2021 Subaru Forester driver assistance & safety tech problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed May 15, 2026WADriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   My Subaru Forester has a significant safety defect. If my web searches are representative this software problem affects multiple models and years of Subaru. I have addressed this problem with the local dealer, Subaru America, and Subaru Japan and have been told "that is the way it was designed and it is supposed to do that." As you may imagine that is not a satisfactory answer to a significant safety issue; I can only imagine Ford saying the Pinto was designed with a gas…

   NHTSA complaint #11738084 · source
2. Filed Dec 4, 2025FLDriver Assistance & Safety TechOther / Unknown

   I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding repeated, severe, and dangerous malfunctions of the vehicle's engine Start/Stop (Idle Stop) feature. The system is failing to operate as intended, resulting in the engine stalling while the vehicle is in motion or under crucial driving circumstances, creating significant safety hazards. History of Incidents I have experienced four separate incidents where the engine unexpectedly stalled or shut down, creating extreme risk:…

   NHTSA complaint #11702915 · source
3. Filed Sep 20, 2025KSDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   I was going down a highway using the lane keeping assistance feature. Suddenly the vehicle stopped following the road and ran me into a ditch. I was able to steer back onto the road, but if the ditch had been deeper I believe there would have been a rollover accident. The root cause is that when the audio system is turned up in the vehicle, the warning chimes do not interrupt the music or sound loudly enough to be heard over it. When the vehicle needs manual intervention…

   NHTSA complaint #11688606 · source
4. Filed Aug 20, 2025AZFireDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   After arriving home from a short drive to the grocery store I parked my car in the drive way and went inside. On the drive home I could hear a low humming coming from the speakers and the car was decelerating when the accelerator was not being pressed, no warning lights or sounds came on. About 10 minutes after I parked a neighbor knocked on the door letting me know my car was smoking from inside the hood. Within a minute or 2 the entire hood of the car was engulfed in…

   NHTSA complaint #11681870 · source
5. Filed Aug 12, 2025FLDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   Vehicle unexpectedly brakes for no apparent reason, has almost caused us to be rear ended. Subaru inspected vehicle, says the Eyesight ADA camera needs to be replaced at our cost. This vehicle is only 4 years old and has 38,000 miles. This is clearly a safety defect.

   NHTSA complaint #11680144 · source
6. Filed Aug 12, 2025MNBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   On August 12, 2025, at approximately 10:16 AM, while driving at normal speed on CR-43 NW southbound just past Minnesota Ave in Big Lake, MN, my Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist System, specifically the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) / Pre-Collision Braking System, suddenly activated without warning and with no obstacle present. The braking was abrupt and unnecessary, causing the vehicle behind me to nearly rear-end mine. Road conditions were clear, dry, and unobstructed,…

   NHTSA complaint #11680124 · source
7. Filed Jul 10, 2025AZCrash1 injuredTowedDriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering

   While driving on I-17 Southbound near mile marker 311 at approximately 75 mph, I experienced a sudden and dangerous malfunction of the Lane Keep Assist (Auto-Steer) system in a 2021 Subaru Forester. The feature was active at the time and unexpectedly veered the vehicle sharply toward the concrete wall on the left shoulder of the highway. I attempted to regain control, but due to the abrupt nature of the malfunction, I overcorrected and collided with the wall on the rear…

   NHTSA complaint #11672501 · source
8. Filed Apr 11, 2025MIDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

   Was stopped at traffic light. Start Stop system was engaged. Engine turned off as normal. When I took my foot off the brake the engine did not engage and the Eyesight warning light came on that the Eyesight system was not functioning. Put the car in park and engaged the ignition button and the engine started. Turned off the Start Stop system and the car functioned normally after that. Have read postings on Subaru forum that this has happened to others.

   NHTSA complaint #11654189 · source
9. Filed Sep 30, 2024VADriver Assistance & Safety TechVisibility & Wipers

   **Component Malfunction**: The windshield developed cracks shortly after purchase, which expanded without impact, affecting visibility and causing the Safety Eyesight system to malfunction. **Safety Risk**: The expanding crack impaired vision and led to safety system malfunctions, posing a risk to driver and passenger safety. **Problem Reproduction**: It is unclear if the issue has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center. **Inspection Status**: The vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11617156 · source
10. Filed Jul 2, 2024PADriver Assistance & Safety TechOther / Unknown

    I’ve owned the vehicle under a year and am already on my second window replacement. I drive the same route everyday and ever experienced windows cracking in any other vehicle before this vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint #11598420 · source
11. Filed Dec 14, 202324,000 miGADriver Assistance & Safety Tech

    The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the automatic emergency braking system activated, bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage…

    NHTSA complaint #11560155 · source
12. Filed May 15, 2023ORDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

    Braking system sometimes is activated by a sign on the side of the road, by a tree if we are turning, or nothing at all. Nearly in 2 rear end collisions when the system activated incorrectly. We cannot drive into our garage with the system activated...brakes keep slamming on. The only safe way to operate this subaru is to manually turn it off every time we start the car. Subaru dealership states it cannot recalibrate the eyesight system as it does not have that ability.…

    NHTSA complaint #11522161 · 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