Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2006 Subaru FORESTER problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

88 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

51,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2006 model year. Data updated: . 69 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Vehicle Speed Control is the most frequently named component, appearing in 20 of 88 complaints (22.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior1314.8%
Steering behavior78.0%
Electrical and battery issues44.5%
Transmission and shifting33.4%
Fuel system concerns22.3%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Vehicle Speed Control
20
Engine
11
Suspension
11
Steering
9
Fuel/Propulsion System
8
Engine And Engine Cooling
7
Electrical System
5
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
4
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Vehicle Speed Control20
Engine11
Suspension11
Steering9
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Engine And Engine Cooling7
Electrical System5
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine4

Vehicle Speed Control: 20; Engine: 11; Suspension: 11; Steering: 9; Fuel/Propulsion System: 8; Engine And Engine Cooling: 7; Electrical System: 5; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 4

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
20
25,000 to 49,999
13
50,000 to 74,999
9
75,000 to 99,999
10
100,000 to 149,999
13
150,000 and above
4
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00020
25,000 to 49,99913
50,000 to 74,9999
75,000 to 99,99910
100,000 to 149,99913
150,000 and above4

Under 25,000: 20; 25,000 to 49,999: 13; 50,000 to 74,999: 9; 75,000 to 99,999: 10; 100,000 to 149,999: 13; 150,000 and above: 4

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (20). 19 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2005
5
2006
6
2007
12
2008
6
2009
3
2010
4
2011
4
2012
5
2013
3
2014
3
2015
5
2016
8
2017
1
2018
4
2019
8
2020
2
2021
4
2022
4
2023
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20055
20066
200712
20086
20093
20104
20114
20125
20133
20143
20155
20168
20171
20184
20198
20202
20214
20224
20231

2005: 5; 2006: 6; 2007: 12; 2008: 6; 2009: 3; 2010: 4; 2011: 4; 2012: 5; 2013: 3; 2014: 3; 2015: 5; 2016: 8; 2017: 1; 2018: 4; 2019: 8; 2020: 2; 2021: 4; 2022: 4; 2023: 1

Pattern summary

Vehicle Speed Control leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 13 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 7 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10187778 · 2007-04-13 (April 13, 2007)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO MORE THAN 30 MPH WHEN GENTLY DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. AFTER MANEUVERING THE VEHICLE AROUND A BUILDING THREE TIMES THE IGNITION WAS ABLE TO BE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER , FIRST TEAM AUTO MALL, AND NO FAILURE COULD BE FOUND. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 4,000.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 4,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10187778 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10192809 · 2007-06-08 (June 8, 2007)

I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY DOWN THE STREET, MADE A LEFT TURN INTO A PARKING LOT. PERHAPS I TURNED A LITTLE TOO SHARPLY. THERE WAS A SUDDEN SURGE AND ACCELERATION AND THE BRAKES WERE UNRESPONSIVE. THE CAR "RAN AWAY" WHILE I TRIED UNSUCCESSFULLY TO BRAKE IT. HIT THE BUILDING. I BACKED AWAY AND IT SURGED BACKWARD AND HIT A TREE. THEN I WAS ABLE TO GET IT INTO PARK AND TURN IT OFF.

Owner-reported narrative. 17,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10192809 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10572478 · 2014-03-27 (March 27, 2014)

2006 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WHEEL BEARING MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE SOME UNUSUAL SOUNDS. SHE PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE TIRES, BECAUSE IT SOUNDED LIKE A FLAT TIRE. HOWEVER, EVERYTHING LOOKED NORMAL, SO SHE CONTINUED DRIVING. AS SHE DROVE A LITTLE FURTHER AND MADE A LEFT TURN, THE BRAKES WENT OUT. SHE SLOWLY EASED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE THE REAR TIRE FELL OFF THE AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. AN INSPECTION REVEALED THE WHEEL BEARING B…

Owner-reported narrative. 31,156 miles reported. Look up ODI 10572478 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10721130 · 2015-05-23 (May 23, 2015)

THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS ON MY 2006 SUBARU FORESTER FAILED ON MAY 15, 2015. THERE WAS NO WARNING (NO SOUND, NO SHIMMYING, NO STEERING ISSUES) TO SUGGEST THAT SOMETHING WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. THE MAIN SAFETY ISSUE IS THAT IN 2012, SUBARU ISSUED A RECALL FOR FORESTERS AND IMPREZAS, RUSTPROOFING THE CONTROL ARMS. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN AT THAT TIME, AND HAVE THE PAPERWORK THAT INDICATES THAT THIS SERVICE WAS PERFORMED. I THEREFORE ASSUMED THE CAR WAS SAFE. THERE HAS BEEN NO OTHER RECALL. MY CAR HAD 118,000 MILES ON IT, AND IS WELL TAKEN CARE OF. I AM…

Owner-reported narrative. 118,814 miles reported. Look up ODI 10721130 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10206940 · 2007-10-25 (October 25, 2007)

SINCE PURCHASING MY VEHICLE BRAND NEW ON 7/4/05, THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM FAILS TO ACTIVATE THE FRONT AIRBAG FOR PASSENGERS WHO ARE BOTH LARGER AND HEAVIER THAN THE PURPORTED CUTOFF OF 80-POUND CHILDREN. THE PASSENGER IS 5'3", 105LBS, YET THE AIRBAG LIGHT GOES TO THE "OFF" POSITION INTERMITTENTLY DESPITE THE PASSENGER SITTING STRAIGHT. THE AIRBAG ALSO SOMETIMES FAILS TO ARM UPON START UP OF THE CAR, AND WILL REMAIN "OFF" FOR MORE THAN 15 MINUTES WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING. THE CAR WAS ALSO INVOLVED IN A SAFETY CAMPAIGN, IN WH…

Owner-reported narrative. 10,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10206940 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10515925 · 2013-06-09 (June 9, 2013)

I ARRIVED AT MY HOUSE ON 8/26/2012 AT 8:00 PM, PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE OF MY HOUSE AND WENT TO SLEEP. AT 2:00 AM I HEARD AN EXPLOSION, WENT OUTSIDE OF MY HOUSE TO VERIFY WHAT IT WAS AND FOUND MY FORESTER IN FIRE. WITH THE HELP OF MY NEIGHBORS WE CONTROL THE FIRE WITHIN AN HOUR. SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES CAME OUT OF THE FIRE; THE CAR WAS DECLARED TOTAL LOSS, ANOTHER CAR PARKED IN FRONT OF THE FORESTER SUFFER A LOT OF DAMAGE, THE MOTOR OF THE GARAGE DOOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE PAINT OF THE HOUSE, VERTICAL BLINDS AND OTHER BELONGINGS OF THE HO…

Owner-reported narrative. 92,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10515925 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10144645 · 2005-12-07 (December 7, 2005)

VEHICLE- 2006 SUBARU FORESTER WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. ON COLD STARTS, THE ENGINE RACES UNCONTROLLABLY UP TO 3500 RPM AFTER THE CLUTCH IS RELEASED. THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO ACCELERATE BRISKLY TO 15-20 MPH. THIS HAS OCCURED REPEATEDLY SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN LATE SEPTEMBER. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10144645 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10335107 · 2010-06-07 (June 7, 2010)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBUARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH EXITING PARKING LOT. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT EXERTED FULL BODY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL REPEATEDLY AND THEN SHIFTED INTO THE PARK POSITION BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND CONTINUED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILE…

Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10335107 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10230180 · 2008-06-06 (June 6, 2008)

THIS INCIDENT FIRST OCCURRED SHORTLY AFTER MY LAST OIL CHANGE AT ABOUT 38,000 MILES. DURING FOUR OF THE LAST EIGHT TIMES I HAVE REFUELED MY 2006 SUBARU FORESTER, WHICH NOW HAS ABOUT 40,000 MILES, THE FILLING PUMP HAS NOT AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF WHEN MY GAS TANK WAS FULL. AS A RESULT, GASOLINE OVERFLOWED FROM MY FUEL TANK AND SPILLED OUT. FORTUNATELY, NO FIRE HAS RESULTED, AND I HAVE MANAGED TO DODGE THE SPRAY. HOWEVER, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SPILLING GASOLINE, AND I FEAR THAT I WILL ONE DAY SPILL GASOLINE ON MYSELF. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT FOUR …

Owner-reported narrative. 38,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10230180 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10691326 · 2015-03-01 (March 1, 2015)

THE PASSENGER CABIN SMELLS LIKE GAS DUE A FUEL LEAK. IT ONLY HAPPENS IN VERY COLD WEATHER. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 110,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10691326 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

88 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

78.4%Usable mileage69 / 88 records
100.0%Valid incident date88 / 88 records
100.0%Valid filing date88 / 88 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates88 / 88 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Visibility/Wiper
21.9%
ODI 10787689 · 10,992 mi

THE DRIVER-SIDE SUN VISOR DROPPED OUT OF IT'S BRACKET, AND FELL IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER'S FACE, WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN, STARTLING THE DRIVER AND BLOCKING DRIVER'S COMPLETE VIEW OF ON COMING TRAFFIC.

Look up ODI 10787689 at NHTSA ↗

11.3%
ODI 10826048 · 27,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY SNOW AND USING THE HEATER FOR THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, WHICH IS BUILT INTO THE WINDSHIELD. THE ICE AND SLUSH CONTINUED TO BUILD ON THE WIPERS AND I CONTINUED TO USE THE HEATER. AT ONE POINT, THE SNOW HAD BUILT UP ON THE LOWER WINDSHIELD AND THE HEATER WAS ON. SUDDENLY, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED ALL OF THE WAY ACROSS, ABOVE THE HEATER AND BELOW THE SNOW. THE TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE MUST HAVE CAUSED THIS CRACK, AS I WAS TRAVELING ONLY ABOUT 10 MPH (AS WAS EVERYONE ELSE) AND NO TRUCKS OR ANY TYPE OF VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME THAT MIG…

Look up ODI 10826048 at NHTSA ↗

92.2%
ODI 10621096 · 15,000 mi

A LARGE NUT FELL FROM TREE (WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH) AND HIT DRIVERS SIDE WINDSHIELD WHICH SHATTERED. THIS VEHICLE COMES WITH SPECIALTY HEATED WINDSHIELDS, WHICH WAS ON AT THE TIME AS IT HAPPENED DURING WINTER. THE SECOND TIME, THE WINDSHIELD BROKE WITHOUT FULLY SHATTERING, BUT PRODUCED VERY UNUSUALLY LARGE "SPIDER" CRACKS, AFTER A TINY ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE HEATED WINDSHIELD WAS NOT ON DURING THE SECOND INCIDENT. BOTH WINDSHIELDS WERE SUBARU FACTORY NEW AND BOTH NEEDED TO BE FULLY REPLACED …

Look up ODI 10621096 at NHTSA ↗

233.7%
ODI 10717900 · 180 mi

BOUGHT CAR IN ANCHORAGE AND WINDSHIELD CRACKED ON WAY BACK TO MY FATHER'S HOME IN FAIRBANKS. DEALERSHIP REPORTED NO KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH SUBARU WINDSHIELDS, (WHICH ISN'T APPARENTLY ACCURATE). AS OF NOW, I'M LIVING IN COLORADO AND THERE ARE A MILLION CRACKS IN THE WINDSHIELD (A SLIGHT EXAGGERATION). I'M HESITANT TO REPLACE IT, IF IT'S MERELY GOING TO START THE PROCESS OF CRACKING WINDSHIELDS ALL OVER AGAIN. WINDSHIELDS ARE NOT CHEAP TO REPLACE.

Look up ODI 10717900 at NHTSA ↗

204.8%
ODI 10891833 · 14,000 mi

MY CAR WAS PARKED AND THE WINDOW SUDDENLY SHATTERED FOR NO REASON. IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IT WAS ONLY 76 DEGREES AND SUDDENLY I HEARD A LOUD NOISE. NOW THERE IS GLASS ALL INSIDE MY DOOR. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS. I THINK IT MUST HAVE BEEN A DEFECTED WINDOW. I HAVE HAD MY CAR PARKED AT WORK ON HOTTER DAYS SUCH AS 97 DEGREES WITH NO PROBLEM. THIS IS A NEW CAR AND MY FIRST SUMMER OWNING IT AND I HAVE TO HAVE THIS OCCUR. I HAVE PICTURES BUT HAD TAKEN THEM WITH MY PHONE CAMERA. IF NEEDED I CAN SE…

Look up ODI 10891833 at NHTSA ↗

10417.7%
ODI 11072066 · 15,750 mi

THE WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED, MIDDLE PASSENGER SIDE (NOT AWARE WHEN IT HAPPENED. ONE TIME CAME OUT INTO THE GARAGE AND NOTICED IT WAS CRACKED). IT ALSO WAS SEVERELY CHIPPED ONE TIME BEFORE (2500 MILES). SO IT HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED 2 TIMES WITHIN 16,000 MILES AND LESS THAN ONE YEAR OWNERSHIP.

Look up ODI 11072066 at NHTSA ↗

13527.3%
ODI 11127994 · 2,000 mi

WINDSHIELD CRACKED ALL THE WAY ACROSS FROM THE TINIEST LITTLE DING FROM A ROCK.

Look up ODI 11127994 at NHTSA ↗

37044.4%
ODI 11174431 · 2,000 mi

I AM HERE TO REPORT MY 2019 SUBARU FORRESTER WINDSHIELD CRACK. I THE CAR IS ONLY 1 MONTH OLD AND WE FOUND THE CRACK IN THE MORNING WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY I HEARD THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENS ON 2015 OUTBACK I CALLED THE SHOP AND THEY TOOK PICTURES AND THEY DID NOT FIND ANY CHIPS THAT WOULD INDICATE A ROCK OR PEBBLE HIT THE CAR AND SAID THEY WILL CALL SUBARU AND GET BACK TO ME

Look up ODI 11174431 at NHTSA ↗

25241.9%
ODI 11287848 · 800 mi

WE VERY RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS 2020 FORESTER....LESS THAN 1000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND WHEN WE GOT IN IT THE NEXT MORNING THE WINDSHIELD HAD A SMALL CRACK IN IT! I HOPE THIS ISN'T A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME, ESPECIALLY AFTER READING THE POSTS ON HERE OF 2019 FORESTERS WITH WINDSHIELD PROBLEMS. I TOOK IT STRAIGHT TO A WINDSHIELD REPAIR COMPANY AND HAD IT REPAIRED BEFORE THE CRACK GOT WORSE.

Look up ODI 11287848 at NHTSA ↗

7636.7%
ODI 11389145 · 3,400 mi

I HAVE A 2021 SUBARU FORESTER, BOUGHT IN OCT. 2020. THE VEHICLE WAS PARK IN THE GARAGE. I WENT TO GET INTO THE CAR AND NOTICE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACK FOR NO APPARENT REASON.

Look up ODI 11389145 at NHTSA ↗

2020.4%
ODI 11454529

Bought my brand new Forester less a month and i have to replace a windshield already!!! Discovered about 5 inches crack while warming up the car on the snow day. Subaru have a glass action agains them about windshield so easily to crack. Service dept refused to replace my windshield because of a super tiny hold that can not be seen by normal eyes, i think it was a damage from crack . We have a different brand vehicle which has about 10x bigger intake but never cause the crack for year. Now i know the reason why Subaru offer the limited wind…

Look up ODI 11454529 at NHTSA ↗

1115.1%
ODI 11522557

Near-immediate chip in the windshield my first time taking this vehicle on the interstate about 50 miles into a 800 mile weekend road trip.

Look up ODI 11522557 at NHTSA ↗

517.2%
ODI 11615194

I was driving down the road and a bottle was thrown out of a vehicle going the opposite direction as me. Upon impact my windshield shattered and sent shards of glass flying into the cabin of my vehicle. The shards of glass were thrown into my face and would have gone into my eyes had I not been wearing glasses. The glass broke into small shards and splinters that could have easily damaged my eyes or blinded me or a passenger. When I took it to the dealership the staff was shocked by how easily a plastic bottle punctured through the windshield a…

Look up ODI 11615194 at NHTSA ↗

1313.8%
ODI 11612097

The head lights are seriously defective in low beam. In low beam the car is not road worthy. It is dangerous! It is available for inspection upon request. We did not drive the car after dark until a week after taking delivery. We were at risk as was any other vehicle on the road at that time. We have not driven the car after dark since. The dealer who sold the car to us has been made aware of the problem. No one has inspected the car. There were on warnings or symptoms.

Look up ODI 11612097 at NHTSA ↗

418.2%
ODI 11740854

I was working on fitting a cargo box on the crossbars the dealer had recently installed and noticed a milky white discoloration and moisture in the front driver's corner of the moonroof. I arranged for an appointment at the dealer who confirmed the glass had delaminated. They happened to have a replacement in stock and replaced it under warranty.

Look up ODI 11740854 at NHTSA ↗

Engine
2725.7%
ODI 10536127 · 8,650 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD INDEPENDENTLY DISABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING ACCORDING TO STANDARDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,650 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,626. UPDATED 10/17/13*LJ

Look up ODI 10536127 at NHTSA ↗

2633.8%
ODI 10632442 · 28,000 mi

MY CAR HAS BEEN CONSUMING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL SINCE I HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM IN APRIL OF 2014 BY INDEPENDENT MECHANICS. AT THAT OIL CHANGE I HAD ABOUT A QUART OF SYNTHETIC LEFT AFTER ONLY 4500 MILES. I TOOK IT IN EARLY BECAUSE THE CAR WAS RIDING ROUGH AND THAT WAS WHEN THEY DISCOVERED THE LOW OIL LEVEL. I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THERE IS A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST SUBARU AMERICA OVER THIS COSTLY PROBLEM. I'M TOLD BY SUBARU THAT AFTER A COMPRESSION TEST THEY WILL CHANGE THE PISTON RINGS HOWEVER I'M TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT TH…

Look up ODI 10632442 at NHTSA ↗

6917.1%
ODI 10544448 · 47 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47.

Look up ODI 10544448 at NHTSA ↗

13121.3%
ODI 10716073 · 250 mi

I HAVE A 2015 FORESTER PREMIUM WITH WINTER PACKAGE, I BOUGHT IT NEW WITH 10 MILES ON IT. WHEN STARTING OUT FROM A DEAD STOP. I STEP ON THE GAS AND THERE IS A DELAYED THROTTLE RESPONSE ( LIKE A HESITATION OR A SLOW SHIFT ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ) EITHER FROM THE COMPUTER MODULE OR TRANSMISSION. OTHER OWNERS , THAT I KNOW, HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE ALSO. FRIENDS THAT HAVE THE OUTBACK SAY ITS LESS PRONOUNCED. AS YOU MIGHT GUESS>> I HAVE A BUNCH OF SUBIE FANS !!! THIS IS MY 2ND SUBARU , AND WHILE I AM HAPPY WITH IT, I STILL CAN'T GET MY…

Look up ODI 10716073 at NHTSA ↗

6014.5%
ODI 10854551 · 340 mi

MY SISTER AND I BOUGHT THIS CAR ON MAR. 25, 2016. ON APRIL 6, 2016 THE CAR STALLED ON HER TWICE. SHE WAS COMING OUT OF A STORE PARKING LOT, AND CROSSED THE INTERSECTION TURNING LEFT AND THE CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD IN THE INTERSECTION ON THE BROKEN YELLOW LINES. SHE HAD TO PUT HER CAR ON 'PARK' AND RESTART. THE SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED THE SAME WAY, COMING OUT OF A PARKING LOT BUT DIDN'T REACH THE CENTER OF THE STREET, AND STALLED ON THE FAST LANE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. SHE DID THE SAME, PUT THE CAR IN 'PARK' AND RESTARTED. I T…

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478.0%
ODI 10959901

FORESTER - 500 MILES - CONSISTENT AND CONTINUING PROBLEMS: CAR LURCHES FORWARD ON ITS OWN IN FIRST GEAR. - IN MOTION ENGINE NOT ONLY HAS EXCESSIVE (CAN LAST 5 SECONDS OR MORE) "REV-HANGS" SHIFTING UP FROM ANY GEAR BUT ACTUALLY INCREASES BY 700-900 RPMS. THIS HAS CAUSED DIFFICULTY IN SLOWING DOWN (REDUCING SPEED WITH DOWNSHIFT). WHEN USING BRAKE TO REDUCE SPEED WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE ENGINE WILL BEGIN TO RACE, INCREASING UP TO 1500 OR MORE RPMS, DIFFICULT TO CONTROL VEHICLE. - IN MOTION 4TH GEAR - STICK SHIFT VIBRATES EXCESSIVELY - SO M…

Look up ODI 10959901 at NHTSA ↗

326.5%
ODI 11097195 · 2,600 mi

2018 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5I AUTOMATIC CVT: DEFECTIVE LOW GEAR - SAFETY ISSUE. 21 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE TOOK IT TO DURANGO COLORADO MOUNTAINS, PUT IT IN LOW GEAR BEFORE DESCENDING AND THE LOW GEAR NEVER KICKED IN TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. STOPPED MULTIPLE TIMES TO RE-ATTEMPT AND LOW GEAR FAILED EACH TIME. I DARED ONLY 40MPH ON THE GRAVELLY SWITCHBACKS. MANUFACTURER & DEALER REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE DEFECT EVEN THOUGH I RECORDED ANOTHER INSTANCE ON TEXAS HILLS. MECHANIC SHOP IN THE AREA SAID THAT THE CAR HAS NO LOW GEAR FAILURE LIGHT SO DIAGNOSTIC MACH…

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10612.7%
ODI 11240861 · 3,800 mi

IN AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING FRONT END TO OTHER CAR REAR END ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, THE AIRBAG SYSTEM DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE ENGINE THEN CAUGHT FIRE IN THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE ENGINE. THE ENTIRE CAR BURNED. FORTUNATELY NO INJURY TO DRIVER OR PASSENGER.

Look up ODI 11240861 at NHTSA ↗

8013.3%
ODI 11417520

purchased new vehicle 10/23/19, 1st battery failure 6/15/2 jumped and ok 2nd battery failure 12/4/20 jumped, Subaru replaced battery 3rd battery failure 2/16/21, Subaru said battery was "fine" 4th battery failure 3/31/21 Subaru replaced battery 5th battery failure 5/14/21, appt with Subaru on 5/21/21

Look up ODI 11417520 at NHTSA ↗

3215.5%
ODI 11440297

The vehicle gets a shudder at different speeds and it feels like it's either the transmission is slipping or its coming from the motor but it NEVER THROWS a Trouble Code so as the dealership says if its not throwing a trouble code they can't diagnose it until it does. So that's why I don't like these vehicles because no one know how to fix it old school by being a real mechanic and going old school to find the issue.

Look up ODI 11440297 at NHTSA ↗

1010.2%
ODI 11479790

Purchased car on 8/15/2022 and encountering issues with: 1. oil in the air when engine is turned on 2. Onion smell when engine is turned on 3. AC if affected by oil and onion smell ; too hot when sitting in car with engine on ..sulfur? 4. Please check the gas tank for possible leak. 5. 3-yr old grandson is affected by onion, oil and possible exhaust fumes leaking into the interior of the car. Daycare made a notation of oil smell and onion smell on grandson. We need oxygen to our brain and body; without it we cannot live.

Look up ODI 11479790 at NHTSA ↗

56.8%
ODI 11551364 · 200 mi

The contact owned a 2023 Subaru Forrester. The contact stated that while his wife was driving in reverse mode, the vehicle independently accelerated, which caused a crash. The contact stated that the vehicle simultaneously crashed into a parked vehicle and a concrete wall. The vehicle was towed to a collision center and then towed to a tow yard. A police report was filed. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. The contact also stated that damage was caused to the parked vehicle and to the wall. The vehicle was dia…

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13.4%
ODI 11710142

Took to Local dealership for 20,000 mile oil change. After the oil change the service advisor informed me of an oil leak on the right side of the engine. He could not confirm where the leak was from. I have scheduled to have it repaired under factory warranty. After researching on the internet it has been noted that the valve cover/ spark plug boot seals are known to split and cause an engine oil leak. I am concerned that this oil leak could come in contact with the exhaust manifold which may lead to an engine compartment fire. Would your admi…

Look up ODI 11710142 at NHTSA ↗

33.2%
ODI 11725611

Exhaust gas smell from the engine compartment when parked after driving. Garage smells like exhaust gases when left in enclosed garage - ongoing problem. Smell dissipates overnight. It has been inspected by Subaru dealers in Albuquerque and Santa Fe New Mexico. They report no error codes and so no problem. Have not had this issue on any other vehicle we've ever owned. There are no warning lamps or messages.

Look up ODI 11725611 at NHTSA ↗

14.5%
ODI 11767052

At approximately 500 miles from delivery, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure caused by a malfunctioning PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve, which resulted in oil fumes being expelled through the exhaust system. This is a manufacturing/component defect that should not occur in a new vehicle at such low mileage, and I have serious and reasonable concerns that oil contamination may have affected the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and/or other emissions and engine components, regardless of whether the PCV valve …

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Unknown Or Other
87.6%
ODI 11100209 · 110,000 mi

MY SUN VISERS FALL OFF. THEY FALL OFF AND LAND IN MY LAP. THEY AT TIMES CATCH THE STEERING WHEEL. THEY HAVE DONE THIS SINCE 2016. BOTH OF THEM DO THIS. WHEN I AM DRIVING, FREEWAY OR AROUND TOWN, THEY FALL OFF AND STARTLE ME AND CAUSE THE SUN TO BE IN MY EYES. OFTEN THEY ARE NOT ON MY CAR AND I CAN'T SEE ON THE ROAD.

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79.1%
ODI 10692813 · 21,000 mi

CAME OUT OF A CAR WASH AND SHIFTED FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE THE SUBARU FORESTER ACCELERATED AT FULL SPEED WITHOUT TOUCHING ANY PEDALS. STARTED PUMPING BRAKES BUT THEY DID NOTHING. STEERED CAR THRU PARKING LOT NEXT TO CAR WASH AND SIDE-SWIPED THREE CARS AND SOMEHOW MANAGED TO STEER THRU THE REST OF THE PARKING LOT WITHOUT HITTING ANYTHING OR ANYONE. DROVE CAR INTO A SNOW BANK AND IT STOPPED. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. IT'S A MIRACLE NO ONE WAS HURT. *TR

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4410.9%
ODI 10544552 · 25 mi

AFTER I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE, I NOTICED A HESITATION BETWEEN 20 - 40 MPH. THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR FOR THE FORESTER'S TO HAVE A CVT ENGINE SO I THOUGHT IT NEEDED BROKEN IN. I ALSO WENT THROUGH 3 CYCLES OF FILLING UP MY GAS TANK FROM 3 DIFFERENT GAS STATIONS AND THE HESITATION CONTINUED. THE FIRST TIME I BROUGHT IT IN THE TECHNICIAN SAID HE OVERFILLED THE OIL A SLIGHT BIT, REMOVED IT, AND I SHOULD NOTICE A DIFFERENCE. NO DIFFERENCE. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ADDRESSING THE SAME ISSUE. THEY PERFORMED THE TESTS SUBARU OF AMER…

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7311.9%
ODI 10666941

2015 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STEERING WHEEL ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HER JACKET WITH A ZIPPER HAD A TENDENCY TO GET CAUGHT ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, SHE ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, AS SHE WAS UNABLE TO MOVE HER ARM, TO STEER THE VEHICLE. *JB

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6916.7%
ODI 10788343 · 100 mi

MODELS W/ MANUAL CLIMITE CONTROL: VERY HARD TO SEE SETTINGS, ESPECIALLY IN DAY TIME, AND IF NEED TO ADJUST WHILE DRIVING SUCH AS TO DE-FOG WINDOWS, MAY RESULT IN DRIVING OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WRECKING.

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9616.4%
ODI 10906899 · 1,400 mi

DRIVER SIDE VENTS ARE BLOWING WARM AIR WHEN AIR CONDITIONER IS TURNED ON. ONLY 1400 MILES ON SINCE I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW LAST MONTH 8/6/16.

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8316.8%
ODI 11022389 · 650 mi

THE SUBARU (NAV) NAVIGATION SYSTEM IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD NOT BE USED. IT GIVES YOU NO ADVANCE WARNING OF UPCOMING HIGHWAY EXITS OR UPCOMING TURNS. THE NAV SYSTEM WILL EASILY BE THE CAUSE OF SEVER LIFE THREATENING ACCIDENTS DUE TO ITS POOR OPERATIONAL ABILITY TO SAFELY GIVE CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS IN ADVANCE OF THE ACTUAL DIRECTION. I AM AN EXPERIENCED USER OF OTHER NAV SYSTEMS AND CAN HONESTLY TELL YOU THAT THE ONE IN THE SUBARU IS WORTHLESS.I LOVE THE CAR BUT HATE THE NAV SYSTEM!

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14417.3%
ODI 11180003 · 900 mi

WINDSHIELD CRACKED ,BOTTOM CENTER UP ABOUT 15" CIRCLE .VEHICLE PARKED .NO STONE MARK OR STAR MARK. LOOKS LIKE FACTORY DEFECT. I'VE HEARD OF OTHERS DOING SAME.

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10717.8%
ODI 11271479 · 75 mi

I OWNED MY 2020 FORESTER FOR LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AND I GOT A CRACK IN MY WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET GOING LESS THAN 30 MILES PER HOUR. I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING HIT MY WINDSHIELD, BUT HEARD A CRACK AND SAW THE CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD.

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4119.8%
ODI 11402918 · 1,750 mi

WHILE PARKED AT WORK, MY WINDOW CRACKED ABOUT 10-12' RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE. IT LOOKS LIKE IT FORMED FROM A SMALL PIT IN THE WINDOW. EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS MAYBE 5 WEEKS OLD, IT LOOKS LIKE THERE ARE A BUNCH OF THESE SMALL PITS ALL OVER THE WINDOW WHICH COULD BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. MY FRIEND HAS A 2020 FORESTER THAT HAD THE WINDOW CRACK IN THE SAME FASHION AFTER ABOUT 5 WEEKS OF OWNING THE CAR AS WELL. I HAVE ATTACHED A PICTURE OF THE DAMAGE TO THE WINDOW.

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1818.4%
ODI 11473592

Windshield cracked for no reason. While driving turning on ram windshield cracked

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2027.4%
ODI 11552427

Hit a deer the vehicle immediately was on fire and burnt to the ground. It had 3000 miles on it

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931.0%
ODI 11569913

Cracked windshield. Happened out of nowhere overnight.

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1920.2%
ODI 11647040

Recently, my mother died in a car accident. A bystander reported that she was driving normally and then suddenly drove off the road. The police investigated and found that the conditions weren't likely to contribute to an accident. There was no immediate explanation for what happened. The car did catch fire as a result of the accident after it struck a tree. We just received a notice in the mail that states there's been a safety recall on the wheels of the 2025 Subaru Forrester that may contribute to accidents. We don't know for sure that it wa…

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522.7%
ODI 11727592

Cell phone does not stay stable on the wireless charging pad. The phone will start to charge, but as soon as the vehicle moves, the phone bounces off the flat charging pad and no longer connects or charges. It’s distracting to try to reposition the phone as the car is moving. It has become a costly, not usable, feature. Have tried many phone cases and different types of phones to eliminate this as a possible problem. Nothing works.

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Air Bags
2019.0%
ODI 10672580 · 40,000 mi

ME AND MY 12 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WERE DRIVING 20MPH DOWN A SMALL HILL,A LADY PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF US,I HIT THE BRAKES,WHICH LOCKED UP AND WE SLID SO I LET OFF THEM IMMEDIATELY,THE ROADS WERE ICY AND SNOWY,SO WE GAINED A LOT OF VELOCITY,WE MISSED HITTING HER BUT WENT SIDEWAYS,A LITTLE AIRBORN AND HIT A TELEPHONE POLE.I VIOLENTLY STRUCK MY HEAD OFF THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW,AND MY SHOULDER AND ARM WERE PINCHED BETWEEN MY BODY AND THE DOOR.THE TIRES POPPED,THE FRONT BUMPER CLIPS BROKE.WE BOTH SUFFERED SEAT BELT BRUISES,AND MY DAUGHTER SLAMMED HER KN…

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1316.9%
ODI 10538185 · 3,200 mi

I HAD A SIDE IMPACT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT CRUSHED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS AND BLEW OUT THE DRIVER'S WINDOW. THE IMPACT NEARLY CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER AND AGAIN THE SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED BUT THERE WERE SERIOUS INJURIES IN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVOLVED. I AM CONCERNED THIS MAY BE A DEFECT IN THE SENSOR SYSTEM. THE DRIVER'S DOOR WAS CRUSHED ALL THE WAY IN TO THE SEAT.

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5513.6%
ODI 10607764 · 14,000 mi

I WAS TURNING LEFT ON AN ARROW AND A CAR RAN THE RED LIGHT RESULTING IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ME, I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 3MPH AND HE WAS DRIVING 45MPH. HIS CAR WAS TOTALLED, AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND ON FIRE. I HAD FRONT END DAMAGE AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELT LOCK UP. AS A RESULT I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MY KNEE AND MY ANKLE GOT LACERATED AND BLUNT TRAUMA FROM THE BRAKE/ACCELARTATION PEDAL. *TR

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10216.6%
ODI 10641030 · 100 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN SEVERAL MILES WITH THE PASSENGER SITTING ON A THIN PILLOW. WHEN ARRIVING AT THE DESTINATION IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE LIGHT IS VERY DIFFICULT IF EVEN POSSIBLE TO SEE IN THE SUNSHINE, SO IT IS UNKNOWN HOW LONG IT HAD BEEN ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS NO AUDIBLE INDICATION THAT WAS NOTICED. THE VEHICLE'S MANUAL WAS LATER READ WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS AS THE VEHICLE IS BUILT, THAT A PASSENGER NEEDING A PILLOW MUST USE THE BACK SEAT. WITHOUT THAT KNOWLEDGE BEFOREHAND AN…

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9823.7%
ODI 10918643 · 600 mi

"TAKATA RECALL" VEHICLE ACCELLERATED, BRAKES DID NOT STOP VEHICLE, ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE INJURING MY WIFE, PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY & PSYCHOLOGICALLY. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WIFE WAS TRYING TO PARK, WHEN VEHICLE SPED UP AND HER BRAKING HAD NO EFFECT AND SHE CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE.

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16227.6%
ODI 10986045 · 2,000 mi

DRIVER'S SUBARU WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND BY A BOX TRUCK WHILE STATIONARY ON A HIGHWAY (DRIVER HAD STOPPED JUST SHORT OF A MULTI-CAR COLLISION BUT THE BOX TRUCK BEHIND HER WAS UNABLE TO STOP); BOX TRUCK PUSHED THE SUBARU INTO THE CAR IN FRONT. DRIVER'S SEATBELT WAS ON, BUT DRIVER'S CHEST STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL AND HER HEAD POSSIBLY HIT THE SIDE WINDOW. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEATBELT DID NOT STOP DRIVER FROM STRIKING STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, THE EMPTY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT ROCKETED FORWARD ON ITS RAILS ALL THE WAY TO THE FRONT, AND AT LEAST THR…

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9619.4%
ODI 11110278 · 200 mi

TAKATA RECALL PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INDICATOR SHOWED A PROBLEM WITHIN FIRST 200 MILES OF DRIVING THE NEW FORESTER.

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172.0%
ODI 11192258 · 3,700 mi

I WAS DRIVING MY 2019 SUBARU FORESTER ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN A CAR STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, BUT DID END UP REAR ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, WHICH PUSHED HER INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER. THE IMPACT WAS AT LEAST 30-35 MPH AND THE CAR IS TOTALED. AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*JB

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101.7%
ODI 11279538 · 500 mi

PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS ARE NOT ENABLED WITH A PERSON SITTING IN THE SEAT USING A SEAT BELT EXTENDER. THERE ARE FLAWS ON THE SOFTWARE THAT IDENTIFY THE PASSENGER ACTIONS ENTERING THE CAR, WHEN THE SEAT BELT IS FASTENED AND WHETHER OR NOT A SEAT BELT EXTENDER HAS BEEN USED. IF A SEAT BELT EXTENDER IS ALREADY IN PLACE, THE CAR REFUSES TO ENABLE THE AIR BAGS AFTER A PERSON SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.

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21.0%
ODI 11469925

I was coming out of my garaged ( car was facing forward) . The car seemed to hesitate as I tapped the gas pedal. I thought maybe this was because the car sensed the sides of the garage via the rear view mirror sensors. I am always careful when exiting my garage so as not to ding the rearview mirrors. I repeatedly tapped the gas lightly about three times but the car hesitated each time and did not want to seem to move forward. One last time I tapped the gas and the car bolted out of the garage jumped the curb across the street at an unexpecte…

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44.1%
ODI 11467960 · 1,800 mi

The contact owned a 2022 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while slowing pulling into the parking space the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove over a curb and traveled up a hill before crashing into a tree. During the crash neither the driver nor passenger-side air bags deployed. The driver and front passenger sustained chest injuries. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. A police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of…

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68.2%
ODI 11518701

I purchased a new Subaru Forester on February 3, 2023 from Cross Creek Subaru in Fayetteville NC. I noticed that the passenger air bag was off at times with my wife in the passenger seat. I made an appointment to have this fixed, The air bag was always on for her in my F150, Honda CRV and all the other cars we have owned. When I took it in they put some weights on the seat, hooked up to a computer and said that the seat was measuring the weight properly. The air bag was still on some time and off some time with no obvious reason for th…

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724.1%
ODI 11567193

The passenger air bag remains off per the indicator when my 5'3" 100lb wife sits in the seat. The system was inspected at Peoria Subaru in Peoria, AZ and no problem was found. The service manager told me the factory design is 105 lbs minimum before the air bag is on. I find no warning labels in the vehicle and nothing in the owners manual referencing a 105 lb minimum. In fact, the manual states that a jug of water in the passenger's seat will turn the air bag indicator from off to on. If federal regulations require a minimum weight, there s…

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44.3%
ODI 11640053

I recently purchased a 2025 Subaru Forester. My wife is a petite woman, about 93-97 pounds and 5 feet 4 inches tall. When she sits in the front passenger seat the airbag light stays in the "airbag off" position. She is not heavy enough to activate the "airbag on" light. The dealer inspected the passenger seat and said that the airbag on/off function is working properly and works as expected for persons about 100 pounds or more. They confirmed that the "airbag on" light does not come on for my wife. Your website indicates that you have used dumm…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
109.5%
ODI 10509051

2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED UNLESS HE DROVE THE VEHICLE REGULARLY, OR STARTED IT AND LET THE ENGINE IDLE, THE COMPLEX OF ELECTRIC CIRCUITS WOULD RUN DOWN THE BATTERY TO A NO START AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER, ALL SYSTEMS WOULD BE DEAD. THE CONSUMER STATED SELLERS ADMITTED TO THE PROBLEM AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDED DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND RUNNING THE ENGINE MORE OFTEN.

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22.6%
ODI 10573062 · 10,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES WHEN A BURNING ODOR BECAME PRESENT. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A IMPOUND LOT AND WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIM…

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409.9%
ODI 10574609 · 7,700 mi

THIS VEHICLE IS A FORESTER XT TURBO. I WAS OPERATING ON CRUISE CONTROL AT 78 MPH, APPROXIMATELY 900 MILES FROM HOME, WHEN A SUDDEN LOSS OF PROPULSION OCCURRED. DASHBOARD HAD MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS. ENGINE WAS STILL OPERATING, THOUGH AT VERY LOW RPM SO I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN STEERING AND BRAKING CONTROL. AFTER MANEUVERING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I NOTICED THE TACHOMETER WAS FLUCTUATING BETWEEN 500-800 RPM. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FOLLOWING WARNING LIGHTS WERE STILL ILLUMINATED: CHECK ENGINE, HILL CONTROL, CRU…

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7812.7%
ODI 10595021

I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR AND CANNOT BELIEVE THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS. THEY PRAISE THIS CAR FOR RELIABILITY, SO THAT IS WHY I PURCHASED THIS CAR. HOWEVER THE SPEEDOMETER AND ALL THE OTHER LIGHTS ARE SO SMALL YOU CAN'T READ THEM. ALSO, WITH THE RUNNING LIGHTS ON THE LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD TURN PINK ON BLACK. WITHOUT THE RUNNING LIGHTS THE NUMBERS ARE A PALE GRAY ON BLACK. WITH THE DIAL TO BRIGHTEN...THAT IS A JOKE. I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS OVERSIGHT. I WISH I HAD REALIZED THIS BEFORE I PURCHASED THIS CAR. I AM A SENIOR …

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9021.7%
ODI 10849902 · 12,300 mi

MY 2016 SUBARU LOST ALL POWER 160 MILES FROM MY HOME ON INTERSTATE 40 IN LEXINGTON NORTH CAROLINA.....I WAS SOLD THIS STARLINK ENHANCED ROADSIDE ASSISTACE WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR.....WELL THIS SYSTEM FAILED MISERABLY AND I WAS ALMOST STRUCK BY A TRACTOR TRAILER....I WAS STUCK ON A BRIDGE WITH NO SHOULDER AND EXPLAINED TO BOTH OPERATORS ON STARLINK AFTER MY FIRST 4 ATTEMPTS TO REACH EMERGENCY SERVICES FAILED AFTER HITTING THE "SOS" BUTTON ABOVE MY HEAD....FINALLY IT CAME ON....THE OPERATOR HAD NO CLUE WHERE MY LOCATION WAS.....SUBARU TOUTS THIS…

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10217.4%
ODI 10916632 · 1,200 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE SCREEN REFLECTED LIGHT ONTO HER FACE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT'S VISION WAS IMPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,200.

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6913.9%
ODI 11124519 · 4,200 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ENGINE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO AN EXIT RAMP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS STILL IDLING EXTREMELY LOW AND THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. RIMROCK SUBARU (324 S 24TH ST W, BILLINGS, MT 59102, [phone removed]) REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE DEALER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER AND OFFERED A TRADE-IN FOR A 2018 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE MANUFACTURER WA…

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13215.8%
ODI 11181561 · 400 mi

REAR GATE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN WHETHER USING KEYLESS FOB, REAR GATE DOOR BUTTON OR DASH BUTTON. HAD TO HAVE CAR BATTERY DISCONNECTED FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND THEN RECONNECTED IT TO GET THE REAR GATE DOOR TO WORK.

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10016.6%
ODI 11292191 · 30 mi

WHEN DRIVING THE DRIVER HEATED SEAT PUTS OUT LOW HEAT EVEN IF THE SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION. AT 15 MINUTES SITTING, HEAT CAN BE FELT ON THE BUTTOCKS SKIN AND CAUSED MINOR SKIN BURN AT AROUND 30 MINUTES.

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3315.9%
ODI 11395055 · 6,252 mi

THE CAR IS TWO MONTHS OLD AND THE BATTERY DIED (NOTHING WAS LEFT ON)!

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88.2%
ODI 11479790

Purchased car on 8/15/2022 and encountering issues with: 1. oil in the air when engine is turned on 2. Onion smell when engine is turned on 3. AC if affected by oil and onion smell ; too hot when sitting in car with engine on ..sulfur? 4. Please check the gas tank for possible leak. 5. 3-yr old grandson is affected by onion, oil and possible exhaust fumes leaking into the interior of the car. Daycare made a notation of oil smell and onion smell on grandson. We need oxygen to our brain and body; without it we cannot live.

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68.2%
ODI 11568075

The vehicles battery does not hold a charge during short term, (3-5 weeks of storage). I understand that some prior years of Subaru vehicles have this same problem and there is currently a recall for this. I wonder if this battery problem exists in newer Subaru Foresters. When we purchased this vehicle as new we observed that the Dealership was having problems maintaining the charge on at least two other new Forester vehicles on display and had to replace the battery in one of these to start the vehicle and show it to other customers. We ha…

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13.4%
ODI 11598651

Vehicle: 2024 Subaru Forester Touring Date of Report: [July 3, 2024] What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? On June 19th, 2024 I noticed the side mirror of my 2024 Subaru Forester Touring has melted. This component is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The melting of the side mirror poses a potential risk of fire if it continues to deteriorate. This not only endangers the occupants of the vehicle but also poses a threat…

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88.5%
ODI 11688968 · 100 mi

The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid. The contact stated that the hatchback had opened independently while the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that the doors had opened unintendedly while the vehicle was being washed at the car wash. The contact stated that the door required to be slammed to close and to latch securely. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing out of a 2-15 percent sloped driveway, the Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) system's beeping sound engaged while there were no vehicles or objects in the prox…

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418.2%
ODI 11735341

Vehicle stopped at light,auto start stop engine off,stepped on gas to go engine didn’t restart,my passenger and I jumped out and grabbed a Noco GB40 jump box I carry and jump started car,we were on a road trip out of town and could not wait for the dealership so finished our trip with the auto start stop turned off and if we had a problem starting used the jump box.

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Vehicle Speed Control
1716.2%
ODI 10441281 · 1,600 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON A MAIN ROUTE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KICKED ON AND PROCEEDED TO FLASH WHILE THE STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON DISABLING THE TRACTION CONTROL. THIS LASTED APPROXIMATELY 10-15 SECONDS, ALL LIGHTS KICKED OFF AND SEEMED OKAY. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED ONLY NOW THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON AND FLASHING, CHECK ENGINE WAS SOLID AND STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON. AT THAT TIME ALL THE LIGHTS STAY ON UNTIL THE CODES ARE CLEARED, UNTIL THAT IS DONE, STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL AND CRUISE CONTROL DO N…

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67.8%
ODI 10490242 · 200 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU FORESTER (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED TO 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FLOOR MATS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DID NOT BELIEVE THAT THE FLOOR MATS WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200...UPDATED 01/30/13 *BF UPDATED 2/4/2013 *JS

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4110.2%
ODI 10544552 · 25 mi

AFTER I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE, I NOTICED A HESITATION BETWEEN 20 - 40 MPH. THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR FOR THE FORESTER'S TO HAVE A CVT ENGINE SO I THOUGHT IT NEEDED BROKEN IN. I ALSO WENT THROUGH 3 CYCLES OF FILLING UP MY GAS TANK FROM 3 DIFFERENT GAS STATIONS AND THE HESITATION CONTINUED. THE FIRST TIME I BROUGHT IT IN THE TECHNICIAN SAID HE OVERFILLED THE OIL A SLIGHT BIT, REMOVED IT, AND I SHOULD NOTICE A DIFFERENCE. NO DIFFERENCE. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ADDRESSING THE SAME ISSUE. THEY PERFORMED THE TESTS SUBARU OF AMER…

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6610.7%
ODI 10662955 · 2,500 mi

I WAS TURNING INTO MY PARKING SPACE AT MY CONDO, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND WENT OVER THE CAR STOP AND THE SIDEWALK AND FINALLY STOPPED WHEN I HIT A WALL AND PALM TREE. I STOOD ON THE BRAKE, BUT IT WOULD NOT STOP. I KEPT THINKING "WHY ISN'T IT STOPPING". I KNOW I WAS GOING SLOW BECAUSE I HAVE TO MAKE A TURN TO GO INTO MY SPACE, AND AS MY NEIGHBORS SAID, I NEVER DRIVE FAST COMING INTO THE PARKING LOT. *TR

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368.7%
ODI 10810175 · 70 mi

THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. THE DRIVER STOPPED TO MAKE A U-TURN THEN SLOWLY STARTED TO TAKE HER FOOT OFF THE BRAKE WHILE MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO THE RIGHT (OPPOSITE DIRECTION). THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED ONLY AFTER COLLIDING INTO A STREET POLE.

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335.6%
ODI 10949892 · 800 mi

MY 2017 SUBARU FORESTER HAS A 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. WHENEVER I ATTEMPT TO SLOW THE VEHICLE BY DOWNSHIFTING, THE VEHICLE WILL OFTEN CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE. THIS UNWANTED ACCELERATION IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN DRIVING DOWN A GRADE, HOWEVER IT ALSO FREQUENTLY HAPPENS ON FLAT GROUND. FOR EXAMPLE, IF I AM GOING 35 MPH IN 4TH GEAR AND AM ANTICIPATING A STOP LIGHT AHEAD, I WOULD TYPICALLY RELEASE MY RIGHT FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND DOWNSHIFT TO 3RD GEAR, THEN 2ND GEAR WHILE LIGHTLY BRAKING TO DECELERATE THE VEHICLE. INSTEAD, DOWNSHIFTING…

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295.9%
ODI 11063153 · 750 mi

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE TO MAKE A LEFT-HAND TURN THE CAR STOPPED - THE ENGINE WOULD NOT GET ABOVE IDLE, EVEN WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR STOPPED IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IT DID ACCELERATE AFTER COMPLETELY REMOVING PRESSURE FROM THE PEDAL AND PUSHING IT PARTIALLY DOWN AGAIN IT BEGAN TO PICK UP SPEED.

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232.8%
ODI 11195742 · 1,000 mi

IN OUR 2 WEEK OLD 2019 FORESTER, WE WERE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65MPH AND FELT A SUDDEN JOLT AND THE CAR SHUT OFF: THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WENT OFF, THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF, THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD NOT WORK AND THE ACCELERATOR WASN'T WORKING. WE GUIDED THE CAR OFF THE FREEWAY AND SAT ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. THE DEALER'S MASTER MECHANIC CANNOT FIND ANY CODE THAT TELLS THEM WHAT IS WRONG SO THEY TELL US THERE IS NOTHING TO FIX. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS. THIS WAS A LIFE-THREATENING EVENT SO WE DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR FOR OURSELVES AND…

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213.5%
ODI 11342491 · 500 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND APPROACHING A STOP, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND VIBRATED FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 SECONDS BEFORE RETURNING TO NORMAL OPERATION. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT CALLED FOX MARQUETTE SUBARU LOCATED AT 3825 US 41 WEST, MARQUETTE, MI 49855, WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PERFORMED AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK IN TEN DAYS IF THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACT…

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115.3%
ODI 11406235 · 155 mi

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT MY FORESTER LUNGED FORWARD EVEN THOUGH I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. ALSO, WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES FEELS AS THOUGH IT WANTS TO ACCELERATE EVEN THOUGH I AM NOT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL TOO HARD.

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66.1%
ODI 11467960 · 1,800 mi

The contact owned a 2022 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while slowing pulling into the parking space the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove over a curb and traveled up a hill before crashing into a tree. During the crash neither the driver nor passenger-side air bags deployed. The driver and front passenger sustained chest injuries. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. A police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of…

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45.5%
ODI 11590008 · 4,500 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while in a parking lot, the contact depressed the brake pedal and attempted to shift into gear and the vehicle accelerated inadvertently, jumped a curb, and crashed into a tree. The contact was able to put the vehicle in reverse; however, while the contact’s foot was on the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated backward independently. The contact was treated by a local urgent care for whiplash. No one else was involved in the crash. The Police were dispatched to the scene however, …

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13.4%
ODI 11638044

What Component or system failed or malfunctioned. A control system (I am guessing a computer or software problem occurred. The car had a sudden unexpected acceleration. On [XXX] my 2024 Subaru Forester Sport while completing parking in a parking spot had a sudden unintended acceleration event. My foot was not on the acceleration. The automobile travelled at least 27 feet before I was able to stop the vehicle. The car skidded when I depressed the brakes. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car accelerated over…

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55.3%
ODI 11674528

The contact stated that while pulling into a parking spot with the brake pedal pressed, the vehicle displayed unintended acceleration, crashing into the wall of the building in front of the parking space. The air bags did not deploy. The contact immediately placed the vehicle in reverse, with the brake pedal still pressed, and the vehicle accelerated at approximately 20 mph in reverse on its own. The vehicle suddenly came to a stop before crashing into a nearby tree. The contact immediately turned the vehicle off and exited the vehicle. The co…

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14.5%
ODI 11763914

I was pulling into a handicapped parking spot at the grocery store, turning right into it, and was almost stopped, with my right foot on the brake, when the vehicle suddenly accelerated at top speed, surging over the median strip, flattening the "Handicapped Parking" sign, and racing ahead into the street beyond. I drove forward and turned left back into the parking lot and parked the car. The flattened parking lot sign ripped the front panels off the car. I went into the grocery store and asked if we needed to call the police, and they said…

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Power Train
43.8%
ODI 10472165 · 5,325 mi

AFTER SHARP ACCELERATION THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. NO OTHER ISSUES NOTED. TWO MONTHS LATER WITH 7500 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, THE SAME THING OCCURRED BUT THIS TIME THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT AND THE VEHICLE STABILIZATION LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL. CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT WORK AND I ASSUME THE STABILIZATION DIDN'T EITHER.

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56.5%
ODI 10573062 · 10,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES WHEN A BURNING ODOR BECAME PRESENT. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A IMPOUND LOT AND WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIM…

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4110.2%
ODI 10553267 · 2,230 mi

WHILE TRAVELLING AT 50 MILES PER HOUR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, MY CAR JUST STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS DURING RUSH HOUR AND IT WOULDN'T MOVE AS I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL. AFTER ABOUT ONE MINUTE THE CAR STARTED TO MOVE. TODAY, THE 21ST, MY WIFE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE WHILE BEING ON A HIGHWAY. THE CAR WON'T ROLL, IT JUST STOPS DEAD. YOU DON'T HAVE TO START AGAIN, IT WILL START ITSELF. *TR

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9415.3%
ODI 10667330 · 2,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO TREES AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.

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5012.1%
ODI 10896771 · 200 mi

WHEN YOU GO FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE THERE IS A LAG TIME IN THE TRANSMISSION. OR IF YOU GO FROM PARK TO DRIVE ITS THE SAME. IF YOUR ON AN INCLINE IT MAKES YOU HIT THE GAS TO ACCELERATE. AND IF YOU WERE TO PULL A TRAILER AND YOU ARE ON A SMALL HILL IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS IN NEUTRAL WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS. WE ONLY HAVE 3700 MILES ON THE CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED SUBARU CORP AND THEY TOLD ME TO GO TO THE DEALER, WHICH I DID. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE HAD A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT HE ALSO SAID IT WAS ONE OF THE CHARACT…

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417.0%
ODI 10928617 · 2,850 mi

11/23/16 - AS I WAS SLOWLY ROLLING INTO A FRONT PARKING SPOT THE CAR ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN - I TURNED THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT SO I WOULDN'T CRASH FULL ON INTO THE BUILDING - TRYING TO CONTROL THE CAR - I WENT OVER A CURB THAT WAS JETTING OUT - DEFINING THE PARKING SPACES - MY RIGHT FRONT AND BACK TIRES WENT OVER THE CURB - JUST MISSING A TREE - FINALLY COMING TO A STOP - IF THERE WAS ANYONE THERE - I WOULD HAVE HIT THEM - THAT DAY I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SUBARU DEALER AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED - AND ON MY PAPERWORK IT STATED "CUSTOMER STATES S…

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214.2%
ODI 11082203 · 200 mi

THE CAR WILL PERIODICALLY STALL FOR A SECOND OR TWO ON OCCASSIONS WHEN STARTING OUT AND THEN ACCELERATE WITH A JOLT. WHEN IN TRAFFIC THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I UNDERSTAND THIS MAY BE COMMON WITH CVT TRANSMISSIONS. IF THAT IS THE CASE I QUESTION WHY THEY ARE ALLOWED ON THE ROAD. I WLL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER SUBARU OR ANY OTHER CAR WITH A CVT.

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374.4%
ODI 11233927 · 3,000 mi

VEHICLE QUICKLY DEVELOPED A "SURGE, SPUTTERING, JERK" TYPE ACTION WHEN COASTING OR MAINTAINING SPEEDS ABOVE 35MPH. ALSO WHEN BRAKING, THERE IS GOOD AND PREDICTABLE SPEED REDUCTION UNTIL ABOUT 10MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSIONS SEEMS TO UNLOCK AND THE CAR LUNGES FORWARD SINCE THERE IS SUDDENLY NOT ENOUGH BRAKE PRESSURE BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION HAS SHIFTED FOR SOME REASON. DEALER HAS BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE BUT HAS NO KNOWN FIX. BRAND NEW CAR 1 MONTH OLD AND IT RUNS LIKE A BRAND NEW CAR SHOULD, UNTIL YOU GET TO MAINTAINING CRUISING SPEEDS. …

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325.3%
ODI 11292190 · 20 mi

VEHICLE VIBRATE STARTING AT 50 MPH AND GETS EXCESSIVE AT 65MPH AND UP, WHILE CRUISING IN THE HIGHWAY. THE VIBRATION CAN BE FELT ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE DRIVER SEAT SEAT.

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125.8%
ODI 11440297

The vehicle gets a shudder at different speeds and it feels like it's either the transmission is slipping or its coming from the motor but it NEVER THROWS a Trouble Code so as the dealership says if its not throwing a trouble code they can't diagnose it until it does. So that's why I don't like these vehicles because no one know how to fix it old school by being a real mechanic and going old school to find the issue.

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44.1%
ODI 11477773

My brand new 2022 Subaru Forester will accelerate and stall while I am driving. It is more noticeable between 0 - 40mph speed shifts, especially 20 to 40mph. It is frightening because this may cause an unintentional accident.

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45.5%
ODI 11603673

I was driving the car, towards the end of about a 40-minute drive the car, I can best describe, lost its mind. Without any prior signs of symptoms, in about the span of 5-10 seconds, the check engine light came on, then eyesight warning came on, then traction system error appeared and I lost all power. It started braking on its own and completely acting on its own. I could still steer, but I had no other control over the vehicle! THANKFULLY I was in a 25 MPH zone, with no other vehicles or pedestrians anywhere near me. I was able to steer the p…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

44.3%
ODI 11615548

Paddle shifter does not work appropriately, when shifting rapidly using paddle shifters, right shifter (up-shift) occasionally commands transmission to shift down.

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14.5%
ODI 11735341

Vehicle stopped at light,auto start stop engine off,stepped on gas to go engine didn’t restart,my passenger and I jumped out and grabbed a Noco GB40 jump box I carry and jump started car,we were on a road trip out of town and could not wait for the dealership so finished our trip with the auto start stop turned off and if we had a problem starting used the jump box.

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Fuel/Propulsion System
65.7%
ODI 10486638 · 1,900 mi

DURING COLD WEATHER STARTS, THE VEHICLE CABIN SMELLS STRONGLY OF RAW FUEL, AS IF THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK. THE SMELL PERSISTS UNTIL THE ENGINE HAS REACHED ITS NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. LOOSE FUEL LINES HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN PREVIOUS MODEL YEAR FORESTERS, AND RARE INSTANCES OF THIS OCCURRING IN CURRENT GENERATION FORESTERS (09-13). *TR

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22.6%
ODI 10898293 · 43,000 mi

IN JUNE WHILE DRIVING TO LA FROM YOSEMITE, MY OIL LIGHT BEGAN FLICKERING, ENGINE HAD ABOUT 46K, THEN CAME ON AT TIMES WHILE DRIVING FROM SAN DIEGO TO LA. SUBARU TOLD ME IT WAS A FAULTY OIL SWITCH. REPLACED WITH AUTOZONE PS309. DROVE FROM DENVER TO BISMARCK ND TO DRIVE MY COUSINS KID WITH A TUMOR ON HIS HEART AND SPINE TO MAYO CLINIC TO ROCHESTER, MN FOR CHEMO 2 TIMES TO TAKE SOME PRESSURE OFF OF THE FAMILY. IN THE MIDDLE OF SOUTH DAKOTA, MY OIL LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I CHANGED THE OIL AND FILTER. OIL LIGHT STILL ON, EVEN THOUGH TOTALLY FULL…

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153.7%
ODI 10631329 · 6,800 mi

THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORST. THE CAR HAS BEEN HAVING TROUBLES TURNING OVER ON COLD STARTS, AND HAS EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF PROPULSION AND STALL GOING UP HILL INCLUDING A LOSS OF BRAKES SINCE I BOUGHT IT A YEAR AGO. ON 9/6/2014 THE CAR WAS STARTED AND WAS IDLING HIGH (APPROXIMATELY 4000RPM), CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, SPEED CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON, INCLINE ALERT LIGHT ON, SPORT MODE LIGHT WAS ON AND CHECK EMISSIONS SYSTEM LIGHT WAS ON. HAD TO MOVE THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE AND IT BARELY MADE IT UP THE INCLINE IN THE UNDERGROUND…

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559.0%
ODI 10682364 · 240 mi

I HAD MY NEW VEHICLE ONLY 4 DAYS WITH 120 MILES OR SO THAT I PERSONALLY PUT ON IT. I WAS OUT ONE DAY AND CAME TO A STOP SIGN AND STOPPED. THE CAR JUST POWERED DOWN TO NOT RUNNING AT ALL. I PUT IT IN PARK, RESTARTED, PUT IT IN DRIVE TO MOVE ON AND IT DID IT AGAIN. I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND HAD SOMEONE PUSH ME TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE I WOULD BE OUT OF THE WAY. THIS CONTINUED FOR ABOUT 5 TIMES WHEN FINALLY IT TOOK HOLD AND I MANAGED TO GET HOME OK. THE NEXT DAY I HAD TO GO OUT AND IT SEEMED TO BE OK AND HAD TO PUT GAS IN IT. I TOOK IT IN…

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245.8%
ODI 10933997 · 17,279 mi

AT LOW SPEED (UNDER 15 MPH) A HESITATION OCCURS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOOSE ACCELERATION POWER FOR AS LONG AS 3 OR 4 SECONDS. IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM OCCURRING ONLY 8 TIMES IN THREE MONTHS. PROBLEM ALMOST CAUSED A COLLISION WHILE TURNING LEFT BEFORE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. LATER RECURRENCES PRODUCED THE SAME PROBLEM DURING RIGHT TURNS ALSO. WE RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND PURCHASED A 2017 OF THE SAME MODEL HOPING THIS PROBLEM WILL BE SOLVED.

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111.9%
ODI 10953804 · 2,800 mi

ENGINE LOW LEVEL OIL LIGHT CAME ON A FEW TIMES WHEN I DROVE UP MY DRIVEWAY OR OVER A FEW INCHES OF SNOW. MANUALLY INSPECTED OIL LEVELS THE FIRST FEW TIMES AND RESTARTED ENGINE. THE WARNING LIGHT WOULD GO AWAY. WARNING LIGHT NEVER CAME ON WHEN DRIVING ON A FLAT SURFACE AND ALWAYS WENT AWAY WHEN PARKED ON FLAT SURFACE AND RESTARTED VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO LOUD ENGINE SOUND, KNOCKING SOUND OR SMOKE. PAGE 3-19 OF THE OWNERS MANUAL STATED THAT THE WARNING LIGHT MIGHT ILLUMINATE TEMPORARILY WHEN DRIVING ON INCLINED SURFACE. ONE DAY 15 MINUTES INTO …

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193.8%
ODI 11063153 · 750 mi

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE TO MAKE A LEFT-HAND TURN THE CAR STOPPED - THE ENGINE WOULD NOT GET ABOVE IDLE, EVEN WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR STOPPED IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IT DID ACCELERATE AFTER COMPLETELY REMOVING PRESSURE FROM THE PEDAL AND PUSHING IT PARTIALLY DOWN AGAIN IT BEGAN TO PICK UP SPEED.

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222.6%
ODI 11233927 · 3,000 mi

VEHICLE QUICKLY DEVELOPED A "SURGE, SPUTTERING, JERK" TYPE ACTION WHEN COASTING OR MAINTAINING SPEEDS ABOVE 35MPH. ALSO WHEN BRAKING, THERE IS GOOD AND PREDICTABLE SPEED REDUCTION UNTIL ABOUT 10MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSIONS SEEMS TO UNLOCK AND THE CAR LUNGES FORWARD SINCE THERE IS SUDDENLY NOT ENOUGH BRAKE PRESSURE BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION HAS SHIFTED FOR SOME REASON. DEALER HAS BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE BUT HAS NO KNOWN FIX. BRAND NEW CAR 1 MONTH OLD AND IT RUNS LIKE A BRAND NEW CAR SHOULD, UNTIL YOU GET TO MAINTAINING CRUISING SPEEDS. …

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132.2%
ODI 11415920 · 3,000 mi

BOTH MY WIFE AND I HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS ON THIS VEHICLE WHICH HAS LESS THAN 5,000 MILES ON IT. THE LOW GAS INDICATOR IS LIMITED TO A BRIEF WARNING IN THE SCREEN BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. WE BOTH FIND THIS VERY EASY TO MISS AND THERE IS NO PERSISTENT VISUAL OR AUDITORY WARNING. RUNNING OUT OF GAS UNEXPECTEDLY IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD, WE WERE LUCKY TO AVOID BEING REAR ENDED, BUT HAD TO PARK AT SOME RISK. NEITHER OF US CAN RECALL RUNNING OUT OF GAS IN OUR OTHER VEHICLES FOR OVER 20 YEARS.

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62.9%
ODI 11419101

This is for a car only 18 days driven. Windshield cracked from bottom, under retaining gasket, with no strike, impact, or previous ding. Car hood flexes up and down, more than 2-inches, when large trucks pass in opposite direction. Automatic fuel stop at pump did not work properly, causing fuel spill one time, and underfill another time. Windshield visibility and possibility of total failure. Car hood could fly up and obscure visibility and break windshield. Have not contacted dealer or insurance company yet about issues. Windshield problem is …

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77.1%
ODI 11479790

Purchased car on 8/15/2022 and encountering issues with: 1. oil in the air when engine is turned on 2. Onion smell when engine is turned on 3. AC if affected by oil and onion smell ; too hot when sitting in car with engine on ..sulfur? 4. Please check the gas tank for possible leak. 5. 3-yr old grandson is affected by onion, oil and possible exhaust fumes leaking into the interior of the car. Daycare made a notation of oil smell and onion smell on grandson. We need oxygen to our brain and body; without it we cannot live.

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22.7%
ODI 11638318

The check engine light and a flashing 'S' and other lights stating the safety features such as Eyesight, lane departure, RAB, etc. are turned off. This started on 1/15/25, and I took the car to the dealership on 1/16/25. The dealership stated the EVap System Leak Detection Pump sensor indicated a leak, and the EvaporateLeak Check Module needs to be replaced but is back-ordered until mid-March 2025. They turned off all the lights and told me I could keep driving the vehicle. On 1/20/25, all of the lights were back on. The car lags to accelerate …

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1313.8%
ODI 11692200

While there were no reported incidents, it appears there may be manufacturing defects with this vehicle. The rear seat safety belts are reportedly quite difficult to fasten, as the receptacle is positioned deeply within the seats, sometimes making it impossible to secure the belt. This then triggers an alarm, which can be quite bothersome for the driver. Furthermore, there seems to be an issue with the fuel gauge, as it may display an inaccurate reading. For instance, upon filling the tank, the meter might show 470 ml, but while still at the ga…

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29.1%
ODI 11735341

Vehicle stopped at light,auto start stop engine off,stepped on gas to go engine didn’t restart,my passenger and I jumped out and grabbed a Noco GB40 jump box I carry and jump started car,we were on a road trip out of town and could not wait for the dealership so finished our trip with the auto start stop turned off and if we had a problem starting used the jump box.

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Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Vehicle Speed Control13,421–60,000 mi36,340 mi17
ODI 10144549 · 100 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE IS HESITATED AND SURGED. THIS HAPPENED MORE OFTEN WHEN TRAVELING DOWN A MOUNTAIN. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS, AND THE PROBLEM WAS DUPLICATED. HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER CONCLUDED THERE WAS ACTUALLY NO PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED $1,000 GIFT CERTIFICATE AS INCENTIVE TO HAVE NO FURTHER CONTACT WITH THEM. *AK

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ODI 10144965 · 850 mi

APPARENTLY, SUBARU HAS GONE TO A ??DRIVE BY WIRE?? FOR AT LEAST 2006. THE 2006 FORESTER I HAVE HAS THE SURGING PROBLEM. IT IS WORST DRIVING DOWNHILL AND TRYING TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED IN EITHER MANUAL OR CRUISE CONTROL. THE STEEPER THE HILL THE WORSE THE SURGE. I LIVE IN THE COLORADO MOUNTAINS AND IF THERE WERE SNOW OR ICE THIS SURGE WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LOOSE TRACTION AND GO OUT OF CONTROL. ACTIVELY ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING IS NOT A PROBLEM. THE SURGE OCCURS ONLY WHEN A CONSTANT SPEED IS ATTEMPTED. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REVIEWED…

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ODI 10146199 · 180 mi

THIS IS A REPEATABLE EVENT THAT COULD LEAD TO AN INJURY: PURCHASED A NEW 2006 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5X END OF OCTOBER 2005. AFTER APPROX. TWO WEEKS CAR BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE UNEXPECTED ENGINE RPM INCREASES IMMEDIATELY AFTER A "COLD START." WHEN CAR IS FIRST STARTED, ENGINE RPMS ARE AT AROUND 1500. PUT CAR INTO REVERSE AND BACK OUT OF PARKING SPACE. WHEN THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED, ENGINE RPMS SHOOT UP TO 3000+. THEN, AFTER PUTTING CAR IN 1ST GEAR, AND RELEASING CLUTCH, ENGINE RPMS DROP TO ABOUT 1500 BUT SLOWLY INCREASE TO AROUND 2500-3000 RPM AND VE…

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Engine44,400–95,200 mi80,000 mi9
ODI 10462745 · 90,000 mi

WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR IT'S 90000 MILE SERVICE, I WAS SHOWN THAT THERE WAS OIL LEAKING FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE HEAD GASKET. I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR SUBARU FORESTERS FROM THE LATE 1990S THRU 2009. APPEARS TO BE A FAULTY DESIGN, WHICH SUBARU HAS NOT OWNED UP TO. MY ONLINE SEARCH LOCATED A LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS BY SUBARU FORESTER OWNERS ON THIS DESIGN FLAW. *TT

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ODI 10547476 · 141,000 mi

THE BUS HAD JUST DROPPED OFF MY SON. I TURNED ON THE CAR AND PROCEEDED TO ROLL DOWN THE HILL TO THE CORNER WHERE I WAS GOING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. (ABOUT 4 CAR LENGTHS FROM MY ORIGINAL PARKED SPOT) ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR WAS NOT RESPONDING TO MY FOOT OR STEALING COMMANDS. I ROLLED ONTO THE FRONT LAWN OF THE CORNER PROPERTY. AS SOON AS WE CAM TO A STOP I SHUT THE ENGINE AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I OPENED THE DOOR, TOOK A LOOK AT THE CAR AND THEN TRIED TO START THE CAR AGAIN. I STARTED THE CAR AND IT WAS MAKING LIKE A REVING NOISE. I WHEN TO PUT…

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ODI 10660712 · 95,200 mi

I TOOK MY CAR IN BASED ON A RECALL SENT BY MY DEALERSHIP FOR MY 2006 SUBARU FORESTER LL BEAN MODEL ORIGINAL OWNER. THEY COMPLETED TO SERVICE RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE NONE OF WHICH ARE LISTED ON THIS WEBSITE.WVL22 AND WVU31. THE WVU31 WAS TO REPROGRAM MY ECM. AS I WAS DRIVING HOME AFTERWARDS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IMMEDIATELY CAME ON AND MY CRUISE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. I CALLED THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY WHO ADVISED IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE IF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS SOLID AND NOT FLASHING WHICH IT WAS. HE DENIED IT COULD BE RELATED TO THE WVU31 RE…

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Suspension103,750–141,750 mi120,907 mi8
ODI 10434294 · 70,000 mi

I PURCHASED MY 2006 SUBARU FORESTER BRAND NEW FROM THE SUBARU DEALER IN CATONSVILLE, MD; RUSSELL SUBARU. THERE WERE NO MILES ON THE VEHICLE WHEN I BOUGHT IT. BOTH REAR BEARINGS WORE OUT ON MY CAR AT ALMOST THE SAME EXACT TIME. EVERY MECHANIC WITH WHICH I HAVE SPOKEN SAYS THIS IS COMMON ON THESE VEHICLES. MY BEARINGS WORE OUT AT ABOUT 70K MILES. THE SUBARU DEALER CHARGED ME APPROXIMATELY $800 TO REPLACE ONE OF THEM. THE OTHER COST ABOUT $600 AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANICS WON'T REPLACE THE BEARINGS BECAUSE THEY CAN'T WARRANTY T…

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ODI 10442517 · 115,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V464000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM). THE CONTACT NOTIFIED AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HIS APPOINTMENT WAS RESCHEDULED BECAUSE THE PARTS NECESSARY TO REMEDY THE FAILURE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. TH…

Look up ODI 10442517 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10572478 · 31,156 mi

2006 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WHEEL BEARING MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE SOME UNUSUAL SOUNDS. SHE PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE TIRES, BECAUSE IT SOUNDED LIKE A FLAT TIRE. HOWEVER, EVERYTHING LOOKED NORMAL, SO SHE CONTINUED DRIVING. AS SHE DROVE A LITTLE FURTHER AND MADE A LEFT TURN, THE BRAKES WENT OUT. SHE SLOWLY EASED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE THE REAR TIRE FELL OFF THE AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. AN INSPECTION REVEALED THE WHEEL BEARING B…

Look up ODI 10572478 at NHTSA ↗

Steering51,000–130,000 mi118,814 mi5
ODI 10572478 · 31,156 mi

2006 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WHEEL BEARING MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE SOME UNUSUAL SOUNDS. SHE PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE TIRES, BECAUSE IT SOUNDED LIKE A FLAT TIRE. HOWEVER, EVERYTHING LOOKED NORMAL, SO SHE CONTINUED DRIVING. AS SHE DROVE A LITTLE FURTHER AND MADE A LEFT TURN, THE BRAKES WENT OUT. SHE SLOWLY EASED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE THE REAR TIRE FELL OFF THE AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. AN INSPECTION REVEALED THE WHEEL BEARING B…

Look up ODI 10572478 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10721130 · 118,814 mi

THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS ON MY 2006 SUBARU FORESTER FAILED ON MAY 15, 2015. THERE WAS NO WARNING (NO SOUND, NO SHIMMYING, NO STEERING ISSUES) TO SUGGEST THAT SOMETHING WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. THE MAIN SAFETY ISSUE IS THAT IN 2012, SUBARU ISSUED A RECALL FOR FORESTERS AND IMPREZAS, RUSTPROOFING THE CONTROL ARMS. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN AT THAT TIME, AND HAVE THE PAPERWORK THAT INDICATES THAT THIS SERVICE WAS PERFORMED. I THEREFORE ASSUMED THE CAR WAS SAFE. THERE HAS BEEN NO OTHER RECALL. MY CAR HAD 118,000 MILES ON IT, AND IS WELL TAKEN CARE OF. I AM…

Look up ODI 10721130 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11151312 · 130,000 mi

CONTROL ARM IS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH. I NEED TO FULLY REPLACE THE ENTIRE ARM. IT'S URGENT, AS THE ENTIRE WHEEL AND MECHANISM COULD FALL OFF AT ANY TIME.

Look up ODI 11151312 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion System55,500–86,750 mi70,000 mi6
ODI 10576132 · 89,000 mi

ON COLD MORNINGS, THE CAR SMELLS VERY STRONGLY OF FUEL. THE ODOR GOES AWAY AFTER WARMING UP, AND IS ONLY ON COLD MORNINGS. *TR

Look up ODI 10576132 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10684241 · 60,000 mi

WHEN THE TEMP GETS INTO THE TEENS OR LOWER GAS LEAKS IN AND AROUND THE ENGINE. THIS IS DANGEROUS!! I HAVE FOUND FUEL NEAR AREA THAT GET VERY HOT, AND I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY FAMILY STARTING ON FIRE. SOA RECALLED A FEW YEARS TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE, BUT NOT ALL THAT ARE AFFECTED. *TR

Look up ODI 10684241 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10691326 · 110,000 mi

THE PASSENGER CABIN SMELLS LIKE GAS DUE A FUEL LEAK. IT ONLY HAPPENS IN VERY COLD WEATHER. *TR

Look up ODI 10691326 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling23,999–57,306 mi48,000 mi7
ODI 10160189 · 7,500 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PULLING OUT AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE HESITATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE HESITATION OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY EACH TIME. UPON INSPECTION THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.

Look up ODI 10160189 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10210649 · 13,421 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU FORESTER. THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE FAILS TO ACTIVATE AT LEAST ONCE PER WEEK. ON EACH OCCASION, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF LIGHT ILLUMINATES. THE OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR DOES NOT RECOGNIZE A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ALSO DOES NOT ACTIVATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED APPROXIMATELY ONCE OUT OF 20-30 STARTS. THE CONTACT'S WIFE WEIGHS 120 LBS AND IS 5'5 INCHES TALL. SHE SITS ERECTLY WITH THE SEAT BACK NEARLY VERTICAL. THE FAILURES HAVE BEEN REPORTED AND…

Look up ODI 10210649 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10252931 · 34,576 mi

HEAD GASKET LEAK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE CYLINDER HEAD OF A 2006 SUBARU FORESTER X. MOM'S CAR (ALSO A 2006 SUBARU FORESTER X) HAS IDENTICAL HEAD GASKET LEAK BUT ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE CYLINDER HEAD. THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF OIL DRIPPING ON THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD. MY CAR HAS HAD THE HEAD GASKETS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. HER CAR IS YET TO BE REPAIRED. *TR

Look up ODI 10252931 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System82,000–95,000 mi92,000 mi5
ODI 10472384 · 95,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, HE NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WITHIN SECONDS, SPARKS WERE EMITTED FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE CONTACT COULD SMELL BURNING. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE SMALL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND THE…

Look up ODI 10472384 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10515925 · 92,000 mi

I ARRIVED AT MY HOUSE ON 8/26/2012 AT 8:00 PM, PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE OF MY HOUSE AND WENT TO SLEEP. AT 2:00 AM I HEARD AN EXPLOSION, WENT OUTSIDE OF MY HOUSE TO VERIFY WHAT IT WAS AND FOUND MY FORESTER IN FIRE. WITH THE HELP OF MY NEIGHBORS WE CONTROL THE FIRE WITHIN AN HOUR. SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES CAME OUT OF THE FIRE; THE CAR WAS DECLARED TOTAL LOSS, ANOTHER CAR PARKED IN FRONT OF THE FORESTER SUFFER A LOT OF DAMAGE, THE MOTOR OF THE GARAGE DOOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE PAINT OF THE HOUSE, VERTICAL BLINDS AND OTHER BELONGINGS OF THE HO…

Look up ODI 10515925 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10704456 · 82,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FIRE STARTED IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BY THE TAIL LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND DETERMINED TO BE DESTROYED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS BY THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE LIGHT AND UNDER THE SPARE TIRE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

Look up ODI 10704456 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range46,472 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10174190 · 2,500 mi

THERE ARE TWO PROBLEMS WITH THE 2006 SUBARU FORESTER THAT I HAVE. IT HAS LESS THAN 5000 MILES ON IT AND CONTINUALLY FAILS TO START, WHETHER FROM A COLD START OR A WARM START. THE ENGINE WILL ATTEMPT TO CRANK BUT WILL NOT CATCH AND ACTUALLY TURN OVER. THIS ISSUE HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT I HAD TO HOLD THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE ACC POSITION TO "PRIME THE LINES." I'VE NEVER HEAD OF HAVING TO PRIME A CAR IN THIS DAY AND AGE. HOWEVER, I SINCE HAVE TRIED DOING THAT AND THE ISSUE STILL PERSIS…

Look up ODI 10174190 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10252993 · 43,944 mi

I HAVE A HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP CAUSED BY MY VEHICLE'S DRIVE BY WIRE THROTTLE BODY. THIS HESITATION IS ONGOING DESPITE AN ECM REPROGRAMMING DONE BY THE DEALER ON 12/16/08. IT IS BAD ENOUGH THAT I'M AFRAID I'M GOING TO GET INTO A COLLISION SOMETIME. *TR

Look up ODI 10252993 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10314406 · 49,000 mi

HEAD GASKET LEAKING OIL AGAIN (5000MILES LATER) AFTER BEING REPAIRED BY SUBARU DEALER WHILE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY. CAN SMELL HOT OIL AFTER A LONG DRIVE ON FREEWAY AND HAVE SEEN WISPS OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD. THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR AN UNDERHOOD OIL FIRE IF LEAK GETS WORSE. *TR

Look up ODI 10314406 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 271 reports

2022: 71 complaints · 2023: 66 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2022406271
2023244866
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20229701
20237300

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentVehicle Speed ControlEngineSuspensionSteeringFuel/Propulsion SystemEngine And Engine CoolingElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine
Vehicle Speed Control—
4
ODI 10547476 · 141,000 mi

THE BUS HAD JUST DROPPED OFF MY SON. I TURNED ON THE CAR AND PROCEEDED TO ROLL DOWN THE HILL TO THE CORNER WHERE I WAS GOING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. (ABOUT 4 CAR LENGTHS FROM MY ORIGINAL PARKED SPOT) ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR WAS NOT RESPONDING TO MY FOOT OR STEALING COMMANDS. I ROLLED ONTO THE FRONT LAWN OF THE CORNER PROPERTY. AS SOON AS WE CAM TO A STOP I SHUT THE ENGINE AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I OPENED THE DOOR, TOOK A LOOK AT THE CAR AND THEN TRIED TO START THE CAR AGAIN. I STARTED THE CAR AND IT WAS MAKING LIKE A REVING NOISE. I WHEN TO PUT…

Look up ODI 10547476 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10863825 · 54,000 mi

PURCHASED IN AK IN 2006. APPROXIMATELY 13,000 MILES ON ENGINE. PAPERWORK LISTED ENTRY-POINT: HAWAII. CURRENT 2016 MILEAGE: LESS THAN 60,000. WELL-MAINTAINED VEHICLE.----- UPON ACCELERATION, THE ENGINE SOMETIMES LURCHES AND REVS TOO HIGH TOO FAST, AND THEN SETTLES INTO HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO FEEL AND SOUND. OTHER TIMES, IT SUDDENLY LOSES POWER INSTEAD, LURCHING DOWN LIKE WE'VE TAKEN OUR FOOT OFF THE GAS (BUT WE HAVEN'T BECAUSE WE ARE ON A HIGHWAY OR FREEWAY!), VERY BRIEFLY AND THEN RECOVERS.ONE TIME, JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO, IT FELT LIKE I'D LOST AL…

Look up ODI 10863825 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11431144

As I was going down the road my car sped up and my foot was off the gas pedal as the pedal was stuck-I managed to stop my car but not before it reached 75 mph in a 50 I was originally going 50

Look up ODI 11431144 at NHTSA ↗

00
2
ODI 10863825 · 54,000 mi

PURCHASED IN AK IN 2006. APPROXIMATELY 13,000 MILES ON ENGINE. PAPERWORK LISTED ENTRY-POINT: HAWAII. CURRENT 2016 MILEAGE: LESS THAN 60,000. WELL-MAINTAINED VEHICLE.----- UPON ACCELERATION, THE ENGINE SOMETIMES LURCHES AND REVS TOO HIGH TOO FAST, AND THEN SETTLES INTO HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO FEEL AND SOUND. OTHER TIMES, IT SUDDENLY LOSES POWER INSTEAD, LURCHING DOWN LIKE WE'VE TAKEN OUR FOOT OFF THE GAS (BUT WE HAVEN'T BECAUSE WE ARE ON A HIGHWAY OR FREEWAY!), VERY BRIEFLY AND THEN RECOVERS.ONE TIME, JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO, IT FELT LIKE I'D LOST AL…

Look up ODI 10863825 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11431144

As I was going down the road my car sped up and my foot was off the gas pedal as the pedal was stuck-I managed to stop my car but not before it reached 75 mph in a 50 I was originally going 50

Look up ODI 11431144 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10210649 · 13,421 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU FORESTER. THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE FAILS TO ACTIVATE AT LEAST ONCE PER WEEK. ON EACH OCCASION, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF LIGHT ILLUMINATES. THE OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR DOES NOT RECOGNIZE A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ALSO DOES NOT ACTIVATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED APPROXIMATELY ONCE OUT OF 20-30 STARTS. THE CONTACT'S WIFE WEIGHS 120 LBS AND IS 5'5 INCHES TALL. SHE SITS ERECTLY WITH THE SEAT BACK NEARLY VERTICAL. THE FAILURES HAVE BEEN REPORTED AND…

Look up ODI 10210649 at NHTSA ↗

00
Engine
4
ODI 10547476 · 141,000 mi

THE BUS HAD JUST DROPPED OFF MY SON. I TURNED ON THE CAR AND PROCEEDED TO ROLL DOWN THE HILL TO THE CORNER WHERE I WAS GOING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. (ABOUT 4 CAR LENGTHS FROM MY ORIGINAL PARKED SPOT) ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR WAS NOT RESPONDING TO MY FOOT OR STEALING COMMANDS. I ROLLED ONTO THE FRONT LAWN OF THE CORNER PROPERTY. AS SOON AS WE CAM TO A STOP I SHUT THE ENGINE AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I OPENED THE DOOR, TOOK A LOOK AT THE CAR AND THEN TRIED TO START THE CAR AGAIN. I STARTED THE CAR AND IT WAS MAKING LIKE A REVING NOISE. I WHEN TO PUT…

Look up ODI 10547476 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10863825 · 54,000 mi

PURCHASED IN AK IN 2006. APPROXIMATELY 13,000 MILES ON ENGINE. PAPERWORK LISTED ENTRY-POINT: HAWAII. CURRENT 2016 MILEAGE: LESS THAN 60,000. WELL-MAINTAINED VEHICLE.----- UPON ACCELERATION, THE ENGINE SOMETIMES LURCHES AND REVS TOO HIGH TOO FAST, AND THEN SETTLES INTO HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO FEEL AND SOUND. OTHER TIMES, IT SUDDENLY LOSES POWER INSTEAD, LURCHING DOWN LIKE WE'VE TAKEN OUR FOOT OFF THE GAS (BUT WE HAVEN'T BECAUSE WE ARE ON A HIGHWAY OR FREEWAY!), VERY BRIEFLY AND THEN RECOVERS.ONE TIME, JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO, IT FELT LIKE I'D LOST AL…

Look up ODI 10863825 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11431144

As I was going down the road my car sped up and my foot was off the gas pedal as the pedal was stuck-I managed to stop my car but not before it reached 75 mph in a 50 I was originally going 50

Look up ODI 11431144 at NHTSA ↗

—00
4
ODI 10863822 · 40,000 mi

PURCHASED IN AK IN 2006. APPROXIMATELY 13,000 MILES ON ENGINE. PAPERWORK LISTED ENTRY-POINT: HAWAII. CURRENT 2016 MILEAGE: LESS THAN 60,000. WELL-MAINTAINED VEHICLE. --- IN COLD WEATHER, DESPITE BEING GARAGED, INTERMITTENT STRONG SMELL OF FUEL IN GARAGE AND UPON START-UP. SOMETIMES THE ODOR IS PRESENT BEFORE STARTUP. OTHER TIMES ODOR NOT PRESENT UNTIL ENGINE STARTS. GOES AWAY WHEN ENGINE WARMS. USED TO BE IN ONLY VERY COLD WEATHER, THEN IN 2015 IT HAPPENED IN COLD BUT NOT AS COLD WEATHER. RECENTLY, IN 2016, IT HAPPENED IN GARAGE IN WARM WEATHE…

Look up ODI 10863822 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10863825 · 54,000 mi

PURCHASED IN AK IN 2006. APPROXIMATELY 13,000 MILES ON ENGINE. PAPERWORK LISTED ENTRY-POINT: HAWAII. CURRENT 2016 MILEAGE: LESS THAN 60,000. WELL-MAINTAINED VEHICLE.----- UPON ACCELERATION, THE ENGINE SOMETIMES LURCHES AND REVS TOO HIGH TOO FAST, AND THEN SETTLES INTO HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO FEEL AND SOUND. OTHER TIMES, IT SUDDENLY LOSES POWER INSTEAD, LURCHING DOWN LIKE WE'VE TAKEN OUR FOOT OFF THE GAS (BUT WE HAVEN'T BECAUSE WE ARE ON A HIGHWAY OR FREEWAY!), VERY BRIEFLY AND THEN RECOVERS.ONE TIME, JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO, IT FELT LIKE I'D LOST AL…

Look up ODI 10863825 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10936146 · 80,000 mi

UPON START UP IN COLD WEATHER THERE IS A VERY STRONG SMELL OF FUEL INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE CAR. IT MADE MYSELF AND MY DAUGHTER FEEL VERY ILL. HAD TO EXIT MY 2006 SUBARU FORESTER XT. INSPECTED ENGINE UNDER THE HOOD TO FIND LEAKING FUEL LINES. GOOGLED THE PROBLEM TO DISCOVER IT IS REACURRENT WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR AS EVIDENT BY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS IN SUBARU FORUMS, GOOGLE SEARCH, AND FB PAGES. THIS IS A DANGER TO HEALTH AND SAFETY AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. VEHICLE IS UNDER 100,000 MILES. LEAKING FUEL DRIPS DIRECTLY ONTO THE ENGINE CYLINDER AND C…

Look up ODI 10936146 at NHTSA ↗

000
Suspension00—
6
ODI 10572478 · 31,156 mi

2006 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WHEEL BEARING MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE SOME UNUSUAL SOUNDS. SHE PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE TIRES, BECAUSE IT SOUNDED LIKE A FLAT TIRE. HOWEVER, EVERYTHING LOOKED NORMAL, SO SHE CONTINUED DRIVING. AS SHE DROVE A LITTLE FURTHER AND MADE A LEFT TURN, THE BRAKES WENT OUT. SHE SLOWLY EASED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE THE REAR TIRE FELL OFF THE AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. AN INSPECTION REVEALED THE WHEEL BEARING B…

Look up ODI 10572478 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10721130 · 118,814 mi

THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS ON MY 2006 SUBARU FORESTER FAILED ON MAY 15, 2015. THERE WAS NO WARNING (NO SOUND, NO SHIMMYING, NO STEERING ISSUES) TO SUGGEST THAT SOMETHING WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. THE MAIN SAFETY ISSUE IS THAT IN 2012, SUBARU ISSUED A RECALL FOR FORESTERS AND IMPREZAS, RUSTPROOFING THE CONTROL ARMS. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN AT THAT TIME, AND HAVE THE PAPERWORK THAT INDICATES THAT THIS SERVICE WAS PERFORMED. I THEREFORE ASSUMED THE CAR WAS SAFE. THERE HAS BEEN NO OTHER RECALL. MY CAR HAD 118,000 MILES ON IT, AND IS WELL TAKEN CARE OF. I AM…

Look up ODI 10721130 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11196584 · 237,000 mi

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY, I DROVE OVER A POTHOLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND MY LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE DUE TO A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH CORROSION IN THIS MODEL YEAR. THERE WAS A NOTICEABLE PROBLEM WITH WHEEL ALIGNMENT WHICH WAS ABLE TO BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. SUBARU RECALL WVX-34 WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX THIS SAFETY ISSUE. THE 'REPAIR' WAS COMPLETED ON MY VEHICLE IN JANUARY OF 2012. AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE PHOTOS, THE RUST PROOFING DID NOT HELP.

Look up ODI 11196584 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Steering00
6
ODI 10572478 · 31,156 mi

2006 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WHEEL BEARING MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE SOME UNUSUAL SOUNDS. SHE PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE TIRES, BECAUSE IT SOUNDED LIKE A FLAT TIRE. HOWEVER, EVERYTHING LOOKED NORMAL, SO SHE CONTINUED DRIVING. AS SHE DROVE A LITTLE FURTHER AND MADE A LEFT TURN, THE BRAKES WENT OUT. SHE SLOWLY EASED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE THE REAR TIRE FELL OFF THE AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. AN INSPECTION REVEALED THE WHEEL BEARING B…

Look up ODI 10572478 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10721130 · 118,814 mi

THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS ON MY 2006 SUBARU FORESTER FAILED ON MAY 15, 2015. THERE WAS NO WARNING (NO SOUND, NO SHIMMYING, NO STEERING ISSUES) TO SUGGEST THAT SOMETHING WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. THE MAIN SAFETY ISSUE IS THAT IN 2012, SUBARU ISSUED A RECALL FOR FORESTERS AND IMPREZAS, RUSTPROOFING THE CONTROL ARMS. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN AT THAT TIME, AND HAVE THE PAPERWORK THAT INDICATES THAT THIS SERVICE WAS PERFORMED. I THEREFORE ASSUMED THE CAR WAS SAFE. THERE HAS BEEN NO OTHER RECALL. MY CAR HAD 118,000 MILES ON IT, AND IS WELL TAKEN CARE OF. I AM…

Look up ODI 10721130 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11196584 · 237,000 mi

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY, I DROVE OVER A POTHOLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND MY LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE DUE TO A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH CORROSION IN THIS MODEL YEAR. THERE WAS A NOTICEABLE PROBLEM WITH WHEEL ALIGNMENT WHICH WAS ABLE TO BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. SUBARU RECALL WVX-34 WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX THIS SAFETY ISSUE. THE 'REPAIR' WAS COMPLETED ON MY VEHICLE IN JANUARY OF 2012. AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE PHOTOS, THE RUST PROOFING DID NOT HELP.

Look up ODI 11196584 at NHTSA ↗

—0000
Fuel/Propulsion System
2
ODI 10863825 · 54,000 mi

PURCHASED IN AK IN 2006. APPROXIMATELY 13,000 MILES ON ENGINE. PAPERWORK LISTED ENTRY-POINT: HAWAII. CURRENT 2016 MILEAGE: LESS THAN 60,000. WELL-MAINTAINED VEHICLE.----- UPON ACCELERATION, THE ENGINE SOMETIMES LURCHES AND REVS TOO HIGH TOO FAST, AND THEN SETTLES INTO HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO FEEL AND SOUND. OTHER TIMES, IT SUDDENLY LOSES POWER INSTEAD, LURCHING DOWN LIKE WE'VE TAKEN OUR FOOT OFF THE GAS (BUT WE HAVEN'T BECAUSE WE ARE ON A HIGHWAY OR FREEWAY!), VERY BRIEFLY AND THEN RECOVERS.ONE TIME, JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO, IT FELT LIKE I'D LOST AL…

Look up ODI 10863825 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11431144

As I was going down the road my car sped up and my foot was off the gas pedal as the pedal was stuck-I managed to stop my car but not before it reached 75 mph in a 50 I was originally going 50

Look up ODI 11431144 at NHTSA ↗

4
ODI 10863822 · 40,000 mi

PURCHASED IN AK IN 2006. APPROXIMATELY 13,000 MILES ON ENGINE. PAPERWORK LISTED ENTRY-POINT: HAWAII. CURRENT 2016 MILEAGE: LESS THAN 60,000. WELL-MAINTAINED VEHICLE. --- IN COLD WEATHER, DESPITE BEING GARAGED, INTERMITTENT STRONG SMELL OF FUEL IN GARAGE AND UPON START-UP. SOMETIMES THE ODOR IS PRESENT BEFORE STARTUP. OTHER TIMES ODOR NOT PRESENT UNTIL ENGINE STARTS. GOES AWAY WHEN ENGINE WARMS. USED TO BE IN ONLY VERY COLD WEATHER, THEN IN 2015 IT HAPPENED IN COLD BUT NOT AS COLD WEATHER. RECENTLY, IN 2016, IT HAPPENED IN GARAGE IN WARM WEATHE…

Look up ODI 10863822 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10863825 · 54,000 mi

PURCHASED IN AK IN 2006. APPROXIMATELY 13,000 MILES ON ENGINE. PAPERWORK LISTED ENTRY-POINT: HAWAII. CURRENT 2016 MILEAGE: LESS THAN 60,000. WELL-MAINTAINED VEHICLE.----- UPON ACCELERATION, THE ENGINE SOMETIMES LURCHES AND REVS TOO HIGH TOO FAST, AND THEN SETTLES INTO HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO FEEL AND SOUND. OTHER TIMES, IT SUDDENLY LOSES POWER INSTEAD, LURCHING DOWN LIKE WE'VE TAKEN OUR FOOT OFF THE GAS (BUT WE HAVEN'T BECAUSE WE ARE ON A HIGHWAY OR FREEWAY!), VERY BRIEFLY AND THEN RECOVERS.ONE TIME, JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO, IT FELT LIKE I'D LOST AL…

Look up ODI 10863825 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10936146 · 80,000 mi

UPON START UP IN COLD WEATHER THERE IS A VERY STRONG SMELL OF FUEL INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE CAR. IT MADE MYSELF AND MY DAUGHTER FEEL VERY ILL. HAD TO EXIT MY 2006 SUBARU FORESTER XT. INSPECTED ENGINE UNDER THE HOOD TO FIND LEAKING FUEL LINES. GOOGLED THE PROBLEM TO DISCOVER IT IS REACURRENT WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR AS EVIDENT BY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS IN SUBARU FORUMS, GOOGLE SEARCH, AND FB PAGES. THIS IS A DANGER TO HEALTH AND SAFETY AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. VEHICLE IS UNDER 100,000 MILES. LEAKING FUEL DRIPS DIRECTLY ONTO THE ENGINE CYLINDER AND C…

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1
ODI 10684241 · 60,000 mi

WHEN THE TEMP GETS INTO THE TEENS OR LOWER GAS LEAKS IN AND AROUND THE ENGINE. THIS IS DANGEROUS!! I HAVE FOUND FUEL NEAR AREA THAT GET VERY HOT, AND I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY FAMILY STARTING ON FIRE. SOA RECALLED A FEW YEARS TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE, BUT NOT ALL THAT ARE AFFECTED. *TR

Look up ODI 10684241 at NHTSA ↗

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Engine And Engine Cooling
1
ODI 10210649 · 13,421 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU FORESTER. THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE FAILS TO ACTIVATE AT LEAST ONCE PER WEEK. ON EACH OCCASION, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF LIGHT ILLUMINATES. THE OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR DOES NOT RECOGNIZE A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ALSO DOES NOT ACTIVATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED APPROXIMATELY ONCE OUT OF 20-30 STARTS. THE CONTACT'S WIFE WEIGHS 120 LBS AND IS 5'5 INCHES TALL. SHE SITS ERECTLY WITH THE SEAT BACK NEARLY VERTICAL. THE FAILURES HAVE BEEN REPORTED AND…

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1
ODI 10684241 · 60,000 mi

WHEN THE TEMP GETS INTO THE TEENS OR LOWER GAS LEAKS IN AND AROUND THE ENGINE. THIS IS DANGEROUS!! I HAVE FOUND FUEL NEAR AREA THAT GET VERY HOT, AND I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY FAMILY STARTING ON FIRE. SOA RECALLED A FEW YEARS TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE, BUT NOT ALL THAT ARE AFFECTED. *TR

Look up ODI 10684241 at NHTSA ↗

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Electrical System000000—0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

8 mentions · 9.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 84,000 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10160630

WHAT IDIOT DETERMINED THAT A YELLOW WARNING LIGHT CONCERNING THE STATUS OF THE PASSENGER-SEAT AIRBAG SHOULD BE ON 100% OF THE TIME? WHAT POSSESSED THAT SAME IDIOT TO REQUIRE THE COLOR YELLOW FOR SUCH LIGHT(S)? WHY CAN'T THE LIGHT BE DIMMED, OR EVEN ABLE TO BE SWITCHED OFF? AT NIGHT, SUCH A LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD IS A VISUAL DISTRACTION. IT CONSTANTLY PULLS THE DRIVER'S ATTENTION FROM THE ROAD AHEAD. THE LIGHTS ARE A SAFETY HAZARD. ONCE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, NO ONE IS JUMPING IN. IF THERE IS A PASSENGER WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, T…

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ODI 10343081 · 73,000 mi

VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO PURSUANT TO A SAFETY RECALL INVOLVING THE FUEL FILTER. AS A RESULT, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS WERE DAMAGED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT, CONDUCTED AS PART OF THE RECALL. RECENTLY, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY OVERHEATED AND CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE, WITHOUT ANY CHECK ENGINE SENSOR OR OTHER INDICATOR SIGNIFYING SUCH A PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10343081 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10438002 · 60,000 mi

THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT HAS STARTED FLASHING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. IT STARTED OUT OF THE BLUE. THE CRUISE CONTROL IS NOT WORKING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG OTHER SUBARU OWNERS AND SUBARU SEEMS TO HAVE ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN BUT THEY WON'T ADMIT ITS THEIR PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10438002 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

5 mentions · 5.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 54,000 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10194087 · 14,000 mi

EXPERIENCED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION TWICE. , ONCE WHEN ACCELERATING ON THE HIGHWAY TO PASS AND THE GAS PEDAL APPEARED TO STICK., AND ONCE WHEN PULLING UP TO A CURBSIDE AS THE BRAKE WAS APPILED AND THE VECHICLE SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD COLLIDING INTO A PARKED CAR AND PUSHING IT FORWARD. I HAD TO JAM HARD ON THE BRAKE TO STOP THE ACCELERATION. *AK

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ODI 10274035 · 25,400 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU FORESTER. ON FEBRUARY 20, 2009, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PULL INTO THE DRIVEWAY AT LESS THAN 6 MPH, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKES FAILED. THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR BOARD AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK AND ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL IN AN AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. HER STERNUM WAS BROKEN AND SHE SUFFERED MAJOR LACERATIONS AND BRUISES TO HER KNEES AND LEGS. THE VIN…

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ODI 10490259 · 75,000 mi

AS I WAS WAITING TO PULL INTO A SMALL PARKING LOT, AN AUTO WAS PULLING OUT. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WAITING FOR HIM TO EXIT. AS SOON AS I RELEASED THE BRAKE THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD FULL SPEED TOWARDS THE EXITING CAR AND I TURNED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID A COLLISION BUT WENT FULL SPEED INTO A WALL (SIDE OF A HOUSE) THE EXITING CAR WAS GRAZED, THE HOUSE WAS DAMAGED AND MY CAR WAS TOTALED. THE SOUND OF ACCELERATION AS I RELEASED THE BRAKE WAS AS IF I DEPRESSED FULLY THE GAS PEDAL WHICH I DID NOT DO. *TR

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Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Brake response concerns

4 mentions · 4.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 47,200 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10274035 · 25,400 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU FORESTER. ON FEBRUARY 20, 2009, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PULL INTO THE DRIVEWAY AT LESS THAN 6 MPH, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKES FAILED. THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR BOARD AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK AND ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL IN AN AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. HER STERNUM WAS BROKEN AND SHE SUFFERED MAJOR LACERATIONS AND BRUISES TO HER KNEES AND LEGS. THE VIN…

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ODI 10335107 · 50,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBUARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH EXITING PARKING LOT. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT EXERTED FULL BODY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL REPEATEDLY AND THEN SHIFTED INTO THE PARK POSITION BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND CONTINUED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILE…

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ODI 10336186 · 56,000 mi

OWNER OF 2006 SUBARU FORESTER WAS DRIVING AT 5 MPH WHEN PRESS BRAKE PEDAL. SUDDENLY CAR ACCELERATED BUT IT REDUCED SPEED WHEN PEDAL WAS PRESSED AGAIN. CAR MILEAGE IS 56,000. IT IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS INCIDENT HAPPENS. *TR

Look up ODI 10336186 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

4 mentions · 4.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 60,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10684241 · 60,000 mi

WHEN THE TEMP GETS INTO THE TEENS OR LOWER GAS LEAKS IN AND AROUND THE ENGINE. THIS IS DANGEROUS!! I HAVE FOUND FUEL NEAR AREA THAT GET VERY HOT, AND I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY FAMILY STARTING ON FIRE. SOA RECALLED A FEW YEARS TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE, BUT NOT ALL THAT ARE AFFECTED. *TR

Look up ODI 10684241 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10691326 · 110,000 mi

THE PASSENGER CABIN SMELLS LIKE GAS DUE A FUEL LEAK. IT ONLY HAPPENS IN VERY COLD WEATHER. *TR

Look up ODI 10691326 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10863822 · 40,000 mi

PURCHASED IN AK IN 2006. APPROXIMATELY 13,000 MILES ON ENGINE. PAPERWORK LISTED ENTRY-POINT: HAWAII. CURRENT 2016 MILEAGE: LESS THAN 60,000. WELL-MAINTAINED VEHICLE. --- IN COLD WEATHER, DESPITE BEING GARAGED, INTERMITTENT STRONG SMELL OF FUEL IN GARAGE AND UPON START-UP. SOMETIMES THE ODOR IS PRESENT BEFORE STARTUP. OTHER TIMES ODOR NOT PRESENT UNTIL ENGINE STARTS. GOES AWAY WHEN ENGINE WARMS. USED TO BE IN ONLY VERY COLD WEATHER, THEN IN 2015 IT HAPPENED IN COLD BUT NOT AS COLD WEATHER. RECENTLY, IN 2016, IT HAPPENED IN GARAGE IN WARM WEATHE…

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Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 41,078 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10572478 · 31,156 mi

2006 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WHEEL BEARING MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE SOME UNUSUAL SOUNDS. SHE PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE TIRES, BECAUSE IT SOUNDED LIKE A FLAT TIRE. HOWEVER, EVERYTHING LOOKED NORMAL, SO SHE CONTINUED DRIVING. AS SHE DROVE A LITTLE FURTHER AND MADE A LEFT TURN, THE BRAKES WENT OUT. SHE SLOWLY EASED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE THE REAR TIRE FELL OFF THE AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. AN INSPECTION REVEALED THE WHEEL BEARING B…

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ODI 11311608 · 51,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRATTLEBORO SUBARU (1234 PUTNEY RD, BRATTLEBORO, VT 05301) TO BE SERVICED FOR AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND THE POWER STEERING WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXTRA EFFORT WAS NEEDED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO DEAL…

Look up ODI 11311608 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b