2019 Subaru Forester Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2019 Forester
5
Visibility/Wiper complaints Check
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (370 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 370 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (134 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 134 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (106 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 106 NHTSA complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance complaints Red flag
Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (43 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 43 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (38 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 38 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
98 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
3
Suspension Check
Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Steering Red flag
Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2019 Forester–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 Forester. The most serious involve Engine and Engine Cooling (19V856000) and Steering (19V065000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2019 Forester?
The top complaint areas are Visibility/Wiper (370 complaints) and Unknown or Other (144 complaints), out of 833 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2019 Forester?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Visibility/Wiper, which drew 370 complaints for this model-year.