Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
2021 Subaru Forester Recall
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Frequently Asked Questions
8 common questions answered
What are the known NHTSA recalls for a 2021 Subaru Forester?
The NHTSA database returned 23 recall entries related to Forester models; owners of a 2021 Subaru Forester should verify their VIN to see which apply to their vehicle. These entries include air bag inflator and Occupant Detection System issues, brake light switch failures, brake line corrosion, turbocharger intake duct cracking, ignition switch concerns, electrical relay and power steering connector issues, floor mat equipment replacement, rear stabilizer bracket bolts, and PCV valve problems. All recall summaries referenced here come from NHTSA records; Mike Shaw Subaru recommends you schedule service immediately if your VIN shows an open recall.
How do I check if my 2021 Subaru Forester has an open recall?
Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov or bring your vehicle to Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton, CO and we will check it for free. You can also call Subaru customer service at the numbers listed in NHTSA records, or contact our service desk to confirm and schedule service for any open recall work. We offer service financing so you can get service now and pay later, and recall repairs are performed at no cost under the manufacturer program.
How much does a 2021 Subaru Forester recall repair cost?
Manufacturer recall repairs are free of charge; Mike Shaw Subaru performs recall work at no cost to the customer. Parts and labor required by a safety recall are covered by the manufacturer; we use OEM parts and factory-trained technicians to complete the repair. While recall repairs are free, if additional unrelated maintenance is requested we can discuss service specials or financing; see our service specials.
Can I get my 2021 Subaru Forester recall fixed at an independent shop or do I need a dealer?
Recall repairs must be performed under the manufacturer's program and are best handled at a certified franchise dealer like Mike Shaw Subaru to ensure proper OEM parts and factory procedure compliance. Independent shops may not have access to the specific replacement parts, service bulletins, or manufacturer warranty coding required for recall completion; a franchise dealer documents and completes the remedy according to Subaru and NHTSA requirements. If you need help, call our service team or schedule service and we will verify your VIN and complete the recall at no cost.
How long does a 2021 Subaru Forester recall repair take?
Repair times vary by recall: many safety recalls are one to a few hours, while replacements or parts-unavailable campaigns can take longer; our team provides an estimated turnaround when you schedule service. For example, air bag inflator or sensor mat harness replacement is typically a short repair when parts are in stock, while repairs requiring engine inspection or parts backorder may need additional time. Mike Shaw Subaru prioritizes recall repairs and offers loaner and shuttle options where available—ask about service financing and appointment flexibility when you call.
Does an open recall affect my 2021 Subaru Forester's trade-in or resale value?
Yes—unresolved safety recalls can reduce resale and trade-in value because buyers and dealers check NHTSA records and VIN history. Resolving recalls at a franchise dealer like Mike Shaw Subaru documents proper remedy and protects value; see our trade-in appraisal at sell-your-car-online.htm. Getting recall work completed is a straightforward way to reassure buyers and maintain the best possible resale outcome.
Can I fail a state inspection because of an unresolved 2021 Subaru Forester recall?
Some recalls affecting emissions, lighting, brakes, or safety systems can cause a vehicle to fail a state inspection until the recall is addressed; check local inspection rules. If a recall impacts components tied to safety inspections—such as brake lights, brake lines, or airbags—Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton, CO can verify your VIN and schedule appointment to complete the remedy free of charge. We also recommend reviewing any inspection failure notes with our service advisors so we can expedite the correct recall repair and get you back on the road safely.
2021 Subaru Forester Recall Summary
These summaries are based on NHTSA recall records. If your 2021 Subaru Forester has an open recall, contact Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton, CO or schedule service online to have factory-trained technicians complete the remedy at no cost.
Recall Service & Dealership Highlights
Safety Risks You Can't Ignore
Addressing recalls promptly is critical because unresolved safety defects can lead to serious injury or worse. The 2021 Subaru Forester has NHTSA-recorded issues affecting air bag components where an inflator can rupture or the Occupant Detection System (ODS) connection may loosen on certain seat-equipped models, which can deactivate a passenger airbag even when the seat is occupied. Brake light switch contamination and brake line corrosion recalls can reduce visibility to other drivers or cause brake fluid leakage, increasing crash risk. Turbocharger intake duct cracking and PCV valve separation can cause engine stalls or loss of power while driving. At Mike Shaw Subaru we prioritize safety: factory-trained technicians use OEM parts, Subaru diagnostic tools, and manufacturer-approved procedures to correct these defects at no charge under the recall program. Ignoring recalls can affect insurance claims, inspection outcomes, and your vehicle’s resale prospects—please schedule service right away so we can remedy any open items quickly and safely.
Your Certified Recall Experts
As a franchise Subaru dealer serving Thornton, CO and the Denver metro area, Mike Shaw Subaru is uniquely equipped to perform official manufacturer recall repairs. Our technicians are factory-trained, Subaru-certified, and work with OEM parts and Subaru-specific diagnostic equipment so repairs meet the exact manufacturer standards required by the NHTSA. When a recall requires replacement parts, warranty coding, or official documentation, only a certified dealer can complete the remedy per factory instructions and update NHTSA records. We serve Thornton and surrounding communities—Northglenn, Westminster, Broomfield, Brighton, and the greater Denver area—and we keep recall repairs moving with priority scheduling for safety issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge; our service team will communicate timelines and provide options like loaner vehicles or shuttles when available. If you prefer to check available offers while you wait, see our service specials and ask about service financing so you can get needed maintenance now and pay later. Trust Mike Shaw Subaru for verified, documented recall service completed to Subaru factory standards.
Next Steps & VIN Check
Start by checking your vehicle identification number (VIN) on NHTSA.gov or bring your vehicle to Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton, CO for a free VIN recall check; our advisors will confirm if your 2021 Subaru Forester has open recalls and advise on priority. If a recall is present we will explain the defect (for example, an ODS harness that may loosen or a brake light switch that can fail due to contaminants), the safety consequence, and the required corrective action. Many recall repairs are completed in a few hours when parts are available; for campaigns where parts are pending, we will notify you as soon as remedies arrive. To get started, please schedule service online or call our service department—recall repairs are free and performed by factory-trained technicians using OEM parts. Mike Shaw Subaru will document the repair and update NHTSA records, protecting your vehicle’s safety and history.
Protect Your Vehicle Value
Unresolved recalls can lower trade-in and resale value because savvy buyers and dealers review NHTSA and vehicle history reports during transactions. Resolving recalls at a certified dealer like Mike Shaw Subaru protects your investment by ensuring the 2021 Subaru Forester shows documented factory remedies and uses OEM parts installed by factory-trained technicians. Some recalls — such as brake line corrosion or air bag inflator replacements — are clearly noted on vehicle histories; having those repairs completed improves buyer confidence and can prevent price reductions. If you’re considering a trade or sale, get the recall work completed and then request a dealer appraisal; you can start the process at our trade-in page sell-your-car-online.htm. We also support customers with service financing and targeted service specials for related maintenance, ensuring your Forester is safe, compliant, and ready to retain maximum value.
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Recall Summary
23 recalls found · All repairs FREE
Air Bag
FREE10 OPEN RECALLS
Consequence
If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning November 29, 2019, and will receive a second notice when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
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Air Bag10
FREE10 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
Consequence
If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning November 29, 2019, and will receive a second notice when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
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Brake Light3
FREE3 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Consequence
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 29, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
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Turbocharger Air Intake Duct1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
Consequence
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.
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Ignition1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of t
Consequence
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
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Electrical System1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
Consequence
If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
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Brake2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may
Consequence
Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles that were not repaired under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311. Affected vehicles not currently, or formerly, registered in the salt belt states identified in this recall are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
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Equipment1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2014 Forester vehicles manufactured from January 2013 through March 2013. The backing for the carpeted floor mats was not manufactured to specification. As a result, the floor mats may curl when exposed to heat.
Consequence
Curling of the driver side floor mat could distract the driver and/or interfere with proper operation of one or a combination of, the vehicle's clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals. Brake or accelerator pedal interference may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace each of the vehicle's four (4) carpeted floor mats with new ones. These services will be performed free of charge. Subaru will issue an interim notification by the end of April 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQH-44.
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Rear Suspension1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Consequence
Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 14, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
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Engine2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Consequence
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
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Power Steering1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Consequence
Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
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