I Have a 2025 Subaru Forester Sport, I Am Very Disappointed In the Heated Seats, Only Heats to 90 Degrees, So Disappointed, I Can Barely Feel the Heat On High!

I am very disappointed in the heated seats in my 2025 Subaru Forester.

That's what Donna wrote to me in an email asking if I knew if this was a common problem that other new Subaru Forester owners were having. Her problem is that the heated seats in her new Forester Sport do not get warm enough. 

Imagine doing your research and finding the perfect car. When you purchase the new vehicle, you ensure it has heated seats because they are high on your desired features list. However, when you go out on a cold morning and turn the heated seat switch on, the seats do not get warm enough. That's what happened to Donna. Here is her frustrating story.

Donna's frustration with the heated seats in her 2025 Forester Sport, which she feels does not get warm enough, is evident in her email to me.

Here is Donna's initial email to me:

Donna said, "I have a 2025 Subaru Forester Sport. I am very disappointed in the heated seats. They only heat up to 90 degrees! I contacted Subaru headquarters, and they said it is a safety feature. I'm so disappointed. I can barely feel the heat on high! Anyone who values heated seats should be aware of this. They, Subaru, told me no fix. Ugh! Do you know anything about this? Please advise your readers. Thanks!"

I told her I was unaware of any heated seat issues with the new next-generation 2025 Forester compact SUV. I told Donna I would check it out and get back to her. 

I researched the issue and did not find out any new information. So, I contacted Aaron Cole, Product Communications Manager at Subaru of America. I told him what Donna said, and here is his response. 

Aaron says, "According to the latest information I could find from 2020, the heated seat operation may reach up to 100 degrees F before the thermistor cycles off, although the temperature in the seat depends on several factors, including upholstery and ambient temperature." 

I told Donna what I had found out, sent her the information I had received, and asked her to send me any more details so I could tell her story. She filed a complaint with Subaru of America, which was the right thing to do. 

She sent me her correspondence with Subaru of America's customer support. 

Donna says, "Here is the reply I got from Subaru about my seats...not acceptable…in this cold weather, you barely feel like they are on!" 

From Subaru of America Customer Advocacy 

Good Afternoon Donna,

My name is Jay from Subaru of America, and I have received your case regarding the displeasure with the heated seats on your 2025 Forester Sport.

I am very sorry to hear about your displeasure with the heated seats. I understand you are looking to get the seats higher than 90 degrees, but they, sadly, are not made to exceed that temperature. I know this is frustrating for you, but this temperature was put in place as a safety concern. Sadly, no adjustment can be made to go beyond the 90-degree limit either.

Should you have any further questions or concerns, please kindly reply back to this email or contact me via phone by using the number and extension provided below my signature. I thank you for contacting Subaru of America, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.

Warm Regards,

Jay

Donna did not get any satisfaction from the note she received and was understandably unhappy that nothing could be done about the temperature of the heated seats. 

She wrote back to me and said, "Here is the reply I sent them! My issue is still NOT resolved!"

Donna's determination to find a solution is clear in her response to Subaru's explanation for the seat temperature limit.

Dear Jay,

This answer is absolutely unacceptable. A safety concern?? You can't even feel the heat on your body with clothes on! Body temperature is 98 degrees!! As a safety concern, this is ridiculous. I am going to check with other manufacturers to see their perspectives.

According to the tech at Great Lakes Subaru of Findlay, others have complained about the same concern. I would never have purchased this car if I had known this issue, as heated seats are important to me!

This (heated seats) was in the top three wants for purchasing a new car. I will let all my friends/family know about this issue and never buy a 2025 Forester if they want heated seats! 

I had a 2013 Honda Pilot with great heated seats. I wish I hadn't traded it in for the cold winter months I spend in northern Michigan! My elderly mother with back and hip problems and myself with back problems sure won't be looking forward to a long drive up north without the comfort of a heated seat.

Saying I am very upset does not even tell you how I feel about this! A $45,000 car, and this is the headache I get! I will call you tomorrow to talk to you directly, but obviously, you have already said it won't help.

A recall is what Subaru should do and please their customers! Here's hoping for a class-action lawsuit! I wish I could get my money back! 

Conclusion:

Donna still awaits a resolution on her 2025 Subaru Forester Sport's heated seats. Unfortunately, there may not be a satisfactory one for her.

From what I can understand from the information from Subaru, the previous generation Forester seats would heat to 100 degrees before cycling off (depending on several factors, including upholstery and ambient temperature). I can only imagine how disappointing this must be for Donna.

The 100-degree temperature in the previous generation Forester's seats would likely have been hot enough for Donna. 

However, it appears that Subaru Corporation has significantly changed the new next-generation 2025 Forester's heated seats, lowering the maximum temperature to 90 degrees. Subaru says it's for "safety concerns" and does not explain further. 

Donna writes back to me and says, "Thank you. I really hope they remedy this issue! Most people who want a heated seat, especially in the winter, are going to be very disappointed in these seats."

We want to hear from you.

Have you purchased a 2025 Subaru Forester with heated seats? What is your experience with them? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know. Your feedback is valuable and can help others who are considering buying this car.

Check out my story here on the 2025 Subaru Forester; Why Are Buyers Walking Away From the New 2025 Subaru Forester?

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Donna