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2024 Subaru Forester problems

The most common problem on the 2024 Subaru Forester is airbags. It has fewer complaints than a typical Forester model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
31
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
197
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
26-29mpg

The worst 2024 Subaru Forester problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    7
  • Driver assistance
    6
  • Visibility
    5
  • Body
    2
  • Lights
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2024 Subaru Forester

Windshield crack 6

Recalls 2

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported November 9, 2023 · 4,701 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
Risk
A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.

Recall number 23V754000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported October 26, 2023 · 49 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.
Risk
Leaking coolant can contact a hot exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Subaru’s independent distributor processing facilities will tighten the water pipe attachment bolts. The affected vehicles have not been delivered to dealers or sold to owners and therefore, no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRO-23.

Recall number 23V723000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2024 Subaru Forester

Technical service bulletins for the 2024 Subaru Forester 197

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 197 bulletins for the 2024 Subaru Forester

2024 Subaru Forester fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.5L 4‑cylAWD25-2628-3326-29

What 2024 Subaru Forester owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Driver assistance · MD · crash

Driving in stop and go traffic. Cruise control wouldn't work. Forward collision warning didn't work. Auto braking didn't work.

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Wheels · 5,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that after the rear driver’s side tire became flat, the temporary spare tire was mounted to the vehicle, and the vehicle was driven to the local auto service center. While the mechanic was attempting to mount the wheel to the vehicle, the lug nuts sheared off, and the contact was unable to be tightened to secure the wheel. The contact was informed of the failure, and the lug nuts were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,000.

Filed Aug 15, 2026 · Airbags, Body · CA · crash · fire

While driving my grandbaby home I was unable to avoid hitting a deer when it ran into the road. Neither the automatic braking nor the airbags deployed when I hit the deer at the front left side. It destroyed the headlight and damaged the fender and quarterpanel lightly and slightly bent the hood. I was able to pull over safely. When I got out to look at the damage, I could not open the hood but I could see a small flame on the passsenger side of the engine (this would be on the other side of the engine from where I hit the deer.) I grabbed a fire extinguisher from the back of my car but could not get the fire out. I got my grandbaby out safely at that point. Another driver stopped and tried to get the fire out with his fire extinguisher but to no avail. We called 911 and the fire department promptly got there. By then the entire car was in flames. The fire dept put out the car and nearby weeds that were burning. Besides the safety equipment not working, what concerns me most is that a minor accident caused the entire car to become engulfed in flames within 3-4 minutes. I had enough time to get myself and my grandson out but not his carseat base or diaperbag. The car was burnt down to the frame.

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · PA

Windshield cracks/chips very easily even when nothing has touched it. I have had 4 cracks in less than 6 months with no reason as to why they are occurring and they are ALL on the driver side, NOTHING on passenger side, which seems very odd. This car was bought brand new in February 2025 and this should not be happening. I believe the windshield is faulty. There is a settlement but my 2024 is not included as it cuts off at 2022. but this is not ok and i can't keep submitting comprehensive windshield repair claims to my insurance.

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Driver assistance · NY

I am writing to formally request that the NTSB investigate an apparent defect in the EyeSight driver assistance system installed on the 2024 Subaru Forester. I have experienced repeated instances of unreliable and unsafe behavior, including unexpected alerts and the EyeSight system disengaging on multiple occasions, including during periods of bad weather. These issues occur in situations where the vehicle should continue to function normally and create a significant safety concern for drivers, passengers, and other road users. Given EyeSight’s role in collision avoidance and driver assistance, any defect poses an elevated risk of accidents. I believe this issue may be systemic rather than isolated and warrants independent review. I respectfully request that the NTSB investigate this matter and determine whether further action is necessary.

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Visibility · FL

4 Subarus and this is my 5th spontainious windshield crack (2nd on this vehicle).

Filed Jan 16, 2026 · Airbags, Driver assistance · LA

On the morning of December 13, 2026, an incident occurred involving our 2024 Subaru Forester. While attempting to make a right-hand turn, the vehicle failed to decelerate as expected and subsequently struck a utility pole. The vehicle’s safety systems did not appear to activate in an effort to prevent the collision, and the airbags did not deploy. The driver sustained minor injuries, including a concussion. No vehicle inspections have been completed at this time. We are currently coordinating with the manufacturer to arrange a formal inspection. There were no warning indicators, malfunction lights, or known mechanical issues present prior to the incident.

Filed Jan 10, 2026 · Engine · WA

Took to Local dealership for 20,000 mile oil change. After the oil change the service advisor informed me of an oil leak on the right side of the engine. He could not confirm where the leak was from. I have scheduled to have it repaired under factory warranty. After researching on the internet it has been noted that the valve cover/ spark plug boot seals are known to split and cause an engine oil leak. I am concerned that this oil leak could come in contact with the exhaust manifold which may lead to an engine compartment fire. Would your administration department please check into this concern.

Filed Dec 22, 2025 · Driver assistance · FL

The eyesight system fails on almost a daily basis. When this happens, multiple safety features shutdown. Lane assist and departure warning stops working. Collision avoidance stops working. Cruise control stops working. Proximity warning alarms stop going off. The local dealership has repeatedly just indicated that this is how it works.

Filed Sep 3, 2025 · OR

The driver side mirror is distorted. It is not only dizzying but I believe it to be a safety hazard. I have taken it into the dealership many times. They agree that it is distorted but stated that it is no different than other of that style. I have looked in the 2025 model and it does not have the same distortion. I feel that this makes the car dangerous to drive.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2024 Subaru Forester before you buy

Compare the 2024 Subaru Forester

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Other model years

19981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2024 Subaru Forester

Is the 2024 Subaru Forester reliable?

Owners have filed 31 complaints about the 2024 Subaru Forester, fewer than a typical Forester model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2024 Subaru Forester?

Airbags, with 7 complaints. Next is driver assistance (6).

How many recalls does the 2024 Subaru Forester have?

2 recalls, covering power train and engine and engine cooling.

What year does the Subaru Forester have bad airbags?

The Subaru Forester model years with the most airbags complaints are 2017 (167 complaints), 2015 (102 complaints) and 2016 (100 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2024 Subaru Forester get?

Official estimates for the 2024 Subaru Forester range from 26 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, AWD) gets 25-26 city and 28-33 highway.

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