2021 Subaru Forester: Electrical System complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 34 owner complaints for the 2021 Subaru Forester that list the electrical system component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11773516 (filed 10/25/2026): “I was stopped at a red light. when the light changed to green i put my foot on the gas and the car totally stalled out. there were no lights, fans or radio on just total silence. i tried to restart the car putting it is park and depressing the brake while pushing the start button and nothing. it…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11748908 (filed 07/07/2026): “The contact owns a 2021 subaru forester. the contact stated that while trying to roll up vehicle windows from driver sits and passenger sit they would roll up to 3/4th all the way up and they would roll back down after. the contact stated this was a recurring event. the dealer was aware of failur…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11748058 (filed 07/02/2026): “My 2021 subaru forester has a recurring, worsening defect in the idle stop/start (iss) system that creates a stalling hazard. when iss shuts the engine off at a stop, the engine intermittently fails to restart when i try to move again. it cranks progressively slower, warning lights illuminate, a con…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Finding and splicing chewed wiring is doable with a multimeter and patience but can be time-consuming; harness replacement is pro work. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .