2007 SUBARU Forester Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
72
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ENGINE
7 complaints
The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 101,000.
Aug 31, 2023
Head gasket , radiator failed suddenly while going 65 on hwy (115K) . Had new radiator, heads resurfaced/HG replaced, etc. Now less than 15K later (128K) head gasket leaking again.
Jun 06, 2021
BLOWN HEAD GASKET. 2007 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5XT. 54K MILES. PROBLEM PRESENTED ITSELF VIOLENTLY AS I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY. SUDDENLY ENGINE TEMP-GAUGE FLUCTUATES AND STARTS TO RISE. PULL OVER, COOLANT IS FORCEFULLY EXITING OVERFLOW TANK. SHUT CAR DOWN, TEMP GAUGE DROPS QUICKLY. NO EXTERNAL SIGNS OF LEAKING COOLANT WITH SUBSEQUENT REFILL AND TESTING. AFTER COOLANT WARMS UP (3 MINUTES IDLE) COOLANT BEGINS TO VIOLENTLY EXIT RADIATOR CAP (WHEN OFF) OR OVERFLOW TANK. EXHAUST VERY SOOTY. SHAKES MY CONFIDENCE IN SUBARU AND THEIR ENGINEERING TO HAVE A HEAD GASKET BLOW THIS EARLY. SUBARU COOLANT CONDITIONER IS A RE-BRANDED STOP-LEAK. WAS LOOKING AT THE NEW BRZ, NOW I WILL NOT BE BUYING AND DO NOT RECOMMEND SUBARU UNLESS MANUFACTURER ACKNOWLEDGES AND MAKES AN EFFORT TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. *TR
Dec 01, 2016
ENGINE FAILED ON HIGHWAY WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND THERE WAS NO DIGNOSTIC CODE FOR THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS FOUND BY SUBARU DEALERSHIP.
Oct 26, 2016
HEAD GASKETS ON ENGINE STARTED TO LEAK. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE ON THE 2007 FORESTERS. WHY WAS THERE NO RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE? *TR
Nov 05, 2014
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
6 complaints
The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Jun 03, 2024
I was driving my car in Upstate NY toward a border crossing wicket and the vehicle began to vibrate violently. I thought that it was a blown tire. I stopped to check and the tires looked fine. I continued for a few yards and it began again. I pulled over and called a tow truck. When the car was loaded onto the tow bed, the front wheel was pitched out at an angle rather than at 90 degrees. Very scary to think what could have happened if I had been driving at 60 mph on the interstate. The car was towed to the nearest garage. The mechanic believed it to be a faulty lower control arm on the front driver's side. Related to Recall #WVX34
Jan 23, 2024
On Sunday 4/3/2022, driving in a semi highway at 50mph the front passenger suspension arm broke off causing a lose of control of the vehicle. Ended up resting at the road shoulder.
Apr 11, 2022
My forester has been used in salt belt for 12 years. Was on the list of recall for Front Suspension Control Arm Failure. We brought it to the dealership to have the car inspected and for a 4 year old car, they didn’t do anything. On 10/15/21, the front control arm broke right after we drove off highway. If the arm broke on the highway, then us and others might have been killed as the tire would have broke off. We highly doubt the job to correct the recall was done properly, if they did anything at all. After the accident, we had the car and component inspected by the East Forest Garage. There weren’t any warning signs before the accident.
Oct 27, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH IN A PARKING LOT, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED DUE TO RUST. THE CONTACT CALLED KENNY ROSS SUBARU (11299 LINCOLN HWY, NORTH HUNTINGDON, PA 15642, (724) 864-5100, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 69,000.*DT *BF CONSUMER STATED HAMILTON MAZDA SUBARU AND KENNY ROSS SUBARU ARE THE SAME.*JB
Jun 10, 2020
+ 1 more complaint for this component
POWER TRAIN
6 complaints
The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the gear shifter failed to operate as designed. The contact stated that while placing the vehicle in reverse the vehicle accelerated forward causing the vehicle to crash on top of a large rock. The contact stated that she sustained injuries to the face and the right eye. The contact stated that she had eye surgery due to the crash. The contact stated that Law Enforcement did not arrive on the scene and no police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Mar 01, 2023
MY VEHICLE REGULARLY SHIFTS IN A VERY IMPRECISE WAY, AT THE WRONG TIMES, IN PARTICULAR AT LOW SPEEDS. THERE IS ALSO UNUSUAL DELAYS IN SHIFTING DOWN WHEN QUICK POWER IS APPLIED, SOMETIMES RESULTING IN DELAYS IN EMERGENCY OR QUICKLY NEEDED MANEUVERS. THE CARE BEHAVES IN EXACTLY THE SAME WAYS AS IN NHTSA COMPLAINTS #10480933 AND #10317114. I HAVE FOUND MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS IN OTHER FORA IN SPECIALIZED CAR WEBSITES, WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A DESIGN AND ENGINEERING DEFECT ON THE PART OF SUBARU, WHICH HAS GRAVE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS. I CALLED ONE DEALERSHIP AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER AT SUBARU, AND WAS TOLD THAT NO BULLETINS OR RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS DEFECT. IN BOTH CASES, I WAS TOLD THAT THE COST OF REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION, ABOUT $2,000 TO $3,000 WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY. GIVEN THAT THIS IS A DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT, WHICH HAS GROWN GREATER AS THE CAR AGES, SUBARU SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL AND REPAIR THE DEFECTS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. *TR
Apr 15, 2015
REAR AXLE HANGER BEARING GAVE OUT. HAD TO REPLACE REAR AXLE. TIRES ALWAYS MAINTAINED METICULOUSLY. CONCERNING BECAUSE SYMMETRICAL AWD FAILURE IN WINTER DRIVING IS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Mar 09, 2013
THE VEHICLE HESITATES AND "BUCKS" AT LOW SPEEDS, TURNING CORNERS, ACCELERATING/DECELERATING, CHANGING LANES, GOING UP A GRADE OR HILL AND DOES NOT SHIFT SMOOTHLY. SHIFTING GEARS SEEMS TO TAKE LONGER THAN EXPECTED AND THE TACH REGISTERS HIGH AND THEN ERRATICALLY JUMPS DOWN (OR UP) TO A MUCH LOWER LEVEL ON THE TACH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY OR TO SEEMINGLY GET STUCK IN A GEAR. ALSO, THE VEHICLE MAY TRY TO SHIFT WHILE NOT ACCELERATING, SOMETIMES WHEN TRAVELING AT A HIGHER SPEED. THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND WHERE I HAVE HAD IT EXCLUSIVELY SERVICED CANNOT SEEM TO DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM. THEY HAVE CHANGED WIRES AND REPLACED AN AIR FUEL SENSOR, ONLY TO SAY THEY CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM THAT MIGHT BE RELATED TO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER OF THIS SITUATION BEFORE MY 3 YEAR WARRANTY EXPIRED, BUT EVEN BACK THEN, THEY SAID THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEM. I HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY SINCE THE DATE I INITIALLY NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND HAVE REPEATEDLY INFORMED THEM OF THIS ISSUE, BUT THE CONDITION HAS CONTINUED TO GET MORE SEVERE OVER TIME. I TRULY FEEL UNSAFE IN THE VEHICLE AND THAT AT ANY POINT IN TIME, WHILE ON A HIGHWAY OR REGULAR ROAD, THAT THE VEHICLE COULD FAIL AND THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND/OR RESULT IN A CRASH OF SOME KIND. I HAVE NOW DRIVEN THREE SUBARU LOANERS FROM THE DEALER AND I FIND THAT EACH VEHICLE EXHIBITS SIGNS OF THE SAME SITUATION I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH MY VEHICLE. I WONDER IF SUBARU MAY NOT BE TELLING ITS CUSTOMERS OF THIS POTENTIAL DEFECT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE OR IF SUBARU JUST DOES NOT HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND/OR SKILL IN ITS MANUFACTURING PROCEDURES (ESPECIALLY RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION) TO PROPERLY ASSEMBLE ITS VEHICLES FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL DRIVERS. *TR
Oct 17, 2012
IN 2007 I BOUGHT A NEW SUBARU FORESTER. THE TRANSMISSION JUMPS & SNAPS WHILE CHANGING GEARS. SOMETIMES THE WHOLE CAR IS JOLTED BY THE TRANSMISSION SNAPPING INTO GEAR. THIS PROBLEM JUST DOESN'T HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS COLD, BUT ALSO HAPPENS WHILE HIGHWAY DRIVING & CHANGING SPEEDS. IT OFTEN TAKES TOO LONG FOR MY VEHICLE TO CHANGE GEARS. I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO THE SERVICE DEPT. AT TWO DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALERSHIPS. THEY CLAIM THEY CHECKED MY TRANSMISSION & FOUND NO PROBLEMS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE I AM CONCERNED ABOUT. I FEAR MY TRANSMISSION MAY FAIL AT A CRUCIAL TIME. *TR
Mar 05, 2010
+ 1 more complaint for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
5 complaints
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, BUT THE CAR RUNS FINE. I HAD IT CHECKED AND MECHANIC SAID GAS CAP PROBLEM AND RESET. AFTER THAT TIME I WAS VERY CAREFUL TO TURN THE GAS CAP UNTIL I HEARD 2 PLUS CLICKS (RECOMMENDED BY SUBARU). I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM 4 TIMES SINCE THEN AND FINALLY WAS TOLD THE LAST TIME I HAD IT RESET WHILE AWAY FROM HOME THAT IT COULD BE A CRACKED FUEL CUT VALVE. THE PROBLEM RE-OCCURRED 8 MONTHS AGO AND I HAVEN'T HAD THE TIME TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER TO GET IT FIXED OR RESET THE CHECK ENGINE. BECAUSE OF THE CHECK ENGINE, TEXAS INSPECTION FAILED AND NOW DEALER WANTS OVER $900.00 TO REPLACE THE CRACKED VALVES. I THINK THIS REPAIR SHOULD BE COVERED BY SUBARU SINCE THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM AND OCCURS BECAUSE OF A DEFECTIVE PART OR BAD DESIGN. *TR
Dec 13, 2013
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. TOOK CAR TO DEALER. FUEL CUT VALVES (MADE OF PLASTIC), ON TOP OF THE FUEL TANK, WERE BOTH CRACKED AND LEAKING FUEL. HAD BOTH VALVES REPLACED. COST OVER $900 BECAUSE REAR END MUST BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO DROP FUEL TANK. SUBARU HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. *TR
Nov 19, 2011
SUBARU FORESTER 2007 FUEL CUT VALVES (MADE OF PLASTIC), ON TOP OF THE FUEL TANK, WERE BOTH CRACKED AND LEAKING FUEL. HAD BOTH VALVES REPLACED. COST OVER $700 BECAUSE REAR END MUST BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO DROP FUEL TANK. SUBARU HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL AND DOES NOT HAVE RECORD OF THIS HAPPENING TO ANYONE ELSE. WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW FROM THE DEALER. THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD AND I BELIEVE IT MAY BECOME MORE COMMON AS THESE MODELS AGE FURTHER. THERE WAS ONE OTHER INSTANCE OF THE SAME PROBLEM ON YOUR WEB SITE. *TR
Sep 03, 2011
FUEL SMELL LIKE RAW GASOLINE. HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH DEALERSHIP FOR OVER 6 MONTHS TO TRY TO RESOLVE THESE ISSUES. CURRENTLY, STILL REPLACING VALVES. *TR
Apr 15, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. SHE PURCHASED A BRAND NEW VEHICLE IN JULY 2007 . SHE SMELLED GASOLINE FUMES WITHIN THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL COVER VALVE AT 13,000 AND 15,000 MILES; HOWEVER, SOME OF THE PARTS USED DURING THE REPAIR WERE THE FAULTY PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ISSUE A RECALL; ALTHOUGH, BOTH FUEL COVER VALVES WERE CRACKED. THE AXLE WAS ALSO REPLACED SIX MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE WILL RECUR. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER THAT THEY WOULD PAY HER $2,500 TOWARDS A NEW VEHICLE; HOWEVER, SHE WANTS THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000. UPDATED 09/28/10
Jan 22, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
5 complaints
I WAS ADVISED BY AN EMPLOYEE AT MIDAS WHO HAPPENS TO OWN 3 SUBARUS THAT THE HEAT SHIELD ALWAYS COMES LOOSE ON SUBARUS WHICH IS ALARMING. ALTHOUGH IT ONLY COST ME $40 TO REPLACE, I FEEL A LITTLE UNEASY AS I'VE ONLY OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR 1 1/2 YEARS. WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE VEHICLE (USED), I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO A SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING. EACH TIME I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD FIND AND I SHOULDN'T WORRY. AT ALMOST TWO YEARS, I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM ALTHOUGH NOTHING MAJOR HAS HAPPENED AND I'M HOPING AND PRAYING IT DOESN'T AS I AM THE MOTHER OF A 3 YEAR OLD CHILD AND WOULD HATE FOR MY CAR TO EITHER CATCH ON FIRE OR FOR ME TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO SUBARUS NEGLECT TO CORRECTLY INVESTIGATE THE REAL PROBLEM. *TR
Apr 03, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED UPON STARTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Dec 28, 2011
SECONDARY AIR PUMP AND VALVE FAILURE. SUBARU ADMITS THESE ARE NOT PART OF POWER TRAIN, BUT DENIES THESE ARE COVERED BY EMISSIONS SYSTEM WARRANTY THOUGH PURPOSE OF PUMP AND VALVES IS TO INCREASE AIRFLOW AND THEREBY DILUTE EMISSIONS AT TAILPIPE. TOTAL REPAIRS APPROX. $2000. *TR
Nov 02, 2010
2007 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES TO EXPRESS A RECENT EXPERIENCE WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA INC. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HIS VEHICLE WAS A PART OF THE EMISSION CONTROL VALVE RECALL WHICH COULD LEAD TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER DAMAGE. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER BEING TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETE, SEVERAL WEEKS LATER, ANOTHER EMISSION CONTROL VALVE INSIDE THE GAS TANK FAILED. SUBARU DENIED THE CONSUMER'S REIMBURSEMENT CLAIM STATING THE TWO INCIDENTS WERE UNRELATED. *JB
May 27, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN TWICE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, AND IN LOCAL TRAFFIC WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,330. UPDATED 3/19/09 *CN UPDATED 03/26/09. *JB
Feb 19, 2009
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaints
The contact's friend owned a 2007 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while reversing in the driveway, the vehicle suddenly violently accelerated and crashed into the retaining wall and unit across the street. The vehicle was then shifted into drive from reverse when the vehicle violently accelerated a second time where it was able to come to a stop in the driveway. The accelerator pedal had not been depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained injuries to the back neck and had several cuts, but medical attention was not provided. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire or air bag deployment. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Mar 05, 2025
I PULLED INTO MY SISTER'S DRIVEWAY. DRIVEWAY IS SHORT; LESS THAN 2 CAR LENGTHS. THE FRONT OF HER HOUSE IS ABOUT 6 FEET OR LESS AHEAD OF END OF DRIVEWAY. I BRAKED AS I PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY, UPON PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO THE HOUSE. I WAS ABLE TO BACK THE CAR AWAY FROM THE HOUSE. *TR
Jan 29, 2014
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED TO DISENGAGE THE SET SPEED FROM THE PREVIOUS DAY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES TO DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CRUISE CONTROL AUTOMATICALLY DEACTIVATED WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS TO THIS FAILURE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THIS WAS A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT REDUCE SPEED UNTIL THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS DISENGAGED. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS NOT BEING DRIVEN AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
Oct 20, 2008
2007 SUBARU FORRESTER WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THE ENGINE SURGES WHEN DRIVING DOWN HILL (NOT UNDER LOAD) AND YOU ARE GIVING JUST ENOUGH THROTTLE TO KEEP UP SPEED. IT CAUSES THE CAR TO HAVE A JERKING BACK AND FORTH MOTION. SINCE PEOPLE PURCHASE THE CARS TO DRIVE IN SNOW I BELIEVE THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND SUBARU STATES THAT IT IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THAT THE DRIVE BY WIRE THROTTLE IS TO BLAME. *JB
Dec 04, 2006
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaints
There is a fuel line inside the car that had a pressure leak. An entire tank of gas emptied, mostly to the inside of the car where the fuel lines run inside the rear drivers side of car floor. My 18 year old daughter was driving and this can not be safely repaired or remove the harmful gas fumes in carpet and seats Unsafe still to drive, unsafe to have these lines run inside the car
Jan 26, 2023
WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW ROUGHLY 20 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, A STRONG FUEL ODOR FILLS THE CABIN. FLATIRONS SUBARU IN BOULDER, CO, COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM, BUT AN INDEPENDENT SUBARU MECHANIC IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM INSTANTLY. HE SAID THE FUEL LINE HAS A SMALL RUBBER MID-SECTION WHICH CONTRACTS WITH COLD WEATHER AND PRODUCES A LEAK. *TR
Jan 06, 2014
EVAP CODE TESTED BY DEALERSHIP AND SHOWED CRACKED FUEL CUT VALVE. THIS IS EMISSION RELATED AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY 8 YEAR 80K MILE WARRANTY. THEY SAY ITS NOT AND WANT $600 TO REPLACE THE VALVE. *TR
Jan 15, 2013
TOOK CAR IN FOR ROUTINE RECALL ITEMS (CAMPAIGN WVU-31 AND CAMPAIGN WVL-22). DURING ONE WAY FUEL VALVE REMOVAL, STRONG SMELL OF GAS WAS NOTED COMING FROM GAS TANK AREA. EVAPORATIVE LEAK WAS NOTED DUE TO CRACKED FUEL CUT VALVES. COST OF REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT CRACKED FUEL VALVES WAS $693.59.THE SERVICE ADVISOR WAS VERY NICE AND EXPLAINED EVERYTHING IN ADVANCE OF THE REPAIR (I AM VERY SATISFIED WITH HIS APPROACH TO THIS PROBLEM). THIS MATTER SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY SUBARU AS A RECALL (CAMPAIGN) MATTER AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY SUBARU. *TR
Oct 01, 2012
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY FOUND WITH APPROX. 1" - 1-1/2" FREE WATER IN THE ENTIRE INSIDE BOTTOM. THERE WERE NO VISIBLE LEAKS. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. SUBARU SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE ALSO HAD HIS PERSONAL SUBARU HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WATER FILLED. OTHER SUBARU'S ALSO AT DEALERS SERVICE AREA ALSO CONTAINED WATER. WATER & ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ARE NOT COMPATIBLE. SERVICE REP. HAD PREVIOUSLY SEARCHED FOR RECALLS/TECH. BULLETINS REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND FOUND NONE. IT'S VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE THESE ASSEMBLIES, WE REPLACED BOTH BELIEVING THAT IT COULD SOON OCCUR TO THE REMAINING ASSEMBLY - WHICH DID HAVE DEW/FOGGY MOISTURE INSIDE BUT NO FREE WATER - YET! FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US FOR OTHER INFORMATION. HAVE PATIENCE, MY SENIOR CELL PHONE FAILS AT TIMES. *TR
Mar 19, 2015
I HAVE REPLACED THE LOW BEAM BULBS 3 TIMES ON THIS VEHICLE IN 11 MONTHS. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR LESS THAN A YEAR AND THE DAY I BOUGHT IT A BULB HAD TO BE REPLACED BEFORE I EVEN DROVE IT OFF THE LOT. THEY ALWAYS BURN OUT WITH DAYS OF EACH OTHER. I'M CONCERNED THAT IT MAY BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND THAT MY VEHICLE MAY CATCH FIRE OR THEY WILL GO OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Nov 07, 2010
I PURCHASED A USED 2003 SUBARU FORESTER IN 2006. IN MARCH OF 2007 A SMALL PARKING LIGHT WENT OUT. I WENT OUT AND PURCHASED A NEW BULB FOR ABOUT $1.25 AND TRIED TO REPLACE IT. I QUICKLY FOUND OUT THAT YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE A VERY SKILLED MECHANIC TO CHANGE ANY BULB ON THIS VEHICLE. IN ORDER TO CHANGE ANY BULB YOU FIRST HAVE TO REMOVE THE ENTIRE FRONT GRILL WHICH IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON WITHOUT DAMAGING THE PARTS THAT HOLD IT INTO PLACE. THEN YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE ENTIRE LIGHT FICTURE TO CHANGE ANY BULB THEN YOU WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE HEADLIGHTS REALIGNED. SUBARU CHARGES 1 HOUR LABOR TO CHANGE 1 BULB @ $50.00 WHAT IF YOUR IN AN AREA WHERE YOU DON'T HAVE A SUBARU DEALER. MOST MECHANICS WON'T ATTEMPT TO CHANGE A LIGHT BULB ON THIS VEHICLE. SO I WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE AROUND WITH MY HEADLIGHT OUT UNTILL I FOUND A DEALER. SUBARU SHOULD CHANGE THE LIGHTS AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER SINCE IT'S CERTAINLY A DESIGN FLAW. I HAVE GONE ON SUBARU OWNER CHAT ROOMS AND IT'S A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR ALL FORESTER OWNERS. EVERYONE AGREES THAT IT TAKES A NUMBER OF DAMAGING TRIES BEFORE CHANGING 1 BULB. IT SEEMS THAT SUBARU KNOWS THAT BECAUSE THEY CARRY A READY SUPPLY OF THE PARTS YOU'LL NEED TO REPLACE WHEN YOU BREAK THEM IF YOU CAN GET THE GRILL OFF IN THE FIRST PLACE. THANK YOU FOR YOU TIME ..
Jun 27, 2007
AIR BAGS
3 complaints
OUR SUBARU FORESTER 2007 WAS IN A FRONT END CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS ALONE IN CAR, THERE WERE NO PASSENGERS. DAMAGE TO CAR WAS CONSIDERED "TOTAL LOSS" BY INSURANCE COMPANY (ASSESSED DAMAGE WAS AT LEAST $7500 WITH JUST A VISUAL INSPECTION). FRONT OF CAR HAD SEVERE DAMAGE, AND WAS PUSHED IN. SUBARU WAS TRAVELING WEST AND HIT SIDE OF A LARGE TOYOTA MINIVAN THAT WAS TRAVELING NORTH AT ABOUT 40MPH (AND HAD GONE THROUGH A RED LIGHT IN INTERSECTION). FORCE OF SUBARU HIT TO TOYOTA WAS ENOUGH TO CAUSE TOYOTA TO SWING AROUND AND HIT ANOTHER CAR SITTING AT STOPLIGHT. CONSIDERING SEVERITY OF CRASH AND DAMAGE TO VEHICLES IT SEEMS AIR BAGS IN SUBARU SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. AIRBAGS IN OTHER CAR (TOYOTA) DID DEPLOY. LUCKILY, DRIVER OF SUBARU WALKED AWAY WITH MINOR CUTS AND PAIN. DRIVER OF SUBARU SAW CRASH COMING AND WAS ABLE TO BRACE SELF A BIT FOR CRASH, AND WAS BRAKING AT TIME OF IMPACT. HAVE PICTURES IF NEEDED FOR ANALYSIS. *TR
Dec 28, 2014
APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHICH WAS TURNING YELLOW AT A T-JUNCTION, I TRIED TO STEP ON THE BRAKES. PERHAPS I HIT THE ACCELERATOR WITH THE FORCE I INTENDED TO USE ON THE BRAKES, BUT WHEN I THOUGHT I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, I LURCHED FORWARD RAPIDLY. I COULD NOT CORRECT IN TIME AND HIT 2 POLES AND A WALL. I DON'T KNOW MY MPH. THE 25 MPH LISTED ABOVE IS A GUESS, BUT THE FRONT END COLLISION WAS SO SUBSTANTIAL THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE AIR BAGS, HOWEVER, DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POLICE, TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND WITNESSES COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT THE AIR BAGS HAD NOT GONE OFF. I WAS LUCKY; AT THE HOSPITAL MY INJURIES WERE DETERMINED TO BE MUSCULAR RATHER BONE RELATED, BUT I HAD A SORE NECK, CHEST & LOWER BACK. SUBARU RESPONDED TO NOTIFICATION OF THIS EVENT : "IT IS DIFFICULT TO DISCERN WHY THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WITHOUT KNOWING THE EXTENT OF THE ACCIDENT. ACCORDING TO THE FORESTER OWNER'S MANUAL, THE AIRBAGS ARE DESIGNED TO DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING A MODERATE TO SEVERE FRONTAL COLLISION. IT IS BASICALLY NOT DESIGNED TO DEPLOY IN LESSER FRONTAL IMPACTS BECAUSE THE NECESSARY PROTECTION CAN BE ACHIEVED BY THE SEATBELT ALONE. ALSO, THEY ARE BASICALLY NOT DESIGNED TO DEPLOY IN SIDE OR REAR IMPACTS OR IN ROLL-OVER ACCIDENTS BECAUSE DEPLOYMENT OF ONLY THE DRIVER'S SRS FRONTAL AIRBAG OR BOTH DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER'S SRS FRONTAL AIRBAGS WOULD NOT HELP THE OCCUPANT IN THOSE SITUATIONS. SRS AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT DEPENDS ON THE LEVEL OF FORCE EXPERIENCED IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT DURING A COLLISION. THAT LEVEL DIFFERS FROM ONE TYPE OF COLLISION TO ANOTHER, AND IT MAY HAVE NO BEARING ON THE VISIBLE DAMAGE DONE TO THE VEHICLE ITSELF... IF THE VEHICLE STRIKES AN OBJECT SUCH AS A TELEPHONE POLE OR SIGN POLE, OR IF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINS AN OBLIQUE OFFSET FRONTAL IMPACT. THE AIRBAGS ALSO WILL NOT DEPLOY IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A LOW-SPEED FRONTAL COLLISION." *TR
Feb 05, 2013
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. WHEN THE CONTACT'S WIFE, WHO IS OF NORMAL HEIGHT AND WEIGHT, SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT DIMS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHT SHOULD BE ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES AND HIS WIFE MUST JUMP AROUND IN THE SEAT FOR THE LIGHT TO TURN BACK ON. THE FAILURE OCCURS EVERY TIME HE AND HIS WIFE ARE IN THE VEHICLE. SPEED IS NOT A FACTOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HAS ONLY DEPLOYED ONCE WHILE HE WAS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. UPDATED 01/07/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/12/07
Sep 04, 2007
TIRES
3 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT AND WAS REPLACED WITH A YOKOHAMA DONUT SPARE TIRE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE BEGAN TO LOSE TRACTION WITH THE ROAD SURFACE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SKID SIDEWAYS. HE SLID INTO A SNOWBANK AND COLLIDED WITH A SNOWMOBILE TRAILER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WAS TAKEN TO A SHOP. THE CONTACT PURCHASED A TIRE. THE SNOWMOBILE TRAILER WAS SLIGHTLY DAMAGED. HE BELIEVES THAT THE DONUT SPARE TIRE SHOULD NOT BE USED IN VEHICLES AND ARE SAFETY HAZARDS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 35,000.
Feb 24, 2009
THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED TIRES THAT WEAR AT AN EXCESSIVELY RAPID PACE, RESULTING IN A CAR ACCIDENT DUE TO LOSING TRACTION WHILE DRIVING OVER SAND/GRIT USED FOR TREATING THE ROAD DURING SNOW. ADDITIONALLY, THE FLATIRONS IMPORTS, AN AUTHORIZED SUBARU DEALERSHIP, NEVER ADVISED US ON THE DEGREE OF TREAD LOSS. ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 2 AT NOON, MY HUSBAND WAS COMING DOWN LEFT HAND CANYON TRAVELING AT 35MPH WHEN HE LOST TRACTION WHILE DRIVING INTO A RIGHT-TURN BEND. THE CAR LEFT THE ROAD AND LANDED NOSE-FIRST ABOUT 30 FT INTO AN IRRIGATION DITCH. THE BOULDER COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT CAME TO THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT AND DETERMINED THAT HE WAS NOT AT FAULT (REGRETTABLY NEITHER THEY NOR THE STATE POLICE HAVE FILED A REPORT). THE ROAD SURFACE WAS FREE FROM SNOW AND/OR ICE BUT THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SAND/GRIT UPON WHICH THE CAR LOST TRACTION. IN SPITE OF THE ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE REGAINED TRACTION HAD NOT THE CONDITION OF THE TIRES BEEN DEFECTIVE, THE PRINCIPLE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT, WE BELIEVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FLATIRONS SUBARU ON AUGUST 21 AT 9,142 MILES. THE MECHANICAL REPORT INDICATED THAT THE TREAD ON THE TIRES WAS AT 8/32; ON OCTOBER 19 AT 13, 182 MILES THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR A REGULAR SERVICE AS WELL AS TO CHECK A RADIATOR LEAK, AND THE MECHANICAL REPORT INDICATED THE TIRE TREAD AT 5.2/32, 5.9/32 (3/32 TREAD LOSS IN 2 MONTHS). AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, WE WERE NOTIFIED THAT THE TREAD WAS AT 1.2/32 AT 15,763 MILES (REPRESENTING A 4/32 TREAD LOSS IN 6 WEEKS AND APPROX 2,500 MILES!). WE FEEL THIS REPRESENTS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. *TR
Dec 28, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. THE VEHICLE HAS YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR, SIZE P215 55R17 TIRES. WHEN ACCELERATING SLIGHTLY FROM A STOP, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WOULD MOVE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE ABS ACTIVATED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP FOR 100 FEET. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED IN SNOWY CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT BELIEVES THE FAILURE IS WITH THE TIRES. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,400. UPDATED 12/31/07 *BF THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES AT HIS EXPENSE ON DEC 9, 2007. THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T STOP IN LIGHT SNOW. UPDATED *JB
Dec 03, 2007
STEERING,SUSPENSION
2 complaints
Started getting a vibration I thought was a tire problem. It would only show up after 30 minutes or so of driving. It happened several times while trying to have the tire store figure it out. On Friday 15 Sep 2023 we drove at highway speeds to Dayton and back. Noticed it occur twice. The next morning we were a few miles from home checking out a dog boarding place. We went to leave and heard a loud pop. The lower right control arm broke. If it had happed the previous day it could have been fatal! This vehicle has been almost exclusively service by Busam Subaru at all recommended short intervals, 3,750miles. The recall for this was performed by Busam on1/31/2012. They always state they have performed a complete inspection and what needs attention. I am now having service done locally since all of their latest services have been dismal at best. I have counted on them to keep me, my family, and my Forester safe. Very disappointing considering how this could have turned out.
Oct 02, 2023
I'VE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FRONT END CONTROL WHENEVER I GO OVER A BUMP AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE STEERING WHEEL IS BEING PULLED FROM MY HANDS. I GET AN ALIGNMENT EVERY 6 MONTHS WITH NO IMPROVEMENT.
Dec 03, 2017
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
On 7/19/2022 while backing out of a parking spot with a right hand turn we heard a loud noise and the car did not seem to want to continue moving. Upon further inspection the right front tire was sitting at an extreme and unusual angle. Tipped out at the top and no longer pointing in the same direction as the other front tire. Upon recovery of the vehicle and inspection the lower control has completely separated from its inboard forward attachment point due to corrosion. As a secondary result the right from CV axle was disconnected at the transmission CV joint. Due to the slow speed during the incident there was no injury or other vehicle damage. Had this broken at highway speeds the result could have been much different. The vehicle is in our home garage for repair. It has not been otherwise inspected. All parts are available for inspection and I also have pictures of the failed lower control arm. The vehicle is current on all recalls.
Jul 26, 2022
I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED FROM NJ, AND RECENTLY RELOCATED TO WA. APPROX. 126K MILES, THE LOWER FRONT CONTROL ARM ON THE DRIVER SIDE RUSTED THROUGH, DROPPING THE CAR ONTO THE WHEEL, AND PULLING THE DRIVEAXLE FROM THE TRANSMISSION. IT APPEARS THAT THE CONTROL ARM RUSTED FROM THE TOP SIDE, WHICH WOULD LIKELY BE DIFFICULT TO IDENTIFY DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW TO LOOK FOR IT. THIS HAPPENED WHEN FIRST BACKING UP FROM THE DRIVEWAY IN THE MORNING, LESS THAN 1 FOOT OF TRAVEL BEFORE I STOPPED TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON. I SPOKE WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA, WHO TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL ON THE CONTROL ARM WAS "CLOSED" AND THAT THE REPAIR COSTS WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY. I AM A MECHANICAL ENGINEER, AND WOULD NEVER ACCEPT THAT CATASTROPHIC CORROSION IN A FUNDAMENTAL PART OF THE SUSPENSION COULD BE AN ACCEPTABLE DEFECT FOR WHICH THE END USER SHOULD ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY. IF THE CAR WAS INDEED "TREATED" FOR THIS CONDITION BY THE OWNER AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL, THEN CLEARLY THE TREATMENT IS UNSATISFACTORY AND SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN AS AN ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE TO A VERY SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD. MY ONLY BLESSING IN THIS SITUATION IS THAT IT DID NOT FAIL THE PREVIOUS EVENING WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME, OR LATER THAT MORNING HAD I BEEN ABLE TO GET OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY.
May 07, 2018
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE EXITING A CAR WASH FACILITY, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED, SPED ACROSS THE STREET, AND STRUCK A CURB. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CEMENT DIVIDER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000. UPDATED 01/25/2017*CT UPDATED 7/2/18*JB
Oct 28, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Mar 01, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND RUNNING THE AIR CONDITIONER, THE BLOWER FAN QUIT. AFTER REMOVING THE BLOWER FAN IT WAS FOUND THAT POWER CONNECTION TO THE FAN HAD COMPLETELY MELTED. THE WIRES HAD BURNED THROUGH AND PLASTIC AROUND THEM WAS COMPLETELY BURNT AND DEFORMED. NO FUSES WERE BLOWN WHICH IS WORRISOME BECAUSE THIS IS THE EXACT TYPE OF THING FUSES ARE DESIGNED TO PREVENT. HAD THE WIRES NOT BURNED THROUGH AND CUT THE POWER TO THE FAN THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS FIRE. *TR
Jun 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT WAS SITTING IN PARK WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED. THE AIR CONDITIONER SHUT OFF INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED. THE MECHANIC CUT THE WIRES AND RECONNECTED THE WIRING HARNESS WITH AN AFTER MARKET PART. ON A LATER DATE, THE DEFROSTER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE WIRES HAD OVERHEATED AND FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO REAPPLY THE WIRES BUT ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
Aug 24, 2010
SEATS
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BRACKET FRACTURED ON BOTH SIDES WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT TO COLLAPSE ONTO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE BRACKET WAS WELDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
Oct 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT SEPARATED FROM THE BASE OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE WELD CONNECTING THE SEAT FRAME TO ITS BASE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE MANUFACTURER'S EXPENSE. WITHIN TWO YEARS, THE SEAT BEGAN TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PRE WELDED SEAT BRACKET TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT'S CASE WAS ESCALATED TO CORPORATE WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD POSSIBLY BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND BELIEVED A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTED WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 69,500.
Jun 24, 2010
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
2 complaints
DEFECTIVE FLOOR MATS ON A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER, THE RUBBER SPIKES ON THE BOTTOM BROKE OFF UNDER GAS AND BRAKE PEDALS AND THEN DOWN THE CENTER OF THE MAT. THE MAT CAME OFF THE SAFETY HOOK AND ENTANGLE THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS. THE PEDAL DID FUNCTION, I WAS ABLE TO MANUALLY FIX THE MAT WHILE DRIVING. I ALSO OWN A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER; IT WAS STORED AND USED BY SAME OWNER IN SIMILAR WAYS AND NO PROBLEM. *TR
Jan 30, 2010
DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT PULLS ON RETENTION HOOK WHICH IS ONLY ANCHORED TO THE CARPET FLOOR, NOT THE UNDERLYING METAL FLOOR. THE FORWARD TENSION OF THE FLOOR MAT ON THE HOOK LIFTS THE CARPET UP FROM THE METAL FLOOR & THE HOOK DISENGAGES FROM THE FLOOR MAT WHICH SLIDES FORWARD UP UNDER BRAKE & GAS PEDAL. THIS IS A CONSTANT DAILY OCCURRENCE. I HAVE CHECKED WITH SUBARU DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THEY STILL HAVE NOT FIXED PROBLEM. *TR
Oct 08, 2009
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I was driving and heard bumping noise and thought it was just ice or snow stuck in some parts underneath the car, but the vehicle at one instant pulled over to the other side of the road and I almost lost control and slid off the road. I inspect myself and discover a problem with one of the rear wheel bearings, so I take it to my mechanic. My mechanic discovers rust all underneath and the rust has caused some serious mechanical problems. Front lower control arms and other parts of the suspension are damaged as well because of the rust. This car originally came from the "salt-belt" and Subaru said that the Front lower control arms recall had already been taken care of, yet I have the same issue at low milage for a Subaru Forester. Subaru of America is refusing to fix their screw up. The only warning lamps were ABS, Check Engine, and cruise control light flashing. If this instant happened while kids were in the car, Subaru of America would've gone to court. I hope that either Subaru will either fix their mistake or give me a settlement check.
Feb 26, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I WAS PREPARING TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. WHEN I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I HAD NOT HAD ANY PREVIOUS PROBLEMS. I DID MANAGE TO GET IT HOME BECAUSE I HAD ABOUT 2" OF BRAKE DOWN AT THE FLOOR AND I ONLY HAD ABOUT 4 MILES TO GET HOME. A FRIEND OF MINE WHO LIVES IN ANOTHER STATE HAS 3 SUBARUS AND IS AN EXCELLENT MECHANIC. ONE IS A 2007 FORESTER JUST LIKE MINE AND HE SUGGESTED IT COULD BE THE MASTER CYLINDER. WE CHANGED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND WERE BEGINNING TO BLEED THE BRAKES WHEN MY HUSBAND SAW THE BRAKE FLUID SQUIRTING OUT OF THE REAR BRAKE LINES NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE. WE LOOKED CLOSER AND THERE WAS A PINHOLE IN THE BRAKE LINE NEAR THE 4-WAY JOINT CONNECTOR AND BOTH WERE COVERED WITH CORROSION. I TOOK A PHOTO OF IT AND SENT IT TO MY FRIEND. HE FOUND THE RECALL INFORMATION AND SENT IT TO ME. THE PHOTO FROM THE RECALL ARTICLE LOOKED EXACTLY LIKE THE ONE I HAD SENT HIM OF MY CAR'S PROBLEM. I CALLED THE SUBARU DEALER NEAREST ME AND TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING SINCE THE RECALL COVERED FORESTERS FROM 2009-2013 BUT IT DID COVER LEGACY AND OUTBACK FROM 2005-2009 AND 2008-2011 SUBARU IMPREZA, WRX, AND STI. I FEEL SINCE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF THEIR VEHICLES WERE AFFECTED, THAT THEY SHOULD HONOR IT AND REPAIR MY 2007 FORESTER BECAUSE IT IS THE SAME ISSUE. I ASKED TO SPEAK WITH SOMEONE HIGHER UP AND SHE GAVE ME THE NATIONAL SUBARU NUMBER. I SPOKE WITH 3 PEOPLE LAST EVENING AND ONE CALLED ME TODAY. THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR MY CAR. IT IS THE NEWEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED AND I HAVE HAD IT A LITTLE LESS THAN 2 YEARS. CAN YOU HELP ME, PLEASE? I HAVE NO BRAKES, I AM NOT RICH, I NEED HELP PLEASE. HTTPS://NHOILUNDERCOATING.COM/SUBARUS-RECALLED-FOR-BRAKE-LINE-CORROSION/ HTTPS://SUBARU.OEMDTC.COM/62/WQK-47-BRAKE-LINE-CORROSION-2005-2014-SUBARU
Oct 01, 2020
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
ON FEBRUARY 13, 2019 MY TRANSMISSION FLUID LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME. I STOPPED TO BY THE FLUID BUT COULDN'T FIND OUT WHERE TO FILL IT UP AT AND THE DIPSTICK WAS STUCK. I WAS DRIVING AROUND 40 MPH.. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND ASKED HIM TO CHECK IT OUT. HE SAID IT WASN'T THE FLUID THAT WAS THE PROBLEM IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. PREVIOUS TO THIS THE LIGHT NEVER FLASHED AND WHEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON I DO GET I CHECKED TO SEE IT ITS SERIOUS OR NOT. CHAT CONVERSATION START 76K PEOPLE LIKE THIS CARS 7:55 PM HI, I BOUGHT A USED 2007 SUBARU FORESTER AND IT HAS REQUIRED A COUPLE OF LARGE REPAIRS THAT YOU WOULDN'T EXPECT. IN 2015 I HAD TO REPLACE THE OIL HEAD GASKET AT RELATIVELY LOW MILES 70K AND NOW IN 2019 AT 104K MILES I HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. IS COMMON IN THE SUBARUS? THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Feb 17, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
DEAR SIR, I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS SUBARU FORESTER CAR ([XXX]) IN GEORGIA, BUT HAD NOTICED THAT BEFORE ALLOWING IT TO BE SOLD AT AUCTION, THE MANCHESTER CENTER, VT/MOTOR VEHICLE DEPARTMENT VERMONT DIDN'T ENSURED THIS VEHICLE HAD PASSED ALL THE RECALLS REQUESTED BY YOUR SUBARU COMPANY FOR THIS MODEL OF FORESTER (I SEE AT LEAST ONE OPEN RECALL NO.WVU31 REPROGRAM ECM NOW WHICH WAS NOT PASSED). BESIDE, ACCORDING TO CARFAX AND AUTOCHECK REPORTS, IT SEEMS THE CAR DIN NOT WENT THROUGH 2010 RECALL (WVN24: ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) REPROGRAMMING & FUEL TANK ONE-WAY FUEL VALVE). I PRESUME BECAUSE OF THIS, THE ERROR CODE P1400 APPEARS CURRENTLY ON THE CAR DISPLAY. THEREFORE, I WOULD LIKE ASKING YOUR ASSISTANCE IN IDENTIFYING WHICH ENTITY IS BEARING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE 2 PROBLEMS? I ASKED ALSO SUBARU INC. TO ALLOW SERVICING MY CAR FREE OF CHARGE FOR INSPECTION AND REMOVAL OF ERRORS TO THE CLOSEST SUBARU DEALER, BUT NOT REPLY YET. HOW IS POSSIBLE THAT THE CAR WAS ALLOWED BY VERMONT MOTORS DEPARTMENT TO BE SOLD OUTSIDE OF USA, EVEN IF RECALLS WERE ACTIVE? AS A CITIZEN OF EU MEMBER STATE, I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO START A CASE FOR ALLOWING SELLING OUTSIDE OF USA A CAR BEING UNDER SUBARU RECALLS. I MEAN SUBARU RECALLS NO. WVN24 AND WVU31, THE LAST EVEN HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED NEITHER TO CARFAX, NOR TO AUTOCHECK, WHICH REPORTS I PURCHASED BEFORE. HOPE YOU'LL OFFER ME ENTIRE ASSISTANCE. THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERATION. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Oct 19, 2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE FAULT INDICATORS CAME ON AND THE ERROR CODE P2441 WAS PRESENT BOTH AT THE FIRST OCCURRENCE AND AT THE SECOND OCCURRENCE AT 105,000 MILES. AT THE SECOND OCCURRENCE THE PRICE FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM WAS SET AT $2123. AT THIS PRICE AND GUESSING AT THE PRICE OF OTHER PARTS THE CAR'S REPLACEMENT VALUE SHOULD COME TO AROUND $200,000. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM PERVASIVE TO ALL SUBARUS, NOT JUST FORESTERS, FEATURING A TURBO CHARGED ENGINE. *TR
Apr 06, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
SUNROOF WAS NOT CLOSING PROPERLY. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SUNROOF MOTOR WAS GOING BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A BENT SUNROOF FRAME. THE SUNROOF MOTOR WAS COVERED UNDER MY SUBARU EXTENDED WARRANTY, HOWEVER THE BENT SUNROOF FRAME WAS NOT. SINCE THE SUNROOF WAS HARDLY USED IN THE PAST 5 YEARS, I MAINTAINED THAT IT WAS EITHER A MANUFACTURING DEFECT OR AN ASSEMBLY ERROR. SUBARU REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE FRAME REPLACEMENT. THEREFORE, BY REPLACING JUST THE MOTOR I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM OF THE BENT SUNROOF FRAME WHICH IN TIME WILL MAKE THE SUNROOF MOTOR GO BAD. I ENCOURAGE OTHERS WITH SIMILAR SUNROOF PROBLEMS TO FILE COMPLAINTS. WITH ENOUGH COMPLAINTS, SUBARU MAY DECIDE TO COVER THESE REPAIRS UNDER THEIR CLASSIC EXTENDED SERVICE WARRANTY. *TR
Apr 16, 2013
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED 02/18/13 WHEN WE WERE GOING 70 MPH ON A INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. THE MILEAGE ON THE CAR THIS OCCURRENCE WAS APPROX. 78,500 MILES. BOTH TIMES WHILE DRIVING, THE HOOD POPPED OPEN. THE SAFETY LATCH KEPT THE HOOD FROM TOTALLY OPENING. WE BELIEVE THE HOOD WAS SECURED PROPERLY AND HELD OVER 600 MILES BEFORE EACH INCIDENT AND THE CAR WAS TRAVELING MOST OF THAT 600 MILES AT 60 - 70 MILES AN HOUR. BOTH TIMES WE WERE ON A LONG TRIP.
Mar 14, 2013
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS FLASHING UPON STARTING THE ENGINE. NO OTHER ENGINE SYMPTOMS PRESENTED THEMSELVES. TOOK VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THE FRONT CONVERTER IS DAMAGED IN ADDITION TO THE FRONT SENSOR BEING BAD. ENDED UP HAVING THEM ALL REPLACED AT SUBSTANTIAL COST OF APPROX. $2,000.00. ADDITIONAL RESEARCH DONE IN A SUBARU FORESTERS OWNERS FORUM SHOWS THAT MANY OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING COSTLY AND UNNECESSARY REPAIRS DUE TO FAULTY O2 SENSORS, NOT BAD CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. ANY EXPENSES CURRENT OWNERS HAVE HAD TO INCUR SHOULD BE REIMBURSED BY SUBARU TO THOSE OWNERS, AND A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED TO OTHER OWNERS TO PREVENT UNNECESSARY AND COSTLY REPAIRS. *TR
Feb 27, 2012
STEERING
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORRESTER X. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPECIFICATION OF THE ALIGNMENT ON THE VEHICLE WAS CAUSING HIS TIRES TO WEAR PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED HIM OF THE SAME SPECIFICATIONS AND THERE WAS NO REMEDY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO REPLACE TIRES APPROXIMATELY 32,000 MILES APART. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED IN THAT MANNER AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,700. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
May 03, 2011
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WE PURCHASED OUR 2007 SUBURU IN MARCH 2007 AS A NEW CAR FROM A SUBURU DEALER IN CALIFORNIA. MY DAUGHTER HAS BEEN GETTING CAR SICK AND HAS HAD CHRONIC HEALTH ISSUES SINCE 9/11/2007. WE NOTICE THE AIR INSIDE THE CAR IS RANCID. PLEASE TEST THE INSIDE AIR QUALITY OF THIS VEHICLE FOR FUMES, PARTICULARLY UNSAFE LEVELS OF BENZENE. I BELIEVE THIS CAR IS MAKING MY FAMILY SICK AND DON'T WANT TO DRIVE IT (BUT HAVE TO) OR SELL IT AND EXPOSE OTHER POTENTIAL VICTIMS TO THE TOXINS. I AM NOT SURE WHAT COMPONENT THIS IS, BUT CAN DESCRIBE IT AS THE INSIDE AIR QUALITY OF WHICH OCCUPANTS ARE BREATHING.
Dec 08, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN JULY 2007 AND IN AUGUST OF 2009 SHE SMELLED FUMES IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL CUT ROLL VALVE SINCE IT WAS CRACKED, AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE FAILED PART WITH THE SAME DEFECTED PART; THEREFORE SHE COULD EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE AGAIN. SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THEY OFFERED HER $2,500 AS A DOWN PAYMENT TOWARDS A NEW VEHICLE. SHE DECLINED THE OFFER AND WANTS THE DEALER TO BUY THE VEHICLE BACK. WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD 1300 MILES ON IT SHE HAD THE FRONT AXLES REPLACED. SHE NO LONGER FEELS SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,000. UPDATED 3/12/10 *CN UPDATED 09/28/10
Jan 22, 2010
VISIBILITY
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. AFTER FREEZING RAIN ON FEBRUARY 12, 2008, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED APPROXIMATELY 20 INCHES HORIZONTALLY. THE CRACKED OCCURRED ON ITS OWN WITHOUT PRESSURE BEING APPLIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT YET TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,980. UPDATED 4/2/08 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THERE MUST HAVE BEEN A CRACK FROM A STONE AND CRACK GOT WORSE AFTER ELECTRIC WINDSHIELD WIPER HEATER APPLIED. UPDATED 04/02/08 *TR
Feb 14, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES
1 complaint
CONSTANT VIBRATION FROM TIRES AT 65MPH OR FASTER, GETS WORSE AS THE SPEED INCREASES. *TR
Feb 05, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
PROBLEM 1: DATE IN: 5/22/07DATE OUT: 5/23/07 PROBLEM: BRAKES OR TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP; I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. PROBLEM 2: DATE IN: 6/22/07DATE OUT: 6/22/07 PROBLEM:BRAKES OR TRANSMISSION LOCKING UP. THE WAY THAT THE DEALERSHIP HANDLED THIS ISSUE IS BY DISENGAGING THE HILL HOLDER FUNCTION. ADDITIONALLY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONTAL AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING A FRONT-END COLLISION; YET THE IMPACT OF THE COLLISION WAS SERIOUS ENOUGH TO CAUSE $9,200 WORTH OF DAMAGES. FURTHERMORE, ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DETECTION LIGHT WAS NOT INDICATING INITIATION WHEN THERE WAS A PASSENGER, USING THE SEATBELT, IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WE HAD PLANNED ON TAKING THE CAR IN TO HAVE PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM ASSESSED. I SENT A REQUEST TO THE FLATIRON IMPORTS ON 12/5/07, REQUESTING THAT THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM BE ASSESSED FOR PROPER FUNCTIONING WHILE IT IS BEING SERVICED FOR THE MECHANICAL DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE ACCIDENT; HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CONFIRMATION OF THIS REQUEST AS OF 12/12/07. *TR
Dec 28, 2007
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2007 SUBARU Forester have?
The 2007 SUBARU Forester currently has 72 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 2007 SUBARU Forester?
The most common problems reported for the 2007 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 2007 SUBARU Forester problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2007 SUBARU Forester comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - SUBARU Forester
2025 Problems
2024 Problems
2023 Problems
2022 Problems
2021 Problems
2020 Problems
2019 Problems
2018 Problems
2017 Problems
2016 Problems
2015 Problems
2014 Problems
2013 Problems
2012 Problems
2011 Problems
2010 Problems
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