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Subaru · Known Issues

2025 Subaru Forester Problems: 2 Known Issues

2025 model year · 1,400+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,400+ owner reports, the 2025 Subaru Forester has 2 documented known issues. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. The most commonly reported issue is Windshield Spontaneous Cracking Near EyeSight Camera with 1,400 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Forester Body/Panels1
  • Forester Engine1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Body/Panels1
  • Engine1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ

All 2 Known Issues

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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.

Typical repair cost:$500 - $1,500

Research This Issue

Based on 1,400 owner reports

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Community Reported
High Confidence1,400 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2019-2025 Subaru Forester FB25 2.5L Direct Injection, for 2019 the SK Forester switched the FB25 from port injection to direct injection. With no fuel washing over the back of the intake valves, oil vapor from the PCV system bakes onto the valves and ports as hard carbon. Deposits restrict airflow and disturb valve sealing, and once buildup gets severe owners report a rough idle, stumbling, and misfire codes — often only on cold start at first. This is not the FB25 excessive-oil-consumption story from the port-injected 2011-2018 engines; it is a deposit problem specific to the direct-injected FB25 in the 2019+ car, and it appears alongside the higher oil-dilution readings typical of DI boxers driven on short trips. It is a known trait of all GDI engines, not a Subaru-unique defect, but it does have a real service interval attached to it.

Common Symptoms

  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Cold-start stumble
  • Misfire codes
  • Hesitation under light throttle
  • Gradual loss of power and fuel economy

How to Fix

There is no recall or warranty program. Preventive: run an induction/intake cleaning service (BG or equivalent) periodically — shops commonly recommend around every 30,000 miles at roughly $130-$160 — and avoid a diet of short cold trips, which maximizes both deposits and oil dilution. Corrective: when misfires and rough idle appear, the fix is mechanical cleaning of the intake valves — walnut blasting with the intake manifold removed — typically recommended around 100,000-120,000 miles. Chemical top-engine cleaners help only mild deposits. Replace fouled plugs and inspect the PCV valve at the same time.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $900

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
NHTSA Recalls6 recalls

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.

Campaign #23V75500009/11/2023

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.

Campaign #23V75400009/11/2023

WHEELS

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles equipped with 18" aluminum alloy wheels. The wheels may have been manufactured with an incorrectly specified lug seat surface, which can result in the wheel being improperly attached and cause a loss of vehicle stability.

Campaign #25V03300023/01/2025
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Other Subaru Models

Subaru Outback40Subaru WRX31Subaru Ascent25Subaru Solterra24Subaru Crosstrek23Subaru Legacy18

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,400+ owner reports, the 2025 Subaru Forester has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Windshield Spontaneous Cracking Near EyeSight Camera, FB25 Direct-Injection Intake Valve Carbon Buildup — Misfire and Rough Idle on the SK Forester. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

The 2025 Subaru Forester has 2 known issues documented across 1,400+ owner reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. 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 $150 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

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.

What is the 2019-2025 Subaru Forester FB25 Direct-Injection Intake Valve Carbon Buildup — Misfire and Rough Idle on the SK Forester?

For 2019 the SK Forester switched the FB25 from port injection to direct injection. With no fuel washing over the back of the intake valves, oil vapor from the PCV system bakes onto the valves and ports as hard carbon. Deposits restrict airflow and disturb valve sealing, and once… Repairs typically run $150-$900. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 1,400+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

CHILD SEAT

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles. The child seat anchor bolts may have been improperly tightened, allowing the bolts to come loose.

Campaign #25V41900019/06/2025

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."

Campaign #26V43600007/07/2026

+ 1 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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