2019 Subaru Forester
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2019 Subaru Forester maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Subaru Forester.
For oil changes, the 2019 Subaru Forester takes 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 4.4 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Super Long Life Coolant (Blue), and transmission fluid is Subaru ATF. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Subaru Forester, torque the lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2019 Subaru Forester have reported 5 common issues including "Windshield Spontaneous Cracking", "Inhibitor Switch Water Intrusion" and "EyeSight Camera Fogging and False Alerts". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 3 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2019 Subaru Forester. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2019 Subaru Forester uses 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (4.4 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 89 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2019 Subaru Forester. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2019 Subaru Forester.
Common problems reported by 2019 Subaru Forester owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Windshield Spontaneous Cracking
The windshield cracks spontaneously without any impact, often while parked or warming up. Cracks typically originate near the edges or around the EyeSight camera housing area and spread rapidly across the glass. 13 NHTSA complaints document this issue.
Windshield replacement with an OEM Subaru windshield is required. EyeSight recalibration ($200-$400) is mandatory after replacement. Some owners have had Subaru goodwill cover the cost within the first year.
Est. Cost: $500 - $1,200 (includes EyeSight recalibration)Inhibitor Switch Water Intrusion
An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch (neutral safety switch), causing it to fail. A failed switch prevents the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera from displaying, and may prevent starting.
Subaru issued a recall to replace the inhibitor switch free of charge at authorized dealers. The repair takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Est. Cost: $0 (recall)EyeSight Camera Fogging and False Alerts
The EyeSight stereo cameras fog up in high humidity or temperature conditions, causing false lane departure warnings, pre-collision braking alerts, and system deactivation messages. DTC B28C7 may be stored.
A Subaru TSB for 2022-2023 Foresters addresses DTC B28C7 for cameras exposed to high humidity. A software update and camera housing desiccant replacement can reduce fogging. Windshield defroster use helps prevent recurrence.
Est. Cost: $0 - $300Front Strut Mount Rust and Noise
Surface rust accumulates on the front strut mount retaining nut area, causing creaking, popping, or grinding noises when turning the steering wheel at low speeds or driving over bumps. This is especially prevalent in regions using road salt.
A Subaru TSB provides a procedure to remove rust and apply anti-corrosion treatment to the strut mount area. Replacement of strut mount bearings may be necessary if corrosion is advanced.
Est. Cost: $100 - $500Infotainment Starlink System Lag and Freezing
The Starlink infotainment system exhibits significant lag when responding to touch inputs, freezes during navigation, and reboots unexpectedly. The Bluetooth system drops phone connections and the backup camera display can be delayed.
System software update at the dealer to the latest version. A factory reset of the Starlink system may temporarily resolve freezing. Head unit replacement is performed in persistent cases under warranty.
Est. Cost: $0 (warranty) / $800 - $1,500 if out of warranty3 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2019 Subaru Forester. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
SUSPENSION:REAR
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.