2022 Subaru Forester Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
27/100
#12 most-complained of 16 Forester years
The 2022 Subaru Forester has a Complaint Index of 27 and ranks 12th worst out of 16 model years, earning a 'Good' verdict. It has 98 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, 8 crashes, and 6 fires reported.
- Complaints
- 98
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 8 / 6
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 27.5
- 25.5 city / 30.5 hwy
Top 2022 Subaru Forester problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Visibility & Wipers24 (24%)
- Other19 (19%)
- Electrical System18 (18%)
- Engine18 (18%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras16 (16%)
- Brakes10 (10%)
- Fuel System8 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (5%)
- Airbags4 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration while braking to park, in some cases crashing into structures or objects.
- Some vehicles reportedly stalled and then caught fire, in one case with only 78 miles on the odometer.
- Owners describe engine fires occurring after rod bearing failure and subsequent engine replacement.
- Windshields reportedly cracked within weeks of purchase, with dealers declining replacement in at least one case.
- LED headlights reportedly projected dark shadow patterns that obscured the driver's view.
- Brake pedals reportedly failed to stop the vehicle, leading to collisions with other vehicles or objects.
2022 Subaru Forester recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V755000Nov 9, 2023Transmission & Powertrain95,830 vehicles
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.
Risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
2022 Subaru Forester fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25.5 MPG
- Highway
- 30.5 MPG
- Combined
- 27.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,375
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2022 compared with other Forester years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2022 Subaru Forester reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2022 Forester has a Complaint Index of 27, the second-lowest among the 16 model years covered, and it carries a 'Good' verdict relative to other Forester years.
- What problems does the 2022 Subaru Forester have?
- The top problem area is Visibility & Wipers, making up 24% of complaints, followed by Electrical System and Engine issues, each at 18%. Median mileage at failure was 5,500 miles.
- Does the 2022 Subaru Forester have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 23V755000) covers the Transmission & Powertrain: an insufficient weld can let water enter the inhibitor switch and cause it to fail. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2022 Forester compare to other years?
- With a Complaint Index of 27 and rank 12 of 16 worst-first, the 2022 model performs better than years like 2019 (index 100, Avoid) and 2015 (index 87, Avoid), though not as well as 2024 (index 0, Best).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2022 Subaru Forester?
- EPA rates the 2022 Forester at 27.5 mpg combined (25.5 city / 30.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,375.