2022 Subaru Forester Problems: 7 Known Issues

On the 2019-2022 Subaru Forester, subaru describes a windshield crack that starts at a small chip and spreads under continual stress from body-structure movement during driving (its "Type 3" damage). The bulletin does not cover star or spider-web breaks from flying debris, or scratches from wipers, metal contact or cleaning. Applies to: 2019-2022 Subaru Forester with the genuine Subaru windshield, under warranty-extension bulletin 12-257-25R (revised March 24, 2025): a one-time replacement within 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, from the original warranty start date, so it has ended or is ending for the earliest vehicles.

On the 2014-2022 Subaru Forester, owners report water near the front interior lights or wet front carpet after rain. A 2018 account reports one moonroof drain being cleared and another replaced. These reports do not establish the entry path on every car. Applies to: Moonroof-equipped Forester only. The cited 2015 and 2018 accounts concern the fourth generation; the separately identified 2020 reports concern the later generation and do not verify a 2018 repair.

On the 2022 Subaru Forester, if you drive a 2022 Forester, it may be covered by Subaru recall WRQ-23. An insufficient weld in the automatic transmission's inhibitor switch (the park/neutral start interlock switch) can allow water to work its way into the switch, and a water-contaminated switch can stop working. Because the Forester uses that switch to detect that reverse has been selected, the failure shows up as the reverse lamps not illuminating and the rearview camera image not coming up on the infotainment screen. Backing up without the camera view and without reverse lights to warn people behind you raises the chance of a collision, which is why NHTSA treats this as a safety defect. The recall's 95,830 units are the campaign-wide total for all Subaru models involved.

On the 2017-2023 Subaru Forester, the engine computer can set code P0420, Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1), and turn on the check-engine light. Subaru issued a step-by-step diagnostic procedure for this code that checks other possible sources first, such as other stored codes, white exhaust smoke, exhaust leaks and air/fuel sensor response. Applies to: 2017-2018 Forester with the 2.5L engine and 2019-2023 Forester, as listed in Subaru service information bulletin 09-110-23R (revised November 7, 2023). The bulletin does not list the 2014-2018 2.0L turbo (XT).

On the 2019-2023 Subaru Forester, subaru's Gen 3.1 head unit can fail in ways that leave a black or blank screen, a loss of audio, repeated rebooting, or CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, Bluetooth or the touchscreen not working. The bulletin notes these faults may come and go. Applies to: 2019-2023 Subaru Forester with the Gen 3.1 head unit, under warranty-extension bulletin 15-322-25 (January 28, 2025). Coverage for these head-unit faults is extended to 8 years or 150,000 miles, counted from the original warranty start date, and covers one replacement only. Physical damage such as water or screen impact is not covered. The one-year coverage Subaru gave all affected vehicles regardless of mileage ran from the 2025 owner letters and has ended.

On the 2019-2024 Subaru Forester 2.5L FB25 direct injection (naturally aspirated), carbon can build up on the fuel injectors, intake valves, intake manifold and combustion chambers. Subaru links the deposits to engine misfire codes, black exhaust smoke, lack of power, knocking (ping) and rough idle, and names fuel quality and how the vehicle is driven as major contributing factors. Applies to: 2019-2024 Subaru Forester with the 2.5L naturally aspirated direct-injection engine, as listed in Subaru bulletins 09-74-21R (revised July 18, 2024) and 02-193-24R (revised June 29, 2026). The bulletins are for cases where diagnosis points to carbon deposits.

On the 2019-2022 Subaru Forester, owners report the rear tires wearing early on their inside edges, sometimes with cupping, on fairly new Foresters. In owner reports, retailers did a four-wheel alignment under warranty; one service manager blamed tie-downs during transport from the factory, which is not confirmed. Applies to: 2019-2022 Subaru Forester (fifth generation); owner reports cover 2020, 2021 and 2022 models. Summarized from the owner reports linked here; not a manufacturer finding. Your vehicle's equipment and history may differ; a technician must confirm the cause.