This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Subaru Forester body problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Subaru Forester have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the body, typically surfacing around 29,000 miles at roughly $1,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
| Model year | body complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Forester | 5 |
| 2012 Forester | 3 |
| 2014 Forester | 17 |
| 2015 Forester (this page) | 17 |
| 2016 Forester | 6 |
| 2017 Forester | 12 |
| 2018 Forester | 10 |
| 2019 Forester | 18 |
6crashes
2fires
4injuries
What stands out
Among the 12 model years of Subaru Forester in our records for body problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides a procedure for replacement of the black foam rubber insulating cushions for the roof spoiler.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗We recently informed retailers and customers of an extension to the New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 2014-2018 Forester Rear Gate Stays.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty for the rear gate stays on the listed models and model years.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty for the rear gate stays on the listed models and model years. This will apply to Forester models with or without the power rear gate (PRG).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe unintended acceleration as the most serious recurring problem. Vehicles surge forward during parking, shifting, and low-speed maneuvers—some reaching over 40 mph—and brakes fail to stop them. Crashes damaged buildings, trees, lampposts, and garage doors; one driver hit a tree and suffered leg injuries. Multiple owners questioned whether Subaru issued undocumented service bulletins or recalls to dealers only, citing the manufacturer's claim of "no fault" after crashes.
One owner experienced violent engine shaking, loss of power, and warning lights at highway speed. An authorized dealer performed an ECM update that didn't fix the problem. Days later, the same car caught fire after a loud pop and smoke entered the cabin—the vehicle was fully engulfed within seconds. Another Forester caught fire when placed in park at 18,500 miles, one week after passing state inspection.
Rear hatchback struts fail prematurely, with the metal ball-headed bolt cracking and showing rust. The collapsed gate has struck owners' heads while loading groceries, with one owner noting the failure mirrors a 2008 Impreza recall (08V-135) that was never applied to the 2015 Forester. Interior door handles stop working at low mileage, trapping occupants. Hood latches disengage while driving, and rear door hinges don't open fully, creating head-strike hazards. One windshield cracked and expanded 16 inches in three days without impact.
Same Subaru Forester body reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden unintended acceleration
Vehicle accelerates without driver input, typically during low-speed maneuvers or parking. Some incidents involved shift from reverse to drive or while parking. Owners report inability to stop via normal braking; speeds reached 40+ mph during incidents. Crashes into buildings, trees, lampposts, garage doors, and cable barriers reported.
When: Low-speed parking/maneuvering; one report within 3-4 miles of leaving dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle surges forward without pedal input; Engine revs and cannot be controlled with brakes; Shift from reverse to drive without driver action; Lane departure and auto-braking warning lights flashing on/off before incident
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer performed ECM computer update which did not resolve the issue; other dealer found no fault
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer examined vehicle post-repair and claimed it was working properly; owner questioned if 'silent recalls' or undocumented TSBs were issued to techs only
Engine shaking, loss of power, and fire at highway speed
Vehicle shudders and loses power at highway speeds with engine lights and warnings displaying. Authorized dealer replicated issue and performed ECM update without resolution. Four days after being sent home, owner heard loud pop/bang, smoke filled cabin, flames appeared under hood and above windshield. Vehicle engulfed in flames within 10 seconds.
When: Highway speed, approximately 4 days after dealer service visit
Symptoms owners cite: Engine lights and warning messages displayed; Violent shaking and shuddering; Loss of power while driving; Loud pop/bang sound; Smoke in cabin; Flames from under hood and above windshield
Repairs/costs cited: ECM computer update attempted; dealer unable to replicate after week of service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Authorized dealer performed ECM update; dealer acknowledged issue in writing per owner documentation
Hood latch failure
Hood latch becomes disengaged while driving, causing hood to bounce. Hood can be opened by simply sliding the lever without pulling the hood release handle. Owner suspects unintended foot contact with lever but cannot confirm.
When: While driving; owner uncertain of exact timing
Symptoms owners cite: Hood bouncing up and down while driving; Hood opening without intentional release lever actuation; Hood releases when lever is pulled even slightly
Rear hatch strut failure
Pneumatic struts supporting rear hatchback fail unexpectedly, causing hatch to collapse with force. Metal bolt with ball attachment cracks and appears rusted. One report notes similarity to NHTSA recall 08V-135 for Subaru Impreza but no recall issued for 2015 Forester. Owner reports head injury to spouse when strut failed.
When: While hatchback open during unloading; one report at 80,000 miles; one reports less than 30,000 miles without specific mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Rear hatch strut breaks with sudden force; Hatch falls unexpectedly; Metal ball-headed bolt fractures; Rust visible at fracture site
Repairs/costs cited: Consumer replaced lift arm; one report notes right side strut also failed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure per one report; no recall issued despite similarity to historical Impreza recall 08V-135
Door handle failure
Interior driver's side door handle becomes non-functional. Door remains unlocked but pulling interior handle produces no action. Exterior handle still works. Owner reports as critical safety issue.
When: Less than 30,000 miles on odometer
Symptoms owners cite: Interior door handle does not respond when pulled; Door remains locked/stuck despite being unlocked; Exterior handle functions normally
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No replies from dealership or Subaru U.S. Corporate Office after owner contact
Front windshield cracking
Crack appears at base of front windshield and expands approximately 16 inches over 3 days. Cause not determined.
When: At 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Crack at base of windshield; Rapid expansion over short period
Repairs/costs cited: Windshield replaced at glass establishment
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Local dealer notified; no assistance offered
Vehicle in park rolls forward
Vehicle left running in park on slight uphill grade rolls forward into garage door without driver input. Vehicle still running in park when found wedged into garage door.
When: While parked in driveway
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls forward while in park; No driver input reported
Repairs/costs cited: Minor damage to front bumper and garage door
Vehicle fire
Vehicle burst into flames while being placed in park shortly after passing state inspection. Occurred one week after inspection with 18,500 miles. Fire department and police responded.
When: One week after passing state inspection at 18,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle bursts into flames upon placement in park; Fire department and police called
Rear door hinges do not open fully
Rear door hinges have limited opening range, creating hazard for occupants loading cargo. Multiple occupants report head strikes when opening rear door.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Rear door does not open fully; Occupants striking head when opening door; Dangerous ergonomic hazard
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had body trouble with your 2015 Subaru Forester?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2015 Subaru Forester?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,500.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 18,500 and 62,170 miles, with the median around 29,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,500; a quarter make it past 62,170. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Subaru/Forester.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.