Subaru Forester: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 10,035 Subaru Forester cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1997 and 2026.
In a sample of 400 cars, 55% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (15% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 11 recalls for this model; 4.9% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.8% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Subaru Forester
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 15% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 11.5% |
| Wheel bearing wear/damage audible or noticeable | 10.3% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 9.3% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 7.5% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 6% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 5% |
| Independent suspension pivot has too much play | 4.3% |
| Stub axle (kingpin) has too much play | 3.3% |
| Windscreen washer not working properly | 3% |
Share of 400 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 5.3% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 4.8% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 1.8% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.5% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 10,035 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 4.9% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.8% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1997 to 2026 |
All Subaru Forester passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-11-21 | brakes | serious | 2,050 |
| 2021-07-02 | suspension | – | 472 |
| 2020-08-18 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 1,472 |
| 2019-12-20 | electrical system | – | 482 |
| 2019-05-28 | lights | – | 4,292 |
| 2019-05-14 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 1,192 |
| 2018-03-05 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1,606 |
| 2017-04-26 | electrical system | – | 874 |
| 2015-10-07 | electrical system | serious | 2,809 |
| 2014-09-02 | brakes | – | 4,500 |
| 2014-08-07 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 20 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Subaru Forester fail the APK?
In a sample of 400 cars first registered 2012–2021, 55% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Subaru Forester?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (15%), number plate light not working (properly) / missing (11.5%), wheel bearing wear/damage audible or noticeable (10.3%).
Does the Subaru Forester have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 11 recalls. 4.9% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Subaru models
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.