This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on the inside of the lamp lenses.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Subaru Forester lighting problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Subaru Forester have filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the lighting at roughly $250 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See lighting across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
| Model year | lighting complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Forester | 4 |
| 2014 Forester | 8 |
| 2015 Forester (this page) | 10 |
| 2016 Forester | 4 |
1crash
What stands out
Of the 10 model years of Subaru Forester we track for lighting problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 10.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting 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.
SOA has received multiple requests for additional 83399Fj000rt BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH tools and now has sufficient stock to allow retailers to place orders for single tools.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and WRX vehicles to replace the brake lamp switch. A total of 1,303,530 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and WRX vehicles to replace the brake lamp switch. A total of 1,303,530 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of the DTCs listed above to set and result in the related system?s warning lamp to illuminate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two major brake light switch problems tied to recall 19V149000. One owner documented that after the recall repair, the replacement switch stuck in the active position—lights stayed on overnight draining the battery, and the switch triggered false "Hill Start Assist System" warnings that cut throttle completely for about 5 seconds while the car coasted and dropped 15+ mph. Computer records at the dealer confirmed the switch was active without pedal input. This owner experienced the issue starting in August 2020 with recurring episodes despite follow-up dealer service.
Beyond the switch defect, other owners report brake light bulbs and sockets showing blackened, burned conditions—burn marks visible on the lamp holders—suggesting electrical arcing or excess current in the socket/bulb interface.
A separate complaint documents tail lights and high beams that won't illuminate at night, though low beams, brake lights, turn signals, and flashers all work; all fuses tested good.
Several owners complained that even after recall notices, parts weren't available at their dealers for weeks or months, with manufacturers unable to confirm delivery dates. One owner waited months for parts to ship, another was quoted an August appointment with no firm date.
Failure modes owners describe
Brake Light Switch Malfunction (Recall 19V149000)
Brake light switch replacement under recall 19V149000 has resulted in the switch remaining active without pedal input, causing brake lights to stay on, draining batteries, and triggering false 'Hill Start Assist System' warnings that cut throttle without warning.
When: Following recall repair July 2019; first surfaced 8/31/20; recurring issues through 2020
Symptoms owners cite: False 'Hill Start Assist System Needs to be Checked' alert while driving; Throttle cuts out completely for ~5 seconds, vehicle coasts and loses 15+ mph; Brake lights remain on overnight with switch active despite no pedal input; Battery drained from brake lights staying on; Computer records show switch active when not being pressed
Codes mentioned: Hill Start Assist System malfunction code (logged in vehicle computer)
Repairs/costs cited: Recall part replacement under campaign 19V149000; dealer traced throttle cutout issue back to replacement switch; owner reports multiple follow-up service visits to International Subaru in Tinley Park, IL
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 19V149000 (brake light switch recall); dealer found computer records confirming switch defect
Brake Light Bulb and Socket Overheating
Driver's side and passenger's side brake light assemblies show blackened bulbs and burn marks on lamp holders, indicating electrical arcing or excessive current in the socket/bulb interface.
When: Condition observed during inspection; no specific mileage/timing stated
Symptoms owners cite: Blackened bulb on driver's side; Burn marks on lamp holder (driver's side); Blackened bulb on passenger's side with burned holders; One brake lamp still functional despite damage
Repairs/costs cited: Both assemblies cleaned; both bulbs replaced with Philips 7443LL
Tail Light and High Beam Failure
Tail lights and high beam headlights non-functional while low beam headlights, brake lights, emergency flashers, and turn signals operate normally. All fuses tested good.
When: No specific mileage or timing stated
Symptoms owners cite: Tail lights not illuminating at night; High beam headlights not working; Low beam headlights functioning; Brake lights working; Emergency flashers working; Turn signals working; All fuses tested and confirmed OK
Recall 19V149000 Parts Availability Delays
Multiple owners unable to schedule recall repairs due to extended parts shortages and delayed scheduling. Several dealers could not confirm when brake light switch replacement parts would arrive.
When: Recall notifications received 2019; repair appointments delayed into 2019-2020; one dealer quote for appointment in August with no date specified
Symptoms owners cite: Parts unavailable at multiple dealer locations; Dealers unable to provide ETA for part arrival; Extended wait times between recall notice and parts availability; One dealer next available appointment quoted as August with no specific confirmation
Repairs/costs cited: Campaign 19V149000 brake light switch replacement parts delayed across multiple Subaru dealers nationwide (NY, WI, IL, AZ, MN, CA)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 19V149000 (exterior lighting/brake light switch); manufacturer aware of part distribution issues but unable to confirm delivery timelines in some cases
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had lighting 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 lighting problem on the 2015 Subaru Forester?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $250.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, lighting issues most often appear around 50,052 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting 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 lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting 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.