Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common problems: Some of the most common problems reported with the 2025 Subaru Forester include electrical system glitches, engine performance concerns, transmission issues, and braking system complaints.
In addition to these ongoing issues, the vehicle has already been subject to two recalls—one related to improperly manufactured wheels (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-033) and another involving child seat anchor bolts that may not have been tightened correctly (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-419).
Take a look below for more detailed information on specific 2025 Subaru Forester problems and the latest recall alerts.
Common 2025 Subaru Forester Problems
- Electrical System: Touchscreen/Infotainment Errors; EyeSight System Failures; Auto Start-Stop Errors; Battery Drain/Failure; Electrical Fires; Wiring Faults; Body Control Module (BCM) and Relay Failures
- Engine: Engine Oil Levels Overfilled from Factory; Excessive Engine Noise; Sluggish Engine; Vibrations at idle or acceleration
- Transmission: Delayed Acceleration; Slipping; Hesitation; CVT Fluid Leaks; Shuddering; Jerky Gear Transitions; Transmission Warning Light; Premature Wear
- Visibility: EyeSight System Deactivation in Rain or Snow; Liftgate Window Shattering; Slow Defogging; Ineffective Windshield Wipers
Having Vehicle Problems?
Submit the form below to see if your vehicle qualifies for a lemon law claim.
2025 Subaru Forester Electrical System Problems
The 2025 Subaru Forester has been associated with several electrical system issues, many of which echo complaints from earlier model years.
One of the most commonly reported problems involves the infotainment system. Owners have described slow touchscreen response, frozen displays, or instances where the screen goes entirely blank.
These glitches can interfere with daily functions like navigation, climate settings, and audio control.
Another recurring issue is related to Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system. In conditions with poor visibility—such as heavy rain or fog—the system may deactivate unexpectedly.
When this happens, important features like adaptive cruise control and emergency braking become unavailable. In some cases, even standard cruise control stops functioning when EyeSight goes offline.
Drivers have also reported problems with the auto start-stop system. In certain cases, the engine fails to restart after stopping at a traffic light, leaving the vehicle stranded.
This malfunction may also be accompanied by flashing warning lights on the dashboard, signaling a deeper issue within the electrical system.
Battery-related problems have also been noted. Some Forester owners experienced sudden battery drain, despite having relatively new or recently upgraded batteries.
In these cases, the vehicle often won’t start after sitting overnight, requiring a jump-start to get back on the road. These symptoms may point to a parasitic drain or faulty charging components.
A few reports have involved more serious concerns, such as electrical fires originating from the engine compartment. These incidents may be linked to improper battery installation or wiring faults that create overheating and fire risks.
Additionally, failures of the Body Control Module (BCM) and related relays have been reported. The BCM controls various systems including interior lighting, ignition, and climate control.
Malfunctions in this unit can lead to erratic behavior across multiple electrical components, making the vehicle unpredictable and difficult to rely on.
For those experiencing these issues, software updates may address certain infotainment and EyeSight glitches—check with your Subaru dealership for the latest fixes.
If your vehicle exhibits start-stop problems, it’s important to request a comprehensive diagnostic rather than relying on a basic battery test.
Regular electrical system inspections are also recommended, especially for Foresters that are frequently exposed to extreme weather conditions.
2025 Subaru Forester Engine Problems
The 2025 Subaru Forester comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.
Although this engine has a reputation for reliability, several concerns have surfaced from owners and reviewers regarding its performance and behavior in real-world driving conditions.
One of the more surprising issues reported involves overfilled engine oil right from the factory. Some owners discovered that the oil level exceeded the recommended limit, which can cause elevated internal pressure and increase the risk of long-term engine wear if not corrected.
While not immediately catastrophic, this kind of oversight raises concerns about quality control during production and delivery.
Performance is another area where the Forester’s engine has drawn criticism. The naturally aspirated 2.5L engine is often described as underwhelming, particularly when merging onto highways or driving uphill.
The paired continuously variable transmission (CVT) doesn’t help matters—under load, the engine tends to sound strained and noisy, which can detract from overall driving comfort.
The auto start-stop system has also been a point of frustration. In certain situations, the engine fails to restart after shutting off at a stoplight, leaving drivers temporarily stranded.
This issue may be connected to the vehicle’s battery or starter components, but the result is an interruption in normal engine function that can cause concern for reliability.
Other complaints involve excessive engine noise and vibration. Some drivers have noted that the engine runs loudly, especially during cold starts or when accelerating under load.
A few have also reported vibrations at idle or during acceleration, though these experiences don’t appear to be widespread at this time.
Subaru has introduced some refinements in the 2025 model aimed at improving engine efficiency and durability.
Updates to the cooling system and gear ratios, along with general powertrain tuning, are intended to reduce mechanical strain and support long-term reliability.
Overall, the 2025 Forester’s engine doesn’t suffer from major systemic failures, but it is affected by a few quality control issues and performance limitations.
For buyers seeking more responsive power or advanced hybrid technology, the current setup may fall short of expectations.
2025 Subaru Forester Transmission Problems
The 2025 Subaru Forester, while generally considered dependable, has experienced several reported issues involving its Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Some owners have noted fluid leaks appearing surprisingly early—sometimes within the first few thousand miles.
In one documented case, the leak originated between the front differential and the CVT housing, requiring professional repairs at a dealership.
In addition to fluid concerns, drivers have reported symptoms such as hesitation when accelerating, delayed throttle response, and occasional slipping during gear transitions.
These issues can be early indicators of internal wear or problems with maintaining adequate fluid pressure, both of which can worsen over time if not addressed.
Another common complaint involves shuddering or jerky movement, particularly during low-speed driving or in stop-and-go traffic.
Though the CVT is designed for smooth, seamless shifting, these interruptions in performance can be noticeable and frustrating.
In some cases, they may point to inconsistent pressure regulation or minor hardware faults within the transmission.
Several owners have also mentioned seeing transmission-related warning lights on the dashboard. These warnings could be tied to sensor or solenoid malfunctions—components that help regulate the complex operation of the CVT.
While not all alerts lead to major repairs, they do warrant immediate diagnostic attention to rule out deeper issues.
There’s also concern about premature wear of CVT components, especially in vehicles where fluid maintenance is delayed or when the Forester is subjected to heavy loads or aggressive driving habits.
Despite being advertised as having “lifetime” transmission fluid, Subaru recommends regular inspections, particularly in severe driving conditions.
In response to past complaints, Subaru has made updates to the 2025 Forester’s transmission system, including the introduction of a revised CVT pressure sensor.
This change may help address some of the drivability complaints—especially those related to inconsistent behavior at low speeds.
To help prevent transmission trouble, Forester owners are encouraged to monitor for any signs of leaking fluid beneath the vehicle, have the CVT fluid inspected at regular intervals—typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles—and avoid towing or carrying heavy loads unless the vehicle is specifically equipped to handle such demands.
Staying proactive with transmission care can go a long way in ensuring long-term performance and reliability.
2025 Subaru Forester Visibility Problems
The 2025 Subaru Forester has drawn attention for several visibility-related concerns, particularly involving its EyeSight driver-assist system, windshield performance, and rear glass components.
One of the most common complaints centers around the EyeSight system deactivating during inclement weather.
Drivers have noted that in heavy rain—even with the wipers operating at full speed—the system may temporarily shut down.
Similar issues have occurred during foggy or frosty conditions, especially when the windshield hasn’t fully cleared.
Obstructed camera lenses due to dirt, ice, or condensation can also trigger the system to go offline. When this happens, features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking may become unavailable.
While Subaru documents this behavior in the owner’s manual, it’s caught many drivers off guard, particularly those accustomed to earlier models where EyeSight seemed more resilient.
Another less frequent but alarming issue involves the rear liftgate window. There has been at least one reported case of the rear window shattering spontaneously while the vehicle was stationary and turned off.
In that instance, the front passenger door had just been closed, and no external force or object appeared to have caused the glass to break.
Though rare, such reports raise concerns about glass quality or stress points in the vehicle’s body design.
Windshield wiper effectiveness has also come under scrutiny. Some Forester owners have described poor performance during heavy rain or slow defogging in cold weather.
These visibility limitations can make driving more stressful in adverse conditions. A handful of complaints logged with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also mention visibility and wiper-related malfunctions, including issues with the defogger system and rearview mirrors.
According to available data, there have been more than six formal complaints to NHTSA related to the visibility/wiper system, four regarding general visibility, two concerning rearview mirrors, and one confirmed incident involving the exploding rear window.
Drivers experiencing visibility issues are encouraged to regularly clean the windshield, mirrors, and camera zones—especially before driving in bad weather.
Using water-repellent treatments like RainX can help improve outward visibility and may reduce the likelihood of EyeSight disruptions.
If EyeSight deactivates often, or if there are signs of wiper malfunction or glass defects, visiting a Subaru dealer for inspection is recommended.
Proactive maintenance can help reduce safety concerns tied to these visibility-related problems.
2025 Subaru Forester Owner Complaints
“I have noticed my new Suburu driver side mirror shakes during highway speeds and this causes cars and backgrounds to look blurry. I didn’t notice this on my other mirrors. It makes it difficult to drive and is distracting.”
“Both headlights have a shadow of the light bulb at the top center of both headlights causing a distraction/confusion under certain conditions at night. I have never had a shadow show up in my line of sight in all the many vehicles I have owned in the past from my headlights. I previously owned a 2019 Subaru Forester and there was no shadow appear from the headlights beam of light.”
“There is a widespread issue with many owners reporting faulty heated seats. Mine operate inconsistently – when they do get warm, despite being on high it’s less warm than the lowest setting on my previous car / any other car I’ve been in. No fix from Subaru so far and they suggest the seats are operating as intended. Have also been told they should get warmer when it is colder outside – also untrue. It was 48° the other day in the mountains and when set on high, even after 20 minutes there was ZERO heat coming from the heated seats.”
What Every Car Owner Should Know About the Lemon Law
If your 2025 Subaru Forester continues to suffer from recurring mechanical problems—such as CVT transmission issues, engine hesitation, or persistent electrical or visibility malfunctions—even after multiple repair attempts, you may be eligible for protection under your state’s lemon law.
These laws are in place to safeguard consumers who purchase or lease vehicles that turn out to have defects that significantly impact their safety, reliability, or overall value within the warranty period.
Lemon law eligibility generally hinges on how often the same issue has been addressed, and whether that issue substantially impairs your ability to safely operate the vehicle or use it as intended.
If your Forester meets these criteria, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash compensation. In refund and replacement cases, the manufacturer may deduct a mileage-based usage fee for the period before the defect first appeared.
If you opt for a replacement Forester and the newer vehicle costs more, you might be responsible for paying the difference in price.
Importantly, many state lemon laws also require the automaker to cover your attorney’s fees and costs if your claim is successful.
This provision helps ensure that you can seek legal remedies without the added worry of out-of-pocket legal expenses.
If your 2025 Subaru Forester has made repeated visits to the dealership for the same unresolved problem, exploring your lemon law rights may be a crucial step in protecting your investment and restoring peace of mind.
Take Control of Your Situation with the Lemon Law Experts
Since 2009, the Lemon Law Experts have been committed to helping vehicle owners resolve lemon law and warranty-related issues.
Our team provides personalized legal support for drivers dealing with repeated and unresolved vehicle problems, working to secure the best possible resolution—whether that’s a refund, a replacement vehicle, or fair compensation.
If your 2025 Subaru Forester has been in the shop multiple times for the same issue, you don’t have to face it alone.
Find out if your vehicle qualifies under your state’s lemon law. Call us at (877) 885-5366 or fill out our simple online form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
