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 93 of 93 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 78 of 93 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.
Fuel system
23 complaint records1 crash report
"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...."- 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 fuel system parts in the directory →
Suspension
21 complaint records3 crash reports
"THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 14 YEARS OLD AND I'VE HAD IT FOR 2 YEARS. I HAD IT TAKEN TO MY FAMILY MECHANIC FOR MINOR ISSUES AND FOUND OUT THAT THE SUSPENSION IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT...."- 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 →
Speed control
17 complaint records7 crash reports
"MY 2005 SUBARU FORESTER SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I HAD TO PUSH REALLY HARD ON THE BRAKES TO AVOID SURGING AHEAD INTO TRAFFIC.*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 speed control 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE11011 opened Apr 2011 | closed Sep 2011 | Suspension | Front suspension control arm failure - led to recall 11V464000 On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through... |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11V464000 | Suspension | SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR... | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011344 2011-09-19 | Suspension | 59,432 | On certain vehicles, the front lower control arms could corrode due to exposure to humid environments and road de-icing chemicals. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SubaruNet Announcement (M Oct 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines. | |
| 13-109-26 Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (C Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments. | |
| 15-304-22R Sep 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin. | |
| 15-333-25R Sep 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-308-23R Aug 2026 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.This is an revised version of the... | |
| 15-304-22R Aug 2026 | Electrical System | This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.) | |
| Article Locator Aug 2026 | Electrical System | Techtips newsletter locator index. | |
| 15-333-25R Aug 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin | |
| SubaruNet Annoucement (E Jun 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras. | |
| 01-167-08R May 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (R May 2026 | Power Train | This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program. | |
| 07-240-26R Apr 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20. | |
| 01-167-08R Apr 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| 03-97-26 Apr 2026 | Power Train | This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures. | |
| 05-97-26 Apr 2026 | Wheels | This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected. | |
| 01-167-08R Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| 10-105-25R Mar 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| 15-219-18R Mar 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (A Mar 2026 | Electrical System | This announcement provides information on the use of aftermarket services or tools for programming immobilizer keys/fobs. | |
| 07-240-26R Feb 2026 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for 2026 model year vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20 with gen 4 Telematics. | |
| 10-105-25R Feb 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| Subaru Tech Tips Special Jan 2026 | Electrical System | This Subaru service and technical support line newsletter provides information on the next phase of TechShare. | |
| Subarunet Announcement (E Jan 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This announcement has been created to address difficulties with software updates on Subaru Select Monitors with DST-010 interface firmware has been updated. | |
| 15-300-22R Jan 2026 | Engine | This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES). | |
| 18-226-25R Dec 2025 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis). | |
| 15-333-25 Dec 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. | |
| Subaru Tech Tips (Article Nov 2025 | Unknown Or Other | Subaru service article locator. | |
| 15-130-08R Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin provides information on the load carrying capacity reduced label when a port-installed or retailer-installed accessory exeeds 1.5 percent of the GVWR or 100 pounds, which ever is lower. | |
| Subaru Tech Tips (Article Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | Subaru tech tips newsletter article locator. | |
| 15-308-23R Oct 2025 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts. | |
| 07-233-25R Oct 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in new vehicle inventory. | |
| 07-236-25 Oct 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin outlines a comprehensive update to the dark current/parasitic draw diagnosis & testing procedures. | |
| 15-219-18R Sep 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin addresses cases when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully. | |
| 10-105-25R Sep 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| 07-233-25 Sep 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in new vehicle inventory wjhich must be tested and reported every 30 days. | |
| 15-266-20R Aug 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to the operation of their Gen 2/Gen 3 Telematics system equipped Subaru. | |
| 15-320-24R Aug 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement Aug 2025 | Electrical System | Subaru of America, Inc. will release an OTA to perform a software update to the DCM. This is a preventive OTA. | |
| 13-108-25 Aug 2025 | Structure | This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up. | |
| Subaru Service Technical Aug 2025 | Power Train | Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement Jul 2025 | Electrical System | This OTA is released to address Telematic functions that may stop working after a certain amount of time from the vehicle's production. | |
| 10-105-25R Jul 2025 | Electrical System | "This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| SubaruNet Annoucement Jun 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This announcment provides information on the release of the latest software updates to the Subaru Midtronics DSS-5000 Battery Diagnostic tool. | |
| 15-251-19R Jun 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (S Jun 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This announcement is to bring attention to the OTA for In-vehicle service appointment scheduler and In-vehicle message center. | |
| 10-105-25R Jun 2025 | Electrical System | This Service Information bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| 01-168-09R May 2025 | Unknown Or Other | The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site. | |
| 10-105-25R May 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| 15-251-19R Apr 2025 | Electrical System | This Service Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16. | |
| 02-192-24R Apr 2025 | Engine | This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines. | |
| 14-31-25 Mar 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Bulletin announces availability of a User Guide and an informative video to supplement the recent releases to retailers of the SOA321152 and SOA321153 Terminal Test Kits. | |
| 09-51-08R Mar 2025 | Engine | The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure. | |
| 15-304-22R Mar 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. | |
| 01-167-08R Mar 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| 15-219-18R Mar 2025 | Electrical System | When attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully. | |
| 15-251-19R Feb 2025 | Electrical System | "This Service Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16." | |
| Subarunet Announcement Jan 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This announcement is in regard to special service tool shipment will be shipped directly to the Subar retailers during February. | |
| RC5 Head Unit OTA Jan 2025 | Electrical System | A head unit OTA will be available via cellular network for Mid and High Grade CP1.5 head units. | |
| 07-59-07R Dec 2024 | Exterior Lighting | This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on the inside of the lamp lenses. |
Showing 60 of 138 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
- 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.
- Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
- 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 →