The Lemon Index
Transmission complaints owners filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) for each model year, per 100,000 cars sold. A complaint counts when it's filed under the transmission, or under the power train and the owner describes the transmission (shifting, slipping, gears, CVT). It's an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and older years have had longer to collect complaints.
What owners describe
Share of this model's transmission complaints that mention each symptom. One complaint can mention several.
Transmission and power train recalls
- 2024 2023
The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
- 2022 2023
An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
In owners' words
Vehicle won't start unless gearshift lever is moved forward while already in the park position - with just hand pressure on the handle.
2015 Subaru Forester owner · NHTSA complaint
My transmission is having issues after being repaired by dealer. It is stalling when I try to accelerate leaving me at risk of being rear ended.
2015 Subaru Forester owner · NHTSA complaint
Quick answers
Which Subaru Forester years have transmission problems?
By transmission complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold, the worst Subaru Forester years are 2015, 2007, 2017.
What are common Subaru Forester transmission problems?
Owners most often describe lost power while driving, delay or hesitation, hard or jerky shifting.
Which Subaru Forester years have the fewest transmission complaints?
Since 2010, the Subaru Forester years with the fewest transmission complaints per car sold are 2025, 2022, 2023.
See every problem, not just the transmission: Subaru Forester reliability by year. How we count