2019 Subaru Forester powertrain problems

The thermal control valve assembly fails, typically due to coolant leaking internally and shorting the electronics. This triggers multiple warning lights (Check Engine, EyeSight, Anti-Lock Brakes, Anti-Skid, Temperature) and disables critical safety systems including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. The vehicle enters 'limp mode,' losing power and heat output.

When: Predominantly between 50,000–75,000 miles; some failures as early as 14,000–16,000 miles; typically within 60,000-mile powertrain warranty window, though several owners report failure just after expiration.

Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously (Check Engine, EyeSight, Anti-Lock Brakes, Anti-Skid, Temperature); All ADAS safety systems disabled or inoperable; Loss of engine power or severe reduction in power output; Engine runs cold; heater blows cold air only; no cabin heat; Engine temperature gauge fails to read or reads inaccurately; Sudden engine stall or shutdown while driving, sometimes at traffic lights or intersections; Vehicle enters 'limp mode' with reduced drivability

Codes mentioned: P26A3, P26A6, P2100, P3300, P2682, P2004, P2005, P060B, P0191, P24B9, P2200, P2400

Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of the thermal control valve assembly (Part Number 21319AA010). Owners report repair costs ranging from $1,100 to $2,000 out-of-pocket. Subaru issued a service bulletin (09-80-21) in September 2021 with a newly-designed valve using aluminum instead of plastic components; however, the part number remains the same, with a different manufacturing date etched on the part. Dealership supply shortages reported; some vehicles waited weeks to months for parts. One owner reports repair cost of $1,830.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru issued Service Bulletin 09-80-21 (September 2021) acknowledging the issue and redesigning the part with aluminum components instead of plastic. Powertrain warranty covers repair up to 60,000 miles on 2019 models. Some owners successfully negotiated coverage under extended warranty; others were denied despite the 60,000-mile powertrain window. Multiple class-action lawsuits have been filed. A Subaru Forester owners' forum thread documented over 654 posts from 33+ pages of owners reporting identical failures. Subaru has not issued a formal recall as of the complaint dates, though numerous owners and repair shops have confirmed awareness of the defect.

Vehicle suddenly accelerates without driver input while foot is on brake pedal. Multiple owners report instances where the vehicle accelerated unintentionally while parked or at very low speeds, despite depressing the brake. In one case, side airbags deployed when the vehicle accelerated and brakes failed to respond during parking.

When: Reported at mileages ranging from 14,000 to 21,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates suddenly without driver pressing accelerator; Acceleration occurs despite driver's foot on brake pedal; Brakes become unresponsive or fail to slow the vehicle; Vehicle steering feels tight or power steering feels lost; Loss of vehicle control; vehicle veers toward obstacles; Side airbags deploy during acceleration incidents

Repairs/costs cited: Not stated; vehicles were either not repaired or diagnostic findings not disclosed to owners.

Engine stalls or shuts down completely while the vehicle is in Drive, often at traffic lights, stop signs, or while driving at low to moderate speeds. No warning lights or codes are detected beforehand in some cases. Vehicle becomes uncontrollable, brakes may not function, and shifter may lock. One owner had their vehicle replaced with a Thermo Control Valve but experienced recurrent shutdowns even after the repair.

When: Reported at various mileages; one case at 50,000 miles; recurring issues after TCV repair in another case (2023 incident, then recurrence in September 2025).

Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls or shuts down abruptly while in Drive; Multiple warning lights illuminate on dashboard; Brakes become unresponsive or locked; Gear shifter becomes immobilized and cannot be moved; Ignition key will not restart the engine while vehicle is rolling; Emergency brake button does not function while vehicle is rolling; No prior warning from vehicle systems before shutdown; High-pitched alarm accompanies shutdown in some cases

Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports TCV was replaced under warranty in 2023 for EyeSight issues; recurrent stalling occurred after repair. Battery was replaced under warranty in 2023 but stalling persisted. Dealer identified an aftermarket appliance (installed by a certified Subaru dealership at purchase) that may have contributed.

Multiple reports of brakes failing to respond adequately or at all during parking or low-speed maneuvers. In one case, a vehicle reversed at an intersection and accelerated despite brake input, deploying side airbags and causing injury. Another incident involved a vehicle rolling out of a drive-thru line with non-functional brakes and locked shifter.

When: Reported at low mileages, including an incident at approximately 14,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Brakes fail to respond when depressed; Vehicle continues to accelerate despite brake pedal input; Vehicle rolls or lurches unexpectedly; Vehicle may jolt or accelerate erratically; Complete loss of braking control during low-speed maneuvers; Side airbags deploy during loss-of-control incidents

Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle was totaled due to crash caused by unintended acceleration and brake failure. Another vehicle was towed after a parking incident; repairs not completed or disclosed.

CVT transmission fails completely and becomes non-repairable, rendering the vehicle undrivable. One owner reports the transmission failed at 37,000 miles, just 6 months out of warranty but still under mileage for powertrain coverage. The same defect affects 2018 and older models, which Subaru covers under extended warranty, but the 2019 is not covered.

When: Reported at 37,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: CVT transmission fails completely; Vehicle becomes undrivable; No prior warning or symptoms noted

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement cost: approximately $9,000. Owner notes that identical defect in 2018 and older models is covered by Subaru under extended warranty, but the 2019 is excluded.

CVT exhibits hesitation, surging, jerking, or sputtering during acceleration, especially at low to moderate speeds or when maintaining cruise speeds. Symptoms include lurching forward when braking near stop, transmission unlocking unexpectedly during deceleration, and violent jerking on highways. Several owners report the issue occurs primarily in normal mode and diminishes or disappears in Sport mode or with manual paddle shifters.

When: Reported in new or nearly-new vehicles; one owner reported issue 1 month after purchase with approximately 50 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation and jerking when lightly pressing accelerator at 30–50 mph; Surging or sputtering when coasting or maintaining speeds above 35 mph; Violent jerking on highways; sudden loss of highway speed; Transmission unlocks during braking, causing unexpected forward lurch; Delayed throttle response; kickback feel when accelerating; Loss of power when turning left from a stop, then sudden surge forward; Behavior diminishes or disappears in Sport mode or with manual shifter control

Repairs/costs cited: One dealership confirmed ability to replicate the issue but reported no known fix. Subaru claims the behavior is normal.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru claims the hesitation and jerking behavior is normal operation for this vehicle model.

Vehicle unexpectedly rolls backward or moves while parked on an incline or at rest, despite shifter being in Park position. In one case, closing the trunk caused the vehicle to roll backward and knock down the owner. In another, a vehicle rolled down a hill and crashed into a fence after the owner exited and closed the trunk.

When: Reported at mileages of approximately 27,000 and 36,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward while in Park on an inclined driveway; No warning lights or alarms illuminate; Sudden unintended movement triggered by closing trunk or external force; Vehicle unable to be stopped by manual means once rolling

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles were not diagnosed or repaired; one was towed to an independent shop and another to a body shop, but diagnostic findings were not disclosed.

Electrical system fails to charge the battery sufficiently. When the auto start/stop function engages, the car does not restart. One owner reports symptoms reappeared even after battery replacement with an OEM-specification battery.

When: Reported at high mileage (72,000 miles in one case); recurring failures in February 2026 with a new battery installed in November 2025.

Symptoms owners cite: Battery not charging sufficiently; Auto start/stop function causes vehicle to stall and fail to restart in traffic; All safety systems fail when auto start/stop engages; Electrical system becomes unstable

Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement per OEM specifications; however, symptoms recurred with the new battery.

Vehicle idles roughly or unevenly after stop/start function reactivates or after service. One owner reports the car idled 'too rich or too lean' with a funny exhaust smell. Another reports rough idle and forward lunge when stop/start function reactivates.

When: Reported after 30,000-mile service and after stop/start reactivation.

Symptoms owners cite: Rough or irregular idle; Idle quality changes after service or reactivation of stop/start; Engine sounds like it is running too rich or too lean; Unusual exhaust odor; Forward lunge during idle transitions

Repairs/costs cited: Not stated.

Vehicle experiences reduced power or hesitation during acceleration, with kickback or sputtering sensations. One owner reports low power persisting days after the initial incident, with frequent hesitation and acceleration delay.

When: Reported at 38,467 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Kickback feel when accelerating; Delay in throttle response when pressing accelerator; Loss of power during acceleration; Persistent low-power condition after initial incident; Hesitation to accelerate

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership visited twice but unable to diagnose; dealer attributed noise to tires despite owner's concern about power loss.