Safety ratings
2007 Subaru Forester 4-DR. w/SAB
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlNo
Crash test videos & photos
No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.
Recalls (1)
- SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARMCampaign 11V464000 · 06/09/2011
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW JERSEY, OHIO, RHODE ISLAND, WEST VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY BREAK AT THE HANGER BRACKETS DUE TO CORROSION IF THE HANGER BRACKET IS EXPOSED TO SALTY AND HUMID ENVIRONMENTS SUCH AS ROADS CONTAINING SNOW MELTING AGENT.
Risk: A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: SUBARU WILL HANDLE THEIR VEHICLES AND SAAB WILL HANDLE THEIRS. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DEGREE OF CORROSION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND WILL EITHER RUSTPROOF OR REPLACE THEM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- POWER TRAIN11
- SUSPENSION11
- ENGINE9
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL7
- AIR BAGS6
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING6
- FUEL SYSTEM6
- GASOLINE6
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/28/2014· AIR BAGSCrash
OUR SUBARU FORESTER 2007 WAS IN A FRONT END CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS ALONE IN CAR, THERE WERE NO PASSENGERS. DAMAGE TO CAR WAS CONSIDERED "TOTAL LOSS" BY INSURANCE COMPANY (ASSESSED DAMAGE WAS AT LEAST $7500 WITH JUST A VISUAL INSPECTION). FRONT OF CAR HAD SEVERE DAMAGE, AND WAS PUSHED IN. SUBARU WAS TRAVELING WEST AND HIT SIDE OF A LARGE TOYOTA MINIVAN THAT WAS TRAVELING NORTH AT ABOUT 40MPH (AND HAD GONE THROUGH A RED LIGHT IN INTERSECTION). FORCE OF SUBARU HIT TO TOYOTA WAS ENOUGH TO CAUSE TOYOTA TO SWING AROUND AND HIT ANOTHER CAR SITTING AT STOPLIGHT. CONSIDERING SEVERITY OF CRASH AND DAMAGE TO VEHICLES IT SEEMS AIR BAGS IN SUBARU SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. AIRBAGS IN OTHER CAR (TOYOTA) DID DEPLOY. LUCKILY, DRIVER OF SUBARU WALKED AWAY WITH MINOR CUTS AND PAIN. DRIVER OF SUBARU SAW CRASH COMING AND WAS ABLE TO BRACE SELF A BIT FOR CRASH, AND WAS BRAKING AT TIME OF IMPACT. HAVE PICTURES IF NEEDED FOR ANALYSIS. *TR
- 12/28/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED UPON STARTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
- 12/28/2007· TIRESCrash
THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED TIRES THAT WEAR AT AN EXCESSIVELY RAPID PACE, RESULTING IN A CAR ACCIDENT DUE TO LOSING TRACTION WHILE DRIVING OVER SAND/GRIT USED FOR TREATING THE ROAD DURING SNOW. ADDITIONALLY, THE FLATIRONS IMPORTS, AN AUTHORIZED SUBARU DEALERSHIP, NEVER ADVISED US ON THE DEGREE OF TREAD LOSS. ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 2 AT NOON, MY HUSBAND WAS COMING DOWN LEFT HAND CANYON TRAVELING AT 35MPH WHEN HE LOST TRACTION WHILE DRIVING INTO A RIGHT-TURN BEND. THE CAR LEFT THE ROAD AND LANDED NOSE-FIRST ABOUT 30 FT INTO AN IRRIGATION DITCH. THE BOULDER COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT CAME TO THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT AND DETERMINED THAT HE WAS NOT AT FAULT (REGRETTABLY NEITHER THEY NOR THE STATE POLICE HAVE FILED A REPORT). THE ROAD SURFACE WAS FREE FROM SNOW AND/OR ICE BUT THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SAND/GRIT UPON WHICH THE CAR LOST TRACTION. IN SPITE OF THE ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE REGAINED TRACTION HAD NOT THE CONDITION OF THE TIRES BEEN DEFECTIVE, THE PRINCIPLE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT, WE BELIEVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FLATIRONS SUBARU ON AUGUST 21 AT 9,142 MILES. THE MECHANICAL REPORT INDICATED THAT THE TREAD ON THE TIRES WAS AT 8/32; ON OCTOBER 19 AT 13, 182 MILES THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR A REGULAR SERVICE AS WELL AS TO CHECK A RADIATOR LEAK, AND THE MECHANICAL REPORT INDICATED THE TIRE TREAD AT 5.2/32, 5.9/32 (3/32 TREAD LOSS IN 2 MONTHS). AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, WE WERE NOTIFIED THAT THE TREAD WAS AT 1.2/32 AT 15,763 MILES (REPRESENTING A 4/32 TREAD LOSS IN 6 WEEKS AND APPROX 2,500 MILES!). WE FEEL THIS REPRESENTS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. *TR
- 12/28/2007· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGSCrash
PROBLEM 1: DATE IN: 5/22/07DATE OUT: 5/23/07 PROBLEM: BRAKES OR TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP; I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. PROBLEM 2: DATE IN: 6/22/07DATE OUT: 6/22/07 PROBLEM:BRAKES OR TRANSMISSION LOCKING UP. THE WAY THAT THE DEALERSHIP HANDLED THIS ISSUE IS BY DISENGAGING THE HILL HOLDER FUNCTION. ADDITIONALLY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONTAL AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING A FRONT-END COLLISION; YET THE IMPACT OF THE COLLISION WAS SERIOUS ENOUGH TO CAUSE $9,200 WORTH OF DAMAGES. FURTHERMORE, ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DETECTION LIGHT WAS NOT INDICATING INITIATION WHEN THERE WAS A PASSENGER, USING THE SEATBELT, IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WE HAD PLANNED ON TAKING THE CAR IN TO HAVE PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM ASSESSED. I SENT A REQUEST TO THE FLATIRON IMPORTS ON 12/5/07, REQUESTING THAT THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM BE ASSESSED FOR PROPER FUNCTIONING WHILE IT IS BEING SERVICED FOR THE MECHANICAL DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE ACCIDENT; HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CONFIRMATION OF THIS REQUEST AS OF 12/12/07. *TR
- 12/13/2013· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, BUT THE CAR RUNS FINE. I HAD IT CHECKED AND MECHANIC SAID GAS CAP PROBLEM AND RESET. AFTER THAT TIME I WAS VERY CAREFUL TO TURN THE GAS CAP UNTIL I HEARD 2 PLUS CLICKS (RECOMMENDED BY SUBARU). I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM 4 TIMES SINCE THEN AND FINALLY WAS TOLD THE LAST TIME I HAD IT RESET WHILE AWAY FROM HOME THAT IT COULD BE A CRACKED FUEL CUT VALVE. THE PROBLEM RE-OCCURRED 8 MONTHS AGO AND I HAVEN'T HAD THE TIME TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER TO GET IT FIXED OR RESET THE CHECK ENGINE. BECAUSE OF THE CHECK ENGINE, TEXAS INSPECTION FAILED AND NOW DEALER WANTS OVER $900.00 TO REPLACE THE CRACKED VALVES. I THINK THIS REPAIR SHOULD BE COVERED BY SUBARU SINCE THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM AND OCCURS BECAUSE OF A DEFECTIVE PART OR BAD DESIGN. *TR
- 12/08/2010· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WE PURCHASED OUR 2007 SUBURU IN MARCH 2007 AS A NEW CAR FROM A SUBURU DEALER IN CALIFORNIA. MY DAUGHTER HAS BEEN GETTING CAR SICK AND HAS HAD CHRONIC HEALTH ISSUES SINCE 9/11/2007. WE NOTICE THE AIR INSIDE THE CAR IS RANCID. PLEASE TEST THE INSIDE AIR QUALITY OF THIS VEHICLE FOR FUMES, PARTICULARLY UNSAFE LEVELS OF BENZENE. I BELIEVE THIS CAR IS MAKING MY FAMILY SICK AND DON'T WANT TO DRIVE IT (BUT HAVE TO) OR SELL IT AND EXPOSE OTHER POTENTIAL VICTIMS TO THE TOXINS. I AM NOT SURE WHAT COMPONENT THIS IS, BUT CAN DESCRIBE IT AS THE INSIDE AIR QUALITY OF WHICH OCCUPANTS ARE BREATHING.
- 12/04/2006· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2007 SUBARU FORRESTER WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THE ENGINE SURGES WHEN DRIVING DOWN HILL (NOT UNDER LOAD) AND YOU ARE GIVING JUST ENOUGH THROTTLE TO KEEP UP SPEED. IT CAUSES THE CAR TO HAVE A JERKING BACK AND FORTH MOTION. SINCE PEOPLE PURCHASE THE CARS TO DRIVE IN SNOW I BELIEVE THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND SUBARU STATES THAT IT IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THAT THE DRIVE BY WIRE THROTTLE IS TO BLAME. *JB
- 12/03/2017· STEERING,SUSPENSION
I'VE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FRONT END CONTROL WHENEVER I GO OVER A BUMP AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE STEERING WHEEL IS BEING PULLED FROM MY HANDS. I GET AN ALIGNMENT EVERY 6 MONTHS WITH NO IMPROVEMENT.
- 12/03/2007· TIRES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. THE VEHICLE HAS YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR, SIZE P215 55R17 TIRES. WHEN ACCELERATING SLIGHTLY FROM A STOP, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WOULD MOVE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE ABS ACTIVATED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP FOR 100 FEET. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED IN SNOWY CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT BELIEVES THE FAILURE IS WITH THE TIRES. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,400. UPDATED 12/31/07 *BF THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES AT HIS EXPENSE ON DEC 9, 2007. THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T STOP IN LIGHT SNOW. UPDATED *JB
- 12/01/2016· ENGINE
BLOWN HEAD GASKET. 2007 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5XT. 54K MILES. PROBLEM PRESENTED ITSELF VIOLENTLY AS I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY. SUDDENLY ENGINE TEMP-GAUGE FLUCTUATES AND STARTS TO RISE. PULL OVER, COOLANT IS FORCEFULLY EXITING OVERFLOW TANK. SHUT CAR DOWN, TEMP GAUGE DROPS QUICKLY. NO EXTERNAL SIGNS OF LEAKING COOLANT WITH SUBSEQUENT REFILL AND TESTING. AFTER COOLANT WARMS UP (3 MINUTES IDLE) COOLANT BEGINS TO VIOLENTLY EXIT RADIATOR CAP (WHEN OFF) OR OVERFLOW TANK. EXHAUST VERY SOOTY. SHAKES MY CONFIDENCE IN SUBARU AND THEIR ENGINEERING TO HAVE A HEAD GASKET BLOW THIS EARLY. SUBARU COOLANT CONDITIONER IS A RE-BRANDED STOP-LEAK. WAS LOOKING AT THE NEW BRZ, NOW I WILL NOT BE BUYING AND DO NOT RECOMMEND SUBARU UNLESS MANUFACTURER ACKNOWLEDGES AND MAKES AN EFFORT TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. *TR
- 11/19/2011· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. TOOK CAR TO DEALER. FUEL CUT VALVES (MADE OF PLASTIC), ON TOP OF THE FUEL TANK, WERE BOTH CRACKED AND LEAKING FUEL. HAD BOTH VALVES REPLACED. COST OVER $900 BECAUSE REAR END MUST BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO DROP FUEL TANK. SUBARU HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. *TR
- 11/07/2010· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I HAVE REPLACED THE LOW BEAM BULBS 3 TIMES ON THIS VEHICLE IN 11 MONTHS. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR LESS THAN A YEAR AND THE DAY I BOUGHT IT A BULB HAD TO BE REPLACED BEFORE I EVEN DROVE IT OFF THE LOT. THEY ALWAYS BURN OUT WITH DAYS OF EACH OTHER. I'M CONCERNED THAT IT MAY BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND THAT MY VEHICLE MAY CATCH FIRE OR THEY WILL GO OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TR
- 11/05/2014· ENGINE
HEAD GASKETS ON ENGINE STARTED TO LEAK. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE ON THE 2007 FORESTERS. WHY WAS THERE NO RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE? *TR
- 11/02/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SECONDARY AIR PUMP AND VALVE FAILURE. SUBARU ADMITS THESE ARE NOT PART OF POWER TRAIN, BUT DENIES THESE ARE COVERED BY EMISSIONS SYSTEM WARRANTY THOUGH PURPOSE OF PUMP AND VALVES IS TO INCREASE AIRFLOW AND THEREBY DILUTE EMISSIONS AT TAILPIPE. TOTAL REPAIRS APPROX. $2000. *TR
- 10/28/2016· AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE EXITING A CAR WASH FACILITY, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED, SPED ACROSS THE STREET, AND STRUCK A CURB. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CEMENT DIVIDER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000. UPDATED 01/25/2017*CT UPDATED 7/2/18*JB
- 10/27/2021· SUSPENSION
My forester has been used in salt belt for 12 years. Was on the list of recall for Front Suspension Control Arm Failure. We brought it to the dealership to have the car inspected and for a 4 year old car, they didn’t do anything. On 10/15/21, the front control arm broke right after we drove off highway. If the arm broke on the highway, then us and others might have been killed as the tire would have broke off. We highly doubt the job to correct the recall was done properly, if they did anything at all. After the accident, we had the car and component inspected by the East Forest Garage. There weren’t any warning signs before the accident.
- 10/26/2016· ENGINE
ENGINE FAILED ON HIGHWAY WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND THERE WAS NO DIGNOSTIC CODE FOR THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS FOUND BY SUBARU DEALERSHIP.
- 10/20/2008· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED TO DISENGAGE THE SET SPEED FROM THE PREVIOUS DAY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES TO DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CRUISE CONTROL AUTOMATICALLY DEACTIVATED WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS TO THIS FAILURE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THIS WAS A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT REDUCE SPEED UNTIL THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS DISENGAGED. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS NOT BEING DRIVEN AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
- 10/19/2015· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMCrash
DEAR SIR, I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS SUBARU FORESTER CAR ([XXX]) IN GEORGIA, BUT HAD NOTICED THAT BEFORE ALLOWING IT TO BE SOLD AT AUCTION, THE MANCHESTER CENTER, VT/MOTOR VEHICLE DEPARTMENT VERMONT DIDN'T ENSURED THIS VEHICLE HAD PASSED ALL THE RECALLS REQUESTED BY YOUR SUBARU COMPANY FOR THIS MODEL OF FORESTER (I SEE AT LEAST ONE OPEN RECALL NO.WVU31 REPROGRAM ECM NOW WHICH WAS NOT PASSED). BESIDE, ACCORDING TO CARFAX AND AUTOCHECK REPORTS, IT SEEMS THE CAR DIN NOT WENT THROUGH 2010 RECALL (WVN24: ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) REPROGRAMMING & FUEL TANK ONE-WAY FUEL VALVE). I PRESUME BECAUSE OF THIS, THE ERROR CODE P1400 APPEARS CURRENTLY ON THE CAR DISPLAY. THEREFORE, I WOULD LIKE ASKING YOUR ASSISTANCE IN IDENTIFYING WHICH ENTITY IS BEARING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE 2 PROBLEMS? I ASKED ALSO SUBARU INC. TO ALLOW SERVICING MY CAR FREE OF CHARGE FOR INSPECTION AND REMOVAL OF ERRORS TO THE CLOSEST SUBARU DEALER, BUT NOT REPLY YET. HOW IS POSSIBLE THAT THE CAR WAS ALLOWED BY VERMONT MOTORS DEPARTMENT TO BE SOLD OUTSIDE OF USA, EVEN IF RECALLS WERE ACTIVE? AS A CITIZEN OF EU MEMBER STATE, I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO START A CASE FOR ALLOWING SELLING OUTSIDE OF USA A CAR BEING UNDER SUBARU RECALLS. I MEAN SUBARU RECALLS NO. WVN24 AND WVU31, THE LAST EVEN HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED NEITHER TO CARFAX, NOR TO AUTOCHECK, WHICH REPORTS I PURCHASED BEFORE. HOPE YOU'LL OFFER ME ENTIRE ASSISTANCE. THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERATION. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
- 10/17/2012· SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BRACKET FRACTURED ON BOTH SIDES WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT TO COLLAPSE ONTO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE BRACKET WAS WELDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
- 10/17/2012· POWER TRAIN
THE VEHICLE HESITATES AND "BUCKS" AT LOW SPEEDS, TURNING CORNERS, ACCELERATING/DECELERATING, CHANGING LANES, GOING UP A GRADE OR HILL AND DOES NOT SHIFT SMOOTHLY. SHIFTING GEARS SEEMS TO TAKE LONGER THAN EXPECTED AND THE TACH REGISTERS HIGH AND THEN ERRATICALLY JUMPS DOWN (OR UP) TO A MUCH LOWER LEVEL ON THE TACH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY OR TO SEEMINGLY GET STUCK IN A GEAR. ALSO, THE VEHICLE MAY TRY TO SHIFT WHILE NOT ACCELERATING, SOMETIMES WHEN TRAVELING AT A HIGHER SPEED. THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND WHERE I HAVE HAD IT EXCLUSIVELY SERVICED CANNOT SEEM TO DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM. THEY HAVE CHANGED WIRES AND REPLACED AN AIR FUEL SENSOR, ONLY TO SAY THEY CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM THAT MIGHT BE RELATED TO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER OF THIS SITUATION BEFORE MY 3 YEAR WARRANTY EXPIRED, BUT EVEN BACK THEN, THEY SAID THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEM. I HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY SINCE THE DATE I INITIALLY NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND HAVE REPEATEDLY INFORMED THEM OF THIS ISSUE, BUT THE CONDITION HAS CONTINUED TO GET MORE SEVERE OVER TIME. I TRULY FEEL UNSAFE IN THE VEHICLE AND THAT AT ANY POINT IN TIME, WHILE ON A HIGHWAY OR REGULAR ROAD, THAT THE VEHICLE COULD FAIL AND THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND/OR RESULT IN A CRASH OF SOME KIND. I HAVE NOW DRIVEN THREE SUBARU LOANERS FROM THE DEALER AND I FIND THAT EACH VEHICLE EXHIBITS SIGNS OF THE SAME SITUATION I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH MY VEHICLE. I WONDER IF SUBARU MAY NOT BE TELLING ITS CUSTOMERS OF THIS POTENTIAL DEFECT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE OR IF SUBARU JUST DOES NOT HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND/OR SKILL IN ITS MANUFACTURING PROCEDURES (ESPECIALLY RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION) TO PROPERLY ASSEMBLE ITS VEHICLES FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL DRIVERS. *TR
- 10/08/2009· EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT PULLS ON RETENTION HOOK WHICH IS ONLY ANCHORED TO THE CARPET FLOOR, NOT THE UNDERLYING METAL FLOOR. THE FORWARD TENSION OF THE FLOOR MAT ON THE HOOK LIFTS THE CARPET UP FROM THE METAL FLOOR & THE HOOK DISENGAGES FROM THE FLOOR MAT WHICH SLIDES FORWARD UP UNDER BRAKE & GAS PEDAL. THIS IS A CONSTANT DAILY OCCURRENCE. I HAVE CHECKED WITH SUBARU DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THEY STILL HAVE NOT FIXED PROBLEM. *TR
- 10/02/2023· STEERING,SUSPENSION
Started getting a vibration I thought was a tire problem. It would only show up after 30 minutes or so of driving. It happened several times while trying to have the tire store figure it out. On Friday 15 Sep 2023 we drove at highway speeds to Dayton and back. Noticed it occur twice. The next morning we were a few miles from home checking out a dog boarding place. We went to leave and heard a loud pop. The lower right control arm broke. If it had happed the previous day it could have been fatal! This vehicle has been almost exclusively service by Busam Subaru at all recommended short intervals, 3,750miles. The recall for this was performed by Busam on1/31/2012. They always state they have performed a complete inspection and what needs attention. I am now having service done locally since all of their latest services have been dismal at best. I have counted on them to keep me, my family, and my Forester safe. Very disappointing considering how this could have turned out.
- 10/01/2020· SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS PREPARING TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. WHEN I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I HAD NOT HAD ANY PREVIOUS PROBLEMS. I DID MANAGE TO GET IT HOME BECAUSE I HAD ABOUT 2" OF BRAKE DOWN AT THE FLOOR AND I ONLY HAD ABOUT 4 MILES TO GET HOME. A FRIEND OF MINE WHO LIVES IN ANOTHER STATE HAS 3 SUBARUS AND IS AN EXCELLENT MECHANIC. ONE IS A 2007 FORESTER JUST LIKE MINE AND HE SUGGESTED IT COULD BE THE MASTER CYLINDER. WE CHANGED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND WERE BEGINNING TO BLEED THE BRAKES WHEN MY HUSBAND SAW THE BRAKE FLUID SQUIRTING OUT OF THE REAR BRAKE LINES NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE. WE LOOKED CLOSER AND THERE WAS A PINHOLE IN THE BRAKE LINE NEAR THE 4-WAY JOINT CONNECTOR AND BOTH WERE COVERED WITH CORROSION. I TOOK A PHOTO OF IT AND SENT IT TO MY FRIEND. HE FOUND THE RECALL INFORMATION AND SENT IT TO ME. THE PHOTO FROM THE RECALL ARTICLE LOOKED EXACTLY LIKE THE ONE I HAD SENT HIM OF MY CAR'S PROBLEM. I CALLED THE SUBARU DEALER NEAREST ME AND TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING SINCE THE RECALL COVERED FORESTERS FROM 2009-2013 BUT IT DID COVER LEGACY AND OUTBACK FROM 2005-2009 AND 2008-2011 SUBARU IMPREZA, WRX, AND STI. I FEEL SINCE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF THEIR VEHICLES WERE AFFECTED, THAT THEY SHOULD HONOR IT AND REPAIR MY 2007 FORESTER BECAUSE IT IS THE SAME ISSUE. I ASKED TO SPEAK WITH SOMEONE HIGHER UP AND SHE GAVE ME THE NATIONAL SUBARU NUMBER. I SPOKE WITH 3 PEOPLE LAST EVENING AND ONE CALLED ME TODAY. THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR MY CAR. IT IS THE NEWEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED AND I HAVE HAD IT A LITTLE LESS THAN 2 YEARS. CAN YOU HELP ME, PLEASE? I HAVE NO BRAKES, I AM NOT RICH, I NEED HELP PLEASE. HTTPS://NHOILUNDERCOATING.COM/SUBARUS-RECALLED-FOR-BRAKE-LINE-CORROSION/ HTTPS://SUBARU.OEMDTC.COM/62/WQK-47-BRAKE-LINE-CORROSION-2005-2014-SUBARU
- 10/01/2012· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TOOK CAR IN FOR ROUTINE RECALL ITEMS (CAMPAIGN WVU-31 AND CAMPAIGN WVL-22). DURING ONE WAY FUEL VALVE REMOVAL, STRONG SMELL OF GAS WAS NOTED COMING FROM GAS TANK AREA. EVAPORATIVE LEAK WAS NOTED DUE TO CRACKED FUEL CUT VALVES. COST OF REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT CRACKED FUEL VALVES WAS $693.59.THE SERVICE ADVISOR WAS VERY NICE AND EXPLAINED EVERYTHING IN ADVANCE OF THE REPAIR (I AM VERY SATISFIED WITH HIS APPROACH TO THIS PROBLEM). THIS MATTER SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY SUBARU AS A RECALL (CAMPAIGN) MATTER AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY SUBARU. *TR
- 09/11/2007· POWER TRAIN
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE CHANGING GEARS BETWEEN THE SPEEDS OF 10 AND 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM TO COAST, CHANGE GEARS, OR ACCELERATE IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 1,365. UPDATED 09/26/07 *TR
- 09/04/2007· AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. WHEN THE CONTACT'S WIFE, WHO IS OF NORMAL HEIGHT AND WEIGHT, SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT DIMS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHT SHOULD BE ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES AND HIS WIFE MUST JUMP AROUND IN THE SEAT FOR THE LIGHT TO TURN BACK ON. THE FAILURE OCCURS EVERY TIME HE AND HIS WIFE ARE IN THE VEHICLE. SPEED IS NOT A FACTOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HAS ONLY DEPLOYED ONCE WHILE HE WAS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. UPDATED 01/07/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/12/07
- 09/03/2011· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
SUBARU FORESTER 2007 FUEL CUT VALVES (MADE OF PLASTIC), ON TOP OF THE FUEL TANK, WERE BOTH CRACKED AND LEAKING FUEL. HAD BOTH VALVES REPLACED. COST OVER $700 BECAUSE REAR END MUST BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO DROP FUEL TANK. SUBARU HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL AND DOES NOT HAVE RECORD OF THIS HAPPENING TO ANYONE ELSE. WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW FROM THE DEALER. THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD AND I BELIEVE IT MAY BECOME MORE COMMON AS THESE MODELS AGE FURTHER. THERE WAS ONE OTHER INSTANCE OF THE SAME PROBLEM ON YOUR WEB SITE. *TR
- 08/31/2023· ENGINE
The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 101,000.
- 08/24/2010· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT WAS SITTING IN PARK WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED. THE AIR CONDITIONER SHUT OFF INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED. THE MECHANIC CUT THE WIRES AND RECONNECTED THE WIRING HARNESS WITH AN AFTER MARKET PART. ON A LATER DATE, THE DEFROSTER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE WIRES HAD OVERHEATED AND FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO REAPPLY THE WIRES BUT ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
- 07/26/2022· SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
On 7/19/2022 while backing out of a parking spot with a right hand turn we heard a loud noise and the car did not seem to want to continue moving. Upon further inspection the right front tire was sitting at an extreme and unusual angle. Tipped out at the top and no longer pointing in the same direction as the other front tire. Upon recovery of the vehicle and inspection the lower control has completely separated from its inboard forward attachment point due to corrosion. As a secondary result the right from CV axle was disconnected at the transmission CV joint. Due to the slow speed during the incident there was no injury or other vehicle damage. Had this broken at highway speeds the result could have been much different. The vehicle is in our home garage for repair. It has not been otherwise inspected. All parts are available for inspection and I also have pictures of the failed lower control arm. The vehicle is current on all recalls.
- 06/27/2007· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I PURCHASED A USED 2003 SUBARU FORESTER IN 2006. IN MARCH OF 2007 A SMALL PARKING LIGHT WENT OUT. I WENT OUT AND PURCHASED A NEW BULB FOR ABOUT $1.25 AND TRIED TO REPLACE IT. I QUICKLY FOUND OUT THAT YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE A VERY SKILLED MECHANIC TO CHANGE ANY BULB ON THIS VEHICLE. IN ORDER TO CHANGE ANY BULB YOU FIRST HAVE TO REMOVE THE ENTIRE FRONT GRILL WHICH IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON WITHOUT DAMAGING THE PARTS THAT HOLD IT INTO PLACE. THEN YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE ENTIRE LIGHT FICTURE TO CHANGE ANY BULB THEN YOU WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE HEADLIGHTS REALIGNED. SUBARU CHARGES 1 HOUR LABOR TO CHANGE 1 BULB @ $50.00 WHAT IF YOUR IN AN AREA WHERE YOU DON'T HAVE A SUBARU DEALER. MOST MECHANICS WON'T ATTEMPT TO CHANGE A LIGHT BULB ON THIS VEHICLE. SO I WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE AROUND WITH MY HEADLIGHT OUT UNTILL I FOUND A DEALER. SUBARU SHOULD CHANGE THE LIGHTS AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER SINCE IT'S CERTAINLY A DESIGN FLAW. I HAVE GONE ON SUBARU OWNER CHAT ROOMS AND IT'S A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR ALL FORESTER OWNERS. EVERYONE AGREES THAT IT TAKES A NUMBER OF DAMAGING TRIES BEFORE CHANGING 1 BULB. IT SEEMS THAT SUBARU KNOWS THAT BECAUSE THEY CARRY A READY SUPPLY OF THE PARTS YOU'LL NEED TO REPLACE WHEN YOU BREAK THEM IF YOU CAN GET THE GRILL OFF IN THE FIRST PLACE. THANK YOU FOR YOU TIME ..
- 06/24/2010· SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT SEPARATED FROM THE BASE OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE WELD CONNECTING THE SEAT FRAME TO ITS BASE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE MANUFACTURER'S EXPENSE. WITHIN TWO YEARS, THE SEAT BEGAN TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PRE WELDED SEAT BRACKET TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT'S CASE WAS ESCALATED TO CORPORATE WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD POSSIBLY BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND BELIEVED A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTED WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 69,500.
- 06/19/2013· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND RUNNING THE AIR CONDITIONER, THE BLOWER FAN QUIT. AFTER REMOVING THE BLOWER FAN IT WAS FOUND THAT POWER CONNECTION TO THE FAN HAD COMPLETELY MELTED. THE WIRES HAD BURNED THROUGH AND PLASTIC AROUND THEM WAS COMPLETELY BURNT AND DEFORMED. NO FUSES WERE BLOWN WHICH IS WORRISOME BECAUSE THIS IS THE EXACT TYPE OF THING FUSES ARE DESIGNED TO PREVENT. HAD THE WIRES NOT BURNED THROUGH AND CUT THE POWER TO THE FAN THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS FIRE. *TR
- 06/10/2020· SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH IN A PARKING LOT, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED DUE TO RUST. THE CONTACT CALLED KENNY ROSS SUBARU (11299 LINCOLN HWY, NORTH HUNTINGDON, PA 15642, (724) 864-5100, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 69,000.*DT *BF CONSUMER STATED HAMILTON MAZDA SUBARU AND KENNY ROSS SUBARU ARE THE SAME.*JB
- 06/06/2021· ENGINE
Head gasket , radiator failed suddenly while going 65 on hwy (115K) . Had new radiator, heads resurfaced/HG replaced, etc. Now less than 15K later (128K) head gasket leaking again.
- 06/03/2024· SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- 05/27/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2007 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES TO EXPRESS A RECENT EXPERIENCE WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA INC. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HIS VEHICLE WAS A PART OF THE EMISSION CONTROL VALVE RECALL WHICH COULD LEAD TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER DAMAGE. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER BEING TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETE, SEVERAL WEEKS LATER, ANOTHER EMISSION CONTROL VALVE INSIDE THE GAS TANK FAILED. SUBARU DENIED THE CONSUMER'S REIMBURSEMENT CLAIM STATING THE TWO INCIDENTS WERE UNRELATED. *JB
- 05/07/2018· SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED FROM NJ, AND RECENTLY RELOCATED TO WA. APPROX. 126K MILES, THE LOWER FRONT CONTROL ARM ON THE DRIVER SIDE RUSTED THROUGH, DROPPING THE CAR ONTO THE WHEEL, AND PULLING THE DRIVEAXLE FROM THE TRANSMISSION. IT APPEARS THAT THE CONTROL ARM RUSTED FROM THE TOP SIDE, WHICH WOULD LIKELY BE DIFFICULT TO IDENTIFY DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW TO LOOK FOR IT. THIS HAPPENED WHEN FIRST BACKING UP FROM THE DRIVEWAY IN THE MORNING, LESS THAN 1 FOOT OF TRAVEL BEFORE I STOPPED TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON. I SPOKE WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA, WHO TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL ON THE CONTROL ARM WAS "CLOSED" AND THAT THE REPAIR COSTS WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY. I AM A MECHANICAL ENGINEER, AND WOULD NEVER ACCEPT THAT CATASTROPHIC CORROSION IN A FUNDAMENTAL PART OF THE SUSPENSION COULD BE AN ACCEPTABLE DEFECT FOR WHICH THE END USER SHOULD ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY. IF THE CAR WAS INDEED "TREATED" FOR THIS CONDITION BY THE OWNER AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL, THEN CLEARLY THE TREATMENT IS UNSATISFACTORY AND SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN AS AN ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE TO A VERY SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD. MY ONLY BLESSING IN THIS SITUATION IS THAT IT DID NOT FAIL THE PREVIOUS EVENING WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME, OR LATER THAT MORNING HAD I BEEN ABLE TO GET OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY.
- 05/03/2011· STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORRESTER X. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPECIFICATION OF THE ALIGNMENT ON THE VEHICLE WAS CAUSING HIS TIRES TO WEAR PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED HIM OF THE SAME SPECIFICATIONS AND THERE WAS NO REMEDY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO REPLACE TIRES APPROXIMATELY 32,000 MILES APART. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED IN THAT MANNER AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,700. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
- 04/24/2014· ENGINE
BOTH CYLINDER HEAD GASKETS LEAK OIL AND COOLANT. ALL HOSES ARE BRITTLE. THE DEALER ESTIMATES $3000 DOLLARS FOR REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS 60000 MILE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS OFFERED $500 ASSISTANCE WHICH IS TOO LOW. *TR DO OTHER SUBARU FORESTER OWNERS HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR ISSUES? *TR
- 04/16/2013· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
SUNROOF WAS NOT CLOSING PROPERLY. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SUNROOF MOTOR WAS GOING BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A BENT SUNROOF FRAME. THE SUNROOF MOTOR WAS COVERED UNDER MY SUBARU EXTENDED WARRANTY, HOWEVER THE BENT SUNROOF FRAME WAS NOT. SINCE THE SUNROOF WAS HARDLY USED IN THE PAST 5 YEARS, I MAINTAINED THAT IT WAS EITHER A MANUFACTURING DEFECT OR AN ASSEMBLY ERROR. SUBARU REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE FRAME REPLACEMENT. THEREFORE, BY REPLACING JUST THE MOTOR I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM OF THE BENT SUNROOF FRAME WHICH IN TIME WILL MAKE THE SUNROOF MOTOR GO BAD. I ENCOURAGE OTHERS WITH SIMILAR SUNROOF PROBLEMS TO FILE COMPLAINTS. WITH ENOUGH COMPLAINTS, SUBARU MAY DECIDE TO COVER THESE REPAIRS UNDER THEIR CLASSIC EXTENDED SERVICE WARRANTY. *TR
- 04/15/2015· POWER TRAIN
MY VEHICLE REGULARLY SHIFTS IN A VERY IMPRECISE WAY, AT THE WRONG TIMES, IN PARTICULAR AT LOW SPEEDS. THERE IS ALSO UNUSUAL DELAYS IN SHIFTING DOWN WHEN QUICK POWER IS APPLIED, SOMETIMES RESULTING IN DELAYS IN EMERGENCY OR QUICKLY NEEDED MANEUVERS. THE CARE BEHAVES IN EXACTLY THE SAME WAYS AS IN NHTSA COMPLAINTS #10480933 AND #10317114. I HAVE FOUND MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS IN OTHER FORA IN SPECIALIZED CAR WEBSITES, WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A DESIGN AND ENGINEERING DEFECT ON THE PART OF SUBARU, WHICH HAS GRAVE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS. I CALLED ONE DEALERSHIP AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER AT SUBARU, AND WAS TOLD THAT NO BULLETINS OR RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS DEFECT. IN BOTH CASES, I WAS TOLD THAT THE COST OF REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION, ABOUT $2,000 TO $3,000 WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY. GIVEN THAT THIS IS A DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT, WHICH HAS GROWN GREATER AS THE CAR AGES, SUBARU SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL AND REPAIR THE DEFECTS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. *TR
- 04/15/2010· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL SMELL LIKE RAW GASOLINE. HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH DEALERSHIP FOR OVER 6 MONTHS TO TRY TO RESOLVE THESE ISSUES. CURRENTLY, STILL REPLACING VALVES. *TR
- 04/11/2022· SUSPENSION
On Sunday 4/3/2022, driving in a semi highway at 50mph the front passenger suspension arm broke off causing a lose of control of the vehicle. Ended up resting at the road shoulder.
- 04/06/2015· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE FAULT INDICATORS CAME ON AND THE ERROR CODE P2441 WAS PRESENT BOTH AT THE FIRST OCCURRENCE AND AT THE SECOND OCCURRENCE AT 105,000 MILES. AT THE SECOND OCCURRENCE THE PRICE FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM WAS SET AT $2123. AT THIS PRICE AND GUESSING AT THE PRICE OF OTHER PARTS THE CAR'S REPLACEMENT VALUE SHOULD COME TO AROUND $200,000. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM PERVASIVE TO ALL SUBARUS, NOT JUST FORESTERS, FEATURING A TURBO CHARGED ENGINE. *TR
- 04/03/2013· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I WAS ADVISED BY AN EMPLOYEE AT MIDAS WHO HAPPENS TO OWN 3 SUBARUS THAT THE HEAT SHIELD ALWAYS COMES LOOSE ON SUBARUS WHICH IS ALARMING. ALTHOUGH IT ONLY COST ME $40 TO REPLACE, I FEEL A LITTLE UNEASY AS I'VE ONLY OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR 1 1/2 YEARS. WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE VEHICLE (USED), I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO A SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING. EACH TIME I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD FIND AND I SHOULDN'T WORRY. AT ALMOST TWO YEARS, I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM ALTHOUGH NOTHING MAJOR HAS HAPPENED AND I'M HOPING AND PRAYING IT DOESN'T AS I AM THE MOTHER OF A 3 YEAR OLD CHILD AND WOULD HATE FOR MY CAR TO EITHER CATCH ON FIRE OR FOR ME TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO SUBARUS NEGLECT TO CORRECTLY INVESTIGATE THE REAL PROBLEM. *TR
- 03/19/2015· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY FOUND WITH APPROX. 1" - 1-1/2" FREE WATER IN THE ENTIRE INSIDE BOTTOM. THERE WERE NO VISIBLE LEAKS. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. SUBARU SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE ALSO HAD HIS PERSONAL SUBARU HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WATER FILLED. OTHER SUBARU'S ALSO AT DEALERS SERVICE AREA ALSO CONTAINED WATER. WATER & ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ARE NOT COMPATIBLE. SERVICE REP. HAD PREVIOUSLY SEARCHED FOR RECALLS/TECH. BULLETINS REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND FOUND NONE. IT'S VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE THESE ASSEMBLIES, WE REPLACED BOTH BELIEVING THAT IT COULD SOON OCCUR TO THE REMAINING ASSEMBLY - WHICH DID HAVE DEW/FOGGY MOISTURE INSIDE BUT NO FREE WATER - YET! FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US FOR OTHER INFORMATION. HAVE PATIENCE, MY SENIOR CELL PHONE FAILS AT TIMES. *TR
- 03/14/2013· 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 OCCURRENCE WAS APPROX. 78,500 MILES. BOTH TIMES WHILE DRIVING, THE HOOD POPPED OPEN. THE SAFETY LATCH KEPT THE HOOD FROM TOTALLY OPENING. WE BELIEVE THE HOOD WAS SECURED PROPERLY AND HELD OVER 600 MILES BEFORE EACH INCIDENT AND THE CAR WAS TRAVELING MOST OF THAT 600 MILES AT 60 - 70 MILES AN HOUR. BOTH TIMES WE WERE ON A LONG TRIP.
- 03/09/2013· POWER TRAIN
REAR AXLE HANGER BEARING GAVE OUT. HAD TO REPLACE REAR AXLE. TIRES ALWAYS MAINTAINED METICULOUSLY. CONCERNING BECAUSE SYMMETRICAL AWD FAILURE IN WINTER DRIVING IS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR