At the shop, Subaru wheel-bearing and hub issues have a recognizable signature. 109 documented complaints across 22 year-model entries from 2005 to 2021 is consistent with what we see come in. 2015 Subaru Forester tops the list, but the pattern repeats across years. Multiple generations are affected. 2 crash reports on file. Not a high count, but the failure mode has put owners in the position to file. Repair cost runs around $400 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Drive it across the conditions it will actually see — heat, cold, highway, stop-and-go. Pattern complaints surface under load, not in the dealer parking lot.
ProblemsByVin SUBARU / WHEELS
22 model-year entries · 2005–2021
Subaru wheels problems
109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Subaru vehicles for wheels issues. See wheels across all makes →
Complaints
109
Recalls
0
Year-models
22
Avg fix
$400
2crashes
2injuries
Worst-affected Subaru model-years for wheels Top 22 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
2015 Subaru Forester
14 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2016 Subaru Forester
11 complaints · ~$400 severe
2014 Subaru Forester
8 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2017 Subaru Forester
7 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2015 Subaru Outback
7 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2005 Subaru Outback
7 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek
5 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2005 Subaru Legacy
5 complaints · ~$400 severe
2019 Subaru Forester
4 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2011 Subaru Outback
4 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2006 Subaru Outback
4 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2021 Subaru Outback
3 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2020 Subaru Outback
3 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2019 Subaru Impreza
3 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2018 Subaru Outback
3 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2018 Subaru Forester
3 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2018 Subaru Crosstrek
3 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2013 Subaru Outback
3 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2012 Subaru Forester
3 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2012 Subaru Impreza
3 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2010 Subaru Forester
3 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2008 Subaru Outback
3 complaints · ~$400 moderate
Active recalls — Subaru wheels 2 on file
Subaru of America, Inc
A loss of vehicle stability increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the wheels, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRB-25.
Subaru of America, Inc
Wheel detachment while driving can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair has been completed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the hub bolts, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-23.
Common questions
How many Subaru wheels complaints are on file with NHTSA?
109 complaints across 22 model-year entries from 2005 to 2021. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Subaru.
Which Subaru model has the most wheels complaints?
The 2015 Subaru Forester leads with 14 complaints in this category. Next: 2016 Forester (11) and 2014 Forester (8).
What does it cost to fix Subaru wheels problems?
Independent shops average $400 for wheels repairs across the Subaru lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Subaru wheels recalls?
Yes — 2 active recall campaigns cover wheels on Subaru vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Subaru.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.