Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 106 of 131 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 49 of 131 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Power train
35 complaint records
"THE ORIGINAL FAILURE WAS DUE TO A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK. THE NEXT 3 REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSIONS ALSO DEVELOPED LEAKS. THE 4TH REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION IS OK TO DATE.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
29 complaint records
"AT 53,500 MILES ENGINE OIL BEGAN LEAKING. ALL SEALS HAD TO BE REPLACED INCLUDING WATRE PUMP SEALS WICH HAD ALSO FAILED.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Suspension
26 complaint records
"PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT WHEEL BEARING. DEALER OR MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE99020 opened Mar 1999 | closed Mar 1999 | Seat Belts | SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE SEPARATION ODI HAS ONE COMPLAINT ALLEGING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE, LOCATED BETWEEN THE SEAT AND CENTER CONSOLE, BECAME DETACHED WHILE DRIVING.IN ADDITION, THE OWNER INSPECTED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE AND FOUND THAT THE BOLT WAS... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99V040000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). (THE 1999 2.2 LITER LEGACY VEHICLES ARE EXCLUDED). | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000069 2000-03-17 | Other | 46,003 | Certain vehicle do not comply with Regulation 6 - Statement of Compliance. Compliance label was not expressed in both official languages in regard to vehicle classification. |
| 1999043 1999-03-17 | Brakes | 16,710 | On certain vehicles equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), the brake master cylinder secondary circuit may not function in extremely cold weather due to brake fluid bypassing the fluid supply valve, which remains open. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-249-23R Jul 2023 | Equipment | This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles. | |
| 15-302-22 Aug 2022 | Equipment | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. | |
| 01-167-08R Aug 2022 | Equipment | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| 15-192-22R Mar 2022 | Electrical System | This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment). | |
| 01-167-08R Jun 2021 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models |
Show 37 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09-51-08R Jun 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure. | |
| 14-22-16R Feb 2021 | Equipment | To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool. | |
| 14-22-16R Aug 2020 | Equipment | Special Service Tools Cross Reference List. | |
| 01-181-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices) | |
| 06-68-19R Jul 2019 | Service Brakes | This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. | |
| Subaru Tech Tips May 2019 | Equipment | Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter. | |
| 14-22-16R May 2019 | Equipment | To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool. | |
| 037012R-1 Jan 2014 | Fuel System | Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts | |
| 03-70-12R Jan 2014 | Power Train | REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR HIGH-PITCHED SOUND FROM EXTENSION HOUSING AREA USING LATEST GENERATION PRODUCTION PARTS - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES PRODUCTION CHANGE, REPAIR PROCEDURE AND PARTS INFORMATION TO ADDRESS A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF A HIGH-PITCHED SOUND COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION... | |
| 037012R May 2013 | Power Train | This Bulletin provides production change, repair procedure and parts information to address a customer concern of a high-pitched sound coming from the transmission extension housing area. | |
| 037012 Dec 2012 | Electrical System | Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts | |
| 03-70-12 Dec 2012 | Equipment | REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR HIGH-PITCHED SOUND FROM EXTENSION HOUSING AREA USING LATEST GENERATION PRODUCTION PARTS | |
| 166399R Dec 2012 | Power Train | Remanufactured Automatic Transaxle Program | |
| 036812R Dec 2012 | Power Train | 5MT Transfer Driven Gear Bearings | |
| 03-68-12R Dec 2012 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN REVIEWS A CHANGE TO THE PART NUMBERS USED FOR THE TRANSFER DRIVEN GEAR BEARINGS. THESE REVISED BEARINGS ARE TO BE USED TO ENHANCE DURABILITY. | |
| SB-05-50-10R Feb 2011 | Tires | SUBARU: THERE IS A STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO AN IMPORPER WHEEL BALANCE. *RM | |
| 02 Feb 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | RUBBING MARK ON TIMING BELT. SUBARU. *TT | |
| 029605 Sep 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 2.5L REMANUFACTURED SOHC SHORT BLOCK RELEASE. *TT | |
| 170601 Apr 2005 | Seat Belts | INFORMATION REGARDING SEAT BELT LATCH SLIDES TO THE LOWER SEAT BELT ANCHOR. *YH UPDATED *EH | |
| 128505 Feb 2005 | Structure | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSIS THE REAR GATE STAYS AND ALSO AVOIDS UNNECESSARY REPLACEMENT OF NON-FAILED STAYS. *TT | |
| 063103 Dec 2004 | Service Brakes | REPLACEMENT OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) REPAIR. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 99 Feb 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM CONDITIONER.*MR | |
| 035203 May 2003 | Power Train | CLUTCH PEDAL STICKING. *TT | |
| 127803 Mar 2003 | Equipment | FLOOR MAT HOOK REPAIR. *TT | |
| 166602 Mar 2003 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT (TCU) CODE 45 AND ALL-WHEEL DRIVE HARSH ENGAGEMENT. *TT | |
| 035002 Dec 2002 | Suspension | NEW PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. *TT | |
| WWG90 May 2002 | Fuel System | SUBJECT REGARDING AIR FLOW METER SENSOR. *JG | |
| 010302 Mar 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS OF A GROWLING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AREA. *TT | |
| 116702 Feb 2002 | Fuel System | SUBJECT REGADING AIR FLOW METER SENSING UNIT AVAILABILITY. *TT | |
| 17 Jan 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING POPPING OUT OF FIFTH GEAR CONDITION. *JG | |
| 166599R Mar 2000 | Power Train | CUSTOMER COMPLAINT THAT THE A/T TEMPERATURE LIGHT FLASHING AND CODE 38 FOUND IN THE TCM. *TT | |
| 115900 Feb 2000 | Fuel System | SUBJECT REGARDING AIR INTAKE CHAMBER BOX BREAKAGE. *TT | |
| 2000 Feb 2000 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN MENTIONS IF YOU HAVE A 1999MY OR LATER VEHICLES WITH THE NEW (SECOND GENERATION) 4EAT AND ARE DIAGNOSING A CODE FOR A DUTY SOLENOID, CHECK THE TRANSMISSION OIL PAN FOR ANY DENTS. *TT | |
| 166599 Jan 2000 | Power Train | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ABOUT THE A/T TEMPERATURE LIGHT FLASHING AND CODE 38 FOUND IN THE TCM. *TT | |
| 185499 Apr 1999 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING 1999 FORESTER SERVICE MANUAL. *TT | |
| 040599 Apr 1999 | Service Brakes | SUBJECT REGARDING BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON SOME VEHICLES WITH ABS. *TT | |
| 010898 Aug 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON INSTALLING REAR DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTOR . *TT |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Subaru Forester →