Update - 2025 Subaru Forester Owner Says, “Most People Who Want Heated Seats, Especially In the Winter, Are Going To Be Very Disappointed”

Does Subaru have a problem with its 2025 Forester heated seats? Here is an update on Donna's story. Subaru now has a service bulletin on the issue. Check out the details and see what next-generation Forester customers should do now. 

New 2025 Subaru Foresters have an issue with their heated seats. 

I recently wrote a report about Donna's 2025 Subaru Forester that she purchased with heated seats that do not warm up enough. My report, which you can read here, shows that Donna is very disappointed in her 2025 Forester Sport's heated seat temperature.

She says, "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!"

Good news! There's a resolution to Donna's 2025 Subaru Forester Sport's heated seat issue. Let's delve into the details.

One of my readers, Landon, told me that Subaru of America has a new TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) covering the 2025 Forester's insufficient seat heater output. 

Here are the details.  

In a Service Bulletin dated 10/25/2024, Subaru of America acknowledges insufficient seat heater output in the 2025 Subaru Forester.

Here is what the service bulletin says:

"This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files developed to enhance the seat heater temperature control. Customers may experience cases of insufficient seat heater output and/ or excessive time to reach the optimum temperature of the seat heater. If a customer reports this symptom, follow the service procedure outlined in this bulletin." 

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:

STEP 1: Using SSM5-R, confirm the reprogramming availability of the Air Conditioner Control Module.

STEP 2: Review the battery charging information provided in the APPENDIX A section of this bulletin. Reprogram the Air Conditioning Control Module following the normal SSM5-R procedure. 

It does not appear that Subaru of America will issue a recall on the 2025 Forester heated seats. Only "If a customer reports this symptom," says the bulletin. 

Subaru says this repair to fix the heated seats issue is covered under the new vehicle warranty. 

What should customers do now if they have insufficient heat from their vehicle's heated seats?

• Take your Subaru Forester to the Subaru dealer where you purchased your new compact SUV and talk with a service advisor. Let them know your heated seats do not warm up sufficiently. They should tell you they know about the problem and will fix it for you under the new vehicle warranty. 
• However, if they are unaware of the problem, tell them a service bulletin TSB 12-256-24 dated 10/25/24 addresses the issue. The service advisor can look it up and should help you schedule your Forester for service to fix the problem. 
• If the service advisor doesn't know what to do, ask to speak with the Service Manager and explain your situation. You should get your heated seat issue addressed promptly.

What did Donna say about the new heated seat fix?

I wrote to Donna and let her know about the Subaru TSB. Here's is her reply to me. 

"Thanks for the update. Subaru of America called me on Monday to let me know. They then called Great Lakes Subaru and called me immediately to set up an appointment. I have my appointment tomorrow! Fingers crossed, all goes well, and I get sufficient heat! Stay tuned. I will let you know how it goes. Thank you for your support! Your article in Torque News was great!"

It's Your Turn.

Have you purchased a 2025 Subaru Forester with heated seats? Have you taken it to your Subaru dealer? What was your experience? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know. Your feedback is valuable and can help others who have this issue. 

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My Son Needed a Car, So Grandma Buys Him a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, Only Problem, Grandma Loves It More Than Her Toyota Camry and Takes It Back Click here for my report about Aurene's unforgettable tale. 

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 and Subaru USA