Major Problems with Subaru Forester Derived from Complaints & Recalls

Learn about the common problems with a used Subaru Forester to avoid purchasing a bad year of the model.

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Best and Worst Years for Subaru Forester

Explore the chart showing how many complaints have been filed for each year of Subaru Forester.

Model Year	Complaints
2020 Forester	15
2019 Forester	174
2018 Forester	94
2017 Forester	178
2016 Forester	164
2015 Forester	319
2014 Forester	244
2013 Forester	53
2012 Forester	80
2011 Forester	115
2010 Forester	228
2009 Forester	162
2008 Forester	38
2007 Forester	58
2006 Forester	76
2005 Forester	81
2004 Forester	208
2003 Forester	178
2002 Forester	88
2001 Forester	139
2000 Forester	74
1999 Forester	130

Worst 3 Subaru Forester complaints

2001 Subaru Forester FRONTAL Victims: 6

2013 Subaru Forester AIR BAGS Victims: 4 Mileage: 3200 miles

2008 Subaru Forester FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Victims: 3 Mileage: 107000 miles

Browse Subaru Forester complaints by category

Problems with AIR BAGS, ENGINE and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL are the most frequent issues recorded by the NHTSA from Subaru Forester owners.

Problem Category	Number of Problems
AIR BAGS the vehicle was driven several miles with the passenger sitting on a thin pillow. when arriving at the destination it...	386 ~ 28697 miles
ENGINE i have a 2015 forester premium with winter package i bought it new with 10 miles on it. when starting...	354 ~ 59449 miles
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL i was turning into my parking space at my condo and the car suddenly accelerated and went over the car...	308 ~ 34077 miles
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2015 subaru forester. consumer writes in regards to steering wheel issues. *smd the consumer stated her jacket with a zipper...	235 ~ 33603 miles
VISIBILITY/WIPER bought car in anchorage and windshield cracked on way back to my father's home in fairbanks. dealership reported no known...	204 ~ 15529 miles
SUSPENSION driver side lower control arm bushing wearing out prematurely poor design....	192 ~ 75171 miles
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM i just purchased this car and cannot believe the dash board lights. they praise this car for reliability so that...	191 ~ 42058 miles
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM i had my new vehicle only 4 days with 120 miles or so that i personally put on it. i...	187 ~ 89298 miles
POWER TRAIN tl* the contact owns a 2015 subaru forester. the contact stated that while in park the vehicle rolled away. as...	169 ~ 39442 miles
SERVICE BRAKES tl* the contact owns a 2015 subaru forester. the contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph the brakes failed...	142 ~ 34794 miles
SEATS the vehicle was driven several miles with the passenger sitting on a thin pillow. when arriving at the destination it...	133 ~ 55694 miles
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE while driving our 2014 forester xt 2.0 uphill on the highway at about 50 mph the cel hill-assist eyesight-disabled and...	128 ~ 87625 miles
BODY > STRUCTURE the vehicle was left running in park on a slight uphill grade in a private driveway while the driver ran...	87 ~ 38440 miles
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING tl* the contact owns a 2015 subaru forester. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds the check oil...	78 ~ 55568 miles
STEERING 7 months old 20 000 miles. driving 65.6 mph in light rain with cruise control on. 1st time driving in...	75 ~ 44066 miles
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL while starting the car with only 2.2k miles the check engine light came on and disabled the vehicle dynamics control	55 ~ 41177 miles
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN 2012 forester 2.5x 4-spd automatic transmission: when traveling at highway speeds 50+ mph any attempt to quickly accelerate causes the...	54 ~ 32751 miles
WHEELS tire pressure monitor indicated low pressure. right rear tire needed air. tire continued to slowly leak and the pressure monitor...	53 ~ 46950 miles
EXTERIOR LIGHTING this model vehicle has a safety defect. the speedometer is located under a visor which limits the amount of light...	46 ~ 23251 miles
ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING i have a 2010 subaru forester. the vehicle has an issue with (1) the steering pulls to the right (2)...	42 ~ 55552 miles
OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION > SENSOR > AIR BAGS the passenger airbag warning light first came on as soon as i started my car one morning in mid-october 2018...	41 ~ 23448 miles
SEAT BELTS the passenger airbag warning light first came on as soon as i started my car one morning in mid-october 2018...	37 ~ 32188 miles
TIRES tire pressure monitor indicated low pressure. right rear tire needed air. tire continued to slowly leak and the pressure monitor...	37 ~ 20934 miles
FRONTAL > AIR BAGS tl* the contact owns a 2010 subaru forester. the contact stated that after starting the vehicle it erroneously accelerated while...	28 ~ 13670 miles
REAR > SUSPENSION tl* the contact owns a 2015 subaru forester. while the contact was loading groceries into the trunk of the vehicle...	27 ~ 43246 miles
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC our forester has an inconsistent brake pedal. sometimes the pedal is firm and responsive. sometimes the pedal goes towards the...	27 ~ 20657 miles
WHEEL BEARING > FRONT > SUSPENSION right rear wheel bearing failed at 31000 milesin november 2005 and was replaced by the dealer. at 67000 milesin june...	26 ~ 31166 miles
ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC i parked facing downwards on a steep hill . after about 1 1/2 hrs. returned to my new 2008 subaru...	24 ~ 7512 miles
CLUTCH ASSEMBLY > POWER TRAIN tl* the contact owns a 2013 subaru forester. while driving at various speeds the vehicle would not shift into any...	22 ~ 18117 miles
FRONT PASSENGER > OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION > SENSOR when a passenger is sitting in the front passenger seat the airbag will frequently fail to turn on. an airbag...	20 ~ 15449 miles
STRUCTURE i purchased my 2014 forester in july 2013. i love the vehicle except for the design of the climate control...	15 ~ 31432 miles
MANUAL TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN tl*the contact owns a 2009 subaru forester. when engaging the clutch the manual transmission revved up to approximately 4000 rpm's...	15 ~ 30907 miles
ACCELERATOR PEDAL > VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL tl* the contact owns a 2015 subaru forester. the contact stated that after the transmission was shifted into the reverse...	14 ~ 4086 miles
WINDSHIELD > VISIBILITY tl*the contact owns a 2009 subaru forester. the contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph snow fell from the...	14 ~ 11627 miles
GASOLINE > ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING intermitent backfire after shifting on manual transmission foresters. manufacturer notified confirmed that engine backfires but said backfiring was not a	14 ~ 11929 miles
EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING i have a new 2020 subaru forester that is almost impossible to start----i have had it to the dealer 2...	10 ~ 54054 miles
EQUIPMENT the ?lookup? for the vin no. on your websites is dysfunctional. my vin is [xxx] (subaru forester) information redacted pursuant	9 ~ 20356 miles
FILLER PIPE AND CAP > TANK ASSEMBLY > STORAGE 2011 subaru forester. consumer states fuel filler neck is rusted and there is no flapper on top of the neck...	8 ~ 28125 miles
FOUNDATION COMPONENTS > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC while backing out of a parking space the vehicle accelerated. no impact reported. *ak the problem had not been completely...	8 ~ 1375 miles
HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE > BODY > STRUCTURE i was using my key to open the back trunk when all of a sudden it slam down quickly on...	7 ~ 26478 miles
VISIBILITY 2014 sabaru forester. consumer writes in regards to vehicle seat head rest seat belt and rear view visibility issues. *smd...	7 ~ 9207 miles
FRAME AND MEMBERS > STRUCTURE tl* the contact owns a 2003 subaru forester . the contact stated that he received notification of nhtsa campaign id...	7 ~ 109143 miles
HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS > DELIVERY > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE tl* the contact owns a 2005 subaru forester. the contact stated there is a strong fuel smell when the heat...	7 ~ 73884 miles
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY while traveling down i81 at approximately 65 mph a small pebble tapped the windshield on the passanger side and it...	6 ~ 7251 miles
SIDEWALL > TIRES notice two blemishes on tire side wall after buying new car 1 year later bulging is bigger. *tr...	6 ~ 33667 miles
COOLING SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 1. greasy film on windshield could not see well to drive film cannot be wiped off. cannot be cleaned off...	6 ~ 67844 miles
TREAD/BELT > TIRES the manufacturer provided tires that wear at an excessively rapid pace resulting in a car accident due to losing traction...	6 ~ 29296 miles
HEADLIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2006 forester low beam headlights failed to provide sufficient light for safe travel. ts transferred to nvs220** the head light...	6 ~ 17667 miles
MULTIPLE AXLE > SUSPENSION the rear wheel bearings on the passenger side burned due to the wrong lubricant for the seal. the noise in...	6
LATCH > DOORS > LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES tl* the contact owns a 2015 subaru forester. the contact stated that the rear door latch failed to open from...	5 ~ 3840 miles
LOWER ARM > CONTROL ARM > FRONT tl* the contact owns a 2014 subaru forester. the contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph the rear of...	5 ~ 107000 miles
REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES > VISIBILITY hi during my driving to office this morning the rear-view mirror fell off. i drove the car immediately to austin...	5 ~ 35798 miles
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES latch system in a 2.5x base model is inappropriately placed for at least two different common car seat bases. unable...	5 ~ 21160 miles
EMISSION CONTROL > EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 2007 subaru forester. consumer writes to express a recent experience with subaru of america inc. *tgw the consumer stated his...	5 ~ 1400 miles
AXLE ASSEMBLY > POWER TRAIN tl*the contact owns 2007 subaru forester. she purchased the vehicle brand new in july 2007 and in august of 2009...	5 ~ 32764 miles
SIDE/WINDOW > AIR BAGS the air bag system will not function in the event of a collision due to an electrical connector malfunction. the...	5 ~ 21937 miles
ROTOR > DISC > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS constant vibration from tires at 65mph or faster gets worse as the speed increases. *tr...	5 ~ 13202 miles
RETRACTOR > FRONT > SEAT BELTS on oct. 5 2007 - i was stopped at a traffic light.an illegal alien without a drivers license was looking...	5
SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE > FRONTAL > AIR BAGS tl*the contact owns a 2007 subaru forester. when the contact's wife who is of normal height and weight sits in...	5 ~ 19540 miles
PEDALS AND LINKAGES > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC consumer called complaining about having problems with the brakes . also states that while she is driving and steps on...	5
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2015 subaru forester. while driving in snowy conditions the vehicle skidded and the all wheel...	4 ~ 19100 miles
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2015 subaru forester. consumer writes in regards to vehicle hesitation/acceleration issues. *smd the consumer stated at low speeds the vehicle...	4 ~ 17500 miles
DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM > VISIBILITY ever since i purchased this car the heater does not heat the interior of the car very well. the air...	4 ~ 1631 miles
ELECTRICAL > EQUIPMENT the bluetooth does not work properly. most of the time it doesn't work at all. when it does it keeps...	4 ~ 21832 miles
AXLE SHAFT > AXLE ASSEMBLY > POWER TRAIN engine rebuilt due to failure had to be completely replaced due to failure of rebuilt unit. mjs...	4
WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2014 subaru forester. upon taking the vehicle to don miller subaru (west 5822 odana rd...	3 ~ 24500 miles
GLASS, SIDE/REAR > VISIBILITY 2012 subaru forester. consumer stated the windows glass will not close. the head rest is not installed properly. rear hatch...	3 ~ 26667 miles
HEAD RESTRAINT > FRONT ASSEMBLY > SEATS 2012 subaru forester. consumer stated the windows glass will not close. the head rest is not installed properly. rear hatch...	3
WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER > VISIBILITY tl* the contact owns a 2010 subaru forester. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 mph the windshield...	3 ~ 23833 miles
DRIVESHAFT > DRIVELINE > POWER TRAIN 2009 subaru forester. consumer writes in regards to recall and other repair issues. *smd the consumer stated the recall was...	3
MECHANICAL > EQUIPMENT i took my 2010 subaru forester this morning to farrish subaru of fairfax virginia to have the center seat belt...	3
HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 2012 subaru forester. consumer writes in regards to brake system failure recall notice. *smd the consumer stated from the day...	3 ~ 14737 miles
UNDERBODY SHIELDS > FRAME AND MEMBERS > STRUCTURE we took our 2003 subaru forester in to the dealership for an oil change and was told that the frame...	3 ~ 127413 miles
PARKING BRAKE we experienced brake failure twice on a trip 11/4/10 - 11/6/10. the first incident occurred on 11/4 while using cruise...	3 ~ 7266 miles
LATCH > HOOD > LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES second incident occurred 02/18/13 when we were going 70 mph on a interstate highway. the mileage on the car this...	3 ~ 22083 miles
RECLINER > FRONT ASSEMBLY > SEATS on oct. 5 2007 - i was stopped at a traffic light.an illegal alien without a drivers license was looking...	3
IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM there are two problems with the 2006 subaru forester that i have. it has less than 5000 miles on it...	3 ~ 21000 miles
MASTER CYLINDER > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 2003 subaru forester purchased may 2003 1. brakes did not feel correct - low brake pedal 2. made appointment at...	3 ~ 6015 miles
DIFFERENTIAL UNIT > DRIVELINE > POWER TRAIN while driving 55 mph on the highway there was a humming winding sound coming from underneath the vehicle. driver took...	3
ANCHORAGE > FRONT > SEAT BELTS while traveling 40 mph on snow while trying to slow down consumer ran off road .air bags did not deploy	3
SEAL > AXLE SHAFT > AXLE ASSEMBLY defective seal on the transmission caused transmission fluid to leak into exhaust assembly. yh ...	3 ~ 17011 miles
LABELS > OTHER > EQUIPMENT [xxx] subaru forester hill start assist braking comes on while driving down a highway preventing acceleration & making an accident	2
DOOR > BODY > STRUCTURE on june 22 2016 my husband parked the car on our driveway located at 1264 hancock place in pocatello idaho....	2 ~ 3000 miles
CAMERA SYSTEM > BACK OVER PREVENTION tl* the contact owns a 2015 subaru forester. the contact stated that the rearview mirror camera failed to work intermittently...	2 ~ 12700 miles
EXTERIOR > REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES > VISIBILITY when turning into our driveway the rear view mirror fell off. started swinging wildly until we stopped it. *js...	2 ~ 8100 miles
ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT > WINDSHIELD > DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM i purchased my 2014 forester in july 2013. i love the vehicle except for the design of the climate control...	2 ~ 4500 miles
FUEL PUMP > DELIVERY > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 2012 subaru forester. consumer writes in regards to ignition problems. *smd the dealer claimed there was nothing wrong with the...	2 ~ 50656 miles
STRAP/WEBBING > TETHER > CHILD SEAT i own a recaro signo convertible car seat that was manufactured in november of 2008. i am having issues with...	2
SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY > VISIBILITY fuel mileage way out of whack. on highway at 100-110 kmh averages 11 l/100km sunroof leaks when going through car	2 ~ 29588 miles
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER the vehicle is a 2010 subaru forester. when stepping on the gas pedal to back up the car accelerated as...	2 ~ 30896 miles
TURBO/SUPERCHARGER > GASOLINE > ENGINE consumer writes regarding automobile manufacturer design flaw exclusive dealerships repairs *tgw the consumer stated he experienced a catastrophic failure with...	2 ~ 34984 miles
FRONT > SUSPENSION tl*the contact owns a 2005 subaru forester. while driving approximately 25 mph the contact felt as if she struck a...	2 ~ 50000 miles
DELIVERY > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE in late 2006 i noticed that when my vehicle is stopped and idling there is a strong raw fuel smell...	2 ~ 33070 miles
CRUISE CONTROL > VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL on several occasions while using the cruise control the vehicle deceleration lever which subaru labels "coast" was depressed. the vehicle...	2 ~ 250 miles
FRONT > SEAT BELTS dt*: the contact stated while driving at 35 mph on a gravel road a deer ran out in front of...	2 ~ 43144 miles
BUCKLE ASSEMBLY > FRONT > SEAT BELTS wife was driving our 2001 subaru forester. she got too close to edge of paved surface on narrow secondary road...	2 ~ 28500 miles
MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE > EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING head gasket blown after service at dealership...	2 ~ 47500 miles
OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL > OTHER > EQUIPMENT problems with fuses on the 2003 subaru forester. *mr the consumer noticed a blown fuse and that the control of...	2
CATALYTIC CONVERTOR > EMISSION CONTROL > EXHAUST SYSTEM excessive sulfur dioxide odor (rotten egg). company refuses to fix converter blames fuel. converter should handle the sulfur content of	2 ~ 50150 miles
HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM > STEERING at 60 to 70 mph the car can suddenly loses handling control. it starts to bob and rock and i...	2
LINKAGES > VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL intermittently when brakes are applied engine will rev up and surge forward suddenly and unexpectedly without warning. dealer has inspected	2
BRAKE LIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING tl* the contact owns a 2014 subaru forester. when the contact parked the vehicle and released the brake pedal the...	1 ~ 68000 miles
HORN > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2015 subaru forester. while driving out of the driveway the horn failed to operate when...	1 ~ 70000 miles
COIL SPRINGS > SPRINGS > REAR tl* the contact owns a 2014 subaru forester. while driving 35 mph there was an abnormal noise detected from the...	1 ~ 48000 miles
SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT > HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE > BODY tl* the contact owns a 2015 subaru forester. when the contact's wife lifted the hatchback the left support arm fractured....	1 ~ 80000 miles
CONTROL ARM > FRONT > SUSPENSION tl* the contact owns a 2006 subaru forester. the contact took the vehicle to a tire shop to purchase a...	1 ~ 136000 miles
CAMERA > SENSING SYSTEM > BACK OVER PREVENTION tl* the contact owns a 2018 subaru forester. the contact stated that the backup camera's picture quality had become extremely...	1 ~ 5000 miles
INFLATOR MODULE > PASSENGER SIDE > FRONTAL 2018 subaru forester: passenger airbag system fails & turned itself off. happen 4-5 times in fall 2018. 10/23/2018 i took...	1 ~ 12000 miles
CAMERA > SENSING SYSTEM > FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE sunday april8 2018 the 'eyesight' which is a safety device was possibly turned off remotely thus rendering this safety device...	1 ~ 300 miles
TIE ROD ASSEMBLY > LINKAGES > STEERING tl* the contact owns a 2015 subaru forester. while driving 75 mph the front of the vehicle shook. there were...	1 ~ 59129 miles
SEAT HEATER/COOLER > FRONT ASSEMBLY > SEATS tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru forester. while driving approximately 30 mph a burning odor filled the inside of...	1 ~ 90000 miles
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL > FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2016 subaru forester. consumer writes in regards to vehicle eyesight system problems frontal collision avoidance system and adaptive cruise control...	1
BLIND SPOT DETECTION > LANE DEPARTURE letter from congresswoman kathleen m. rice on behalf of constituent re recall on eyesight driver assist system on a 2014...	1
SWITCH > BRAKE LIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING tl* the contact owns a 2014 subaru forester. while depressing the brake pedal it would not activate and caused the...	1 ~ 35000 miles
HEATER CORE > DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM > VISIBILITY i purchased a new 2015 subaru forester january 31 2015. anytime the temperature is below approximately 10f the interior windows...	1 ~ 250 miles
EXTERNAL > WARNINGS > BACK OVER PREVENTION in my vehicle i have a backup camera and i'm thankful for it but also i strongly wish that vehicle...	1 ~ 1 miles
CHILD SEAT i own a recaro signo convertible car seat that was manufactured in november of 2008. i am having issues with...	1
LATCH STRAP > CHILD SEAT latch system in a 2.5x base model is inappropriately placed for at least two different common car seat bases. unable...	1
LATCH CONNECTOR/CLIP > CHILD SEAT the superlatch loosens as soon as you touch the adjuster or bump the seat. it does not lock at all	1
ROOF AND PILLARS > BODY > STRUCTURE fuel mileage way out of whack. on highway at 100-110 kmh averages 11 l/100km sunroof leaks when going through car	1 ~ 3000 miles
FUEL RAIL > FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE tl* the contact owns a 2005 subaru forester. the contact stated there is a strong fuel smell when the heat...	1 ~ 77029 miles
LINES AND FITTINGS > LPG SYSTEMS > RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER 200 subaru forester blows head gasket for third time. fixed twice under manufacturer's recall. third time subaru reports they will...	1 ~ 125336 miles
TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE > TIRES tl*the contact owns a 2007 subaru forester. the rear driver's side tire went flat and was replaced with a yokohama...	1 ~ 35000 miles
HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS > TAILGATE > BODY rear tailgate hydraulic struts fail and tail gate falls! this has happened 3 times on my 2006 subaru forrester ll...	1 ~ 31431 miles
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC i parked facing downwards on a steep hill . after about 1 1/2 hrs. returned to my new 2008 subaru...	1 ~ 608 miles
REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER > VISIBILITY subaru refuses to make winter blades for the rear wiper blade on 2004-2008 subaru foresters. this results in rear wiper...	1 ~ 85175 miles
LOCK > HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE > LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES tl*the contact owns a 2008 subaru forester. the vehicle does not have a key hole on the liftgate or passenger...	1
BUMPERS > BODY > STRUCTURE 2006 subaru forester bumper scratched and repaired without customer knowing. customer states that the dealer told her the car was...	1
LATCH > TAILGATE > LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES latches on the forrester cannot be opened unless you have a key fob. there is no way to access the...	1
FOOT CONTROL/VALVE > CONTROLS > SERVICE BRAKES, AIR i was driving slowly down the street made a left turn into a parking lot. perhaps i turned a little...	1 ~ 17200 miles
CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT > DRIVELINE > POWER TRAIN purchased used "as is" 02/01/2007 from dealer that listed 2001 forester at $9800.00 then when i went to buy they...	1 ~ 109980 miles
CONTROL MODULE > ANTI-THEFT > IGNITION i recently had an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous incident with my 2003 forester at of all places the local toyota...	1 ~ 31000 miles
ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY > AIR BAGS what idiot determined that a yellow warning light concerning the status of the passenger-seat airbag should be on 100% of...	1
CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) > AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN my wife and leased two new 2006 subaru foresters in may 2006. since we obtained the vehicles both exhibited a...	1
MID/REAR ASSEMBLY > SEATS 1. no failure yet. center rear passenger roof mounted seatbelt is currently not being used on a 2004 subaru forester...	1 ~ 15000 miles
SWITCH > TURN SIGNAL > EXTERIOR LIGHTING using the turn signal leverl causes the headlights to go out. initally the headlights flickered briefly and stayed on but...	1 ~ 81000 miles
HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH > HEADLIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING using the turn signal leverl causes the headlights to go out. initally the headlights flickered briefly and stayed on but...	1 ~ 81000 miles
STORAGE > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE fuel door release button does not work. airbag light came on possible electrical problems. *bf 5 days after purchasing the...	1
PADS > DISC > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS 2002 subaru forester s - dealer claims that northeast climate (salt & wet roads) will corrode disc brakes causing pads...	1 ~ 38482 miles
GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) > AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN the vehicle's transmission made noise while driving. the vehicle was inspected and it was determined that he vehicle was operating...	1
AIR CONDITIONER > APPLIANCE > EQUIPMENT my 1999 subaru forester's air conditioner stopped working right after 5 years. i left the car at the dealership over...	1
TUBE > TIRES in late march of 2004 i purchased 4 bridgestone dueler h/l tires for my 2000 subaru forester. during the following...	1
LUBRICANT > MANUAL TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN multiple major and costly repairs to a vehicle that is driven on hard road services only and in a safe...	1 ~ 53000 miles
RIM > WHEELS when driving in cold temperatures tires loose air. tires needed air every 10 miles. this could be caused by the	1 ~ 55800 miles
ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT > MECHANICAL > EQUIPMENT unsafe original equipment jack provided with 1999 subaru forester l and in all likelhood with subsequent models. when attempting to...	1 ~ 26340 miles
POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS > VISIBILITY this vehicle posed a serious safety problem because the vehicle only had one key hole but had five doors the...	1 ~ 27800 miles
DRUM > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC the emergency brake was engaged consumer drove the vehicle and burned other part of the rear brake system. dealer replaced	1
WHEEL CYLINDERS > DRUM > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS the emergency brake was engaged consumer drove the vehicle and burned other part of the rear brake system. dealer replaced	1
LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS > WHEELS wheel lugs bolts: at 40720 miles (4/9/03) car was in subaru dealer for rear brakes. two lug bolts from the...	1 ~ 40720 miles
AXLE HUBS > POWER TRAIN 99 subaru forester l after 50 000 miles rear axle bearings and hub broke. steering on corners was affected....	1 ~ 51032 miles
FAN/MOTOR > DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM > VISIBILITY heater and defroster failure...	1 ~ 3190 miles
SWITCH > IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM consumer having problems with ignition switch and it will be hard for consumer to startvehicle. dealer notified.*ak...	1
INTERIOR/UNDER DASH > WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM blower switch was on high number 4 when electrical smoke came out from the climate control panel. blower would not...	1
CENTER SUPPORT BEARING > DRIVELINE > POWER TRAIN i own a 2001 subaru forester l. my husband and i purchased the vehicle new and it now has 41000...	1 ~ 41000 miles
ANTI-THEFT DEVICE > COLUMN LOCKING > STEERING alarm system reengages by itself after being disengaged by dealer vehicle would not allow consumer to gain entrance when this...	1
HOOD > BODY > STRUCTURE hood is too high and allows water to run onto engine. dealer has been contacted. please provide further details.*ak...	1
TAIL LIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING while driving 35 mph applied brakes and vehicle slowed down to 25 mph. then brakes locked up. pedal felt soft.*ak	1
PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH > AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN consumer parked vehicle on a 5-degree incline and in in 1st gear. 10-15 minutes later consumer heard car alarm going	1
COOLING UNIT AND LINES > AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN engine had a porous block. subaru of america has acknowledged this as a manufacturing defect. experienced catastrophic loss of transmission...	1
DISC > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC i have detected that within the speed range of 5 miles per hour up to 70 miles per hour the...	1
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE from a stand still vehicle will hesitate or once getting started will lunge forward. dealership looked over vehicle and contacted...	1
REAR/OTHER > SEAT BELTS rear seat belts do not fit child safety seats properly. mjs...	1
BEAD > TIRES chevron receipt of 4/20/00 reads: all four bridgestone tires are unsafe due to bead problems - had to put studded...	1

FAQ

What year Subaru Forester is the most reliable?

Speaking of the models produced in the last 22 years, Subaru Forester models of 2020, 2008, 2013 year of manufacture have had the least number of complaints.

What year was a bad year for Subaru Forester?

Subaru Forester models of 2015 and 2014 are probably the years to be avoided like the plague due to a higher than an average number of issues reported.

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- LONG-LASTING...
LEXIVON 3/8-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
LEXIVON Inch Pound Torque Wrench 1/4-Inc...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive Micrometer Torque ...
- Includes 1-pc. 3/8 in. drive torque wrench; Storage case; Product manual with torque conversion chart
- Wrench emits a click that can be heard and felt when the preset value is reached
- Permanently marked, high-contrast dual-range...

Mechanic tool set

Crescent 180 Pc. Professional Tool Set i...
- The Crescent Professional Tool Set has a newly designed 72T quick release ratchet
- Carefully selected assortment of hand tools for most industrial, mechanical, and consumer applications
- Get incredible access from combination wrenches with narrow heads,...
Craftsman Mechanic Tool Set, 215 Piece, ...
- MINIMAL ARCH SWING: 72-tooth 1/4 in. and 3/8 in. Drive Ratchets produce a 5-degree arc swing. Ideal balance between access and durability.
- VERSATILE: Comprehensive set of 1/4 in., 3/8 in. Drive Sockets and Drive Tool...
Craftsman Mechanic Tool Set, 230 Piece w...
- TACKLE A VARIETY OF PROJECTS: Complete automotive jobs and general mechanic fixes with this heavy-duty, 230-piece all-in-one mechanic tool set
- OPEN AND CLOSE THE DRAWERS WITH ONE HAND as you work with a spring-loaded locking...
DEWALT Mechanics Tool Set, 1/4" & 3/8" &...
- 72 tooth count ratchet providing a 5 degree arc swing for maneuverability in restricted areas
- Anti-slip driver handle provides maximum comfort
- Housed in a durable carrying case with metal latches
- Full-polish chrome for corrosion resistance
DEWALT Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Se...
- Socket sets include 72 tooth count ratchets which allow for a 5 degree arc swing for maneuverability in restricted areas
- Ratchets include a low profile directional lever to help reduce catch points and for easy...
Amazon Basics Mechanic's Tool Set with C...
- Mechanic tool kit and socket set for tackling multiple sizes and types of fasteners, especially nuts and bolts
- Includes a 201-piece set that combines most popular sockets, wrenches, hex keys, and screwdriver bits
- Both metric...

Tool box

TUFFIOM 8-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest w/Lo...
- LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: The rolling tool chest is designed with 8 drawers and 1 bottom cabinet for storing tools, small equipment or other objects. And the bottom cabinet features side hooks for hanging tools like...
beyond by BLACK+DECKER BLACK+DECKER BDST...
- Sturdy + Stackable: Durable Auto-Lock Latches Make Connecting These Stackable Units Quick And Easy
- Quick Access: The Quick-Release On The Locking Latch Allows You To Easily Separate Each Module When Stacked For Quick Access To...
BIG RED ANTBD133-XB Torin 20" Portable 3...
- Heavy duty tool box is made of thick steel, with powder coat red paint finish, beautiful and easy to clean
- Measures 20.5" L x 8.5" W x 12" H, and is equipped with 3 drawers...
DEKOPRO 228 Piece Socket Wrench Auto Rep...
- HIGH QUALITY&STANDARDS:Forged from high-quality steel and finished in high-polish chrome,strength, durability, anti-corrosion protection.All the tools meet or exceed ANSI critical standards
- COMPLETE VARIETIES:Contains tools needed for most small repairs and basic DIY projects around the...
Torin 17-Inch Plastic Tool Box,3-Tiers M...
- Tough metal latches are solid and easy to open and close, with long use life
- Foldable three-tier tray provides you with more storage space and you can separate metric and imperial tools to take them...
CARTMAN 148 Piece Automotive and Househo...
- Comprehensive Tool Set: The Cartman 148-Piece Tool Kit includes all the crucial tools needed for everyday home repairs and maintenance, from cutting to tightening, measuring to hammering.
- Durable and Corrosion-Resistant: All tools in the kit...