2005 Subaru Forester Subaru Forester 2005

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2005 Subaru Forester repairs by problem area

Engine (49%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (10%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (12%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (18%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (6%)

Other (1%)

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Chart based on 183 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2005 Subaru Forester.

2005 Subaru Forester electrical repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (6%)

$100 - $499 (56%)

< $100 (38%)

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Chart based on 32 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2005 Subaru Forester

Engine not specified

103000 mi condenser replaced 

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2005 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

turbocharged 210hp 2.5L I4 5-speed manual AWD

105300 mi

US $53
A rear window switch needed replacing. Driver could roll window up and down but passenger in rear couldn't roll window up. Mechanic replaced it in under ten minutes so he didn't even bother to charge me for labor. (Part ordered prior) 
144000 mi

US $900
A/C not cooling. Recharging revealed a leak in a/c compressor which was replaced, freon added 
147000 mi

US $100
I could smell a strong coolant odor and a/c didn't seem as cool. Even on max, fan seemed weak. Shop said that O rings that had been previously replaced were loose. The clamps were tightened and system recharged. I shouldn't have been charged for this as the shop warranties its work for a year but the owner was on vacation and acting manager didn't pass info on to front counter. I'm going to return to shop to get payment back and show them the problem hasn't been resolved completely as I still smell coolant but now only sporadically and fan power is still reduced by half when I turn on a/c. 
81840 mi

C $10
Intermittent failure of AC. Due to AC compressor clutch wear. Solution was obtained through searching in forums. 

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2005 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

turbocharged 210hp 2.5L I4 4-speed automatic AWD

94000 mi

US $89
LED light switch for fog light repair was $89.00 p/l 
52000 mi We just discovered the seat heaters are not working. Trying to diagnose ourselves:switch vs. element before visit to the dealership 
102000 mi

US $450
Drivers side front-window motor replacement. 

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2005 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

48900 mi

US $284
drivers side window motor replaced 
59200 mi

US $130
Replaced failed drivers window regulator 
90000 mi

US $470
ac condensor leak 

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2005 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

113000 mi

US $100
Dead battery 
158000 mi

US $60
freon 
86000 mi

US $450
Car wouldn't start. Battery did not hold a charge and alternator wasn't charging well. Battery and alternator were replaced. Car starts and runs well now. 
164000 mi

US $10
Replaced left headlight with no low beam. 
160000 mi

US $120
AC weak 
93620 mi Burning oil one liter + between oil changes 
80800 mi

US $450
Freon leak. Repaired, parts replaced, system recharged. 
95300 mi

US $600
A/C did not blow cold air. No leak discovered, recharge of a/c suggested. 
90000 mi

US $250
Light bulb in clock - cost $175, includes time to remove dashboard to replace -- did not repair Light bulb in gear shift - cost $250, includes time to replace -- did not repair  
95500 mi Faulty fuel tank sensor - internal failure. check engine light came on the next week, but just needed to be cleared out. 
112220 mi

C $20
Replaced fog light and two marker lights. It took about 30 minutes to change all the lights. Getting access to the bulbs required removing quite a few parts. 
97000 mi

US $120
A/C had loss of refrigerant. System was topped off. No leak found this time. Probably very small leak. 
153000 mi

US $175
Ambient temperature sensor inoperative. Not only did I not have a reading of outside temperature, but it also affected the control of the level of heat (or lack thereof) in the car. 
163800 mi

US $220
Problem: A/C not making cold air. Solution: Recharge refrigerant. Check for leaks. No leaks found. 
75020 mi Power seat assembly was changed 
75640 mi car battery was chenged 
76880 mi

C $200
After years of low driving milage car battery become week and cannot start the engine 
75000 mi

US $400
CD changer in radio unit would not eject CDs. Unit required replacement for CD function to continue to work. 
115000 mi

US $129
Refrigerant recharge. 
116500 mi

US $475
Starter motor failed and was replaced. 
59000 mi The drivers side window regulator failed so now I get to push the glass down or pull it up by hand while the motor whirls away uselessly. 
62000 mi

US $325
Replaced motor and regulator for driver's side window 

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2005 Subaru Forester Electrical Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2005 Subaru Forester problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.