused unnecessary anxiety and fear while driving, harming my psychological wellness. Since the 50k mark this has happened about 10 times. The most recent issue was this month

   NHTSA complaint #11689473 · source
5. Filed Jun 18, 2025CATransmission & Drivetrain

   CVT Transmission failed and not repairable. 6 months out of warranty but under mileage for warranty at 37,000 miles. Fairly new vehicle that is useless w/o $9,000 for a replacement transmission. Exact same defect in 2018 and older models that Subaru is covering repairs and extended warranty for those years.

   NHTSA complaint #11667754 · source
6. Filed Apr 27, 2024CTTransmission & Drivetrain

   On April 16, 2024 the Thermo Control Valve on my 2019 Subaru Forester failed while I was going 70 mph in the middle lane of rush hour traffic. All of the warning lights came on at once as my engine stalled. I lost all mechanical power and was barely able to make it off the highway without getting hit. There was no prior warning that the Thermo Control Valve was bad. I had the car serviced at a Subaru dealership three weeks before the incident and was told that everything…

   NHTSA complaint #11585585 · source
7. Filed Mar 2, 2024MAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving on a highway outside Milford, CT my vehicle is check engine light suddenly illuminated. I had a sudden loss of power, no heat, and the engine temperature was unable to read. Engine temperature was not accurately reporting and showed it as being cold as indicated by blue light warmup light. My eyesight, pre-collision system, and sport mode was disabled due to the engine light being illuminated. The vehicle was seen at a Subaru dealer, who diagnosed the issue to…

   NHTSA complaint #11575098 · source
8. Filed Jan 25, 2024ILTransmission & Drivetrain

   Check engine light came on and gave code P26A6 which came back the thermal control valve which is a well known issue with this make and model vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint #11567710 · source
9. Filed Jan 22, 2024CATransmission & Drivetrain

   Power Control Valve malfunctioning at 26,000 miles. Causing all safety features (auto braking & lane departure) to be shut off.

   NHTSA complaint #11567130 · source
10. Filed Nov 6, 2023WAElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

    Defective/failed thermal control valve. Valve failed while I was driving, resulting in safety systems (e.g., lane keep assist, pre-collision braking). Looking this up, this is a known issue to Subaru.

    NHTSA complaint #11553881 · source
11. Filed Sep 1, 2023PAElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    When driving, ALL lights on the dash went on and vehicle safety features did not work- no cruise control, automatic breaking, automatic headlight adjustments, etc. We were over 500 miles from home and had the oil changed but it did not fix the problem. Had $72,000 miles on it, 4 years old. We had to drive home that distance to get it repaired over a 2-3 day period. No safety features were enabled as we drove. Thermo Control Valve was deemed faulty and replaced. Seeing after…

    NHTSA complaint #11542172 · source
12. Filed Jul 25, 2023VAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    My wife was driving her 2019 Subaru Forester (purchased new) and the Eyesight disabled and the check engine light came on. The car was still running, but not as it normally would. It had less power but would still maintain the speed limit. At home the car idled differently, like it was running too rich or too lean. The exhaust also smelled funny.

    NHTSA complaint #11534263 · 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