This bulletin announces availability of new Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) & Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) module reprogramming files developed to address cases of a cracking-type noise heard under the dashboard in the brake pedal area when the brake pedal is released. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2025 Subaru Forester brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2025 Subaru Forester have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 Forester | 4 |
| 2022 Forester | 6 |
| 2025 Forester (this page) | 3 |
2crashes
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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 announces a design change to the front brake pads with a new friction material and shape that is intended to enhance the removal of rust and debris that can accumulate on the rotor surface, causing unevenness.(This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)"
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces a design change to the front brake pads which have been redesigned with a new friction material and shape to enhance the removal of rust and debris that can accumulate on the rotor surface, causing unevenness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files for the HYDRAULIC UNIT ASSEMBLY(VDC). This logic was developed to address the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): C1411 ELECTRICAL CONTROL MODULE. If DTC C1411 is detected with a 30A2 failure detail code by the VDC perform the reprogramming procedure outlined.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files developed to address cases of DTC C1C40 being detected by the Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) in addition to Failure Detail Code 30A2 stored within the Freeze Frame Data (FFD).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2025 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 brakes problem on the 2025 Subaru Forester?
It's a meaningful issue. 3 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 2,000 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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/2025/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.