2021 Subaru Forester Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2021 model year · 3,200+ owner reports · Updated May 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,200+ owner reports, the 2021 Subaru Forester has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure ($0-$8,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure with 1,800 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $500 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 2 Known Issues

Community Reported

1,800 owners

On the 2014-2021 Subaru Forester, the Lineartronic CVT (TR690) in 2014-2021 Foresters can develop shuddering, hesitation, and in severe cases, complete failure. Symptoms typically begin around 60,000-100,000 miles. The CVT chain can stretch, causing slippage and shudder during light acceleration. The torque converter can also develop issues. Subaru extended CVT warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles under Customer Satisfaction Program WTY-72. Multiple software updates have been released to address shifting behavior.

This issue also affects: Acura TL, Infiniti QX60, Mitsubishi Outlander

Common Symptoms

Shuddering during light acceleration at 15-40 mph
Hesitation or delay when accelerating from a stop
CVT whining or droning noise
Rough engagement into Drive or Reverse
Transmission warning light on dashboard

How to Fix

Have the dealer check for and apply the latest CVT software updates (TSB 16-103-17R). Perform CVT fluid change with Subaru CVT Fluid Lineartronic II (SOA427V1700). If shuddering persists, torque converter replacement or complete CVT replacement may be needed. Verify coverage under Subaru's 10-year/100,000-mile CVT warranty extension.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 1,800+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeCVT fluid specifically formulated for continuous variable transmissions (Valvoline CVT Transmission Fluid)
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UpgradeReplacement CVT transmission filter to maintain fluid cleanliness (ATP CVT Transmission Filter Kit)
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Typical repair cost:$0 - $8,000

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1,800+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence1,800 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

1,400 owners

On the 2019-2025 Subaru Forester, 5th generation Foresters (2019+) have widespread reports of windshield cracks initiating near the EyeSight camera housing area or from the edges with no impact. The windshield design incorporates an acoustic interlayer and EyeSight camera calibration zone that creates stress concentrations. Temperature changes commonly trigger cracks. Replacement windshields must be EyeSight-compatible and require camera recalibration. Subaru has not issued a recall but dealerships have handled some replacements under goodwill.

Common Symptoms

Crack appearing near EyeSight camera housing without impact
Crack starting from windshield edge and spreading
EyeSight system disabled due to cracked windshield
Crack appearing after temperature changes
Multiple cracks developing in short period

How to Fix

Document the crack with photos immediately. Contact Subaru customer service (1-800-782-2783) to request goodwill coverage. Replacement requires Subaru-approved EyeSight-compatible windshield and dealer calibration of EyeSight cameras ($200-400 for calibration alone). Aftermarket windshields from Pilkington or Mopar are available but must be EyeSight-rated. Some owners have had success with Subaru covering costs under goodwill after persistent complaints.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 1,400+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeTrim removal tool set for body panel work without damage (MICTUNING Trim Removal Tool Set)
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UpgradeBondo body filler for dent and panel repair (Bondo Body Filler Kit)
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Typical repair cost:$500 - $1,500

Research This Issue

1,400+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence1,400 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,200+ owner reports, the 2021-2021 Subaru Forester has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure, Windshield Spontaneous Cracking Near EyeSight Camera. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

The 2021-2021 Subaru Forester has 2 known issues documented across 3,200+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Forester problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru Forester issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure, typically costs $0-$8,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2014-2021 Subaru Forester CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure?

The Lineartronic CVT (TR690) in 2014-2021 Foresters can develop shuddering, hesitation, and in severe cases, complete failure. Symptoms typically begin around 60,000-100,000 miles. The CVT chain can stretch, causing slippage and shudder during light acceleration. The torque conve… Repairs typically run $0-$8,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2019-2025 Subaru Forester Windshield Spontaneous Cracking Near EyeSight Camera?

5th generation Foresters (2019+) have widespread reports of windshield cracks initiating near the EyeSight camera housing area or from the edges with no impact. The windshield design incorporates an acoustic interlayer and EyeSight camera calibration zone that creates stress conc… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: medium.

2021 Subaru Forester Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2014-2021 Subaru Forester: CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2019-2025 Subaru Forester: Windshield Spontaneous Cracking Near EyeSight Camera#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Subaru Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Forester problems?

What is the 2014-2021 Subaru Forester CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure?

What is the 2019-2025 Subaru Forester Windshield Spontaneous Cracking Near EyeSight Camera?