# Subaru Forester brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 43 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (13) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 43 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Subaru Forester (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (13). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## Subaru Forester brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 13 | 616 | 2% | | 2016 | 7 | 416 | 2% | | 2017 | 3 | 592 | 1% | | 2018 | 2 | 498 | 0% | | 2019 | 9 | 834 | 1% | | 2020 | 4 | 603 | 1% | | 2021 | 2 | 215 | 1% | | 2022 | 1 | 100 | 1% | | 2023 | 1 | 74 | 1% | | 2025 | 1 | 100 | 1% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Is there a recall for the Subaru Forester brake warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Subaru Forester has 17 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Subaru Forester page](/vehicles/subaru-forester) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Subaru Forester owners report - "The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space, the brake pedal was slightly released to move the vehicle forward; however, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated, failed to respond upon depression of the brake pedal, and crashed into a brick wall. The impact resulted in damages to the front bumper and..." -- owner of a 2025 Subaru Forester, complaint filed 2026 - "The contact stated while at a stop light, the brake pedal was released, but the vehicle failed to move. The accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle jolted forward. The contact was able to drive to a parking lot. After shifting to drive, the vehicle unexpectedly reversed. While in reverse, the vehicle would..." -- owner of a 2023 Subaru Forester, complaint filed 2024 - "As I turned into the space with my foot light on the brake, the engine suddenly revved and the Forester surged forward. AT NO POINT DID I TOUCH THE ACCELERATOR. I have a size 7 (women's) shoe, and the floor mat was flat and secured as always. The vehicle surged forward and drove over the curb and onto the sidewalk...." -- owner of a 2022 Subaru Forester, complaint filed 2023 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the brake warning light means The red brake warning light most often means the parking brake is still on. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake, the brake fluid is likely low, which can mean worn pads or a leak in the brake system. A brake light that stays on while driving is a reason to pull over and check, because a fluid leak can lead to loss of braking. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Parking brake on or not fully released** (most common) 2. **Low brake fluid from worn pads** (common) 3. **Brake fluid leak** (less common) 4. **Faulty fluid level sensor or parking brake switch** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Subaru Forester brake light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often. ### Which Subaru Forester years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2019 Forester model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 13 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Subaru Forester with the brake light on? Stop driving. If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. If it stays on, especially with a soft pedal, low fluid, or the ABS light also on, stop driving and have the car towed, because the brakes may fail. ### How do I check if my Subaru Forester has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Subaru dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Subaru Forester warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/subaru-forester): 20 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/subaru-forester): 280 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/subaru-forester): 179 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/subaru-forester): 38 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/subaru-forester): 21 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/subaru-forester): 26 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/subaru-forester): 15 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/subaru-forester): 26 complaints ## Brake warning light on other models - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints ## Subaru Forester - [Subaru Forester specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-forester) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/subaru-forester Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.