2015 Subaru Forester Engine Problems
Owners filed 191 engine complaints for the 2015 Subaru Forester, 31% of its 613 total complaints. NHTSA lists a related turbocharger air intake duct recall (16V162000) for 2.0XT models, and median mileage at failure was 40,000.
- Engine complaints
- 191
- 31% of 613
- Crashes reported
- 33
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 17
- Median mileage
- 40,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration while shifting from park or reverse into drive, often at low speed in parking lots, resulting in the vehicle lurching or surging forward without brake response.
- Several drivers report that firmly applying the brake pedal did not stop the vehicle during these sudden acceleration events, leading to collisions with walls, poles, fences, or parked cars.
- One owner reported the check engine light coming on along with violent shaking, shuddering, and power loss at highway speed; a dealer performed an ECM software update that did not resolve the issue.
- A 2.0XT owner's complaint aligns with the recalled turbocharger air intake duct component tied to campaign 16V162000.
- Some incidents occurred at very low mileage, including one reported at 57 miles, while another was reported as high as 160,000 miles, showing the pattern spans a wide mileage range.
When 2015 Subaru Forester engine complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 8, 2014, latest Jul 13, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2015 Subaru Forester
- NHTSA 16V162000Mar 21, 2016Engine18,187 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.
Engine 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 engine complaints does the 2015 Subaru Forester have?
- NHTSA lists 191 engine complaints for the 2015 Subaru Forester, which is 31% of the 613 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2015 Subaru Forester?
- Yes. Recall 16V162000, reported March 21, 2016, covers Forester 2.0XT vehicles built between April 10, 2015 and October 20, 2015, for a turbocharger air intake duct that Subaru dealers inspect and replace as needed.
- At what mileage do 2015 Forester engine problems usually appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 40,000 miles for engine-related complaints on the 2015 Forester.
- Have there been crashes or injuries linked to 2015 Forester engine complaints?
- Among the 191 engine complaints, NHTSA records 33 crashes, 17 injuries, and 3 fires.