2022 Subaru Forester: Electrical System complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 11 owner complaints for the 2022 Subaru Forester that list the electrical system component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11771742 (filed 10/16/2026): “On [xxx], my [xxx] son was driving our forester on [xxx] at [xxx]. at red light, auto start-stop shut off engine as designed. on green, releasing brake triggered restart attempt. dash lights cycled continuously, engine failed to restart. brake pedal pushed back firmly and would not depress. simultan…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11737260 (filed 05/12/2026): “The contact owns a 2022 subaru forester. the contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the contact was advised that the batter was defective. the contact was informed that the battery was not large enough for the power of the vehicle. the contact was informed…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11708697 (filed 01/04/2026): “My 2022 subaru forester sport, <24,640 miles, suffers from persistent, life-threatening safety failures. thick white exhaust is present in every temperature, and a heavy burning smell fills the cabin during acceleration regardless of outside temperature. i have been dealing with these failures since…”
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 .