Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Subaru FORESTER: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

88 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

87,365 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: . 50 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 behavior2326.1%
Transmission and shifting1213.6%
Fuel system concerns66.8%
Engine operation55.7%
Steering behavior44.5%

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
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
13
Suspension
8
Engine And Engine Cooling
7
Fuel/Propulsion System
5
Unknown Or Other
5
Air Bags
4
Air Bags:Frontal
4
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Vehicle Speed Control20
Power Train:Automatic Transmission13
Suspension8
Engine And Engine Cooling7
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Unknown Or Other5
Air Bags4
Air Bags:Frontal4

Vehicle Speed Control: 20; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 13; Suspension: 8; Engine And Engine Cooling: 7; Fuel/Propulsion System: 5; Unknown Or Other: 5; Air Bags: 4; Air Bags:Frontal: 4

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
9
25,000 to 49,999
8
50,000 to 74,999
7
75,000 to 99,999
5
100,000 to 149,999
8
150,000 and above
13
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0009
25,000 to 49,9998
50,000 to 74,9997
75,000 to 99,9995
100,000 to 149,9998
150,000 and above13

Under 25,000: 9; 25,000 to 49,999: 8; 50,000 to 74,999: 7; 75,000 to 99,999: 5; 100,000 to 149,999: 8; 150,000 and above: 13

150,000 and above miles has the most reports with usable mileage (13). 38 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.

2001
2
2002
18
2003
11
2004
10
2005
6
2006
5
2007
4
2008
1
2009
4
2010
5
2011
3
2012
1
2013
1
2014
4
2015
4
2017
5
2018
1
2019
3
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20012
200218
200311
200410
20056
20065
20074
20081
20094
20105
20113
20121
20131
20144
20154
20175
20181
20193

2001: 2; 2002: 18; 2003: 11; 2004: 10; 2005: 6; 2006: 5; 2007: 4; 2008: 1; 2009: 4; 2010: 5; 2011: 3; 2012: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 4; 2015: 4; 2017: 5; 2018: 1; 2019: 3

Pattern summary

Vehicle Speed Control leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 23 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 12 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 6 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.

Examples from the source records

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

Owner report 10003760 · 2003-01-14 (January 14, 2003)

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AT ABOUT 45MPH. VEHICLE WENT AIRBORN, THE FRONT VEHICLE AXLE BROKE ON IMPACT. BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10003760 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10004154 · 2003-01-17 (January 17, 2003)

BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT FUNCTION, HAD TO USE HAND PEDAL TO STOP VEHICLE. TS. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10004154 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10009728 · 2003-03-17 (March 17, 2003)

PROBLEMS GETTING RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED. *MR CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 02V-282 TO REPLACE FAILED TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM. CONSUMER HAS PROBLEM WITH THE AMOUNT OF TIME IT TAKES TO PERFORM RECALL REPAIRS. THE NOTICE STATES REPAIRS WILL TAKE AN 1-1/2 HOUR, HOWEVER DEALERSHIP NEEDS VEHICLE FOR THE ENTIRE DAY AND WILL NOT AUTHORIZE A LOANER CAR FOR THE ENTIRE DAY. *TT *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10009728 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10011139 · 2003-03-07 (March 7, 2003)

WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP, IT ACCELERATED FORWARD AND THE ONLY WAY TO SLOW IT DOWN WAS TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL. *JB SCC

Owner-reported narrative. 12,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10011139 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10026322 · 2003-07-01 (July 1, 2003)

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE UNTIL CONSUMER PUSHES THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10026322 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10030210 · 2003-07-28 (July 28, 2003)

AFTER THE RECALL FOR THE PARKING ROD 02 V 282 000 WAS PERFORMED, THERE IS VERY LOUD NOISE FROM THE BRAKES. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THIS IS CAUSED BY THE BRAKE LINE RUSTING, BECAUSE CAR IS NOT BEING DRIVEN ENOUGH.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10030210 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10030884 · 2003-08-05 (August 5, 2003)

CAR "HESITATES" OCCASIONALLY, 1-2 SECOND DELAY AFTER YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL UNTIL THE CAR RESPONDS. ALSO, THE CAR SHIFTS INAPPROPRIATELY. MOSTLY THIS OCCURS ON HILLS. YOU WILL ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE, AND THE CAR DOWNSHIFTS; OR YOU ATTEMPT TO PASS SOMEONE ON HIGHWAY AND CAR WILL HESITATE, THEN BEGIN TO ACCELERATE, THEN WILL SUDDENLY DOWNSHIFT. I HAVE HAD CAR TO DEALER, FIRST I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. THEN, THEY REALIZED THERE WAS A PROBLEM, AND HAD THE COMPUTER RESET. THIS SEEMED TO IMPROVE HANDLING FOR ONLY ABOUT A WEEK. THE CAR IS NOW…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10030884 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10033238 · 2003-08-21 (August 21, 2003)

TRANSMISSION HESITATES FROM A DEAD STOP. YOU DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND NOTHING HAPPENS FOR 2 SECONDS OR SO, THEN THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 21,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 10033238 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

02V282000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Reported: 2002-10-30 (October 30, 2002)

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "P" (PARK) POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM, THAT IS INTENDED TO HOLD YOUR VEHICLE, MAY NOT ENGAGE.

Consequence: THE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION JANUARY 8, 2003. AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE SENT DURING NOVEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
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: 2026-09-30.

56.8%Usable mileage50 / 88 records
88.6%Valid incident date78 / 88 records
100.0%Valid filing date88 / 88 records
88.6%Ordered incident and filing dates78 / 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…

Look up ODI 10854551 at NHTSA ↗

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…

Look up ODI 11097195 at NHTSA ↗

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 …

Look up ODI 11767052 at NHTSA ↗

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.

Look up ODI 11100209 at NHTSA ↗

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

Look up ODI 10692813 at NHTSA ↗

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

Look up ODI 10666941 at NHTSA ↗

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 Control21,200–106,000 mi62,500 mi12
ODI 10011139 · 12,000 mi

WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP, IT ACCELERATED FORWARD AND THE ONLY WAY TO SLOW IT DOWN WAS TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL. *JB SCC

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ODI 10033238 · 21,700 mi

TRANSMISSION HESITATES FROM A DEAD STOP. YOU DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND NOTHING HAPPENS FOR 2 SECONDS OR SO, THEN THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD.*AK

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ODI 10108638 · 19,700 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND IDLING BEFORE THE CONSUMER GOT IN THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTS IT INTO REVERSE WHILE THE FOOT WERE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE COMMENCES TO ACCELERATE AND LURCH BACKWARD AND RAN INTO THE ENTRANCE OF THE DRUG STORE. CONSUMER SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF AGAIN AND HIT A METAL POLE. NO INJURIES WAS REPORTED AND BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER WERE RESTRAINED IN THEIR SEAT BELTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOW TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND PICK UP THE VEHICLE FROM THE REPAIR SHOP. *NM

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Power Train:Automatic Transmission21,600–29,650 mi21,700 mi5
ODI 10033238 · 21,700 mi

TRANSMISSION HESITATES FROM A DEAD STOP. YOU DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND NOTHING HAPPENS FOR 2 SECONDS OR SO, THEN THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD.*AK

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ODI 10054693 · 15,345 mi

ON THE GREEN TRAFFIC SIGNAL I ACCELERATED AND THE CAR SURGED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I JAMMED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THREW THE SHIFT INTO PARK WHEN THE CAR STOPPED, THEN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFT IN PARK, THE CAR SURGED IN REVERSE HITTING THE CAR BEHIND ME. I PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED SURGING TWICE BEFORE THIS. MY 2002 SUBARU FORRESTER WAS RECALLED FOR THE PARKING ROD REPLACEDMENT IN APRIL 2003.*AK

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ODI 10056208 · 29,650 mi

CAR HESITATES THEN LURCHES FORWARD AFTER PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. VEHICLE THEN HESTIATES AS IF LOSING POWER. HAD THE SAME PROBELEM IN AUGUST OF 2003 AND DEALER RESET THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER AND SAID NO PROBLEM. DEALER TRIED TO HAVE ME PAY FOR A FUEL INJECTOR CLEANING SERVICE THIS TIME. CAR HAS 29,000 MILES. I SPOKE A ANOTHER CUSTOMER AT THE DEALERSHIP WHO WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND NOTICED THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB SITE. SHOULDN'T THIS MATTER BE LOOKED AT FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL?

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Suspension149,250–177,640 mi165,750 mi8
ODI 10360803 · 100,000 mi

SUBARU FORESTER 2002 REAR WHEEL BEARINGS KEEP FAILING AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED! *TR

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ODI 10643067 · 170,701 mi

AFTER PURCHASING A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOR A VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME PRIOR TO NOTICING THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FEEL LOOSE AND UNSTABLE WHILE STEERING, AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL TO ONE SIDE WHILE ACCELERATING AND BRAKING. AFTER NOTICING THE INSTABILITY AND SWAYING ACTION, I CONDUCTED CURSORY INSPECTIONS OF THE FRONT END AND SUSPENSION AREAS OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT OF INSPECTIONS, I DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE UNDERCARRIAGE. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON 20 SEPTEMBER 2014, WITHOUT WAR…

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ODI 10795042 · 155,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SLOWED DOWN AND DROVE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM OF THE SUSPENSION WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

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Engine And Engine Cooling49,900–108,000 mi68,000 mi5
ODI 10142617 · 26,378 mi

ON THREE OCCASIONS WHEN PLACING MY 2002 SUBARU FORESTER IN REVERSE, THE ENGINE HAS BEGUN TO RACE UNCONTROLLABLY. IN EACH INSTANCE, BECAUSE I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND AVOID A CRASH. *JB

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ODI 10196233 · 68,000 mi

SOA IS NOT BEING FORTHCOMING ABOUT A MAJOR DEFECT AFFECTING MANY OF ITS VEHICLES. ON WEDNESDAY JULY 11, 2007 I SPOKE TO SOA AND EXPLAINED MY CONCERNS ABOUT THE CHRONIC LEAKING HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS ON MANY OF YOUR VEHICLES. I OWN A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER WHICH WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A LEAKING HEAD GASKET IN DECEMBER 2006 AND 68000 MILES BY A TEAPE SUBARU TECHNICIAN IN ARLINGTON TX. THIS REPAIR WOULD COST $1900.00. AS I HAD TO SAVE UP THE MONEY I DID NOT GET THE WORK DONE UNTIL 07/10/07 AT 75,000 MILES. I CONSIDERED THIS A MAJOR SAFETY PROB…

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ODI 10203091 · 49,900 mi

EXTERNAL COOLANT LEAK DUE TO FAILURE OF HEAD GASKETS IN ENGINE ON A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER WITH 50,000 MILES. RESULTS IN COOLANT DRIPPING ONTO EXHAUST SYSTEM AND OTHER COMPONENTS RESULTING IN STRONG ODOR. ALSO CREATES POSSIBILITY OF LOW COOLANT CAUSING OVERHEATING, ENGINE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT. THIS PROBLEM IS KNOWN TO SUBARU HOWEVER, THE ONLY RECOMMENDATION OFFERED IS TO ADD A SEALER TO THE RADIATOR COOLANT. ACCORDING TO SEVERAL MECHANICS I HAVE CONSULTED, THIS WILL RESULT IN CLOGGING OF THE RADIATOR AND HEA…

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Fuel/Propulsion System145,000–198,000 mi150,000 mi5
ODI 10485918 · 44,220 mi

FUEL LEAK UNDER THE HOOD. COULD NOT SEE ACTUAL LEAK BUT A STRONG FUEL ODOR FILLED THE VEHICLE UPON IDLING WITH THE HEATER ON. THIS ALSO HAPPEN TODAY AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE(~4 MILES) A STRONG FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED UPON STOPPING THE VEHICLE THE ODOR SEEM TO COME FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AREA ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR

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ODI 10563314 · 198,000 mi

ON A VERY COLD MORNING WITH TEMPS IN THE TEENS, AFTER DRIVING THE CAR LESS THAN 10 MILES AND PARKING IT IN THE DRIVEWAY I NOTICED A STRONG RAW GAS SMELL. I OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW GAS LEAKING AROUND TWO METAL CLAMPS ON A SMALL RUBBER HOSE TO THE LEFT AND BELOW THE POWER STEERING FLUID CAP. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND SEEING HOW COMMON THIS PROBLEM IS, WE WENT OUT ABOUT AN HOUR LATER AND TURNED ON THE ENGINE WITH THE HOOD UP AND WE COULD SEE THE GAS AROUND THE CLAMPS AFTER JUST A COUPLE OF MINUTES. WE TIGHTENED THE SCREWS ON THE CLAMPS,…

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ODI 10694410 · 200,000 mi

2002 SUBARU FORESTER. FOR THE PAST FEW WINTERS I HAVE NOTICED A VERY STRONG RAW GAS SMALL INSIDE THE CAR WHEN THE CAR IS IDLED, OR SITTING STILL AND THE TEMPERATURE IS 20 DEGREES F OR LOWER. OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING CONTRACTS BELOW THAT TEMPERATURE AND BY DOING A GOOGLE SEARCH I AM APPARENTLY NOT THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. THE SMELL IS SO STRONG IT WILL GIVE YOU A HEADACHE. SO I JUST DON'T DRIVE THE CAR IF THE TEMPS ARE GOING TO BE BELOW 20F. *TR

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Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range198,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 11189798 · 161,000 mi

THE SUBFRAME COMPLETELY FELL OFF MY CAR. THIS IS MY SECOND SUBARU IS HAS HAPPENED TO I HAD TO SCRAP THE FIRST ONE. I DIDN'T NOTICE IT TILL I CAME HOME, I CHECKED IT BECAUSE IT WAS DRIVING FUNNY.

Look up ODI 11189798 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11271255 · 235,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN FROM ONE ROAD TO ANOTHER AND I HIT A SLIGHT BUMP AND THEN THE WHOLE THING STARTS SWAYING ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT MY REAR SUBFRAME COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT AND DETACHED ITSELF FROM THE CAR DUE TO THE RUST AND THE BREAKING OF THE SUBFRAME IN THE REAR

Look up ODI 11271255 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range49,050 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10037620 · 19,790 mi

VEHICLE INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*MR THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 15 MPH AND HIT A PATCH OF BLACK ICE STRIKING A TRUCK IN THE OPPOSITE LANE.*TS *JB

Look up ODI 10037620 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10379552 · 62,788 mi

AIRBAG DASHBOARD LIGHT COMES ON REPEATEDLY. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE RIGHT AND LEFT HAND FRONT SEAT AIR BAG HARNESS CONNECTOR KIT TWICE (IN 2006 AT 34,000 MILES AND AGAIN IN 2009 AT 63,000 MILES.) AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS LATER. DEALER WILL NOT ADMIT TO ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPEATED FAILURE OF THE SAME PART. *LN

Look up ODI 10379552 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10758494 · 100,000 mi

THE AIRBAG THAT IS IN THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL HAS A DESIGN FLAW. THE COVER SECTION UNDER THE THE WORDS SRS AIRBAG IS A WEAK POINT IT DEVELOPS A LARGE CRACK LINE ON THE WEAK SPOT. SHOULD THE AIRBAG BE DEPLOYED WITH THIS CRACK, THE SHARP BROKEN PIECES COULD CAUSE SERIOUS LACERATIONS TO VICTIMS. IF THE BROKEN PIECES WERE TO BECOME AIRBORNE, THEY COULD PUNCTURE THE LARGE BLOOD VESSEL IN THE NECK OR ENTER THE EYES. ALSO, SHOULD ANY CUSTOMERS ATTEMPT TO TAPE OR ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE COVER WITHOUT REPLACING IT, UNKNOWN DAMAGE OR LOSS OF LIFE…

Look up ODI 10758494 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-102026-09

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
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

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.

2026-09 (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 ControlPower Train:Automatic TransmissionSuspensionEngine And Engine CoolingFuel/Propulsion SystemUnknown Or OtherAir BagsAir Bags:Frontal
Vehicle Speed Control—
4
ODI 10030884

CAR "HESITATES" OCCASIONALLY, 1-2 SECOND DELAY AFTER YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL UNTIL THE CAR RESPONDS. ALSO, THE CAR SHIFTS INAPPROPRIATELY. MOSTLY THIS OCCURS ON HILLS. YOU WILL ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE, AND THE CAR DOWNSHIFTS; OR YOU ATTEMPT TO PASS SOMEONE ON HIGHWAY AND CAR WILL HESITATE, THEN BEGIN TO ACCELERATE, THEN WILL SUDDENLY DOWNSHIFT. I HAVE HAD CAR TO DEALER, FIRST I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. THEN, THEY REALIZED THERE WAS A PROBLEM, AND HAD THE COMPUTER RESET. THIS SEEMED TO IMPROVE HANDLING FOR ONLY ABOUT A WEEK. THE CAR IS NOW…

Look up ODI 10030884 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10033238 · 21,700 mi

TRANSMISSION HESITATES FROM A DEAD STOP. YOU DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND NOTHING HAPPENS FOR 2 SECONDS OR SO, THEN THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD.*AK

Look up ODI 10033238 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10184278 · 93,000 mi

WHEN PARKING VEHICLE IN GARAGE, ENGINE REVVED AND CAR DROVE FORWARD CAUSING DAMAGE TO CAR AND GARAGE EVEN THOUGH CAR HAD BEEN PLACED INTO PARK. *JB

Look up ODI 10184278 at NHTSA ↗

0
2
ODI 10314018 · 109,000 mi

INTERMITTENT ENGINE SURGING AND/LOSS OF POWER. *TR

Look up ODI 10314018 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 567961

CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE STARTED HESITATING DURING ACCELERATION FROM A COMPLETE STOP, HESITATION OCCURS ONE SECOND TO A FEW SECONDS AFTER ACCELERATION AND CAN LAT APPROXIMATELY THREE SECONDS. SINCE THE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN HAPPENING WITH THE HESITATION, THE TRANSMISSION NOW SHIFTS WITH A SLIGHT THUMP TO A LOUD BANG, DURING ACCELERATION THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MISSES A SHIFT AND GOES INTO NEUTRAL CAUSING THE ENGINE TO INSTANTLY OVER SPEED TO 2,000 RPM'S THE TRANSMISSION SEARCHES FOR DIFFERENT GEARS WHILE GENTLY ACCELERATING, ON 2 OCCASIONS T…

Look up ODI 567961 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
4
ODI 10030884

CAR "HESITATES" OCCASIONALLY, 1-2 SECOND DELAY AFTER YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL UNTIL THE CAR RESPONDS. ALSO, THE CAR SHIFTS INAPPROPRIATELY. MOSTLY THIS OCCURS ON HILLS. YOU WILL ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE, AND THE CAR DOWNSHIFTS; OR YOU ATTEMPT TO PASS SOMEONE ON HIGHWAY AND CAR WILL HESITATE, THEN BEGIN TO ACCELERATE, THEN WILL SUDDENLY DOWNSHIFT. I HAVE HAD CAR TO DEALER, FIRST I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. THEN, THEY REALIZED THERE WAS A PROBLEM, AND HAD THE COMPUTER RESET. THIS SEEMED TO IMPROVE HANDLING FOR ONLY ABOUT A WEEK. THE CAR IS NOW…

Look up ODI 10030884 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10033238 · 21,700 mi

TRANSMISSION HESITATES FROM A DEAD STOP. YOU DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND NOTHING HAPPENS FOR 2 SECONDS OR SO, THEN THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD.*AK

Look up ODI 10033238 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10184278 · 93,000 mi

WHEN PARKING VEHICLE IN GARAGE, ENGINE REVVED AND CAR DROVE FORWARD CAUSING DAMAGE TO CAR AND GARAGE EVEN THOUGH CAR HAD BEEN PLACED INTO PARK. *JB

Look up ODI 10184278 at NHTSA ↗

—0
1
ODI 567961

CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE STARTED HESITATING DURING ACCELERATION FROM A COMPLETE STOP, HESITATION OCCURS ONE SECOND TO A FEW SECONDS AFTER ACCELERATION AND CAN LAT APPROXIMATELY THREE SECONDS. SINCE THE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN HAPPENING WITH THE HESITATION, THE TRANSMISSION NOW SHIFTS WITH A SLIGHT THUMP TO A LOUD BANG, DURING ACCELERATION THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MISSES A SHIFT AND GOES INTO NEUTRAL CAUSING THE ENGINE TO INSTANTLY OVER SPEED TO 2,000 RPM'S THE TRANSMISSION SEARCHES FOR DIFFERENT GEARS WHILE GENTLY ACCELERATING, ON 2 OCCASIONS T…

Look up ODI 567961 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Suspension00—00
1
ODI 11271255 · 235,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN FROM ONE ROAD TO ANOTHER AND I HIT A SLIGHT BUMP AND THEN THE WHOLE THING STARTS SWAYING ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT MY REAR SUBFRAME COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT AND DETACHED ITSELF FROM THE CAR DUE TO THE RUST AND THE BREAKING OF THE SUBFRAME IN THE REAR

Look up ODI 11271255 at NHTSA ↗

00
Engine And Engine Cooling
2
ODI 10314018 · 109,000 mi

INTERMITTENT ENGINE SURGING AND/LOSS OF POWER. *TR

Look up ODI 10314018 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 567961

CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE STARTED HESITATING DURING ACCELERATION FROM A COMPLETE STOP, HESITATION OCCURS ONE SECOND TO A FEW SECONDS AFTER ACCELERATION AND CAN LAT APPROXIMATELY THREE SECONDS. SINCE THE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN HAPPENING WITH THE HESITATION, THE TRANSMISSION NOW SHIFTS WITH A SLIGHT THUMP TO A LOUD BANG, DURING ACCELERATION THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MISSES A SHIFT AND GOES INTO NEUTRAL CAUSING THE ENGINE TO INSTANTLY OVER SPEED TO 2,000 RPM'S THE TRANSMISSION SEARCHES FOR DIFFERENT GEARS WHILE GENTLY ACCELERATING, ON 2 OCCASIONS T…

Look up ODI 567961 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 567961

CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE STARTED HESITATING DURING ACCELERATION FROM A COMPLETE STOP, HESITATION OCCURS ONE SECOND TO A FEW SECONDS AFTER ACCELERATION AND CAN LAT APPROXIMATELY THREE SECONDS. SINCE THE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN HAPPENING WITH THE HESITATION, THE TRANSMISSION NOW SHIFTS WITH A SLIGHT THUMP TO A LOUD BANG, DURING ACCELERATION THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MISSES A SHIFT AND GOES INTO NEUTRAL CAUSING THE ENGINE TO INSTANTLY OVER SPEED TO 2,000 RPM'S THE TRANSMISSION SEARCHES FOR DIFFERENT GEARS WHILE GENTLY ACCELERATING, ON 2 OCCASIONS T…

Look up ODI 567961 at NHTSA ↗

0—0000
Fuel/Propulsion System0000—000
Unknown Or Other00
1
ODI 11271255 · 235,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN FROM ONE ROAD TO ANOTHER AND I HIT A SLIGHT BUMP AND THEN THE WHOLE THING STARTS SWAYING ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT MY REAR SUBFRAME COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT AND DETACHED ITSELF FROM THE CAR DUE TO THE RUST AND THE BREAKING OF THE SUBFRAME IN THE REAR

Look up ODI 11271255 at NHTSA ↗

00—00
Air Bags000000—0
Air Bags:Frontal0000000—

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.

6 patterns with matching reports.

Hard or delayed shifting

8 mentions · 9.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 29,650 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10033238 · 21,700 mi

TRANSMISSION HESITATES FROM A DEAD STOP. YOU DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND NOTHING HAPPENS FOR 2 SECONDS OR SO, THEN THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD.*AK

Look up ODI 10033238 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10056208 · 29,650 mi

CAR HESITATES THEN LURCHES FORWARD AFTER PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. VEHICLE THEN HESTIATES AS IF LOSING POWER. HAD THE SAME PROBELEM IN AUGUST OF 2003 AND DEALER RESET THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER AND SAID NO PROBLEM. DEALER TRIED TO HAVE ME PAY FOR A FUEL INJECTOR CLEANING SERVICE THIS TIME. CAR HAS 29,000 MILES. I SPOKE A ANOTHER CUSTOMER AT THE DEALERSHIP WHO WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND NOTICED THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB SITE. SHOULDN'T THIS MATTER BE LOOKED AT FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL?

Look up ODI 10056208 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10108638 · 19,700 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND IDLING BEFORE THE CONSUMER GOT IN THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTS IT INTO REVERSE WHILE THE FOOT WERE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE COMMENCES TO ACCELERATE AND LURCH BACKWARD AND RAN INTO THE ENTRANCE OF THE DRUG STORE. CONSUMER SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF AGAIN AND HIT A METAL POLE. NO INJURIES WAS REPORTED AND BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER WERE RESTRAINED IN THEIR SEAT BELTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOW TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND PICK UP THE VEHICLE FROM THE REPAIR SHOP. *NM

Look up ODI 10108638 at NHTSA ↗

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

Brake response concerns

5 mentions · 5.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 25,850 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10004154

BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT FUNCTION, HAD TO USE HAND PEDAL TO STOP VEHICLE. TS. *AK

Look up ODI 10004154 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10026322

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE UNTIL CONSUMER PUSHES THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 10026322 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10053684

CONSUMER STATED BRAKE PEDAL AND GAS PEDAL ARE TOO CLOSE. SOMETIMES WHEN BRAKING THE DRIVER PRESSES THE GAS PEDAL INSTEAD OF THE BRAKE PEDAL, ALMOST RESULTING IN CRASHES. *AK *MR

Look up ODI 10053684 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

5 mentions · 5.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 70,000 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10215725 · 65,000 mi

DURING A VERY COLD DAY I FELT VERY STRONG GASOLINE SMELL RIGHT AFTER START IN MY 2002 SUBARU FORESTER S. I LOOKED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND I SAW GASOLINE O ONE OF THE RUBBER HOSES CONNECTING 2 FUEL LINES. THE SMELL DISAPPEARED AFTER THE ENGINE WARMED UP, BUT REAPPEARED AFTER THE CAR STAYED OUTSIDE FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS. THE CAR DID THE SAME THING A FEW YEARS AGO DURING VERY COLD TEMPERATURES. AT THAT TIME, THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP TIGHTENED THE CLAMPS HOLDING THE RUBBER HOSE. RUBBER HOSE. *TR

Look up ODI 10215725 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10258045 · 70,000 mi

AFTER A PERIOD OF COLD WEATHER (BELOW FREEZING), I DROVE MY CAR FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. AFTER EXITING THE CAR, I SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE AT THE FRONT OF THE CAR. DURING THE TRIP WHEN USING THE HEAT INSIDE THE VEHICLE, I ALSO SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE AND EXHAUST AND SHUT OFF THE HEAT. (I THOUGHT IT WAS COMING FROM THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME IN TRAFFIC.) AFTER LEAVING THE CAR IN THE GARAGE ALL DAY, I DROVE IT TO MY REGULAR MECHANIC TO SEE IF THERE MIGHT BE A FUEL LINE LEAK. THE NEXT DAY, HE ADVISED ME THAT THERE HAD BEEN A TECHNICA…

Look up ODI 10258045 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10485918 · 44,220 mi

FUEL LEAK UNDER THE HOOD. COULD NOT SEE ACTUAL LEAK BUT A STRONG FUEL ODOR FILLED THE VEHICLE UPON IDLING WITH THE HEATER ON. THIS ALSO HAPPEN TODAY AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE(~4 MILES) A STRONG FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED UPON STOPPING THE VEHICLE THE ODOR SEEM TO COME FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AREA ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR

Look up ODI 10485918 at NHTSA ↗

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

Stalling or loss of power

5 mentions · 5.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 82,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10130903 · 56,000 mi

THERE WAS NOT ANY WARNING OR INDICATION PRIOR TO THE VEHICLES FAILURE AND ALL SCHEDULE MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTIONS WERE COMPLETED AND UP TO DATE. WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING THE TRANSMISSION FAILED ON OUR 2002 SUBARU FORESTER WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MILES AN HOUR. THE ONLY INDICATION OF THE FAILURE WAS A SUDDEN RISE IN RPMS ON THE TACHOMETER FOLLOWED BY THE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. WE HAD A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND HAD TO INCH OUR WAY ALONG THE FREEWAY SHOULDER TO THE NEAREST OFF RAMP AND PROCEEDED SEVERA…

Look up ODI 10130903 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10314018 · 109,000 mi

INTERMITTENT ENGINE SURGING AND/LOSS OF POWER. *TR

Look up ODI 10314018 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 568249

WHEN THE CONSUMER DEPRESSES THE FUEL PEDAL THE VEHICLE HESITATES AND SOMETIMES STALL, THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM SEVERAL TIME BUT NO REMEDY HAS BEEN FOUND. NLM

Look up ODI 568249 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 198,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10563314 · 198,000 mi

ON A VERY COLD MORNING WITH TEMPS IN THE TEENS, AFTER DRIVING THE CAR LESS THAN 10 MILES AND PARKING IT IN THE DRIVEWAY I NOTICED A STRONG RAW GAS SMELL. I OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW GAS LEAKING AROUND TWO METAL CLAMPS ON A SMALL RUBBER HOSE TO THE LEFT AND BELOW THE POWER STEERING FLUID CAP. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND SEEING HOW COMMON THIS PROBLEM IS, WE WENT OUT ABOUT AN HOUR LATER AND TURNED ON THE ENGINE WITH THE HOOD UP AND WE COULD SEE THE GAS AROUND THE CLAMPS AFTER JUST A COUPLE OF MINUTES. WE TIGHTENED THE SCREWS ON THE CLAMPS,…

Look up ODI 10563314 at NHTSA ↗

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 64,898 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10437443 · 64,898 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STRUGGLE TO ACCELERATE UP INCLINES AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FAILURES OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE FUEL SENSOR MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,898 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Look up ODI 10437443 at NHTSA ↗

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