2000 SUBARU Forester Problems

VIN Decoder

Premium Report

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

SUSPENSION

18 complaints

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.

Oct 28, 2022

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. *NM

May 30, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED MECHANICAL VIBRATION NOISE AT FREQUENCY OF WHEEL ROTATION, PERSISTING AFTER COMPLETE WHEEL CHANGE WHEN CHANGING FROM ALL-WEATHER TO WINTER TIRES. REPAIR SHOP CONTINUED DIAGNOSIS. PROBLEM SOLVED UPON REPLACEMENT OF WHEEL BEARINGS IN LEFT-REAR WHEEL. *AK

Mar 21, 2006

REAR LEFT WHEEL BEARING FAILURES. THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING HAS FAILED AND BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES IN 60,000 MILES. NUMEROUS CONTACTS WITH SUBARU HAVE FAILED TO RESOLVE OR FIX THIS ONGOING PROBLEM.*AK

Nov 19, 2004

I BOUGHT MY SUBARU FORESTER 2000 NEW. UNDER WARRANTY I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY WHEEL BEARINGS THREE TIMES. A FORTH TIME AFTER WARRENTY AND NOW FOR A FIFTH TIME.. FOUR OF THE WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE BEEN ON THE SAME WHEEL; THE BACK RIGHT. YOUAR COMPONENT SELECTION DOES NOT HAVE SUSPENSION REAR; WHEEL BEARINGS SO I PUT IN SUSPENSION FRONT; WHEEL BEARINGS. SUGGEST YOU ADD THIS COMPONENT.*AK

Jul 29, 2004

+ 13 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

17 complaints

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.*JB

Dec 15, 2009

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. *TR

Jul 17, 2009

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. *TR

Feb 26, 2009

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. *TR

Apr 13, 2008

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!! *NM

Dec 05, 2006

+ 12 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

11 complaints

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

Feb 28, 2011

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. *TR

Apr 17, 2010

GAS LEAK ON FUEL LINE OF THE ENGINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE. *TR

Mar 14, 2008

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. *JB

Jul 31, 2007

LETTER RECEIVED FROM SUBARU MARCH 2004 STATING THAT A COOLING SYSTEM CONDITIONER NEEDS TO BE ADDED TO THE COOLING SYSTEM TO PREVENT AN EXTERNAL COOLANT LEAK AT THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD GASKETS. WENT TO SUBARU AS REQUIRED BY LETTER MARCH 9, 2004, THEY ADD COOLING SYSTEM CONDITIONER AND I AM TOLD THIS WILL PREVENT LEAKS AT THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD GASKETS AND THIS IS STATED IN THE LETTER TOO. NOTE THAT THE FIRST TIME, I RECEIVE THIS NOTICE IS 4 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE. THE MOST RECENT SERVICE, I HAD DONE BY ANNAPOLIS SUBARU WAS THE COOLANT SYSTEM SERVICE IN NOVEMBER 2005. IT IS FEBRUARY 2006 AND MY CAR NEEDS A CYLINDER HEAD GASKET. ACCORDING TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT HERB GORDON SUBARU, THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT REPLACING THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET IS ENGINE FAILURE. ENGINE FAILURE IS A SAFETY RISK. AT NO POINT ARE YOU WARNED THAT YOUR ENGINE MAY STOP OPERATING WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR. I AM TOLD THAT SUBARU WILL PAY FOR THIS REPAIR IF YOUR CAR HAS LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. MY CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED AND HAS 132,297 MILES ON IT. THE SERVICE PERSON THEN TELLS ME THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS REDESIGNED BY SUBARU TO PREVENT THIS ISSUE FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. SUBARU IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DESIGNING A FAULTY HEAD GASKET ON BRAND NEW AUTOMOBILES, WHERE IS THE MANDATORY RECALL? *NM

Feb 23, 2006

+ 6 more complaints for this component

TIRES

8 complaints

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. *NM

Sep 07, 2005

Injuries: 1

IN LATE MARCH OF 2004 I PURCHASED 4 BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/L TIRES FOR MY 2000 SUBARU FORESTER. DURING THE FOLLOWING WEEK THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE DEVELOPED A LARGE BULDGE IN THE SIDE OF THE TIRE AND PULLED AWAY FROM THE RIM OF THE TIRE, LOSING ALL AIR IMEDIATELY. A FEW WEEKS LATER, ON MAY 1, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BEGAN TO BUDGE. *AK

May 02, 2004

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)

Jul 14, 2001

Crash: 1

THE VEHICLES TIRES WERE SHOWING SIGNS OF BALDING AT ONLY 23000 MILES AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD ONLY LAST ANOTHER 7000 MILES, BEFORE THE TIRES WERE REPLACED THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEWOUT, THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTIMG REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE NEW TIRES INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE. NLM

Jun 27, 2001

IN TWO SEPARATE INCIDENCES, ON 9/26/2000 AND 03/30/2001, AN ORIGINAL BRIDGESTONE TIRE SUPPLIED WITH A NEWLY LEASED SUBARU FORESTER HAD A BLOWOUT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WE REGULARLY CHECK TIRE PRESSURE, AND ALL PRESSURES WERE ON SPECIFICATIONS, 29PSI FRONT AND 36PSI REAR. YET THEY BLEW OUT. LUCKILY THE DRIVER HAD BOTH HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THE CAR COULD BE STOPPED SAFELY, WITHOUT HUMAN DAMAGES. IN THE BLOWOUT ON 03/30/2001, HOWEVER, THE RIM SUSTAINED DAMAGES AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE TIRE. IN BOTH CASES THE BLOWOUT WAS THROUGH THE SIDEWALL, AND NOT AS A RESULT OF ANY PUNCTURE. IN BOTH CASES THE TIRE SIMPLY EXPLODED FROM THE INSIDE, FROM WHAT APPEARS TO BE A BUBBLE, POSSIBLY FORMED BY A SEPARATION OF THE RADIAL WINDINGS.*AK (DOT NUMBER: 274 TIRESIZE: 205/R75/15)

Apr 06, 2001

+ 3 more complaints for this component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 complaints

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. *TR

Sep 26, 2010

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN I WAS ATTEMTING TO PARK BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE. WHEN I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THERE WAS A SURGE OF ACCELERATION AND I COULD DO NOTHING BUT RUN INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE SECOND OCCASION WAS SIMILAR, BUT, THIS TIME I WAS TRYING TO COME TO A STOP AT A BUSY INTERSECTION. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED, THERE WAS A SURGE OF ACCELERATION AND I HAD TO FLOOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO AVOID STRIKING AN ONCOMING CAR. *AK

Aug 14, 2000

Crash: 1

DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE BRAKE PEDAL DRIVER HIT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHILE BRAKING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE PROBLEM WAS ALSO REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. *AK *ML

Apr 20, 2000

THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 100 MPH WHILE ENGAGED WITH CRUISE CONTROL BECAUSE THE CRUISE CONTROL IS DEFECTIVE. YH

Feb 02, 2000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

3 complaints

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.

Sep 25, 2009

CHATTERING CLUTCH ON 2000 SUBARU FORESTER. THIS CONSTANTLY HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS COLD AND CONTINUES ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE FOUR FORWARD GEARS. I HAVE DRIVEN MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS FOR OVER 35 YEARS AND I KNOW IT IS NOT MY DRIVING/SHIFTING SKILLS. A CHECK OF A MESSAGE BOARD SHOWS THAT OTHER SUBARU OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM OUTSIDE OF DRIVER ERROR. THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND/OR DESIGN DEFECT. MY CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY AND I HAVE LEARNED TO LIVE WITH THIS. BUT IF THIS IS AN ACTUAL DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER, I WANT IT KNOWN THAT I HAVE THE PROBLEM. THERE IS ALSO THE ISSUE OF BAD O2 SENSORS ON THIS CAR. MINE WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES BEFORE A RECALL WAS DONE. THAT WAS 32,000 MILES AGO AND NOW THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT HAS COME BACK ON ONLY AFTER A 60,000 MILE SERVICE. THE DEALERSHIP IS ASKING ME TO DO MORE REPAIRS AS A PROCESS OF ELIMINATION TO ZERO IN ON THE CAUSE OF THE LIGHT SHOWING. I FEEL THEY DID SOMETHING DURING THE MAINTENANCE SERVICE AND WANT ME TO PAY FOR THEIR ERRORS. IF IT IS ANOTHER O2 SENSOR THAT HAS GONE BAD, DOESN'T THE STATE OF CA HAVE A 50,000 WARRANTY ON ALL EMISSION COMPONENTS? WOULD IT BE COVERED?

Feb 10, 2003

ENGINE HAD A POROUS BLOCK. SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS AS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID. CAUSE UNKNOWN. CAR CURRENTLY AT NEW MOTORS FOR REPAIR. MATTER HAS BEEN REFERRED TO AN ATTORNEY FOR POSSIBLE ACTION UNDER STATE LEMON LAWS.

Jun 02, 2000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 complaints

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. *TR

Feb 06, 2008

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. *JB

Sep 25, 2007

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. *AK

Dec 17, 2001

Crash: 1

SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENT

2 complaints

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. *TR

Feb 18, 2008

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? *TR

May 29, 2007

SEATS

2 complaints

THE CONSUMER STATED, THE DRIVERS SEAT FRAME WORE OUT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE CUSHION ASSEMBLY WAS LOOSE BUT THOUGHT IT WAS NORMAL, HOWEVER IT WAS NOT UNTIL THE CONSUMER REACHED FOR SOMETHING UNDER THE SEAT THAT HE NOTICED THE SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY WHICH WAS MOUNTED TO STILL HAD DETACHED FROM THE FRAME AND MOVED 5 TO 6 TIMES MORE THAN THE PREVIOUS YEAR. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER IT WOULD COST UP TO ONE HUNDRED FOR REPAIRS. *JB *SCC

Sep 04, 2003

WHILE APPROACHING A HIGHWAY TOLL BOOTH, I RAISED MY HIPS TO REMOVE MY WALLET FROM MY BACK POCKET. THIS OBVIOUSLY PLACED PRESSURE ON THE SEAT BACK, WHICH THEN SUDDENLY RELEASED AND RECLINED CAUSING ME TO NEARLY LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR. AFTER RETURNING THE SEAT TO ITS UPRIGHT POSITION AND EXITING THE TOLL BOOTH, THE SEAT BACK AGAIN SUDDENLY RECLINED WHILE I ATTEMPTED TO PLACE MY WALLET IN MY BACK POCKET. IN TRYING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE, I DISCOVERED THAT THE SEAT BELT HAD BECOME LOOPED AROUND THE SEAT BACK RELEASE LEVER. IN RAISING MY HIPS TO RETRIEVE MY WALLET, I EXERTED TENSION ON THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT, WHICH IN TURN PULLED UP THE LEVER AND RELEASED THE SEAT BACK. I HAVE NOTICED THE BELT LOOPED AROUND THE RELEASE LEVER ON AT LEAST ONE OTHER OCCASION. IT APPEARS THAT IN THE NORMAL COURSE OF GETTING IN AND OUT OF THE CAR, THE BELT CAN BECOME LOOPED AROUND THE LEVER AND THEREBY CREATING A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *AK

Feb 08, 2001

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

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. *TR

Aug 21, 2009

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

1 complaint

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.

Aug 22, 2008

STEERING

1 complaint

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. *NM

Jun 13, 2006

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

FAILURE OF OXYGEN SENSOR THAT WAS REPLACED DUE TO RECALL CAUSED GASOLINE TO BE DUMPED INTO CATALYTIC CONVERTER. OUR MECHANIC SAID THAT THE CONVERTER BECAME RED HOT AND IT WAS AN EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS SITUATION. PARTS WERE REPLACED AND ARE NOT NOW AVAILABLE. *NM

Jan 16, 2005

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

1.) MY 2000 SUBARU FORESTER STARTED TO VIBRATE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. MY MOTHER TOOK THE CAR TO SUBARU DEALER (DULLES MOTORCARS IN LEESBURG, VIRGINIA) THREE TIMES AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM AT ALL. 2.)ON MAY 21, 2004, WHILE MY MOTHER WAS DRIVING IT, THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED. FORTUNATELY, IT WAS NOT ON HIGHWAY; OTHERWISE, IT COULD BE FATAL. 3.)MY MOTHER CALLED POLICE AND DULLES MOTORCARS. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO DULLES MOTORCARS AND MY MOTHER WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY SUBARU MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. DULLES MOTORCARS INC LEESBURG, VA 71326 SALES/SERVICE/REPAIR 05/21/04 SALES/SERVICE/REPAIR ROC NUMBER 0000000019

Nov 24, 2004

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S DOORS INTERMITTENTLY WON'T CLOSE. DOORS HAVE APPROXIMATELY A BIG GAP OPENING. CONSUMER HAS THIS PROBLEM NEARLY ONCE A WEEK. WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED.*AK

Sep 12, 2001

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

COMPONENTS OF VEHICLE THAT RELY ON ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OPERATE ERRATICALLY AND WILL TURN ON AND OFF ON THEIR OWN. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD OF VEHICLE WILL COME ON AND STAY ON. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK

Jun 04, 2001

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

DESIGN OF BELT, WHENEVER GETTING INTO VEHICLE CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT HE ALWAYS WAS SEATING ON TOP OF SEAT BELT BEFORE HE COULD FASTEN IT. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND WAS UNWILLING TO ASSIST IN THIS MATTER. *AK THE SEAT BELT WAS VERY HARD TO BUCKLE UP. *YH

Apr 20, 2001

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON ONCE STARTED AND WOULD STAY ON UNTIL VEHICLE IS SHUT DOWN. TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP.*AK LIGHT IS COMING ON DUE TO GAS CAP NOT BEING TIGHT ENOUGH, CONSUMER STATES THE CAP WILL NOT CLICK WHEN TURNED. *SLC

Apr 06, 2001

POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

FRONT DIFFERENTIAL UNIT FAILED FROM LACK OF LUBRICATION, SUBARU STATED THAT INDEPENDENT FACILITIES MISTAKENLY DRAINED THE DIFFERENTIAL FLUID INSTEAD OF ENGINE OIL DURING OIL CHANGE BECAUSE OF THE CLOSE PROXIMITY OF PLUGS, THE DIFFERENTIAL PAN AND OIL PAN NEES TO BE PROPERLY LABELED. NLM

Feb 07, 2001

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH HAD A FRONTAL IMPACT, AND DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Apr 24, 2000

Crash: 1

4.7/5.0

66 reviews

SUBARU Forester VIN Decoder — Free VIN Check Video Guide

Watch our quick SUBARU Forester VIN decoder walkthrough. Learn how to decode any SUBARU Forester VIN number to get full vehicle history, recall alerts, specifications, fuel economy (MPG), safety ratings, and known problems — completely free on ForCar.org.

Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 2000 SUBARU Forester, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 2000 SUBARU Forester for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 2000 SUBARU Forester 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

2000 SUBARU Forester VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 2000 SUBARU Forester Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 2000 SUBARU Forester dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your SUBARU dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2000 SUBARU Forester have?

The 2000 SUBARU Forester currently has 79 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2000 SUBARU Forester?

The most common problems reported for the 2000 SUBARU Forester are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2000 SUBARU Forester problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2000 SUBARU Forester comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 2000 SUBARU Forester?

You can report safety problems with your 2000 SUBARU Forester directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 2000 SUBARU Forester VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 2000 SUBARU Forester reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2000 SUBARU Forester. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.