Subaru Forester VIN Number Check

A free NHTSA vPIC decode tells you which Subaru Forester you are looking at. Then check its model year against 44 NHTSA recall campaigns and what owners have reported.

VIN prefixJF2JF14S4

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Subaru Forester

About the Subaru Forester

Subaru has sold the Forester in the US since the 1998 model year, and there have been six generations. The SF came first (1998–2002); SG (2003–2008), SH (2009–2013), SJ (2014–2018), SK (2019–2024) followed, and the SL took over for 2025–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 44 vehicle recall campaigns and 6,489 owner complaints. The 2019 has the most complaints of any model year (833). EPA rates the SF at 20–21 mpg combined, while the SL, whose lineup includes hybrid versions, gets 26–35 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years1998–2026

GenerationsSF · SG · SH · SJ · SK · SL

NHTSA recall campaigns44

Owner complaints6,489 at NHTSA

Subaru Forester photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Subaru Forester generations

Six generations since the 1998 model year. The SJ (2014–2018) has the most owner complaints, the SH (2009–2013) the most recall campaigns (20).

6 / 6

2025–20266th generation

Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

199820052010201520202025

2025–2026· Generation 6 of 6

SL · 6th generation

PlatformSubaru Global

EPA combined mpg26–35

NHTSA recalls6

Engines (EPA)

2.5 L 4-cyl · 2025–2026
2.5 L 4-cyl (hybrid) · 2025–2026

Drive & transmission (EPA)

AWD/4WD
CVT (2025–2026)

Known issues to check

Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors) (26)Forward collision avoidance (25)Fuel system (15)1 high-risk recall campaign

Mentions in 117 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · SLJF2SLDRC?SH······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2025 Subaru Forester Limited, built in Ota, Gunma

Check a Forester VIN

Sources: Wikipedia · EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which Forester model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 44 campaigns on file for Forester model years 1998–2026, and the 2009 and 2010 show up in the most (17 each). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Subaru Forester owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Complaints peak with the 2019 (833 of 6,489). Tap any bar or generation.

6,489NHTSA complaints, 1998–2026

552mention a crash

102mention a fire

306injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearSL: 117 complaints · most for the 2025 (95)

Top complaint areas · SL

Mentions in 117 complaints, 2025–2026.

Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors)26

Forward collision avoidance25

Fuel system15

Electrical system12

Exterior lighting8

Rear camera / back-over prevention6

Crashes 11Fires 2Injuries 6

2025–2026 (SL)

NHTSA data summary

Its first model year, the 2025, drew more complaints than any other (95 of 117). Owners across the generation name visibility most often (26 mentions), then forward collision avoidance (25).

What Forester owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2019–2024 (5th generation, SK)

Cracked windshields lead NHTSA complaints for the 2019, as on other recent Subarus. CarComplaints ranks the thermo control valve assembly first for 2019, followed by a battery that keeps dying and a windshield that chips easily. Recalls on 2019 models cover a power steering connector that can short circuit and cut assist, and a PCV valve that can come apart and enter the engine, causing a loss of power, plus rear stabilizer bracket bolts on some 2019 models. [1] [2]

2014–2018 (4th generation, SJ)

Oil consumption is the notable complaint on the 2015. NHTSA owners describe the oil light coming on well before the next change, sometimes with hesitation, and CarComplaints criticizes Subaru for treating about a quart every 1,000 miles as normal. Air bag reports are also common, and a recall covers 2015–2018 models with heated seats whose passenger occupant detection connection may loosen. [3] [4]

2009–2013 (3rd generation, SH)

Seats are the largest NHTSA complaint category for the 2010, with owners describing the driver seat bracket separating from the frame at its tack welds and the seat dropping, in one case at freeway speed. CarComplaints ranks excessive oil consumption first for 2011, followed by unintended acceleration and a burning oil smell. Recalls cover front passenger air bag inflators on this generation. [5] [6]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the passenger air bag inflator recalls on 2009–2013 models, the occupant detection recall on 2015–2018 models and the steering and PCV valve recalls on 2019 models.
Ask for oil consumption test records and battery replacements.
Check the windshield for cracks and the driver seat for looseness.
On the drive, watch for hesitation and any steering assist warning.

Sources (6) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner opinions · Reddit

What Subaru Forester owners say on Reddit

Summarized from public threads

SummaryPros & consThreads

Subaru Forester owners on Reddit share plenty of high mileage, including a 2014 at 320,000 miles, a 2019 at 240,000, and three 2015 models past 150,000 on original CVT fluid. Still, most urge a CVT fluid change around every 60,000 miles even when dealers call it lifetime fluid, and some needed valve bodies or whole transmissions. Owners of 2019 to 2021 models describe thermo control valve failures, one tied to an engine failure at 64,000 miles, while 2021 to 2023 cars earn praise.

Pros

Many owners pass 150,000 miles and a few exceed 300,000
2021 to 2023 models need little beyond routine maintenance
Owners value its all-wheel drive, visibility and all-weather ability

Cons

Mixed advice on CVT fluid service, with some valve body and transmission failures
Thermo control valve failures on 2019 to 2021 models
Front suspension wear and batteries strained by the start-stop system

Is anyone's Subaru doing fine above 100k miles WITHOUT changing their CVT fluid? r/SubaruForester · 2026-06-17
How many miles on your forester? r/SubaruForester · 2026-08-25
Dealership service mgr. says 2020-2023 Forester has best service record as far as not having issues. Is this correct? We are shopping for a used Forester (or Outback) with low miles and need to act soon. r/SubaruForester · 2026-07-06
Should I regret buying a 2025 Forester? r/SubaruForester · 2025-10-16

Opinions of individual owners, summarized in our own words. Not verified data; check recalls and complaints above.

Owner complaints · by model year

Forester complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Hybrid Forester versions count alongside gas ones. Tap a year to see its top systems.

6,489complaints, 1998–2026

552mention a crash

102mention a fire

306injuries reported

7complaints report a death

Most complaints: 2019 (833), 2015 (614), 2020 (601)

2019 · 833 complaints

Crashes 37 · fires 11 · injuries 21 · complaints reporting a death 1

Visibility/wiper370

Unknown or other144

Electrical system134

Engine106

Forward collision avoidance43

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

Forester CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 79 Forester versions for model years 1998–2026 (gas and hybrid). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 255 g/mi, for the 2026 hybrid. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

SF1998–2002

20–21 mpg · CO₂ 423–444 g/mi

SG2003–2008

18–23 mpg · CO₂ 386–494 g/mi

SH2009–2013

21–23 mpg · CO₂ 386–428 g/mi

SJ2014–2018

24–28 mpg · CO₂ 315–368 g/mi

SK2019–2024

26–29 mpg · CO₂ 309–338 g/mi

SL2025–2026

26–35 mpg · CO₂ 255–347 g/mi

Model year2025

29combined MPG

310CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$2,300EPA yearly fuel cost

6/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

6/10Greenhouse gas rating

Federal Tier 3 Bin 30 · OtherEmission standard

Cleanest gas version of 2025: AWD · Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L — 29 MPG · 310 g/mi

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

GasHybrid

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

Forester vs Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2019–2024. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the Forester, against 20 for the Toyota RAV4 and 22 for the Honda CR-V. Pick a range to compare.

Subaru ForesterSL

Model years 2025–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 6
NHTSA owner complaints: 117
EPA combined mpg: 26–35
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.5 L
Also listed: hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2025)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors) 26
Forward collision avoidance 25
Fuel system 15

Toyota RAV4

Model years 2025–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 6
NHTSA owner complaints: 138
EPA combined mpg: 28–43
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.5 L
Also listed: hybrid, plug-in hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2025)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 23
Forward collision avoidance 22
Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors) 18

Honda CR-V

Model years 2025–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 5
NHTSA owner complaints: 427
EPA combined mpg: 28–40
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 1.5, 2.0 L · Electric
Also listed: turbo, hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2025)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Forward collision avoidance 78
Steering 73
Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors) 59

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Subaru Forester VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on a Forester

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

Black Subaru Forester (fifth generation) SUV, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

Before purchasing a used Forester, locate the VIN at the lower driver's side windshield and compare it to the door jamb sticker and B-pillar label. The cargo area sticker near the rear hatch is also present on most model years. The SL generation starts with the 2025 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (S for 2025) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Subaru Forester VIN questions

Which Subaru Forester model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2019 leads with 833, ahead of the 2015 (614) and 2020 (601). Those first two alone make up 22% of the 6,489 Forester complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Subaru Forester had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 44 vehicle campaigns for model years 1998–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, SH leads with 20. Then come the SJ (6), SK (6), SL (6), SG (5) and SF (2), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Subaru Forester recalls are high risk?

16V-358, 17V-014 and 17V-026 cover air bag inflators that can rupture. 18V-012, 18V-013, 18V-014, 20V-001, 20V-002, 20V-003, 19V-007, 19V-008 and 1 more cover air bag inflator modules and how they deploy. NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 04V-473, 07V-043, 08V-460, 12V-602, 16V-738, 23V-723 and 26V-106. Park-outside advisories came with 26V-106. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which Forester generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the SF is 1998–2002 and the SG 2003–2008. SH spans 2009–2013, SJ 2014–2018, SK 2019–2024 and SL 2025–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (S is 2025).

What fuel economy does the Subaru Forester get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2025–2026 SL at 26–35 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 20–21 mpg for the 1998–2002 SF (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Subaru Forester compare with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V on recalls?

For 2025–2026 models the Forester has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Toyota RAV4 has 6, the Honda CR-V 5. Complaints run 117, 138 and 427 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

What crash rating does the Subaru Forester have?

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Forester 5 stars overall. One version, AWD, is rated.

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