2010 Subaru Forester Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 15 electrical system complaints for the 2010 Subaru Forester, 6% of its 259 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 56,083. The vehicle is covered by three related electrical recalls, including one for the ignition switch.
- Electrical System complaints
- 15
- 6% of 259
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 56,083 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Ignition switch fails to recognize the key or locks up, sometimes leaving the vehicle unable to start or stalling while driving.
- Multiple dashboard warning lights (check engine, traction control, cruise control, ABS, VDC, airbag) illuminate together or intermittently without a clear cause.
- Headlights fail to project enough light onto the road even after bulb replacement and realignment by a dealer.
- Door lock mechanism relocks itself immediately after being unlocked, preventing the door from staying open safely.
- One owner reported a popping sound, a burning plastic smell, and a burned wheel well area linked to a wiring or component fire.
When 2010 Subaru Forester electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 7, 2011, latest May 25, 2023.
Electrical System recalls for the 2010 Subaru Forester
- NHTSA 19V297000Apr 11, 2019Electrical System511 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition:switch
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Risk: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
- NHTSA 16V738000Oct 13, 2016Electrical System100,127 vehicles
Electrical system
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
Risk: If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
- NHTSA 12V602000Dec 26, 2012Electrical System633,842 vehicles
Exterior lighting
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
Risk: Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Electrical System complaints by Forester model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2010 Subaru Forester?
- NHTSA lists 15 electrical system complaints for the 2010 Forester, which is 6% of the 259 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2010 Subaru Forester electrical system?
- Yes. Three related recalls cover the 2010 Forester's electrical system: campaign 19V297000 for the ignition switch, 16V738000 for the secondary air injection pump relay, and 12V602000 for an additional fused wiring harness.
- At what mileage do electrical problems usually appear on the 2010 Forester?
- The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2010 Forester is 56,083 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
- Did the 2010 Forester's electrical problems cause any crashes or fires?
- NHTSA data shows one crash and two fires among the electrical system complaints for the 2010 Forester, with no injuries reported.