2005 SUBARU Forester Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
93
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
SUSPENSION
19 complaints
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond to the steering wheel turning. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle decelerated but the front passenger's side of the vehicle was sliding. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side control arm had fractured, and the axle was damaged. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension), which he related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could assist because of the age of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
May 04, 2023
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop at approximately 25 MPH, the front passenger's side subframe emitted an abnormally loud sound, and the front passenger's side tire detached from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road where he noticed that the front passenger's side lower control arm was fractured. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer where it remained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.
Oct 13, 2022
I was driving down the highway when my front drivers side control arm broke causing me to completely lose control of my vehicle. I was thrown down an embankment and into a cornfield where my vehicle came to a stop. I narrowly missed a telephone pole and culvert. I am extremely fortunate that my car went into a field rather than into oncoming traffic as this happened during rush hour traffic on a Thursday night around 5-530pm. I’m glad that I was able to walk away from this and wasn’t killed. I had no warning lights, no laxity in steering, no warning at all-absolutely NOTHING that would’ve allowed me time to avoid this. The part failure has been recalled previously, and when I called Subaru I was told that the recall had been “taken care of” which concerns me that this part was “fixed” and still put my life in danger. Police were called to the scene and a report was written. My car was towed to a local shop to be evaluated and was considered a total loss due to the extent of the damage. I am still waiting to hear back from Subaru if there is anything they are willing or wanting to do. I don’t want this to happen to anyone else. I take amazing care of my vehicles, and haven’t even owned this car for a year. Now I am stuck in a completely unfair situation and having to carry the financial burden for something I was not responsible for. The vehicle is still available to be looked at as well, and I am more than happy to have someone look at the damage. I don’t want anyone to lose their life over this part malfunction, and I hope you are able to help me do something about this to keep everyone on the road safe.
Jul 17, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS DAMAGED. THE AIR CONDITIONER UNIT PRODUCED CONDENSATION THAT CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO RUST THROUGH ALONG WITH ROAD SALT DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. THE DAMAGE WAS ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE CONTROL ARM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION) IN 2012 AS A ONE-TIME FREE REPAIR. THE CONTACT REQUESTED TO SPEAK WITH AN UPPER LEVEL MANAGER WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,709.*BF*JB
Aug 17, 2020
AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE WE DROVE IT ON A 3 HOUR ROAD TRIP ON THE HIGHWAY TO VISIT OUR DAUGHTER AT COLLEGE. AFTER PARKING I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE CAR OUT OF THE PARKING LOT. I MISTAKENLY PASSED THE EXIT AND AS I ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE BACK TO THE EXIT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TRAVEL IN REVERSE EVEN THOUGH IT WAS SECURELY IN GEAR. I WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY DRIVE IT AROUND A CORNER OF THE PARKING LOT AND PARK IT WHERE IT THEN WOULD NOT MOVE IN REVERSE OR FORWARD. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE LEFT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS SLIGHTLY BENT IN TOWARDS THE VEHICLE. I THEN CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THE NEXT DAY THE MECHANIC WAS NOT YET ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR INTO THE GARAGE TO LIFT IT BUT WAS ABLE TO SEE THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE HAD TO ORDER THE PARTS WHICH WOULD NOT ARRIVE FOR THREE DAYS. WE WERE PREPARED TO PAY FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS WHEN THE MECHANIC CALLED BACK AND AFTER HAVING ANOTHER TECHNICIAN LOOK AT THE VEHICLE THEY NOTICED A HAND SIZED HOLE IN THE SUB FRAME CAUSED BY SEVERE RUST DAMAGE THAT THEY COULD NOT FIX AND WOULD NOT ALLOW THEM TO FIX THE CONTROL ARM PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT WE WERE LUCKY TO MAKE IT AS FAR AS WE DID, AND WE WERE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE AND AFTER I ASKED EVEN IF THE CONTROL ARM WAS BRAND NEW WOULD WE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM? HE IMMEDIATELY ANSWERED YES. WE THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A FRAME SPECIALIST WHO TOLD ME THAT THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE SUB FRAME HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AND IS NOT CONFIDENT THAT BOLT WILL NOT SIMPLE FALL OFF IF ANYTHING IS ATTACHED TO IT. THE FRAME SPECIALIST STATED HE MOST LIKELY WILL HAVE TO CUT INTO THE MAIN FRAME TO FIX THE PROBLEMS. UPON SPEAKING TO THE GM OF THE DEALERSHIP HE STATED THAT YOU BOUGHT AN AS-IS VEHICLE, AND THEIR DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT BE PUTTING ANY MORE MONEY INTO THAT CAR
Mar 04, 2020
+ 14 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
13 complaints
WHEN IT IS BELOW 30 DEGREES OUT AND HEATER OR DEFROSTER IS ON AND THE VEHICLE IS MOVING BETWEEN 25-65 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR STICKS AND DOES NOT DECELERATE. WHEN THE CLUTCH IS APPLIED TO DISENGAGE THE ENGINE THE RPMS ADVANCE 1,000 TO 1,500 RPMS(SOMETIME TAKING THE RPMS TO 4,500 RPMS). VEHICLE HAS NO ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD AND NO ERROR CODES ON THE ECU. THE MAF, MAP AND PCV SENSORS ARE ALL FUNCTION CORRECTLY. THE THROTTLE BODY IS ALSO PERFECTLY CLEANED. VEHICLE IDOLS FINE AND PASSES ALL EMISSIONS TESTS. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE DRIVE-BY-WIRE (DBW) MECHANISM IS MOST LIKELY THE PROBLEM AND THIS COMPONENT SHOULD BE REPLACED.
Jan 02, 2019
WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR EXPERIENCED: -LOSS IN POWER (STUTTERED A COUPLE TIMES), THEN COMPLETELY STALLED -WE HAD TO COAST IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD -A FEW HOURS LATER WE TRIED STARTING IT AGAIN AND IT RAN FINE -IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE PROBLEM, THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN FOR ~15 MINUTES WITH NO ISSUES, THERE WAS NO RAIN, IT WAS A DRY DAY, NO OTHER POTENTIAL CAUSES TO BE NOTICED -THIS EXACT ISSUE OCCURRED ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE IDENTIFIED, IT HAS BEEN DRIVING FINE EVER SINCE, EXCEPT IN THE WINTER THE IDLE WILL SOMETIMES FLUCTUATE (UNSURE IF THIS IS RELATED) THIS STALL CONDITION COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IF IT OCCURS ON THE HIGHWAY, AT AN INTERSECTION, ETC. IT PRODUCED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CODE P2138 WHEN READ WITH A OBDII SCANNER. UNFORTUNATELY THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT AND WAS NOT ABLE TO BE REPEATED. THE FACTORY TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE WAS FOLLOWED TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE PEDAL SENSOR, THE HARNESS, OR THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. ALL PASSED THE TESTS. SO WE ARE LEFT WITH A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT CAN'T BE VERIFIED TO BE FIXED BECAUSE IT CAN'T BE RECREATED.
Oct 30, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE CONTACT RELEASED PRESSURE FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE ONTO AN EMERGENCY LANE AND PARKED. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Jul 02, 2015
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH AND REVERSING FROM A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIP LASH AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
May 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT A PARKING LOT AN UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WENT ACROSS AN INTERSECTION AND JUMPED A SIDE WALK BEFORE IT FINALLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000. *TR
May 28, 2013
+ 8 more complaints for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
12 complaints
Raw fuel smell inside cabin of card when cold outside
Mar 07, 2022
THERE IS A SEVERE GAS LINE LEAK WHERE THE VEHICLE IS VERY UNSAFE LEAKING GAS BY THE ENGINE SPRAYING THE SIDE OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. WHILE IN MOTION.
Mar 09, 2020
I CAN SEE GAS RUNNING DOWN MY ENGINE BLOCK. THE LEAK IS ON PASSENGER SIDE UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD OF MY EJ255. SMELLS OF GAS VERY STRONGLY. I AM WORRIED A FIRE MIGHT START BECAUSE IT IS VERY NEAR THE TURBOCHARGER. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY. BOTH ON A CITY STREET AND HIGHWAY. AND ALSO WHEN TURNING
Oct 30, 2017
FUEL LINES LEAKS IN COLD WEATHER . THERE IS A RECALL ON THE WRX FOR THIS SAME ISSUE. ON START UP THE VEHICLE WILL LEAK GAS OUT OF THE FUEL LINES AND WILL STINK INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CAR . IT GOES AWAY (OR I GET USED TO IT) AFTER ABOUT 30 MIN. THIS ISSUE IS A PROBLEM WITH ALLOT OF THE SUBARUS FROM THESE YEARS . I'VE CALLED AND EMAILED SOA AND THEY AREN'T DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THE ISSUE FOR ME . NOW I HAVE TO BUY A FUEL LINE KIT FROM THEM AND GASKETS AND TRY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINTER .... NEEDLESS TO SAY I'M NOT HAPPY AND IT'S DANGEROUS!
Jan 18, 2017
IN COLD WEATHER, AROUND 20 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND BELOW, I AM EXPERIENCING A FUEL LEAK UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAUSED BY CONTRACTED FUEL LINES. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH 03-05 FORESTERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH TURBOS. SUBARU SHOULD BE HELP ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS, AS IT IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT WAS RECALLED ON SIMILAR VEHICLES AROUND THE SAME MODEL YEAR.
Dec 16, 2016
+ 7 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
8 complaints
IT HAD BEEN COLD, BELOW FREEZING IN THE MID WEST, MOST OF THE TIME I WOULD RECIRCULATE THE CABIN AIR, BUT EVERY TIME WHEN I BRING IN FRESH AIR FROM OUTSIDE TO CLEAR THE MOISTURE, I EXPERIENCED A STRONG ODOR OF RAW GAS COMING IN THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THEN I NOTICED FUEL WAS ACTUALLY LEAKING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, ONE SECTION OF THE RUBBER HOSE WAS DAMP AS A RESULT OF FUEL DRIPPING OVER IT. *TR
Jan 26, 2014
THE MORNING OF JAN 24, 2014 MY WIFE AND I CAME STARTED THE CAR AND NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE SMELLS WHEN WE STARTED THE CAR, TURN ON THE HEATER AND DROVE AWAY. I IMMEDIATELY DROVE IT THE DEALER, BECAUSE THE FUMES WHETE SO STRONG THAT WE HAD THE WINDOWS OPEN WITHOUT HEAT TO MINIMIZE THE SMELL, OTHERWISE WE COULD HAVE EASYLI BE OVERCOME BY THE GAS FUMES. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE FUEL LINES SHRINK DUE TO THE COLD BELOW 30 DEGREE'S THUS LEAKING RAW FUEL WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS RUNING. AS YOU CAN IMAGINE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD THAT NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED BY YOUR AGENCY BEFORE IT TURNS INTO A FATALITY. FURTHERMORE, IT SEEM THAT PREVIOUS SUBARU MODELS HAD THIS ISSUE AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED (SUBARU RECALL NO. WVK-21IT) I WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT TO REPAIR THI PROBLEM WILL COST AN ESTIMATE OF $1,340.00, WHICH IS RIDICULOUS KNOWING AND MOST LIKELY THAT THIS IS A DEFECTIVE(S) FUEL HOSES. I GUESS I AM VERY LUCKY THAT NO FIRE STARTED. I HOPE THAT YOU WILL LOOK INTO THIS AND GET BACK TO ME WITH A REASONABLE EXPLANATION, SINCE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Jan 26, 2014
FUEL LEAK LOCATED NEAR THE FUEL RAIL ONLY APPARENT WHILE VEHICLE IS COLD, ONCE IT WARMS UP IT APPEARS TO GO AWAY . *TR
Jan 24, 2014
CAR HAS RAW FUEL/GAS SMELL ON COLD STARTS WHEN IDLING. FUMES CAN BE NOTICED BOTH OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. OCCURS ONLY WHEN THE OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 30 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. FUMES DISAPPEAR ONCE THE ENGINE REACHES NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. FUEL LINE LEAK(S) ARE OCCURRING UNDER THE MANIFOLD WHERE THE SCREWS TO TIGHTEN CAN NOT BE REACHED. SUBARU DEALER HAS INFORMED ME THAT THE COST TO REPAIR FOR PARTS AND LABOR WOULD BE $750 AS THE MANIFOLD NEEDS TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO MAKE THE NEEDED REPAIR. I HAVE DRIVEN CARS TO 180K AND 155K IN THE SAME GEOGRAPHICAL FOOTPRINT AND HAVE NEVER HAD A FUEL LINE LEAK. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR SUBARU AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED LIKE THEY DID ON THE 02-03 WRX!!! THIS IS A MAJOR LIFE SAFETY ISSUE. I'M GOING TO SUBARU NORTH AMERICA TO SEE IF THEY WILL PAY A PORTION OF THE REPAIR. *TR
Dec 30, 2013
STRONG RAW FUEL SMELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE VEHICLE DURING COLD WEATHER. FUEL SMELL STRONG ENOUGH TO CAUSE NAUSEA AND DIZZINESS IF WINDOWS REMAINED CLOSED. PARKED VEHICLE OUTSIDE OF GARAGE UNTIL SMELL DISSIPATED FOR FEAR OF ACCIDENTAL IGNITION. NOTICED THAT SMELL USUALLY DIMINISHES OR COMPLETELY DISSIPATES WHEN VEHICLE REACHES NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. DETECTED OVER SEVERAL YEARS DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS (BELOW 50 DEGREES). WA SUBARU DEALER IN FEBRUARY 2012 DETERMINED THE RUBBER FUEL LINES UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WERE LEAKING AND REPLACED ALL SEVEN. SO FAR, THIS HAS CORRECTED THE CONDITION. *TR
Feb 24, 2012
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
7 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE WARNING LIGHT FOR THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL INDICATORS WERE CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST THREE TIMES FOR THE FAILURE AND EACH TIME, THE DEALER WOULD REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BUT THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR SHORTLY THEREAFTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD RETURN HIS CALL WITHIN 24 HOURS. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Dec 08, 2011
WE PURCHASED A 2005 SUBARU FORESTER FROM A SUBARU DEALER IN AUGUST 2008 AT 60,000 MILES. SINCE AUGUST 2008, WE HAD FOUR EPISODES OF ENGINE STALLING WITH CHECK ENGINE LAMP COMING ON. WE HAD TO HAVE OUR CAR TOWED FOUR TIMES TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP. THE FIRST AND THIRD TOWING RESULTED IN REPLACEMENT OF IGNITION COIL. THE SECOND TOWING RESULTED IN NO REPAIR SINCE THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. BEFORE THE FOURTH TOWING, WE JUST GOT ON A FREEWAY AND STARTED TO ACCELERATE WHEN ENGINE LOST POWER SO WE QUICKLY GOT OFF THE FREEWAY AND MANAGED TO PARK FORESTER IN AN EMPTY PARKING LOT. THE CAR WOULD NOT START SO WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE FORESTER NOW NEEDS AN ENGINE REBUILD SINCE LOWER ENGINE MAIN BEARING HAD FAILED, CAUSING RESIDUAL SCORING DAMAGE TO THE CYLINDER BLOCK AND BOTH CYLINDER HEADS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS ASKED FOR $7000 IN REBUILDING THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAD 72000 MILES AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT. LUCKILY, THERE WERE NO INJURIES BUT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER ALL OF A SUDDEN AND IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT HAD WE BEEN DRIVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT INSTEAD OF SLOWLY ACCELERATING TO GET ON THE FREEWAY. ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS HAVE BEEN PERFORMED AT THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP. *TR
Sep 13, 2010
AFTER TAKING MY SUBARU FORRESTER IN FOR A RECALL FOR A VALVE IN THE GAS TANK. I WAS TOLD THE HEADGASKET LEAKED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT! DURING THE REPAIR OF THE HEADGASKET I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP INFORMING ME I ALSO HAD A CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD. THIS IS MY 4TH SUBARU I NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. WHEN I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE I NOTICED THAT SUBARU HAD A TON OF HEADGASKET RECALLS STARTING IN 1997. THERE SEEMS TO BE A GENERAL LACK OF QUALITY IN REGARDS TO THIS. *TR
Feb 22, 2010
HEADGASKET LEAKED. CYLINDER HEADS CRACKED DUE TO MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *TR
Jan 25, 2010
OUR COMPANY USES TEN SUBARU FORESTERS AS FLEET VEHICLES FOR UTILITY FIELD WORK. OF THE TEN VEHICLES FIVE ARE 2005 FORESTERS AND OUT OF THE FIVE, THREE DIFFERENT VEHICLES HAD TO HAVE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED AT THE COMPANY'S EXPENSE. ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS A 2006 MODEL AND HAD ITS CATALYTIC CONVERTER CHANGED AT NO COST DUE TO WARRANTY. THE FOUR VEHICLE VIN NUMBERS AND MILES AT WHICH THEY HAD TO BE REPLACED ARE: MILEAGE 94,742, MILEAGE AT 82,491, MILEAGE 90,732 AND MILEAGE 64,059(2006 WARRANTY). WE FIND THIS FAILURE RATE TO BE ABNORMALLY HIGH AND QUESTION THE PARTS FAILURE RATE. *TR
May 05, 2009
+ 2 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
4 complaints
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 183,000.
Mar 22, 2023
2005 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SHUDDERS IN FRONT WHEN EXECUTING SHARP TURNS EITHER LEFT, RIGHT, DRIVING FORWARD, REVERSE AND AT VERY LOW SPEEDS.. *SMD AN INSPECTION REVEALED THE ALL-WHEEL VALVE MECHANISM HOUSED INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION CASE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB
Jan 05, 2015
A FEW TIMES A YEAR, MY 2005 SUBARU FORESTER WITH STICK SHIFT WILL NOT START AFTER PARKING. HOWEVER, AFTER SHIFTING THE GEARS A FEW TIMES, IT WILL START. IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THE SENSOR SENSED INCORRECTLY THAT THE CAR WAS IN GEAR OTHER THAN NEUTRAL AND HENCE IT WOULD NOT START DESPITE THE GEAR WAS IN PHYSICALLY IN NEUTRAL AND THE CLUTCH WAS FULLY DEPRESSED. AFTER SHIFTING THE GEARS A FEW TIMES, THE ELECTRONIC MIGHT HAVE CORRECTED ITSELF. I AM CONCERNED IF OTHER ELECTRONICS PROBLEMS MAY HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING, AS WHAT HAPPENED TO TOYOTA. TOO BAD THAT THERE MAY NOT ENOUGH DATA WITH STICK SHIFT. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
2005 SUBARU FORESTER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION THE CAR LURCHES UPON STARTING OUT ESPECIALLY IN THE MORNING. YOU PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR--CAR DOES NOT MOVE, THEN SUDDENLY LURCHES AS THE TRANSMISSION SLAMS INTO GEAR, SO THERE IS LITTLE CONTROL ON THE PART OF THE DRIVER--YOU DO NOT KNOW WHEN THE CAR WILL MOVE AND/OR HOW.. WHEN TAKE FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR CAR LURCHES FORWARD AGAIN--WITH NO DRIVER CONTROL. THE CAR SLAMS INTO GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING NOW REGULARLY FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS. BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALER ON JAN 14--THEY SAID THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM, "REPROGRAMMED" IT AND SAID ALL WAS FINE. IT WASN'T--BROUGHT THE CAR BACK YESTERDAY--THEY KEPT IT OVERNIGHT AND THEY SAID EVERYTHING IS OK--IT IS NOT. CAR IS STILL OUT OF CONTROL. I HAVE BEEN READING SIMILAR STORIES ON EDMUNDS. COM SUBARU FORUM FOR THIS YEAR AND EVEN OLDER MODEL SUBARU FORESTERS. SUBARU DENIES THERE IS AN ISSUE--I CALLED THEM THIS AFTERNOON AND WROTE TO THEM A FEW WEEKS BACK, TOO. THANKS. *TR
Feb 03, 2010
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
A part of the front frame was recalled because of rusting and was breaking on 3-20-12 they put a rust proof on the part knowing it would only last a few years instead of replacing the parts. The part is broken and they say the recall was complete but really they only put a bandaid on a serous problem knowing it wouldn’t last . They said they don’t have to replace and fix the damage caused to my car Subaru gave me a case number 230206-1400191
Feb 07, 2023
THERE'S A KNOWN UNDERCARRIAGE RECALL ISSUE ON THE 2005 FORESTER FOR WHICH I NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION. UPON DISCOVERY OF THE PROBLEM ON MY VEHICLE WHICH INCLUDED EXTENSIVE CORROSION ON THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND THE SUPPORTING FRAME (SEE PHOTO). I CONTACTED A NEARBY SUBARU DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT MOST OF THE NEEDED REPAIRS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THIS SITUATION PUT MY FAMILY AND ME AT GREAT RISK AS WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR AROUND WITHOUT KNOWING. WE FEEL THAT SUBARU SHOULD HAVE GONE TO GREATER LENGTHS TO MAKE SURE I GOT THE NOTICE REGARDING THIS STRUCTURAL DEFECT. SUBARU SHOULD COVER THIS REPAIR IN FULL. I WANTED TO ALERT OTHERS TO THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION.
Aug 14, 2019
I NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AS I WAS PARKING AT MY HOME. FLAMES DRIPPED DOWN ONTO THE DRIVERS SIDE AXLE. AS I RETURNED QUICKLY WITH NO WATER THE ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I RAN A MILE TO THE NEIGHBORS HOUSE AND CALLED 911. WE THEN HEARD THE BOOM OF THE EXPLODING FUEL TANK. WE RETURNED TO THE SCENE WITHIN 20 MINUTES OF THE INCIDENT AND THE CAR WAS ABLAZE. NOTHING SURVIVED THE FIRE. THE HEAT MELTED THROUGH THE MOTOR STRAIGHT THROUGH THE TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE MOTOR OIL WAS BOILING. LOST ALL VALUABLES AND VEHICLE. THE MOTOR SWAP WAS DONE TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO WITH A FACTORY MOTOR FROM MANUFACTURER. THIS MOTOR HAS A ACTIVE RECAL. SUBARU IS BURING ME IN PAPERWORK AND SO FAR OFFERED NO COMPENSATION OR HELP SINCE THE FIRE ON 11/26/16. LUCKY TO BE ALIVE AND UNBURNED. SHAME ON SUBARU NOT OFFERING ANY ASSISTANCE.
Nov 30, 2016
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
THIS IS A 1 OWNER CAR WITH ONLY 65400 MILES ON IT. I DROVE DOWN A 30MPH ROAD AND THERE WAS SUCH A LOUD SCREECHING SOUND . NO LIGHT CAME ON, I WENT TO STOP THERE WAS LOUD GRINDING . AND 0 BRAKES OUT OF THE BLUE. THE CAR WOULDN'T STOP. I WENT THREW THE STOP SIGN AND INTO TRAFFIC BEFORE GRINDING TO A STOP..THIS CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED REGULAR. I TOOK IT RIGHT AWAY TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP.. THEY SAID THE BRAKES ARE CARRODED AND FROZEN. REQUIRING CALIPERS ,ROTORS,PADS ON EACH FRONT WHEEL. JUST FOR THE FRONT THE COST WAS OVER $950.00 . I DID SHOW A RECALL FOR THIS BUT BEFORE I GO TO THE SABARU DEALER I NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS IS COVERED. I AM A DISABLED WIDOW I DRIVE VERY FEW MILES . I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY VEHICLE REQUIRE ANY THING OTHER THAN PADS.RHIS IS A REPLACEMENT OF A DEFECTIVE BRAKING SYSTEM. STILL THE BRAKES LIGHT HAS NOT EVEN COME ON.
May 19, 2018
THE REAR BRAKE LINES RUSTED THROUGH AND FAILED WITHOUT NOTICE. ONE SEVERAL MODEL OF SUBARU, BRAKES LINES WERE REPLACED FOR CORROSION DUE TO A RECALL. WHEN ORDERING THE REPLACEMENT PART I NOTICED IT APPLIED TO SOME OF THE CARS COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND SOME THAT WERE NOT. IT SEEMS TO MY THAT MY FORRESTER HAD PRECISELY THE SAME LINES THAT WERE RECALLED ON OTHER MODELS AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN YOU ORIGINAL SETTLEMENT WITH SUBARU. WE HAVE MANY OLDER CARS IN THE FAMILY AND NOT ONE OF THEM HAS EVER EXPERIENCED A BRAKE LINE FAILURE DUE TO CORROSION. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT SUBARU IS NEGLIGENT IN SUPPLYING CARS WITH BRAKE LINES THAT CORRODE MORE EASILY FROM THE OUTSIDE THAT AUDI, TOYOTA, LEXUS AND HONDA - JUST FROM OUR EXPERIENCE.
Jul 06, 2017
THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON TWO DAYS PRIOR. CHECKED FLUID AND WAS A BIT LOW. I HADN'T NOTICED AND FLUIDS UNDER CAR SO DID NOT GIVE IT A SECOND THOUGHT. I WAS DRIVING ON SUNDAY AND HAD LOSS OF PEDAL AND THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND I NURSED IT HOME. I ADDED FLUID AND PUMPED PEDAL IN DRIVEWAY. THE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. I PULLED IT UP ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND SOME SUBARU VEHICLES SAME AGE HAD BRAKE LINE ISSUES THAT WERE INVOLVED IN A RECALL. I TO A LOCAL SHOP AND THE SERVICE MANGER TOLD ME IT WOULD BE VERY EXPENSIVE. I CONTACTED SUBARU AND THAT AS A GOODWILL GESTURE THAT THEY WOULD CREDIT $500 TOWARD THE $1850 BILL WHICH I THOUGHT WAS GRACIOUS. THE DEALER SAID THE RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE THE BRAKE LINES, BUT IT DID. I DON'T WANT TO JEOPARDIZE WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO FOR ME, BUT COULD OF BEEN A SCARY EVENT. I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN MICHIGAN AND TOOK IT TO NORTH CAROLINA. I DO BELIEVE THAT THIS PROBLEM IS RELATED TO YOUR BRAKE LINE RECALL AND SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO PREVIOUS YEARS. THANKS *TR
Dec 23, 2014
VISIBILITY
3 complaints
THIS IS NOT AN ACCIDENT (YET) BUT THE REAR VIEW MIRROR IS FAILING - IT WAS THE KIND THAT HAS ALL THE "FEATURES" DIMMER, COMPASS ETC BUT IT IS FADING AND I CONSIDER THAT A SAFETY CONCERN. THE FADING MAKES IT LOOK LIKE AN OLD FASHIONED MIRROR WITH A TARNISHED LOOK THAT IMPEDES VISIBILITY AND CREATES BLIND SPOTS. I LOOKED IT UP ONLINE AND IT IS COMMON BUT I WONDER WHY IT HAS NOT BEEN CONSIDERED A RECALL SINCE MIRRORS ARE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. *TR
Feb 15, 2015
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND RADIO WILL NOT OPERATE AFTER TURNING ON THE ENGINE. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. SOMETIMES THEY WORK WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. PROBLEM DOES NOT RESOLVE ITSELF WHILE DRIVING. HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET WIPERS TO WORK AT ALL FOR AN ENTIRE DAY. PROBLEM DEVELOPED IN THE SPRING TIME IN THE LAKE TAHOE AND SACRAMENTO REGIONS OF CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA. HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM OVER THE DRY SUMMER IN THE MOUNTAINS. SUBARU HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND DOESN'T KNOW IF THEY CAN FIX THE PROBLEM SINCE IT IS DIFFICULT TO CREATE. *JB
Oct 24, 2005
FIRST COLD DAY, PUT ON WIPER DE-ICER. PEBBLE HIT WINDSHIELD AT DE-ICER LEVEL AND WINDSHIELD CRACKED (1,800 MILES ON CAR). *JB
Feb 09, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
3 complaints
SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE - SHOP EVALUATION SHOWS MASTER CYLINDER FAILING - ORIGINAL MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED WITH NEW PART AT 31858 MILES DUE TO FAILURE (BRAKE FLUID BLEEDING BACK INTO RESERVOIR). WILL HAVE TO REPLACE MASTER CYLINDER AGAIN. [NOTE : VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM DEALER]
May 23, 2013
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS ON ANY ROAD CONDITION, WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED RESULTING IN LONGER STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
Sep 14, 2006
DT: THE ABS STUCK ON THE VEHICLE ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2005. THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING DOWN HILL SLOWLY AND HAD TO STOP TO WAIT ON ANOTHER VEHICLE. IT TOOK A WHILE, SHE PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. WHEN THE OTHER VEHICLE MOVED THE CONSUMER STARTED THE ENGINE, THEN PUT VEHICLE IN FIRST GEAR, AND RELEASED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. WHEN STARTING TO GO DOWN HILL AND TRYING TO USE THE BRAKE IT WOULD NOT WORK. IT WAS STUCK IN THE UP POSITION. SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST SAFELY TO A PARKING LOT. SHE HAD TURNED THE ENGINE OFF FOR A LITTLE WHILE AND THEN IT WORKED FINE. THE TRANSMISSION IS MANUAL. THE VEHICLE HAS A HILL HOLD. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT RECURRED, THE CONSUMER HASN'T BEEN IN THE SAME SITUATION SINCE THE DAY OF THE INITIAL INCIDENT. *NM
Oct 14, 2005
AIR BAGS
3 complaints
A RED LIGHT RUNNER IMPACTED MY VEHICLE IN AN INTERSECTION. THE POINT OF IMPACT WAS THE RIGHT REAR OF MY VEHICLE. THE RED LIGHT RUNNER WAS IN A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 AND I ESTIMATE THE SPEED BETWEEN 50 TO 60 MPH. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT DROVE MY VEHICLE INTO A CAR TO MY LEFT THAT WAS WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN AT THE INTERSECTION. THE STATIONARY VEHICLE WAS A 2004 FORD BRONCO. THE LEFT SIDE OF MY VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN INTO THE LEFT FRONT OF THIS VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE WAS UNDRIVABLE AND TOTALLED. THERE WERE TWO RAPID LATERAL IMPACTS TO MY VEHICLE YET THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY SEAT RESTRAINTS WERE ON. *TR
May 04, 2013
AIR BAG DID NOT OPEN AFTER MY CAR CRASHED ANOTHER CAR AND THE INSURANCE DECLARED MY CART TOTAL LOSS. BOTH MYSELF AND THE PERSON IN THE OTHER CAR WERE LUCKILY NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED (JUST NECK WHIPLASH), BUT I HIT THE CARE VERY HARD, I EVEN HURT MY KNEES WITH THE IMPACT AND I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE AIRBAG DID NOT WORK. *TR
May 31, 2009
DT: CONSUMER GOT INTO CAR ACCIDENT AND THE SIDE AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY. WHILE GOING APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AT 40 MPH/. *TT *JB
Aug 12, 2005
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
Moved car 30’ from gas pumps to air pump. Slowed to almost complete stop to move closer to air tank. Car accelerated at extremely high speed over curb, knocking over air pump. Car proceeded to smash through landscaping shrubs and hit a tree and nearby pole which stopped the car dead. Felt like a fighter plane pushed me. Entire incident probably lasted a minute. Air bags failed to deploy. Car was totaled. I suffered severe facial and othet bruising and have ongoing fatigue and am eadily winded.
Mar 28, 2023
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I'VE EXPERIENCED THE LEAKING FUEL LINE WHEN TEMPERATURES DROPPED BELOW 20 DEGREES AND GET TERRIBLE GAS FUMES INSIDE THE CABIN ESPECIALLY DURING COLD AND DAMP WEATHER. IT IS MORE PROMINENT WITH THE HEAT ON. THIS SMELL/LEAK CAN BE NOTICED WHILE PARKED, DRIVING, ANYTIME WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING WITH FUEL PRESSURE.
Nov 13, 2020
ENGINE
1 complaint
MY CAR IS BURNING UP OIL. I JUST DID AN OIL CHANGE 400MILES AGO, AND MY CAR STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE AND DRIVING REAL FUNNY YESTERDAY. I TOOK THE OIL WHEN I GOT HOME AND THERE WASN'T ANY THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT'S HAPPENED. THERE'S NO LEAK THERE'S NO OIL IN THE WATER NO OIL COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST PERIOD WHAT IS GOING ON
Nov 03, 2020
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS BACKING UP MY 2005 SUBARU FORESTER IN A DOWNTOWN, STREET-LEVEL CORNER PARKING LOT. WHEN I PUT MY VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, A SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION PROPELLED MY VEHICLE BACKWARDS ACROSS THE PARKING LOT, ACROSS A TWO-LANE DOWNTOWN STREET, UP ONTO THE OPPOSITE SIDEWALK AND CULMINATED IN MY VEHICLE CRASHING INTO A CITY LIGHT POLE, WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE. I ESTIMATE I WAS TRAVELING AT 25-30 MPH WHEN I HIT THE LIGHT POLE. I MISSED TWO PEDESTRIANS BY MERE INCHES AND FORTUNATELY MISSED HITTING ANY OTHER CARS. I HAD MY FOOT HARD ON THE BRAKE THE ENTIRE 4-5 SECONDS OF THE INCIDENT, AND ALMOST BROKE THE GEAR SHIFT, MADLY TRYING TO SHIFT INTO PARK. MY VEHICLE IS TOTALED AND I AM TOTALLY FREAKED OUT BY THE ENTIRE NIGHTMARISH EXPERIENCE! THIS WAS A DEADLY SEQUENCE OF EVENTS WHICH EASILY COULD HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE AND OTHERS' LIVES. I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER SUBARU. THIS OCCURRED ON THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018.
Apr 28, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SURGED AND THEN IDLED FAST AND SLOW BEFORE RETURNING TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PRODUCED A FAILURE CODE ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELECTRONIC ACCELERATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Mar 23, 2017
SUSPENSION,WHEELS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN HIGHWAY SPEED, A BURNING RUBBER ODOR EMITTED INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BUCKET SUSPENSION PLATE UNDER THE SHOCK ABSORBER FAILED, WHICH IMPACTED THE SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AND CAUSED THE STRUT TO FRACTURE ON THE TIRE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STRUTS, SHOCK ASSEMBLIES, AND BOTH REAR TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. UPDATED 02/03/17*LJ UPDATED 7/11/18*JB *TR
Nov 29, 2016
STEERING
1 complaint
LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM BROKE IN 2 EXACTLY AS PREDICTED BY THE RECALL NOTICE. SUBARU SAID THE RECALL HAD BEEN COMPLETED, MEANING THEY SPREAD SOME RUST INHIBITOR ON IT AT SOME POINT IN THE PAST. THEIR FINAL RESPONSE WAS THAT THE CAR WAS TOO 'OLD' TO OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE CAR HAS ONLY 80K MILES AND NOTHING ELSE ON THE VEHICLE HAS BROKE IN HALF.
Sep 10, 2015
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
AFTER A SCRATCHY, METALLIC NOISE THAT APPEARED SUDDENLY IN THE LOWER FRONT, WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION,STEERING WAS CEASED. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE CONTROLLED. THIS RESULTED IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE HIT A TREE. SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS DECLARED AS A TOTAL LOSS.
Jun 29, 2015
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I HAD JUST LOCKED MY RESIDENCE GATE, LEAVING MY PROPERTY, I FASTENED MY SEATBELT, ADVANCED VERY SLOWLY, SAW THAT BOTH WAYS WERE CLEAR, ADVANCED SLOWLY MAKING A LEFT TURN, WHEN I WAS JUST 12 FEET, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RACE AND PROPELLED MY VEHICLE FORWARD INTO A HUGE TREE ACROSS THE ROAD. I DID NOT CONFUSE THE GAS PEDAL WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL, THERE WAS NO FLOOR MAT IMPEDING MY FOOT-WORK,I BRAKED THEN IT BEGAN RACING EVEN FASTER THEN I DON'T REMEMBER ANYTHING MORE TILL AFTER-DARK AND A FIREMAN TOLD ME AN AMBULANCE WAS COMING. I HAVE A BROKEN CERVICAL VERTEBRA C 2 AND MULTIPLE BRUISES MY CAR WAS "TOTALED". *TR
Jan 08, 2015
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
ON JULY 28, 2014 I WAS PULLING INTO MY PARKING SPACE AT MY CONDO.THE BRAKES WOULDN'T STOP THE CAR AND THE ENGINE SEEMED TO SURGE FORWARD. THE PASSENGER WITH ME LOOKED DOWN AND SAID THE GAS PEDAL LOOKED TO BE ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED, AND I AM STILL AWAITING FOR THE DAMAGE ESTIMATE FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY. *TR
Jul 31, 2014
STRUCTURE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED AS UNSAFE TO OPERATE BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER EXPLAINED THAT BECAUSE OF ROAD SALTS THAT WERE NO WASHED OFF THE VEHICLE, THE FRAME BEGAN TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Aug 23, 2013
WHEELS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING FROM FLORIDA NOTICED LOAD NOISE. UPON INSPECTION BY MECHANIC WAS ADVISED THAT WHEEL BEARING HAD FAILED. MECHANIC ALSO ADVISED THAT HE HAD SEEN OTHER SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE SUBARU FORESTER. BELIEVE BEARINGS IN SOME MODELS ARE DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE BEARING FAILS WHILE AT HIGH SPEED. *TR
Feb 03, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
COIL PACKED WAS REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE COIL PACK WAS REPLACED 05.2006 AND THE PLUGS REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME. THIS YEAR THE COIL PACK WAS REPLACED AND THE PLUGS AGAIN. *AK
Jun 11, 2007
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
ON MARCH 20, 2006, THE SYMMETRICAL ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM OF MY 2005 SUBARU FORRESTER XT FAILED, THE VEHICLE FISHTAILED AND DRIFTED, RESULTING IN A ROLLOVER, AND SEVERE BODILY INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS SO FLIMSY, IT WAS DISGUSTING. EVERY DOOR AND WINDOW OPENING COLLAPSED, GLASS FLEW EVERYWHERE. THE CEILING COLLAPSED ON THE PASSENGERS' HEADS. THIS IS A DEATH CAR. *NM
Mar 22, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
VEHICLE BROKE DOWN DURING HURRICANE EVACUATION THEREBY ENDANGERING ME AND MY FAMILY FOR 32 HOURS. 2005 SUBARU FORESTER HAS A BUILT-IN DEFECT WHERE THE ALTERNATOR AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS DOWN DURING ENGINE IDLE, SO ONLY THE BATTERY RUNS UNTIL OUT OF POWER, THEREBY LEAVING DRIVER AND PASSENGERS STRANDED ON ROADWAY. *JB
Sep 28, 2005
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2005 SUBARU Forester have?
The 2005 SUBARU Forester currently has 93 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 2005 SUBARU Forester?
The most common problems reported for the 2005 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 2005 SUBARU Forester problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2005 SUBARU Forester comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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