Windshield cracks and an engine valve recall
The 2019 Forester was the first of a new design and has the most complaints of any recent year. Windshields cracking without impact is by far the most common report. A recall (19V856) covers a PCV valve that can break and cause a stall, and owners also report check engine lights and battery drain.
Updated November 2026 · based on 834 owner complaints and 3 recalls
463 1.9x the Forester average
3 free to fix at a dealer
Every Forester year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2019 Forester
Top problems and what they cost
Windshield cracks
Cracks start at the edge or grow from a small chip within the first few years.
Fix: Windshield plus EyeSight calibration $800 to $1,500.
Visibility
PCV valve failure
A broken PCV valve can cause rough running, a check engine light or a stall.
Fix: Recall repair 19V856, free.
Engine
Battery drain
Battery goes flat after the car sits for a few days.
Fix: Battery $180 to $280 and software update.
Electrical
Recalls
Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2019 Subaru Forester
- Confirm recalls 19V856, 19V065 and 21V263 show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2019 Forester has 3 recalls on record, listed below.
- Look closely at the windshield edges for cracks.Windshields on some of these cars crack easily. On cars with camera safety systems, a new windshield also needs the cameras recalibrated, which can cost $800 to $1,500.Owners filed 287 complaints about windshield cracking on the 2019 Forester, one of the worst years for it.
- Make sure no check engine light is on after start.Warning lights should come on briefly at start and then go out. One that stays on means the car has stored a fault, and a parts store can read the code for free.134 of the 834 owner complaints about the 2019 Forester involve the electrical system (16%).
- Ask about battery replacements.Many electrical glitches on these cars trace back to a weak 12-volt battery or a failing alternator. A battery older than about four years is worth replacing.134 of the 834 owner complaints about the 2019 Forester involve the electrical system (16%).
Questions
Is the 2019 Subaru Forester reliable?
Windshield cracks and an engine valve recall. The 2019 Forester was the first of a new design and has the most complaints of any recent year. Windshields cracking without impact is by far the most common report. A recall (19V856) covers a PCV valve that can break and cause a stall, and owners also report check engine lights and battery drain.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Forester have?
3 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2019 Subaru Forester problems?
Windshield cracks; PCV valve failure; Battery drain.
Crash rating shown for the 2019 Subaru Forester SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.