Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2025 | 4 | 4% | — |
| 2023 | 5 | 7% | 11,000 miles |
| 2022 | 4 | 4% | 51,000 miles |
| 2021 | 15 | 7% | 13,000 miles |
| 2020 | 32 | 5% | 1,000 miles |
| 2019 | 38 | 5% | 14,000 miles |
| 2018 | 23 | 5% | 4,000 miles |
| 2017 | 46 | 8% | 33,000 miles |
| 2016 | 51 | 12% | 45,000 miles |
| 2015 | 95 | 15% | 52,000 miles |
| 2014 | 41 | 10% | 68,000 miles |
| 2013 | 6 | 8% | 56,000 miles |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% | 62,000 miles |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% | 60,000 miles |
| 2010 | 7 | 3% | 73,000 miles |
| 2009 | 17 | 10% | 53,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% | 150,000 miles |
| 2007 | 11 | 15% | 40,000 miles |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% | 104,000 miles |
| 2005 | 5 | 5% | 40,000 miles |
| 2004 | 12 | 5% | 119,000 miles |
| 2003 | 9 | 5% | 8,000 miles |
| 2002 | 16 | 18% | 30,000 miles |
| 2001 | 23 | 17% | 46,000 miles |
| 2000 | 21 | 28% | 78,000 miles |
| 1999 | 32 | 24% | 72,000 miles |
| 1998 | 23 | 23% | 120,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact stated that while pulling into a parking spot with the brake pedal pressed, the vehicle displayed unintended acceleration, crashing into the wall of the building in front of the parking space. The air bags did not deploy. The contact immediately placed the vehicle in reverse, with the brake pedal still pressed, and the vehicle accelerated at approximately 20 mph in reverse on its own. The vehicle suddenly came to a stop before crashing into a nearby tree. The contact immediately turned the vehicle off and exited the vehicle. The contact received no injuries, and no medical attention was needed. The police came and filed a police report. The vehicle was towed to an auto body shop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
I purchased a brand new 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness and immediately noticed a persistent vibration in the steering wheel, seat, and footwell area. The vibration is present at all times - while driving at various speeds and even while idling. It is very distracting and uncomfortable. This ongoing vibration creates a constant sensation of movement that affects my comfort and ability to stay fully focused on the road. I have arthritis in both hands, and the steering wheel vibration causes physical discomfort, pain, and fatigue, especially on longer drives. I previously owned a 2024 Subaru [same model], which did not have this issue. I have also spoken with other owners of the 2025 model who are not experiencing this problem, so I do not believe this is typical for the vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while at a stop light, the brake pedal was released, but the vehicle failed to move. The accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle jolted forward. The contact was able to drive to a parking lot. After shifting to drive, the vehicle unexpectedly reversed. While in reverse, the vehicle would shift to drive erroneously. The vehicle jolted forward. The vehicle was shaking, jerking, and skipping gear. The engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 11,426.
I was driving the car, towards the end of about a 40-minute drive the car, I can best describe, lost its mind. Without any prior signs of symptoms, in about the span of 5-10 seconds, the check engine light came on, then eyesight warning came on, then traction system error appeared and I lost all power. It started braking on its own and completely acting on its own. I could still steer, but I had no other control over the vehicle! THANKFULLY I was in a 25 MPH zone, with no other vehicles or pedestrians anywhere near me. I was able to steer the piece of junk into a vacant loading dock and at least get it off the street. I shudder to think what would have happened to me if the car did this on the interstate that I had exited from not five minutes prior to this incident. The car was rendered undriveable. I had it towed to the dealership. …
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Forester. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed inhibitor switch. The contact was informed that the inhibitor switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact was informed that parts were on back order. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
My new 2022 Forester Wildness is equipped with an automate "Start and Stop" function which (while driving) shuts the engine off if the sits still too long in traffic or a stop light. While the car has a button to disable this function. You must press the button every time you start the car to disable the auto SS. Today I had forgot to disable the function. The car stalled at a busy intersection nearly causing me to be rear ended. I think there is a safety concern here. Someone could get hurt trying to save a small amount of gas. Also, the wear and tear on the starter and associated engine components could result in premature failures over the life of the vehicle.
The contact owned a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 4 MPH and slowing to park, the vehicle accelerated on its own. The contact stated that the vehicle drove out of the parking lot and crashed into a wall. The contact stated that the air bags deployed and that the vehicle had then shifted into reverse (R) and driven out away from the wall and crashed into a parked vehicle and stopped. The contact stated she was unaware of any warning lights. The contact stated that she had 1 passenger in the front seat and 2 passengers in the rear seat. The contact stated that everyone was shaken and achy, but no cuts or other injuries. The contact stated later that the passengers went on their own to seek medical attention. …
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal and attempting to park in the driveway, the vehicle excessively independently accelerated in speed. The brake pedal failed to stop the vehicle and the vehicle was shifted into Park in order to come to a stop. The vehicle caused damage to the door and garage. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted, and they stated they were not aware of any recalls or complaints for the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 10,000.
Related recalls (3)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions were produced with an improperly manufactured transmission parking rod. When the transmission selector lever is placed in the "p" (park) position, the transmission park mechanism, that is intended to hold your vehicle, May not engage.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Owner notification January 8, 2003. An interim owner notification will be sent during November 2002.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Forester years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2015 (95), 2016 (51), 2017 (46), 2014 (41) and 2019 (38) model years. Transmission complaints make up 15% of all complaints for the 2015.
Is there a recall for Subaru Forester transmission problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 23V-755 (park/neutral start interlock switch, Nov 9, 2023); 23V-754 (driveshaft, Nov 9, 2023); 02V-282 (automatic transmission, Oct 30, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Subaru Forester transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles; 53% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (61 mentions), followed by the clutch assembly (26).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.