Owners have filed 95 complaints
about the 2000 Subaru Forester with NHTSA between 2000 and 2022.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 28 of 29 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 16
Against the median year of the Subaru Forester. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 54
10.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 31
18% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2000 compares with every other Subaru Forester
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Wheel Bearing
1020.8%
Automatic Transmission
918.8%
Rear
714.6%
Emission Control
612.5%
Gasoline
510.4%
Filler Pipe AND CAP
48.3%
Engine
48.3%
Clutch Assembly
36.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
24.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
24.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
24.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
920.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
613.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1125.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1022.7%
150,000+ miles
24.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2000peak 8Oct 2022
Recalls on the 2000 Subaru Forester
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200006946,003 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicle do not comply with Regulation 6 - Statement of Compliance. Compliance label was not expressed in both official languages in regard to vehicle classification. Correction: No corrective action will be taken for existing vehicles. Correct compliance label will be affixed in current production vehicles.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 95,000 milesBlue Bell, PACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2010, OUR 2000 SUBARU FORRESTER WENT INTO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE CAUSING THE CAR TO BE TOTALED, DAMAGE TO A FORD F350 TRUCK AND INJURY TO THE OWNER OF THE TRUCK. SIMILAR INCIDENT OCCURRED IN 2008 WHEN GOING FORWARD AND COMING TO A STOP BEFORE ENTERING A HIGHWAY. CAR ACCELERATED AND HAD TO PRESS BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE UNTIL THE BRAKE MET THE FLOOR. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO OUR REGULAR MECHANIC, WHO EXAMINED IT AND COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. HE ADVISED TAKING IT TO A SUBARU DEALER WHICH WE DID. THEY HAD THE CAR FROM FEBRUARY 11 TO MARCH 10, 2008 BUT FAILED TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. BEFORE THE SEPTEMBER 12, 2010 INCIDENT, THE CAR WOULD SOMETIMES HESITATE AFTER A STOP AND THEN LURCH FORWARD, BUT WOULD NOT GO OUT OF CONTROL AS IT DID TWO WEEKS AGO. THE CAR WAS REGULARLY MAINTAINED AND INSPECTED DURING THE 10 YEARS WE HAD IT.
NHTSA complaint #10357727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrence, KS1 injured
TIRES
THIS COMPLAINT IS REGARDING GOODYEAR ASSURANCE COMFORT TIRES. I PURCHASED THESE TIRES FOR MY 2000 FORESTER ON MAY 5, 2005. SINCE THAT TIME ONE TIRE HAS DEVELOPED A LUMP ON THE SIDEWALL. THIS TIRE WAS REPLACED, AND THE REPLACEMENT TIRE BLEW OUT 500 MILES LATER WHILE TRAVELING ON I-25 AT 55 MILES PER HOUR.
NHTSA complaint #10135527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesHonolulu, HI1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
REPEAT PREMATURE FAILURE OF REAR AXLE BEARING. REAR AXLE BEARING ON BOTH SIDES BECAME NOISY WHEN CAR WAS 35K MI (12-09-02) DEALER REPLACED BOTH UNDER WARRANTY WITH SAME OEM SUBARU 28016FC001. REAR AXLE ON LEFT BECAME VERY NOISY AGAIN AROUND 57K MI, ESPECIALLY ON FREEWAY AND HIGH SPEED. TOOK IT TO DEALER AGAIN (06-22-04). THIS TIME, DEALER (SCHUMAN CARRIAGE MOTORS INC., DBA SUBARU OF HAWAII, ALSO DBA AS WAIALAE SUBARU) DISMISSED NOISE AS FROM TIRES, REFUSED TO HONOR WARRANTY, AND CHARGED US AN UNDISCLOSED $96 "DIAGNOSTIC FEE". UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE AT DEALERSHIP CAUSED GREAT EMOTIONAL TRAUMA TO MY WIFE. SHE SUBSEQUENTLY WAS DIAGNOSED BY MEDICAL DOCTOR OF SHINGLE LIKELY INDUCED BY STRESS AND LEAVING HER UNABLE TO WEAR EYE CONTACT LENSES EVEN TO THIS DAY. OTHER CAR GARAGES LATER CONFIRMED THE LEFT REAR AXLE BEARING IS THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE. FOUND A MECHANIC WHO REPLACED IT WITH A SUBARU 28015AA0050 ROLLER BEARING (03-26-05) MECHANIC TOOK IT THE DEFECTIVE BEARING APART. SIGNS OF IRREGULAR WEAR ON THE BEARING CASING IS VISIBLE.
NHTSA complaint #10114831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mystic Island, NJCrash
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
THE FUEL FILLER DESIGN IS SUCH THAT IT IS TO COMPLICATED FOR GAS STATION ATTENDANTS TO CORRECTLY PUT ON. IT WILL CROSSTHREAD EASIER THAN IT WILL GO ON CORRECTLY. WITH OUT PROPER PRESSURE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM, LIKE MANY CARS IT WILL STALL ABRUPTLY WITHOUT WARNING. IN NEW JERSEY IT IS ILLEGAL TO PUMP YOUR OWN GAS, OR EVEN GET OUT OF YOUR CAR TO CHECK THAT THE CAP IS PROPERLY INSTALLED. SUBARU REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE DEALER WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR IMPROPERLY INSTALLED FUEL FILL CAPS, OR THAT THERE IS A DESIGN PROBLEM. THE DEALER WILL JUST RESET THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AND CONSIDER IT A LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #755752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marlboro, NJCrash
TIRES:SIDEWALL
FOUR OF THE 5 ORIGINAL TIRES HAVE HAD SIDEWALL BLOWOUTS, ALTHOUGH I CAREFULLY MAINTAIN TIRE PRESSURE. IN THIS LAST EVENT THE FRONT LEFT TIRE EXPLODED AS THE CAR WAS EXITING RTE9 IN NJ TO THE SERVICE ROAD [A MILD S EXIT RAMP AT ABOUT 38 MPH]. THE CAR LOST STEERING CONTROL AND BOUNCED OVER THE CURB. THE REAR TIRE ALSO EXPLODED WHEN IT FOLLOWED OVER THE CURB. IN PREVIOUS EVENTS BOTH RIGHT SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT IN TWO SEPARATE TIMES WHILE MY SON WAS RETURNING FROM COLLEGE ON THE TACONIC PARKWAY IN NEW YORK. 4 OUT OF FIVE IS A GREAT BASEBALL AVERAGE BUT A LOUSY TIRE SCORE FOR FAILURES DUE TO BLOWOUTS. I SUSPECT A BAD BATCH THAT MAY BE ON A LIMITED NUMBER OF FORESTERS.*AK (DOT NUMBER: ELYTCHB349 TIRESIZE: 205/70R/15)
NHTSA complaint #748442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport, WACrash
TIRES
CONSUMER HAD GONE TO DEALER TO HAVE TIRES CHECKED. DEALER VERIFIED REAR TIRES WERE WORN UNEVENLY, AND, SHOE ON REAR WHEELS WERE PUT ON TURNED IN AT FACTORY, CAUSING TIRE WEAR. SAID TO COME BACK IN A WEEK, AND DEALER WOULD REPLACE TIRES. BEFORE THAT DATE, CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO WORN REAR TIRES. SUBARU STATED THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE $1700. *AK AFTER ACCIDENT, TIRES WERE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE, CONSUMER DID NOT GIVE TIRE INFORMATION. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #884942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 90,000 milesSaint Cloud, MN
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2000 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and suddenly veered into the left lane into oncoming traffic. The contact stated that the vehicle had stopped in the middle of the road. The contact was unaware of any warning light being illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had to be pushed off the roadway. The contact stated that the passenger’s side front tire was at a 90-degree angle to the wheel well. The contact stated that he could see that the control arm had snapped. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the control arms, the inner power steering rack, and front stabilizer bar needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11491360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesJuneau, AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU FORRESTER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED OVER HEATING. HE PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICE COOLANT COMING FROM UNDERNEATH OF THE VEHICLE. HE NOTICES THE VEHICLE HAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET AND LEAKING RADIATOR COOLANT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC SHOP WHO REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000...MW
NHTSA complaint #10384792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesBlue Bell, PACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2010, OUR 2000 SUBARU FORRESTER WENT INTO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE CAUSING THE CAR TO BE TOTALED, DAMAGE TO A FORD F350 TRUCK AND INJURY TO THE OWNER OF THE TRUCK. SIMILAR INCIDENT OCCURRED IN 2008 WHEN GOING FORWARD AND COMING TO A STOP BEFORE ENTERING A HIGHWAY. CAR ACCELERATED AND HAD TO PRESS BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE UNTIL THE BRAKE MET THE FLOOR. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO OUR REGULAR MECHANIC, WHO EXAMINED IT AND COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. HE ADVISED TAKING IT TO A SUBARU DEALER WHICH WE DID. THEY HAD THE CAR FROM FEBRUARY 11 TO MARCH 10, 2008 BUT FAILED TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. BEFORE THE SEPTEMBER 12, 2010 INCIDENT, THE CAR WOULD SOMETIMES HESITATE AFTER A STOP AND THEN LURCH FORWARD, BUT WOULD NOT GO OUT OF CONTROL AS IT DID TWO WEEKS AGO. THE CAR WAS REGULARLY MAINTAINED AND INSPECTED DURING THE 10 YEARS WE HAD IT.
NHTSA complaint #10357727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesHarrisburg, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
HAD 2000 SUBARU FORESTER (83,000 MI) AT DEALER FOR INSPECTION. DEALER NOTIFIED US THAT CAR FAILED DUE TO EXTERNAL HEAD GASKET LEAK. DEALER SAYS THERE IS OIL DRIPPING ON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND IT IS A FIRE HAZARD SO UNLESS WE REPLACE HEAD GASKET THE CAR FAILS. SUBARU PREVIOUSLY ACKNOWLEDGED A DEFECT WITH THIS 2.5L ENGINE AND HAD A CAMPAIGN WHERE THE "FIX" WAS ADDING A CONDITIONER TO THE COOLANT. OBVIOUSLY THE "FIX" DIDN'T DO THE JOB AND OTHERS OUT THERE ARE A RISK OF A CATASTROPHIC FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10326175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesShelburne, MA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-55 MPH THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR. HE WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE VEHICLE OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000. UPDATED 1/14/10 *CN UPDATED 01/15/10.
NHTSA complaint #10295851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,000 milesMason, NH
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING 55 TO 65 MPH THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVER HEAT. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET CRACKED. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE TRANSMISSION HAS ALSO FAILED. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.
NHTSA complaint #10285289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,000 milesMason, NH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING 55 TO 65 MPH THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVER HEAT. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET CRACKED. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE TRANSMISSION HAS ALSO FAILED. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.
NHTSA complaint #10285289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,336 milesDepew, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
200 SUBARU FORESTER BLOWS HEAD GASKET FOR THIRD TIME. FIXED TWICE UNDER MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THIRD TIME, SUBARU REPORTS THEY WILL ASSIST WITH HALF OF PAYMENT BECAUSE RECALL WAS DISCONTINUED IN 2008. "REPAIR" COMPLETED UNDER RECALL, BUT WASN'T REALLY REPAIRED. THIS CONSUMER FEELS THAT I SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY OF THIS. REPAIR NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED AND STAY REPAIR AT MANUFACTURER'S COST.
NHTSA complaint #10281331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,336 milesDepew, NY
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS:LINES AND FITTINGS
200 SUBARU FORESTER BLOWS HEAD GASKET FOR THIRD TIME. FIXED TWICE UNDER MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THIRD TIME, SUBARU REPORTS THEY WILL ASSIST WITH HALF OF PAYMENT BECAUSE RECALL WAS DISCONTINUED IN 2008. "REPAIR" COMPLETED UNDER RECALL, BUT WASN'T REALLY REPAIRED. THIS CONSUMER FEELS THAT I SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY OF THIS. REPAIR NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED AND STAY REPAIR AT MANUFACTURER'S COST.
NHTSA complaint #10281331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,923 milesSpotsylvania, VA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
IN EARLY 2008 MY SUBARU BEGAN POPPING OUT OF FIFTH GEAR. THIS IS VERY INCONVENIENT AND UNSAFE AS IT CAUSES AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF SPEED. ON A FREEWAY GRADE FOR EXAMPLE I HAVE ALMOST BEEN RAMMED FROM BEHIND BY VEHICLES FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY EVEN THOUGH I WAS TRAVELING AT THE SPEED LIMIT IN THE RIGHT LANE. UPON INVESTIGATION I LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT IN THIS MODEL OF SUBARU AND IS COVERED BY TECHNICAL BULLETIN 17 01/01/2002. MY MECHANIC REMOVED THE REAR OF THE TRANSMISSION AND TIGHTENED THE LOOSE MAINSHAFT NUT AT A COST OF $417. THIS SOLVED THE PROBLEM FOR A WHILE BUT A YEAR AND A HALF LATER THE PROBLEM HAS RETURNED. THE CAR ROUTINELY POPS OUT OF FIFTH GEAR TO THE POINT THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN IN THAT GEAR ON THE HIGHWAY. I EMAILED SUBARU ABOUT THIS BUT THEY SAY IT IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM BECAUSE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A DESIGN AND/OR MANUFACTURING FLAW WHICH IS EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR AND IS A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD WHICH SHOULD BE MADE RIGHT BY SUBARU.
NHTSA complaint #10277157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silver Spring, MD
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I HAVE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY 2000 SUBARU FORESTER. OFF AND ON, SINCE 2007, THE CAR WILL NOT IMMEDIATELY ENGAGE WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE. I FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM WHEN I WOULD SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. WHILE IN DRIVE, WITH MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. AT FIRST THE DELAY WAS ONLY A COUPLE OF SECONDS. AND IT WOULD OCCUR ONLY AFTER I HAD DRIVEN A FEW FEET IN REVERSE AND THEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE. NOW, HOWEVER, THE DELAY IS MUCH LONGER AND IT CAN HAPPEN EVEN WHEN I HAVE NOT DRIVEN IN REVERSE. THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE. THE ONLY GEAR IN WHICH THE CAR WILL MOVE IS IN REVERSE. SO FAR, THE CAR EVENTUALLY DOES MOVE, BUT I NEVER KNOW HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE. EARLY ON, I COULDN'T DETECT A PATTERN IN WHICH THIS WOULD OCCUR. LATELY, THOUGH, IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN AFTER I HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR AT LEAST TWICE DURING THE DAY, TURNED IT OFF EACH TIME AND THEN RESTARTED THE CAR AFTER IT HAS SAT AWHILE. WHEN I START THE CAR AGAIN, THE CAR WILL NOT RESPOND AS IT SHOULD. TODAY, FOR EXAMPLE, ON MY THIRD ERRAND OF THE DAY, THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN I SHIFTED INTO DRIVE. SO, I TURNED IT OFF AND ON A FEW TIMES, PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR (AND THE BRAKE) EACH TIME I TURNED IT ON, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT ENGAGE. IT FINALLY DID AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER IN 2007, I WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. (I DIDN'T NOTICE A PATTERN THEN). THE NEXT TIME I REPORTED IT TO THE DEALER, I WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LOW AND THE FILTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HOWEVER, AS THIS HAS OCCURRED EVEN WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS NOT LOW, I DON'T SEE HOW THIS COULD BE THE PROBLEM. A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET INDICATES THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH SUBARU FORESTERS (PRIMARILY 1999 AND 2000) HAVE REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH MY CAR IS SEVERAL YEARS OLD, I HAVE FEWER THAN 45,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE NOT YET HAD ANY DIRE CONSEQUENCES BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT I BELIEVE THIS IS LITERALLY AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10260051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,792 milesElizabeth, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS AN EVAPORATION LEAK IN THE FUEL FILLER PIPE. THE PIPE AND THE VALVE WERE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $315. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,792.
NHTSA complaint #10239264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesFalmouth, ME
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
IF I PLACE MY 2000 SUBARU FORRESTER INTO DRIVE IT WILL NOT MOVE, IT WILL SIT THERE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES UNTIL SUDDENLY IT JERKS FORWARD INTO GEAR. PLACE INTO REVERSE IT WORKS WELL, MOVES IN REVERSE. VISIT SEVERAL REPUTABLE CAR REPAIR FORUMS ONLINE YOU WILL LITERALLY SEE HUNDREDS OF CUSTOMERS WITH THESE SAME PROBLEMS POSTING FROM 2004-PRESENT.
NHTSA complaint #10224353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesRochester, MN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
GAS LEAK ON FUEL LINE OF THE ENGINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10221250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesCsselberry, FL
SUSPENSION:REAR
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE REAR WHEEL BEARING ON MY 2000 SUBARU FORESTER 3 TIMES RIGHT AND LEFT REAR OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS. I SEE THROUGH ONLINE READING THAT THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH THE SUBARU AND THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. PRESSURE NEEDS TO BE PUT ON THEM TO REMEDY THE SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10218420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesCsselberry, FL
EQUIPMENT
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE REAR WHEEL BEARING ON MY 2000 SUBARU FORESTER 3 TIMES RIGHT AND LEFT REAR OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS. I SEE THROUGH ONLINE READING THAT THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH THE SUBARU AND THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. PRESSURE NEEDS TO BE PUT ON THEM TO REMEDY THE SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10218420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesHavre DE Grace, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
FUEL FILLER PIPE AND ASSOCIATED MOUNTING AND EMISSIONS HARDWARE ARE RUSTED OUT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND CODE RETRIEVED IS 0440. DANGER OF LEAKING FUEL DURING FILL UP.
NHTSA complaint #10217311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesHavre DE Grace, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
FUEL FILLER PIPE AND ASSOCIATED MOUNTING AND EMISSIONS HARDWARE ARE RUSTED OUT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND CODE RETRIEVED IS 0440. DANGER OF LEAKING FUEL DURING FILL UP.
NHTSA complaint #10217311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seymour, CT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
2000 SUBARU FORESTER WITH FUEL PROBLEMS. CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE DEALER SAID THE RUST WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. DEALER ALSO TOLD HIM THAT RUST IS A COMMON PROBLEM. HE WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED AND BELIEVES SUBARU NEEDS TO PUT OUT A RECALL. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE LIGHT FIRST ACTIVATED DUE TO A VACUUM/PRESSURE PROBLEM WITHIN THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE GAS CAP WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. A FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE GAS FILLER PIPE HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL LINES HAD ALSO BEEN SUBJECTED TO SEVERE CORROSION CAUSING THE RUBBER TUBING TO PULL AWAY FROM THE GAS FILLER PIPE. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE UPPER PORTION OF THE PIPE ASSEMBLY HAD A LARGE DEPOSIT OF SAND AND SALT COVERING THE RUST. THE AREA WAS COVERED BY A PLASTIC SHROUD. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED A MORE CORROSION RESISTANT MATERIAL SHOULD HAVE BEEN USED, POSSIBLY MADE OF STAINLESS STEEL.
NHTSA complaint #10204898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seymour, CT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
2000 SUBARU FORESTER WITH FUEL PROBLEMS. CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE DEALER SAID THE RUST WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. DEALER ALSO TOLD HIM THAT RUST IS A COMMON PROBLEM. HE WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED AND BELIEVES SUBARU NEEDS TO PUT OUT A RECALL. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE LIGHT FIRST ACTIVATED DUE TO A VACUUM/PRESSURE PROBLEM WITHIN THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE GAS CAP WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. A FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE GAS FILLER PIPE HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL LINES HAD ALSO BEEN SUBJECTED TO SEVERE CORROSION CAUSING THE RUBBER TUBING TO PULL AWAY FROM THE GAS FILLER PIPE. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE UPPER PORTION OF THE PIPE ASSEMBLY HAD A LARGE DEPOSIT OF SAND AND SALT COVERING THE RUST. THE AREA WAS COVERED BY A PLASTIC SHROUD. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED A MORE CORROSION RESISTANT MATERIAL SHOULD HAVE BEEN USED, POSSIBLY MADE OF STAINLESS STEEL.
NHTSA complaint #10204898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,400 milesShingle Springs, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM CAR WAS OVERHEATING AT 117000 MILES. THERMOSTAT REPLACED BY DEALER, BUT FOUR WEEKS LATER, SAME PROBLEM RECURRED. PROBLEM IS BLOWN HEAD GASKETS, WHICH ARE VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX. LOOKED ON INTERNET, AND FOUND ALL SORTS OF COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS, SAYING THEY'D HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR SUBARU'S ALSO. "CONDITIONER' WAS APPARENTLY PUT INTO THE ENGINE IN 2004, BY DEALER, BECAUSE OF KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH HEAD GASKETS ON SUBARU. IT SEEMS THIS CONDITIONER JUST HELD THE PROBLEM OFF LONG ENOUGH THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND NOW I HAVE A MULTIPLE THOUSAND DOLLAR REPAIR ON MY HANDS. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, THE GASKET DESIGN IS THE PROBLEM. THEY NOW USE A MUCH STRONGER GASKET. THAT DOESN'T REALLY HELP ME, SINCE I HAVE TO PAY ALL THAT MONEY TO HAVE THE FAULTY GASKET REPLACED. INSTEAD OF USING THE 'CONDITIONER' CHEAP FIX IN 2004, THE POORLY DESIGNED GASKET SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED AS A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10197938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bluff City, TN
SUSPENSION:REAR
10/19/04 RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACED ON MY 2000 SUBARU FORESTER AT 56,886 MILES (PREVIOUS MAINT PERFORMED ON 3/2/04) AT A COST OF $324.40. RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACED AGAIN ON 4/2/07 AT 88,569 MILES AT A COST OF $331.86 (PREVIOUS MAINT PERFORMED ON 6/20/06). REPLACING THE REAR WHEEL BEARING 3 TIMES IN LESS THAN 100,000 MILES?
NHTSA complaint #10191945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesRochester, NY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2000 SUBARU FORESTER WITH A SLIPPING TRANSMISSION. WHEN IN DRIVE, I DEPRESS THE GAS PEDAL AND GO NOWHERE. JUST HEAR A SHRIEKING. ITS BEEN COMING ON FOR A MONTH NOW AND NOW HAS GOTTEN SO BAD I DARE NOT DRIVE IT. IT IS IN THE SHOP NOW AND WILL BE BETWEEN 1500-2500 TO FIX. THEIR ESTIMATE IS THAT THERE IS A LOSS OF PRESSURE SOMEWHERE. THEY ALSO HAVE ANOTHER 2000 FORESTER IN THE SHOP WITH A SIMILAR PROBLEM, SIMILAR MILES ETC. UNACCEPTABLE ON A CAR WITH LESS THAN 80K MILES. AND VERY SCARY WHEN YOU ARE ON A SLOPE AND GO TO GO AND FIND YOURSELF ROLLING BACKWARDS. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM? THERE SEEMS TO BE REPORTS ALL OVER THE INTERNET WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM!!
NHTSA complaint #10175197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesRockville, MD
STEERING
STEERING LOCKED UP TWICE WHILE DRIVING, BOTH TIMES SHORTLY AFTER MAKING SHARP RIGHT TURN OUT OF HOME DRIVEWAY. THE FIRST TIME, THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AT ALL AFTER MAKING THE HARD RIGHT TURN OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. THEN THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL AFTER WIGGLING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE SECOND TIME, THE DRIVER MADE A HARD RIGHT TURN OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND THEN STRAIGHTENED OUT AND PROCEED ABOUT TWENTY YARDS TO AN INTERSECTION AT WHICH POINT THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL FOR A RIGHT TURN WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. THE STEERING WHEEL SIMPLY WOULD NOT TURN. THEN AFTER SEVERAL SECONDS THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL.
NHTSA complaint #10159714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,100 milesLAS Vegas, NV
SUSPENSION:REAR
LEFT WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT MAY 2004. PAID APPROX. $1300 TO REPAIR IT AT A SUBARU DEALERSHIP. RIGHT WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT SEPT 2005. PAID APPROX $450 TO REPLACE IT AT A SUBARU CERTIFIED REPAIR SHOP. NOW MAY 2006, LEFT WHEEL BEARING HAS GONE OUT AGAIN, LESS THAN 2 YEARS AFTER IT WAS REPLACED. THE SUBARU DEALER NOW WANTS $500-800 TO REPLACE IT AGAIN AS THEY SAY REPAIRS ARE ONLY UNDER WARRANTY FOR 12 MOS. I HAVE SPENT CLOSE TO $2,000 ON REPAIRS FOR SOMETHING THAT IS DEFECTIVE AND OBVIOUSLY CANNOT BE FIXED. IT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE TO SPEND ANOTHER $800 TO REPAIR IT AGAIN WHEN IT WILL ONLY HAPPEN AGAIN AND AGAIN. MY VEHICLE HAS 94K ON IT. I DRIVE LESS THAN 10K PER YEAR. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. SUBARU WON'T HELP ME. DEALER WON'T HELP ME.
NHTSA complaint #10158628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.