What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,400+ owner reports, the 2022-2022 Subaru Forester has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Windshield Spontaneous Cracking Near EyeSight Camera, CVT Judder and Vibration at Low Speeds. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

The 2022-2022 Subaru Forester has 2 known issues documented across 1,400+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. 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 $4,500, 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.

2022 Subaru Forester Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2022 Subaru Forester Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

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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.

What Owners Are Using

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

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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

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1,400+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

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

On the 2019-2025 Subaru Forester, the 5th generation Forester (2019+) with the Lineartronic CVT experiences a noticeable judder or vibration during low-speed driving, particularly when the transmission is cold. The judder is most felt between 10-30 mph during light acceleration. Subaru has released multiple TSBs addressing CVT calibration, but the issue persists for many owners. The problem is related to the torque converter lockup strategy engaging too aggressively at low speeds to maximize fuel economy.

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

Common Symptoms

Shuddering or vibration between 10-30 mph
Judder during light acceleration from low speeds
Vibration worse when transmission is cold
Smooth operation at highway speeds
Feels like driving over rumble strips at low speed

How to Fix

Have dealer perform CVT software update per latest TSB (multiple revisions exist — confirm the latest is applied). If judder persists after software update, CVT fluid drain and refill with Subaru Lineartronic CVT Fluid II (SOA868V9245) may help. In severe cases, torque converter replacement has resolved the issue. All Subarus have a 10-year/100,000-mile CVT warranty extension.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ 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 - $4,500

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0+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

2022 Subaru Forester Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

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

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2019-2025 Subaru Forester: CVT Judder and Vibration at Low Speeds#

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

What is the 2019-2025 Subaru Forester CVT Judder and Vibration at Low Speeds?