Things to consider when insuring one
A recall says not to drive it until it's repaired
Before you buy or insure one, run its VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and ask for proof the repair was done. Recall repairs are free at a dealer.
5-star overall crash rating
NHTSA’s top crash rating. Crash protection affects injury claims, which make up a large share of what auto insurance pays out.
Driver-assist sensors come standard
They can help avoid crashes, but a windshield or bumper repair often needs the cameras and radar recalibrated, which costs more. Check what your comprehensive and collision deductibles would mean for a glass claim.
Most owner complaints are about the electrical system
8 of 34 complaints to NHTSA mention it. Worth a look in a pre-purchase inspection.
4 recalls
- Do not driveNHTSA 26V685000 · Oct 19, 2026
suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles. The castle nut on the left-front lower control arm ball joint may be improperly fastened, which can lead to the ball joint separating from the lower control arm.
- The risk
- A ball joint that separates from the lower control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the left-front lower control arm ball joint assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 16, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI26.
- NHTSA 26V436000 · Jul 8, 2026
equipment: other: labels
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
- The risk
- An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-26.
- NHTSA 26V346000 · May 28, 2026
visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid vehicles. The sliding glass panel of the power moonroof assembly may have been improperly bonded to the sliding frame, allowing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.
- The risk
- A detached glass panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the power moonroof glass panel for proper adhesion and, if necessary, replace the glass panel assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRF-26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
- NHTSA 25V889000 · Dec 19, 2025
structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester vehicles. These vehicles may have been manufactured with an incorrect and/or incorrectly oriented rear hatch support bracket which can detach without prior warning.
- The risk
- A rear hatch support bracket that detaches can allow the rear hatch to fall unexpectedly during use and increase the risk of injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the rear hatch support brackets and, if necessary, replace the stay and support bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-25. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 20, 2025.
Crash test ratings
2026 SUBARU FORESTER SUV N/A AWD
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 17%
2026 SUBARU FORESTER HYBRID SUV HEV AWD
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 17%
2026 SUBARU FORESTER WILDERNESS SUV N/A AWD
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
- Not rated
What owners report
34 complaints to NHTSA, 2 injuries.
- Electrical system8
- Forward collision avoidance7
- Unknown or other7
- Visibility/wiper6
- Structure4
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Power train2
- Visibility2
Insuring a 2026 Subaru Forester?
An independent broker compares several insurers for you and can explain what matters for this car. Find one who writes auto where you live.
Other 2026 Subaru models
Recalls, crash ratings and owner complaints are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), last checked Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are owners’ reports and aren’t verified by NHTSA. This page is general information, not advice about a specific vehicle or policy.