Subaru Forester Wheels Problems
Owners have filed 114 complaints with NHTSA about wheels problems on the Subaru Forester across 22 model years. The 2015 model year has the most (20). The words owners use most often: “wheel bearing” (17% of reports).
- 114wheels complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 48%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Wheel bearing: mentioned in 19 of 114 complaints (17%)
- Lug nuts: mentioned in 10 of 114 complaints (9%)
- Noise rear: mentioned in 6 of 114 complaints (5%)
- Lower control: mentioned in 6 of 114 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do wheels problems happen?
Based on 55 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 114 complaints, 3 mention a crash.
Subaru Forester wheels complaints by model year
| Model year | Wheels complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Forester | 4 | 4% | — |
| 2024 Forester | 1 | 3% | 5,000 |
| 2022 Forester | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2021 Forester | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2020 Forester | 1 | 0% | 20 |
| 2019 Forester | 6 | 1% | 7,500 |
| 2018 Forester | 6 | 1% | 20,000 |
| 2017 Forester | 13 | 2% | 41,500 |
| 2016 Forester | 17 | 4% | 37,000 |
| 2015 Forester | 20 | 3% | 56,500 |
| 2014 Forester | 11 | 3% | 64,000 |
| 2012 Forester | 3 | 3% | 25,861 |
| 2010 Forester | 4 | 2% | 315,000 |
| 2009 Forester | 2 | 1% | 32,000 |
| 2008 Forester | 1 | 2% | 70,000 |
| 2006 Forester | 3 | 3% | 80,000 |
| 2005 Forester | 2 | 2% | 70,562 |
| 2004 Forester | 3 | 1% | 87,800 |
| 2003 Forester | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2002 Forester | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2001 Forester | 7 | 5% | 55,800 |
| 1999 Forester | 4 | 3% | 16,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Wheels
Model years: 2025
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles equipped with 18" aluminum alloy wheels. The wheels may have been manufactured with an incorrectly specified lug seat surface, which can result in the wheel being improperly attached and cause a loss of vehicle stability.
Risk: A loss of vehicle stability increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the wheels, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRB-25.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Wheel studs on my 2019 Forester broke or stripped during a flat tire change. In XXX, studs on this vehicle broke after dealership service where the lug nuts were overtightened; the dealer replaced them at no charge. On XXX I had a flat tire on a rural road in [XXX]. When we removed the wheel…
The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that after the rear driverâs side tire became flat, the temporary spare tire was mounted to the vehicle, and the vehicle was driven to the local auto service center. While the mechanic was attempting to mount the wheel to the vehicle…
We purchased a used car for my [XXX] daughter on August 4th. of this year. On her trip to [XXX] on XXX., appoximently 5pm, the drivers side rear wheel fell off, causing damage to the wheel, lugs, shocks, caliper and tire. She was able to pull over into a parking lot, where a stranger helped her out…
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear wheels of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined…
Noticeable noise after oil change and tire rotation that became progressively worse over time. Constant humming/growling noise from the rear that increases in volume and intensity with speed. Noticeable at 40 mph and higher and floor vibration present at highway speed, especially under the dead…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru Foresters have wheels problems?
No. NHTSA has 114 owner complaints about wheels for the Subaru Forester. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Subaru Forester wheels?
Yes: 1 safety recall list wheels. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about wheels problems on the Subaru Forester?
The most frequent phrase is “wheel bearing”, in 19 of 114 complaints, followed by “lug nuts” (10).
Other Subaru Forester problems
- Visibility/wiper problems (1,061)
- Engine problems (827)
- Air Bags problems (817)
- Electrical System problems (797)
- Power Train problems (556)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (532)
- Suspension problems (415)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (350)
See all Subaru Forester problems.