2008 Subaru Forester Subaru Forester 2008

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2008 Subaru Forester repairs by problem area

Engine (42%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (7%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (23%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (19%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (4%)

Other (2%)

Chart based on 101 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2008 Subaru Forester.

2008 Subaru Forester repair cost distribution

$2500+ (7%)

$1000 - $2499 (10%)

$500 - $999 (12%)

$100 - $499 (45%)

< $100 (26%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 91 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2008 Subaru Forester

Engine not specified

Subaru Forester in Iceland
Jul 2013 - Oct 2015
Mar 2014

65720 mi

$333
CV Joint 
Feb 2015

86800 mi

$1000
Outer CV joint 

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2008 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in Alberta, Canada
Jun 2011 - Nov 2016
Aug 2013

85180 mi

C $1200
Clutch 
Jul 2015

108500 mi

C $500
Link broke 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Jun 2013 - Jul 2013
Jul 2013

141000 mi

US $150
Rear wheel bearing 

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2008 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in Georgia, United States
Jan 2021 - May 2022
Jan 2022

147000 mi

US $136
After a week of no use we noticed oil on driveway. The heads are leaking as well as main seal. 
Apr 2022

150000 mi

US $130
rear end needs replaced or major rebuild 
Subaru Forester in Alaska, United States
Mar 2012 - Jun 2018
May 2014

57900 mi

US $600
The Trailing arm link bushings were worn and replaced. Same for the Crossmember bushings. 
Dec 2014

62000 mi

US $500
Secondary air valves were sticking and were causing cel codes. Check engine light, Stability control light, and Cruise control light were all illuminated in instrument cluster panel. Because of the this my Cruise control was deactivated. 
Apr 2015

64000 mi

US $1279
Replaced oem struts with a new set. 
Nov 2015

69600 mi

US $75
Replaced Rear Cross-Member Bushings. 
Oct 2017

81000 mi

US $1115
Noise coming from the rear of car turned out to be a wheel bearing on the driver side. I had both driver and passenger side done. Two front swayer end links were rusted and replaced. Upper radiator hose was worn. Worn A/C and alternator belt. 
Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States
Apr 2011 - Nov 2013
Jul 2012

72700 mi

US $150
The wheel bearing on the rear drivers side. 
Oct 2012

76000 mi

US $35
Loose belt on the power steering making loud screech noise 
Jun 2013

83000 mi

US $500
Two warning lights came on - traction control disabled and something else, don't remember. Checked the error code suggesting emmission system problems. The dealer replaced some kind of emissions exhaust valve 

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2008 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

173-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2011 - Feb 2019
May 2011

30380 mi

C $10
High beam headlight not working. Bulb replaced. 
Feb 2012

35840 mi

C $11
RHS Low Beam Headlight bulb replaced 
Jul 2012

37400 mi

C $120
A/C not cooling, was recharged, system tested for leaks but none found 
Nov 2012

38740 mi

C $437
Serviced rear caliper pistons and pin sliders, cleaned and serviced brake pads Anti Sway Bar Link broken, replaced 
Jul 2013

41420 mi

C $175
Was not cooling properly. System recharged. Dye installed for monitoring 
Sep 2013

42780 mi

C $283
A/C not cooling.A/C Condensor replaced and system recharged 
Nov 2013

44020 mi

C $175
Squealing on start-up. Drive belts replaced. 
Feb 2014

44640 mi

C $34
Exterior trim loose and weatherstripping loose, both on driver's door 
Dec 2014

46500 mi
weatherstripping was loose on both front doors. Estimate provided. Repair declined due to unreasonable cost. Purchased clips and spouse repaired weatherstripping. 
Apr 2015

47320 mi

C $197
Right sway bar link broken, left had play 
Dec 2015

50220 mi

C $691
Check engine light on solid, then flashing. Code P0302 misfire from #2 cylinder, compression good. Coil shorted and wire weak. Replaced coil and ignition wire. 
Jun 2017

55180 mi

C $627
Vapour coming from under hood, strange smell, leak near dipstick. Replaced valve cover gasket and O-rings. Replaced front oil pressure switch. 
Sep 2017

57040 mi

C $897
Noisy exhaust. Exhaust was leaking through midpipe and muffler. Midpipe and muffler were replaced. 
Subaru Forester in New Hampshire, United States
Jul 2012 - Jun 2022
Jul 2013

96300 mi

US $300
Car shaking & stalling (stopped 3 days, fine before). CEL On, code was misfire in all 4 cyl. Shop replace valves gasket, spark plugs and wires. Also tried coil, but wasn't it. Issue was not resolved. Car still stalling and jerking. After shop was unsuccessful, owner dove into it and tried to repair it himself. Change several parts according to internet forum and was finally successful. EGR valve was the culprit. CAM & CAP also changed. 
Dec 2013

107000 mi

US $120
Strange noise when car starts or idle. Shop found some steel plates within the emissions system were loose and soldered them. Owner was concerned was an issue with the catalytic converter. 
Feb 2014

110400 mi

US $1600
Clutch needed replacement. 
Jan 2016

113200 mi

US $350
Tie end boot needed replacement. Leaking motor oil. Shop did it, but it failed soon after. Shop was out of business by then. 
Oct 2016

150000 mi

US $850
Steering fluid leaking. Rack needed replacement. 
Nov 2017

158000 mi

US $200
TPS light on. Sensor was replaced on 2 of the tires Airbag light is on in dashboard. Not code has been found. Car is being driven with light on. 
Apr 2022

220000 mi

US $125
Issues with the exhaust. Part of the duct was replaced(the middle part after the manifold, before the muffler. 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2013 - Jan 2015
Oct 2014

211000 mi

US $189
Replaced both rear strut assemblies with used assemblies from a auto recycler. 
Dec 2014

215000 mi

US $275
Car had a miss on number 2 cyl. Replaced plies and wires but found the coil to be cracked and corroded causing the misfire. 
Subaru Forester in Connecticut, United States
Jun 2015 - Jun 2015
Jun 2015

174000 mi

US $20
AC belt broke 
Subaru Forester in Newfoundland / Lab., Canada
Mar 2012 - Apr 2013
Apr 2012

39060 mi

C $533
Install sway bar bushings, front control arm bushing, right front link kit, right rear link kit. 
Apr 2013

56420 mi

C $120
Rear wiper motor failed. Replaced with used part. 
Subaru Forester in Tasmania, Australia
Apr 2008 - Jun 2017
Apr 2008

3100 mi
Starter motor failed. Replaced on warranty by dealer. Down time 24h. 
Dec 2011

36580 mi
Head gasket found to be leaking, needs full replacement next 12 months. 
Subaru Forester in Alaska, United States
Apr 2011 - Jan 2017
Jan 2017

95000 mi

US $3300
Head gasket replacement 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Nov 2014 - May 2017
Oct 2015

101000 mi

US $150
Check engine light with flashing cruise control light; no other symptoms. Diagnostic code for bad air/fuel ratio sensor. Replaced sensor, solving problem. 
Mar 2016

108000 mi

US $260
Oil leaking from engine onto exhaust, producing minor smoke. Replaced valve cover gaskets and oil pressure sensor, which were both leaking. VCGs were previously replaced by dealer; suspect bad job at that time. Seems ok now. 
Sep 2016

115000 mi

US $380
Occasional misfire under acceleration triggered check engine light. Factory spark plugs replaced at 115k miles. Oil leaking from engine onto oil filter and exhaust system, producing smoke. Suspect external head gasket leak, previously misdiagnosed. Mechanic cleaned oil residue, then added dye to oil in order to locate leak at a future repair trip. 
Jan 2017

108700 mi

US $4000
External head gasket leak (producing worsening smoke) and damaged cylinder guide. Engine block machined/resurfaced. Other parts replaced preventatively. Runs smoothly now. 
Apr 2017

121000 mi

US $300
Dead in the driveway, 4K miles after head gasket repair. Could have seized due to increased oil consumption after engine block remachining. Starter made noise but car wouldn't start. Local mechanic removed timing cover for diagnosis and suspected broken camshaft due to timing slip. Subaru dealership mechanic also suspected timing issues. Quoted $7-9k for engine repair, or $6-7k to buy and install a remanufactured engine. I scrapped the car. 
Subaru Forester in New Hampshire, United States
May 2011 - Jun 2015
Jul 2011

78000 mi

US $200
CV joint needed replacing 
Jun 2015

143000 mi
Head gasket, repaired that, then it was the drive belt I believe 

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2008 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

173-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in Maine, United States
Apr 2008 - Jan 2014
May 2008

15000 mi
Replace door panel window was jamming 
Jun 2008

17000 mi
Replaced Radio 
Apr 2010

65600 mi

US $68
Replaced tires for second time and alignment replaced idler arm right 
Mar 2011

85973 mi

US $250
replaced valve cover gaskets and gromets flushed radiater and replaced plugs. 
Apr 2011

88269 mi

US $76
Replaced idler arm left  
Jan 2014

97000 mi

US $325
rear u-joint on drive shaft 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Aug 2011 - Sep 2012
Sep 2012

143000 mi

US $450
replaced a/c compressor 
Subaru Forester in Kentucky, United States
Apr 2011 - Jun 2022
Sep 2016

53000 mi

US $3500
Shop found two exhaust valve guides on one head had dropped a little, so since the heads were off, they did a valve job on both heads (remanufactured heads). 
Dec 2016

55000 mi

US $100
Replace one faulty tire pressure sensor. 
Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada
Apr 2011 - Jun 2022
Feb 2014

61860 mi
Sudden burning smell and screeching noise from engine (pulling away from intersection) - turned out to be A/C belt, pulley mechanism. A/C belt was worn and replaced at recent maintenance. Status of compressor unknown. 
Apr 2014

62400 mi
Further to Feb 2014 report. Not done but confirmed the A/C unit needs to be replaced. Toughing it out this summer and might replace ourselves. 
Mar 2019

111290 mi

C $2500
Leaking head gasket - observed during routine maintenance and not yet repaired - the price reported (in CAD) is an estimate based on not needing to machine the heads, if this is added, could be as high as 4000. We're shopping around to see what our options are. We hope to drive this Forester for another 100k-150k and do intend to make the repair. 
Jun 2022

134230 mi

C $1400
Replace leaking hose, replace condenser and other components 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2011 - Jun 2013
Apr 2011

43400 mi

C $395
O2 SENSOR 
Jan 2013

59520 mi

C $96
Oil pressure switch allowing oil to leak onto engine 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Oct 2012 - Mar 2014
Oct 2013

166000 mi
Warranty repair for catalytic converter 
Mar 2014

177000 mi

US $400
Wheel hub replacement 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
- Mar 2010
May 2008

2050 mi
The "Forester" emblem was seperating from the rear hatch. Northpark Subaru of San Antonio, made the repairs. New decal covered under the 3/36k. 
Mar 2010

27500 mi
The center console cushion developed a crease. Dealer replaced the cushion under warranty.  
Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States
Apr 2011 - Jun 2022
May 2018

56000 mi

US $1200
Engine suddenly running badly. Replaced coil pack, spark plugs, spark plug wires. Replaced valve cover gaskets. 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Jun 2017 - Jun 2018
May 2018

74000 mi

US $575
Needed new brakes and rotors. 
Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States
Apr 2018 - Jun 2022
Jun 2021

201000 mi

US $10
A/C pulley adjuster 
Jul 2021

201000 mi

US $300
Rear resonator, muffler. 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Sep 2011 - Jun 2016
Sep 2013

63000 mi

US $50
Blower power connector broken. Connector was replaced 
Oct 2015

83300 mi

US $260
rear wheel bearing 
Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States
Sep 2014 - Feb 2022
Nov 2015

45500 mi

US $300
Stabilizer links 
Mar 2016

48000 mi
Retighten. 
Aug 2017

75000 mi

US $150
Replaced pads and turned rotors 
Feb 2018

83000 mi

US $200
Replace link 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Jun 2012 - Jan 2013
Jan 2013

45000 mi

US $2500
Head gasket needed replacement. Also changed timing belt. 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2013 - Sep 2014
Mar 2013

42427 mi
change coolant sensor & relay. Each winter would fail to start if temp below -10 C and car had been driven ~ 2 km or less. 1st dealer poor response. wrote newspaper column. 2nd dealer under goodwill warranty did job. Problem again in 2014. 
Jun 2014

55800 mi

C $30
auto, shift linkage became stiff in May 2013. Had lubed and subsequently replaced pivot points, cleaned and lubed -- cable was ok. Became stiff again in June 2014.had cleaned and lubed, including cable. rear hatch latch handle became stiff. would not spring back into normal position. hatch would not latch. I used silicone spray to get it functional. Dealer lubed this during visit at no cost. Had exactly same problem in 2013 spring. Annual? 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Oct 2012 - Feb 2017
Jan 2014

106000 mi

US $1500
Rack and Pinion seal went bad. Replaced entire system. 
Nov 2016

160300 mi

US $3500
Master cylinder leaking 
Subaru Forester in Quebec, Canada
Sep 2012 - Jun 2018
Mar 2012

48980 mi

C $70
Replaced oil pressure switch 
Jan 2013

58280 mi

C $1900
Major parts: Machined engine block Changed valve/guide Changed spark plugs/wires Changed drive belt 
Oct 2013

66620 mi

C $250
Changed both link kit - front 
May 2014

75920 mi

C $125
Oil pressure switch (back order from the dealer) 
Feb 2015

85340 mi

C $165
Cam seal pushed out 1/4. Total loss of engine oil on highway. 
Apr 2017

94240 mi

C $335
Replace rear wiper motor Replaced front sway bar links 

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2007.5 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in Great Britain
Dec 2014 - Jan 2015
Jan 2015

55000 mi

£1100
Air pump failure 

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2007 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in California, United States
Dec 2008 - Oct 2017
Dec 2010

38000 mi

US $730
Two cracked plastic "roll-over" vent valves on top of fuel tank were replaced. 
Jul 2012

60000 mi

US $600
A rubber transmission mount was collapsed causing misalignment between the engine and transmission. 
Feb 2014

79000 mi

US $65
The auto dimming mirror was very wobbly/loose on its mount to windshield. Dealer said mirror mount was stripped and replaced the mount that attaches the mirror to the base glued to the windshield. 
Sep 2015

99000 mi

US $113
A washer limiting the motion of the parking brake was improperly seated after having rear brakes replaced 3 months ago. Washer shifted causing parking brake to engage and I was unable to release with lever. 
Apr 2016

107300 mi

US $250
Engine misfiring caused by valves out of adjustment. Dealer recommends valve job (valves require parts replacement to adjust, not simple mechanical screw adjustment) at cost of $4700. Car has manual transmission with Hill Holder feature on clutch. Intermittent unable to move car, forward or backward. Dealer said e-brake too tight and loosened brake cable. Repair unsuccessful. Car back in shop in April, bad master cyl? Engine misfiring. Dealer did fuel injection and throttle body cleaning and replaced spark plugs to correct. Help some, but still some misfire. Said valves needed adjustment or valve job. Hill holder valve intermittent sticking causing brakes to lock up after stopping. Hill holder valve replaced. Credit was given for e-brake adjustment charge on previous visit. E-brake also PROPERLY adjusted. 
May 2016

108400 mi

US $500
Check Engine light on/reset by owner/Check Engine light again activated 200 miles later. OBDII indicated "Bank 1 Lean". Dealer wanted to adjust valves at cost of $4500.00. Declined. 
Jul 2016

109700 mi

US $111
I replaced Mass Airflow Sensor yesterday (7/6/2016) after researching problem on internet. Replacement took two minutes. Initial drive OK. Have 600 mile trip this weekend to verify if problem corrected. 
Sep 2016

112000 mi

US $350
Replace radiator due to leak between plastic tank and aluminum core. Also replaced both cooling system pressure caps and upper and lower radiator hoses. 
Nov 2016

113700 mi

US $350
Check Engine lite came on. OBDII kept setting Misfire cyl #4 code. Car would randomly have mild to severe misfire and then return to normal after setting code. Replaced coil and spark plug for cyl #4. 
Subaru Forester in Minnesota, United States
Feb 2016 - Mar 2018
Apr 2016

99700 mi

US $1000
Power steering pump needs to be replaced Radiator burst 
Sep 2016

106000 mi

US $500
All 4 links had to be replaced. Front struts were replaced 
Dec 2016

108000 mi
Fuels leaking over intake manifold. Estimate $500 
Mar 2017

112000 mi

US $200
fuel injector needed to be replaced. - misfire in the cylinder Shifter bushing were replaced 
May 2017

113000 mi

US $1500
Working on Heads. Replaced valves Clutch seized Timing belt wore off. Original repair done by Northeast Motors in New Hampshire. They replaced timing belt and overtightened a guide. It chew through the belt. 
Jul 2017

113000 mi

US $400
Rear sway bar rusted through 
Dec 2017

117000 mi
Fuel is leaking under the intake manifold 
Feb 2018

118000 mi

US $550
Replaced all the fuel hoses. They were still leaking 
Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2012
Jul 2010

36500 mi
Dashboard noise. It is intermittant and when I bring it to the dealer they can't hear it. I have been trying to fix it myself. It's better but not completely gone. Fixed dashboard squeak and replaced a headlight bulb 

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2007 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States
Mar 2012 - Jun 2013
Feb 2013

133000 mi
Bad wheel bearing. Replaced front struts. Check Engine light for Secondary Air Injector valve stuck closed. Front CV joint noise. 
Jun 2013

143000 mi

US $580
Bad alternator and battery. Battery would not hold charge and alternator was not providing current. 
Subaru Forester in Great Britain
May 2017 - Dec 2020
Aug 2017

66000 mi

£300
Rear self levelling shock absorbers sagging and leaking oil (MOT advisory). Replaced with Pedders EZ fit kit. 

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2007 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

173-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
- Sep 2007
Sep 2007

21700 mi

C $14
Oil Change. Adjust hill holder. Complaint of jerking at light load light throttle condition. Probably just a trait of this vehicle. 
Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States
Dec 2008 - Nov 2015
Jun 2009

30000 mi

US $50
oil leak, missing crush ring, owner changed oil and did not replace. noticed leak and smoke at a rest stop. little oil actually lost 
Nov 2015

86000 mi
Took car in for timing belt replacement, and mechanic reported blown head gasket 
Subaru Forester in Minnesota, United States
Sep 2013 - Apr 2014
Apr 2014

88000 mi

US $98
Oil sensor leaks and velve cover gaskets leaks 
Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada
May 2009 - Mar 2016
Jul 2009

30944 mi

C $326
burning smell in car -burnt and melted blower fan motor connector. Connector replaced, melted again and required new motor and wiring. Subaru Canada refused any compensation or aid. totally PO'D with them. Right front strut was leaking - replaced. also, good deal on new tires. no cost- warrenty. 
May 2014

102920 mi
originally, #2 cylinder misfiring - diagnosis - spark plugs and leads replaced. timing belt badly cracked and replaced. After this we took it to a Subaru dealer for a 168,000 Km checkover - head gasket replaced,$2,500.00 rear wheel brgs. 
Oct 2014

107660 mi

C $1138
regular 6000Km service,plus all 4 brake pads/rotors,2 front brake discs, rear cylinder leaking, brake fluid flush. 10% off parts and labour. 
Jan 2015

110440 mi

C $1160
Clutch seized - throw bearing fried, clutch totally worn (first clutch replacement @176Km) 
May 2015

114080 mi

C $180
first warm day, a/c not working - discharged coolant, couldn't find leak- recharged coolant with a dye. Next time they will know where the leak is. 
Subaru Forester in Arizona, United States
Mar 2011 - Oct 2015
Feb 2014

124300 mi

US $3000
Headgasket failure. 
May 2015

167000 mi

US $65
Driver window switch became balky. 
Oct 2015

177000 mi

US $2100
The high beams would not shut off when switched from the stalk while moving. Required a shut down of the car to turn them off. Replaced high beam relay. Catastrophic transmission failure. Required replacement in full. 
Subaru Forester in New Mexico, United States
Dec 2007 - Jun 2014
Oct 2007

12000 mi
Defective radiator cap allowed pressure to escape and caused car to drive too hot. Dealer says this is a problem w/ the new caps. 
May 2008

18600 mi
Same repair as previously. Defective radiator cap cause car to drive too hot. Again replaced cap. Car still under warranty. 
Jan 2009

29000 mi
Radiator cap: antifreeze accumulates under it & causes system to overheat. 3rd radiator cap on this car. 
Jun 2009

35000 mi
Window screech while being put up or down. Dealer says problem is stabilizer bars. Parts ordered. 
Aug 2009

36000 mi
Windows screeched going up or down. Dealer replaced stabilizer bars under warranty. 
Feb 2011

71000 mi

US $81
Same old problem: for the 4th time the radiator cap malfunctioned, coolant was lost & the car started to heat up. 
Sep 2012

109000 mi

US $1800
Master bearing of clutch went out; clutch replaced. Timing belt replaced, $1200 of total. Battery replaced. 
Mar 2013

117000 mi
Catalytic convertor needs replacing. Cost would be $1100. Did not do this repair. 
Nov 2013

131000 mi

US $800
Replaced left wheel bearing, did brakes & re-aligned. Catalytic convertors replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Maine, United States
Apr 2011 - Jan 2015
Jun 2011

73000 mi

US $61
Rear stabilizer bushings are going to be replaced 
Jul 2011

73000 mi

US $65
Rear stabilizer bushing were worn and were replaced. Two exhaust hangers were also repaired at the same time. 
Dec 2012

82000 mi
Replaced the variable valve lift oil pressure switch on the right bank of the engine. When the part failed it triggered the check engine light and caused an oil leak. Replaced the left front ball joint. 
Subaru Forester in Minnesota, United States
Apr 2011 - Nov 2017
Dec 2011

90000 mi

US $232
Valve cover gaskets replace due to oil leak. 
Dec 2013

104000 mi
Front sway bar end links replaced 

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2007 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

173-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in Michigan, United States
Dec 2009 - Mar 2011
Dec 2010

67000 mi
Check engine light with cruise light flashing. Diagnosed as cat converter fault. Replaced under warranty. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Jan 2010 - Jul 2018
Mar 2013

120000 mi

US $55
Break light switch went intermittent, which prevented transmission from shifting out of park. 
Oct 2013

126500 mi

US $60
Replace leaking valve cover gaskets, adjusted valve clearance 
Jan 2014

129000 mi

US $150
Replaced leaking steering rack with new unit Leaking Radiator replaced 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2010 - Sep 2013
Nov 2010

48360 mi
head light bulb and front light on the left side 
Aug 2011

57020 mi

C $1000
needed higher quality engine oil< triggered sensor to show low presssure 
Sep 2013

70060 mi

C $759
Alternator failed to charge, replaced Battery too 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Apr 2010 - Jul 2022
Jun 2012

59000 mi

US $100
Three rattles were repaired. One was in the moonroof track, the second was a loose suspension bracket, and the other was in the rear folding seat latch. 
Sep 2012

64000 mi

US $724
Evap emissions system fault (check engine light). Gas tank vent valve replaced. 
Dec 2014

81000 mi

US $840
Both rear wheel bearings were beginning to make noise and were replaced prior to failure as preventive maintenance. 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Jan 2009 - Sep 2012
Dec 2009

37000 mi
cracked hose on fuel vapor recovery system was cause of check engine light. Dealer had suggested replacing gas cap first. 
Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States
Jun 2021 - Jun 2022
Mar 2022

89000 mi

US $130
Removed and cleaned the buildup of carbon . 
Subaru Forester in Victoria, Australia
Feb 2016 - Sep 2018
Feb 2017

93000 mi

A $280
Broken driveshaft replaced 
Subaru Forester in Indiana, United States
Mar 2017 - Jul 2018
Dec 2017

145000 mi

US $400
Solunoid Oil Leak 
Subaru Forester in New Hampshire, United States
Dec 2008 - Oct 2014
Apr 2012

31000 mi

US $80
Replaced leaking rear brake cylinder. 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Mar 2009 - Jun 2013
Jul 2009

38000 mi
Lock on driver's door stopped responding to remote. It could be locked manually. Actuator was replaced in driver's door. 
Sep 2011

73000 mi

US $100
Car would not shift out of park. Brake light sensor was replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Nebraska, United States
Nov 2010 - Jul 2013
Oct 2011

69000 mi
Check engine light came on. Mechanic cleared codes at no charge. Problem has not recurred. 
Feb 2013

77100 mi

US $450
O2 sensor replaced 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2008 - Jun 2009
Jan 2009

38440 mi
Transmission replaced in August. This was for a trans oil leak from the job. 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Dec 2008 - Jun 2015
Apr 2011

60000 mi

US $214
automatic transmission shift cable replaced 
Sep 2012

76000 mi

US $400
wife's car. Complained about muffler noise and smell of something heating up. Local shop found braces attached to muffler system worn out and small oil leak causing the smell of overheating 
May 2013

88000 mi

US $325
replace front wheel bearing; loud grinding noise from front end identified problem 
Jul 2013

90700 mi

US $458
check engine lite on; car shaking when driven; ignition coil misfired and damaged; replaced; wires replaced; valve cover gasket leaking; soaked ignition wires; replace wires and change plugs and valve cover gaskets 
Apr 2014

102300 mi

US $2721
replace both cylinder head gaskets left cylinder head oil sending unit  plus new battery, replace read window wiper motor, front window switch assorted parts 
Jan 2015

101000 mi

US $400
front caliper seized up; front pads down to nothing; dangerous to drive; fix problem, new pads etc. rear pads OK 
Jun 2015

106000 mi

US $200
car being given to step-daughter who is moving to Arizona; car was basically checked out to insure safety etc for trip across country; nothing significant in the way of repairs; tires are almost new; brake pads replaced; signs of rust note. 
Subaru Forester in Nevada, United States
Apr 2009 - Jul 2010
Sep 2009

30000 mi
Moonroof not closing properly. Had to order more parts. 
Oct 2009

31000 mi
Moonroof malfunction 
Subaru Forester in Florida, United States
Sep 2010 - Jun 2011
Oct 2010

50000 mi
replaced ecm and fuel pump 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
- May 2011
May 2011

69782 mi
Computer / tranny 
Subaru Forester in New Hampshire, United States
Mar 2016 - Jun 2018
May 2016

64900 mi
RF outer axle boot damaged/leaking at pre-purchase inspection. Dealer replaced ABS light on. No codes found. 
Subaru Forester in Washington, United States
Apr 2016 - Jan 2022
Jan 2022

182000 mi

US $1700
Replaced both headlamp assemblies due to moisture and broken bulb clip. Replaced both fog lamp assemblies due to broken lenses. Replace upper and lower radiator hoses due to age. Replaced battery under warranty due to failure to hold charge. Flush brake system. 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Feb 2014 - Aug 2017
Nov 2014

45000 mi

US $300
The muffler and pipe are replaced 
Subaru Forester in Wisconsin, United States
Mar 2011 - Apr 2017
Jan 2012

66000 mi

US $15
Both low beams failed one after the other. We keep low beams on at all times so this factors in. Both high beams usable till low beams repaired. Repaired withing two days. 
Sep 2015

127000 mi

US $4000
crack in head and broken valve guide all in area of cylinder #4. Car broke down on highway with no warning. Car never overheated and never run without oil changes and scheduled maintenance etc. 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Apr 2014 - Jul 2018
Apr 2014

90000 mi
Cadalydic converter 
Jun 2014

90000 mi
Cadalydic converter 
Jan 2015

200000 mi

US $1400
The over head cam was repaired. At that time we also replaced all belts, water pump, spark plugs because it seamed like a good idea . Wheel bearing and a ball joint. Both front control arms 
May 2016

256000 mi

US $150
Exhaust , muffler 
Oct 2016

140000 mi
Cadalydic converter 
Jun 2017

230000 mi

US $600
I’m not sure 
May 2018

256000 mi

US $1000
Cadalydic converter 
Jul 2018

260000 mi

US $175
Pulsing in the steering wheel. Vibration in the pedal. 
Subaru Forester in Connecticut, United States
Oct 2016 - Dec 2017
Nov 2017

115000 mi

US $650
Small evaporative leak - diagnosed but would not be able to access leak without removing fuel tank. Declined repair. Fell victim to the dreaded Subaru Head Gasket Leak! Estimate for repair plus timing belt and water pump came to ~$3100. Coupled with other high labor cost repairs that I would need to make within the year, I decided to trade the car in and get a newer vehicle. 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2014 - Jun 2022
Oct 2017

212000 mi

US $250
muffler and tail pipe replaced 
Dec 2017

213000 mi

US $100
Replace drivers side window gusset 
Jun 2018

225000 mi

US $900
left front axle Drive shaft replaced because of worn universal joint 
Subaru Forester in Washington, United States
Nov 2015 - Jan 2020
Dec 2015

129000 mi

US $119
Hard starting lead to death of battery. Replaced with larger capacity NAPA Legend. Lots of CCAs. 
Sep 2016

136000 mi

US $809
Pass. side caliper stuck, causing brake pad to wear out quickly. Both calipers, rotors and pads replaced in the front. 
Apr 2017

141262 mi

US $28
Leaking spark plug seals and valve cover gasket. Replaced affected seals 
Feb 2018

148500 mi

US $685
Leaking front camshaft seals, seals were replaced, timing belt and associated parts + neighboring seals inspected. 
Jan 2019

155869 mi

US $225
Alternator stopped generating sufficient voltage. 
Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada
Aug 2017 - Jul 2018
Sep 2017

121520 mi

C $200
Fuel pump and filter 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Apr 2011 - Sep 2012
Jun 2011

61000 mi

US $300
Two rear self-leveling struts needed replacement. Replaced with Monroe regular struts. 
Subaru Forester in Connecticut, United States
Sep 2015 - Jun 2016
Sep 2015

161000 mi
Transmission cooling line failed 
Jun 2016

179000 mi
Oil pressure sensors leaking 
Subaru Forester in Nova Scotia, Canada
Apr 2011 - Nov 2018
Jan 2012

78340 mi

C $600
misfire on 4th cylinder, replaced wires and ignition module 
Feb 2014

66340 mi

C $380
replaced driver window motor. dirty/seized. all exhaust heat shield bolts loose. two shields had fallen off a month ago. rattle solved by removing other four shields 
Mar 2016

87420 mi

C $450
front pipe and gaskets 
Dec 2017

108871 mi

C $4179
head gaskets leaking coolant into engine and onto ground also front brake pads and rotors 
Jan 2018

109740 mi

C $260
new muffler 
Jun 2018

114700 mi

C $380
Right rear wheel bearing changed without removing hub from vehicle 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Feb 2012 - Dec 2013
Oct 2013

66000 mi

US $477
Catalytic converter failed and car begin throwing codes. Subaru wants TWELVE HUNDRED DOLLARS for a replacement catalytic converter! On recommendation of mechanic went with 3rd party cat and car just not driving well now. F'in great. 
Subaru Forester in Manitoba, Canada
Aug 2014 - Jun 2022
Nov 2014

89900 mi
Front struts and rear shocks had to be replaced. All four tires replaced due to cupping from worn shocks. 
Aug 2016

99100 mi

C $400
Driver's side rear fender rust repair and paint. 
Jul 2017

120900 mi

C $586
Replaced both front cv boots, oil change, filter and inspection of brakes. Rotate tires 
Nov 2021

172360 mi

C $600
Battery replaced, tires rotated, side-marker bulb replaced, oil change (synthetic) an oil filter, engine air filter replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Florida, United States
Feb 2013 - Sep 2018
Feb 2014

29200 mi

US $705
Check engine light came on and cruise control light flashed at same time while driving.Replaced Evaporative Emissions Canister. BG fuel induction service. Smoke Test found crack in canister. Adaptive relearn procedure. 
Apr 2016

33000 mi
This trip was to shut off the engine light and reset the cruise control, which keeps tripping, for an unknown reason. 
Jun 2016

33000 mi

US $700
Cracked roll valves. All replaced. 

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2006 Subaru Forester

Engine not specified

Subaru Forester in India
Feb 2010 - Oct 2011
Oct 2011

80600 mi
Suspension, noise, power windows 

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2006 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

turbocharged 230hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Oct 2012 - Oct 2015
Nov 2012

63000 mi

C $900
OBD error running rich and secondary injection system failed. replace MAF sensor and Smog air pump 
May 2015

80600 mi
replace front calipers. Replace all rotors and pad 
Subaru Forester in Florida, United States
Oct 2012 - Mar 2016
Dec 2012

122000 mi
Valve cover gasket found to be leaking Extension housing of transmission is leaking slightly. 
Feb 2013

124200 mi

US $20
replaced belt for alternator/power steering pump 
Mar 2014

133000 mi

US $800
radiator leaking at the seams, overheating. required immediate replacement, although I got it to the shop using a couple of tricks. 
Oct 2014

138800 mi

US $20
wheel well plastic guard came off and the tires rubbed through it. required replacement - about $20 part online and 30 minute self-repair 
Nov 2015

151100 mi

US $35
Cv joint boot torn, joint about to fail 
Mar 2016

154000 mi

US $1200
full reseal job - leaking everywhere. Will need new clutch in 10K. Sold. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Apr 2011 - Jul 2018
May 2011

89000 mi
Throwout bearing failure 
Jul 2018

161000 mi

US $1600
Head gasket 
Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada
Oct 2010 - Aug 2015
Jan 2011

48980 mi

C $250
Driver-side HID Headlight ballast no longer. Repaired under extended Manufacturer's Warranty. The HID light on the other is not flickering. 
Dec 2011

57660 mi

C $1937
Overhaul / Replace Clutch, Pressure Plate, Throw-out bearing, flush clutch hydrologics and Gear box 
Feb 2013

68700 mi

C $500
Secondary Air Valve (RH) 
Aug 2013

71920 mi

C $130
The HID bulb on the Driver side failed 
Feb 2014

75020 mi

C $645
Suspension: Left Front End Link seized. Engine: Fan belts. 
Subaru Forester in Quebec, Canada
Jul 2009 - May 2016
May 2010

98580 mi
Heated seat repaired. 
Jan 2012

164300 mi

C $700
Turbo oil line leak - 8 hours of labour to change a $74.00 pipe 
Sep 2013

183520 mi

C $6000
head gasket - rebuilt engine 
Jul 2014

196100 mi

C $900
Secondary air pump valves crapped out 
Jun 2015

213900 mi

C $500
AC pulley bearing seized, damaged timing belt cover 

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2006 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

turbocharged 230hp 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in Alberta, Canada
Nov 2015 - Mar 2018
Feb 2016

135780 mi

C $550
Radiator seam cracked at top, was able to limp to shop. 
Dec 2016

153140 mi

C $180
Misfiring on cylinder 2, bad coil pack. 
Mar 2018

172360 mi

C $350
Alternator replaced 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
May 2014 - Jan 2015
May 2014

58000 mi

US $176
Secondary emission control problem . Check engine light on. 
Jun 2014

59000 mi

US $2200
Check engine light on. Replacement of pump and associated air valves. 
Subaru Forester in Singapore
Mar 2016 - Sep 2017
Sep 2016

91760 mi

$500
Replaced cam cover gasket 
Subaru Forester in South Africa
Apr 2011 - Jan 2014
Jan 2013

89900 mi

R 4000
Replaced pistons and rebored cylinders 

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2006 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

173-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Mar 2014 - Apr 2014
Apr 2014

65000 mi

US $2500
transmission had to be replaced 
Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States
Jun 2011 - May 2012
May 2012

195000 mi

US $100
Bad MAF sensor 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Feb 2013 - Apr 2014
Mar 2013

98000 mi

US $1550
Throw out bearing wore out. Grinding noise and gripping problem, no evident problem the day before. Repair shop recommended new clutch as well as bearing due to mileage. 
Jun 2013

102000 mi

US $180
Nice cold air when turned on but cooling decreases over 20 minutes until only warm air. Required AC recharge with dye so future leaks (if there are any) can be located. Poor cooling continues and car is on its way back to repair shop. 
Sep 2013

106000 mi

US $25
We need a new headlight every few months. No one can figure out why. 
Subaru Forester in North Carolina, United States
Feb 2007 - Jun 2011
Nov 2007

30000 mi
Engine goes in 'safe mode' (results in loss of power) apparently due to a disagreement of the throttle and gas pedal encoders in the drive-by-wire system. Same exact symptoms as 2 years ago; back then the CPU board was changed but apparently did not reso 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2014 - Oct 2015
Oct 2015

91000 mi
Continual P420 Low catalytic efficiency code. 

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2006 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

173-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in New Hampshire, United States
Apr 2010 - Jun 2011
Jun 2010

66000 mi

US $350
Air/fuel ratio sensor went bad. Replaced and reflashed ECU by dealer. Problem solved. 
Oct 2010

78000 mi

US $100
Outside temperature sensor not reading correctly 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Aug 2010 - May 2013
Oct 2010

98000 mi

US $25
Check engine light and flashing cruise control light 
Mar 2012

130000 mi

US $60
poor gas mileage. clean the fuel injectors and changed motor oil and filters. 
Nov 2012

143100 mi
New Battery 
Subaru Forester in South Carolina, United States
Feb 2017 - Aug 2021
May 2017

154000 mi
Diagnosed oil leak from engine to be leaking oil drain plug. Replaced with Fumoto F-105N Engine Oil Drain Valve which has resolved that leak. Additional oil leak from the valve covers not resolved due to amount of work needed to repair that on this type of engine. 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2016 - Jun 2017
Jun 2017

71000 mi

US $3500
headgaskets. 
Subaru Forester in West Virginia, United States
Oct 2019 - Nov 2021
Sep 2019

174765 mi

US $6656
Exhaust hangers broke, pipes, muffler, converter replaced Replaces broken sway bar Replaced head gaskets, milled warped heads Replaced water pump 
Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States
Jan 2010 - Mar 2016
Feb 2010

56000 mi

US $250
I noticed no problems with the car myself, but the check engine light came on. The shop diagnosed a problem with the air intake temperature sensor. 
Aug 2011

70000 mi

US $650
A/C system developed a leak and lost all coolant. Put in a leak detector to isolate the source, repaired leaky seals, recharged. 
Jan 2013

86000 mi

US $2650
Smelled burning oil, turned out the gasket was leaking. The dealer replaced the timing belt, too, as it was getting worn and it has to be removed for the gasket job anyhow. 
Oct 2015

113500 mi
Car was overheating, turned out to require major transmission work. 
Dec 2015

116000 mi

US $2000
Not sure what the exact problem was but check engine light was flashing. 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2009 - Dec 2021
May 2012

53700 mi
Droning sound from passenger side, peaking at 30 mph and again at 50 mph. Dealer replaced right-rear wheel bearing. 
Feb 2013

61660 mi
Hard 3-4 shifts in cold weather immediately after first start after overnight cold soak. Dealer diagnosed leaking seal in transmission and replaced unit under extended warranty. 
Nov 2017

102300 mi

C $300
rear pads & rotors; Strong Automotive broke the ABS sensor ring on RR wheel & replaced it @ no charge 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Jul 2009 - Dec 2017
Dec 2014

56000 mi

US $600
Replaced failing power steering pump. 
Sep 2015

57000 mi
Completed repair of an earlier power steering pump failure. Multiple flushings of fluid and second replacement of pump. 
May 2017

61000 mi
Not exactly a repair, more like a diagnosis + wait and see. Slight leakage of oil AND coolant from one cylinder head. Engine has leaked coolant from new. Amount varies with season. Subaru dealer(s) always denied any problem. My independent guy says it's quite common with (older?) Subarus. Keep an eye on it! 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Apr 2014 - Sep 2015
Jul 2014

139300 mi

US $2200
valve job, head replaced with refurbished one cold air not lasting; recharging did not fix it hard to steer after valve job done; caused by need to move the power steering lines for the valve job; they haven't fixed it yet (probably will have to bleed it) 
Aug 2014

140100 mi
valves needed to be readjusted needed replacement steering pump (for the one they had just put in) 
Sep 2014

141000 mi

US $300
pump was overheating; still not very cold replaced AC compressor 
Sep 2015

143000 mi

US $84
battery died low voltage to oxygen sensor 
Subaru Forester in Rhode Island, United States
Mar 2017 - Apr 2017
Apr 2017

157000 mi

US $1000
Check engine light with Cylinder 4misfire. Could be rings or head gasket (again). Mechanic suggested new engine or sell it. I have already put 2 head gaskets in it. Decided to sell it currently shopping for a new vehicle. 
Subaru Forester in New Zealand
Aug 2009 - Jul 2022
Sep 2009

65720 mi
LR Wheel bearing went noisy - rusty at investigation 
Mar 2010

71300 mi

$35
exterior air temp sensor reading low 
Nov 2014

125280 mi

$250
Drivers winder motor died. 
Mar 2018

171740 mi

$380
Rocker cover gaskets 
Apr 2022

189720 mi

$150
Faulty Catalytic sensor fixed by spacing outside exhaust stream. 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Dec 2014 - Mar 2016
Mar 2016

25000 mi
Flush & replace transmission fluid. Car was making a noise such as riding on a rumble strip when it shifted into 3rd & 4th gear. Seems to have stopped. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Mar 2013 - Nov 2018
Dec 2013

69000 mi

US $150
Air/fuel ratio sensor 
Apr 2014

73800 mi

US $103
Upper radiator hose replaced 
Jun 2014

78000 mi

US $20
My rear hatch wouldn't unlock. First mechanic said needed a new hatch assembly, $350. Took it to the dealer, which found something loose that was jamming it. Unjammed it for $20. 
Aug 2016

107700 mi
I needed a new alternator. 
Nov 2016

130300 mi

US $195
there was a leak. there was a repair at oil filter/cooler housing. + new o-ring-s and clamp-n 
Subaru Forester in Iowa, United States
- Jul 2007
Jan 2007

10000 mi
Faulty fuel pump replaced under warranty. The pump was making excessive whine. Dealer determined pump should be replaced. I still think the new pump is a little noisy. 
Jul 2007

15000 mi
Stock radio (single-CD player) replaced after it completely died. Replaced under warranty. 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2013 - Mar 2015
Aug 2014

82120 mi

C $100
Replace worn sway bar end links . 
Subaru Forester in North Carolina, United States
Nov 2014 - Jun 2018
Dec 2014

86000 mi

US $1200
Worn power steering pump and rack and pinion. Fixed issue. 
May 2015

93400 mi

US $100
Minor vapor leak. Re-set fault. Happened again. New has cap installed in January. Still problematic. 
Oct 2015

97000 mi

US $1477
105 month timing belt change and small oil leak from head gasket repaired. Price is misleading as it is a 10 hr job for the oil leak and timing belt change was preventative/scheduled maintenance and comes off for the repair anyway. 
Jan 2017

114000 mi

US $520
New tires from misalignment, adjusted alignment, and brake adjustment. 
Mar 2017

118000 mi

US $150
Brake adjustment required after faulty maintenance at previous repair visit. 
Jun 2017

122000 mi

US $975
The car has had a minor vapor leak for some time and finally got it diagnosed and repaired - required dropping the fuel tank to access the part that was bad (I don't recall what it was). Radiator replaced because of crack found during pressure check after replacing part for vapor leak. 
Subaru Forester in New South Wales, Australia
Dec 2011 - Jun 2016
Nov 2014

103200 mi

A $650
Drivers side window failure, window motor and switch assembly was replaced. 
Nov 2015

109600 mi

A $500
Rear shock absorber leaking, needed replacement. 
Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States
Sep 2016 - Nov 2017
Nov 2016

135700 mi

US $1500
Head gasket replacement 9/2016, didn't tighten screw for timing belt. Belt came loose and had to replace valves with new ones. 
Sep 2017

147000 mi

US $130
New thermostat, probably unnecessary. Need a new head gasket just over a year after replacing it. 
Subaru Forester in Kansas, United States
Jul 2011 - Jun 2018
Apr 2012

68200 mi

US $500
Replaced oxygen sensor 
May 2018

101000 mi

US $40
A weld on the exhaust system had separated. Car was loud. A new weld was made and car sounds normal again. No functional issues with the repair. I also don't believe it was damage from driving, just from rust. 
Subaru Forester in Wisconsin, United States
Jun 2013 - Oct 2015
Jul 2014

98800 mi

US $155
rear wheel bearing 
Jul 2015

117800 mi
OIL LEAK! This car has used inordinate amounts of oil from the beginning of my ownership. I have spent many hundreds of dollars having it checked and tuned up, at two different dealers (Napleton in Rockford IL and Dahl's in La Crosse WI). 

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2006 Subaru Forester 4-door

4-cylinder manual 4WD

Subaru Forester in Spain
Feb 2010 - Jun 2022
Dec 2010

43400 mi

€633
The speedometer pinion crashed and I had to change it 
Jun 2022

190759 mi

€598
The ramp start system does not work properly. 

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2005 Subaru Forester

Engine not specified

Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2011 - Oct 2011
Oct 2011

71000 mi
Check Engine Light was coming on, suspected O2 sensor 
Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States
Sep 2011 - Dec 2011
Dec 2011

103000 mi
condenser replaced 

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2005 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

turbocharged 210hp 2.5L I4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in Oregon, United States
Oct 2010 - Apr 2015
Aug 2013

93000 mi

US $250
Radiator cracked by top main hose outlet. Oil seal on one camshaft seeping into cam belt area. Replaced Crankshaft Seal, 3 of 4 Camshaft Seals. Both accessory belts cracking and worn, due for replacement. 
Sep 2013

93000 mi

US $170
Misfire on one cylinder, followed fuel injector - fuel injector replacement. Not entirely fixed, need to continue investigating. Seems like just doesn't like idling at the afr that it is set to stock, or that for some reason the O2 sensor reading wrong. 
Nov 2014

100000 mi

US $70
Sway Bar Endlink was clunking. replaced both with MOOG joints. 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Oct 2010 - Jun 2013
Dec 2010

73000 mi

US $1000
Replaced springs and struts, struts still functional but showing signs of looming failure, springs replaced to improve handling. 
Jul 2011

80500 mi

US $1500
Cylinder number 4 misfire and rough idle. Cylinder #4 exhaust valve was stuck open. Repair involved removing head, replacing valve bucket, lifters, seats, and readjusting valves. 
Mar 2013

95000 mi

US $2500
Front O2 sensor and mass air flow sensor were replaced. Valve cover gaskets replaced to repair oil leak Thermostat was leaking coolant. Thermostat replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Oct 2012 - Apr 2016
Feb 2013

111480 mi

C $700
Radiator cracked and evap leak. 
Jun 2013

114080 mi

C $700
Blown turbo, installed a used turbo. 
Feb 2014

117800 mi

C $500
PCV valve replaced, AC belt replaced 
Subaru Forester in Alabama, United States
Jul 2009 - Jun 2018
Jun 2012

105000 mi
Cracked radiator was discovered during oil change. Took it to my go-to mechanic and had them make repairs and give it an overall tuneup as it had just hit 100,000 miles. (Car had been running fine,no overheating despite 90 degree weather). 
Jul 2012

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) 
Apr 2014

117300 mi
Oil gasket leaking; gasket replaced 
Feb 2015

125000 mi

US $3200
replaced front and rear struts as front struts were shot and rear had enough wear to need replacing in future. difficult to find first and reverse gears. Flywheel was removed and retooled as it was damaged. replaced clutch. Clutch was worn out and beginning to slip. 
Dec 2015

130000 mi

US $115
Broken turbo intake hose cause engine stalling. Engine warning light never came on. Shop replaced hose, but due to holidays, shipping from supplier took 3 days. 
Mar 2016

131000 mi

US $1500
Front left brake pad locked down. Shop said it was rusty calipers and replaced front calipers, rotors, lines, pads, everything. Said it wasn't related to prior repair nor hillholder. Wrong. 3 days after complete front brake system replacement, back right rear brake locked down. I took it to diff. repair shop.replaced entire back brake system but brakes remained locked. They suspected ABS but I towed it back to Subaru to complan Dealer shop finally found faulty hill holder was problem-it was locking down the brakes.That was it the whole time. Had to fight dealer to make them cover repairs. They had it on record that I had thought it the hill holder in DEC. 
May 2017

136000 mi

US $400
Cracked boot replaced and another boot that was about to go replaced 
Feb 2018

144000 mi

US $900
A/C not cooling. Recharging revealed a leak in a/c compressor which was replaced, freon added There was a squeak while running. It was a drive belt that needed replacing. It was replaced 
Jun 2018

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. 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2009 - Feb 2022
Sep 2009

41540 mi
Motor for the moonroof had to be replaced. 
Dec 2009

45260 mi

C $400
Ball joint was found to be damaged due to wear during a brake replacement job. This was replaced during the brake service 
Sep 2011

71300 mi

C $4000
End link failure. Upgraded parts as replacement. 
Jul 2012

81840 mi

C $10
Intermittent failure of AC. Due to AC compressor clutch wear. Solution was obtained through searching in forums. 
Jan 2017

97520 mi

C $163
Idler pulley was worn at the bearing. I was hearing a faint fluctuating squealing sound. It was replaced. 
Feb 2017

115940 mi

C $7
Torn rear windshield wiper fluid line. Torn at the rubber boot that transitions the line from the body to the rear door. Symptoms included leaking fluid at rear wheel well, stains. Fixed by installing a hose connector between the torn piece 
Nov 2017

122760 mi

C $900
leaking rear strut. had to replace both rear struts 

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2005 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

turbocharged 210hp 2.5L I4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in Kansas, United States
Jul 2009 - Aug 2014
Sep 2009

59000 mi

US $5
Engine misses while under load at highway speeds. MPG is half of normal. Drove car with service writer and mechanic. "Yes there is a problem. We dont know what it is and we cant just throw parts at a car. Drive it till the CEL comes on." I brought the car home from dealer and after consulting the internet for 3-4hrs, I pulled the ground loops and cleaned them on the wiring harness. (there are 6 grounds on this car) The ground wire for the MAF was corroded. Fixed problem.  
Sep 2013

117000 mi

US $800
Windshield area was rusting out requiring replacement of metal to stop leaks of water. 
Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States
Sep 2010 - Dec 2012
Nov 2011

66000 mi

US $700
Radiator leaking badly--sudden onset Deteriorated handling over last 5000 miles. Went to aftermarket upgraded struts and mounts 
Subaru Forester in Minnesota, United States
Jun 2010 - Jan 2012
Apr 2011

79300 mi

US $189
Slight rattle in front suspension so had the sway bar link ends replaced, problem solved. 
Nov 2011

83300 mi

US $750
Replaced timing belt & idler pulleys because the bearings in the idlers were starting to make noise 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2009 - Jun 2011
Jul 2010

94000 mi

US $89
LED light switch for fog light repair was $89.00 p/l 
Subaru Forester in Alabama, United States
Feb 2015 - Feb 2015
Feb 2015

123000 mi
Diagnostic done: needs: new ball joints, new tires, new steering pump, new transmission. Door latch doesn't work anymore either. No repairs done. 
Subaru Forester in Michigan, United States
Dec 2014 - Dec 2017
Sep 2017

132000 mi

US $400
One faulty fuel injector was diagnosed. I replaced the faulty one and the other three as preventative maintenance. 
Subaru Forester in Washington, United States
Sep 2010 - Jun 2018
Mar 2010

34237 mi
Replaced failed turbocharger 
Mar 2011

38984 mi

US $1691
Replaced failed turbocharger (2nd time @ only 38K miles) 
Mar 2015

66000 mi

US $1000
Turbo failure 
Aug 2016

87000 mi

US $500
Radiator developed a crack. 
Apr 2017

95000 mi

US $800
Turbo failure. The 4th turbo failed on the car! 
Jun 2017

97500 mi

US $100
Valve leak which caused engine light to come ON. 
Dec 2017

106500 mi

US $55
Check oil burned smell. Tighten valve cover gasket. Issue not solved. Will need to take car back to mechanic for cover gasket replacement. 
Feb 2018

106500 mi

US $1300
Turbo replacement. Gasket valve. Timing belt 
Subaru Forester in North Carolina, United States
Feb 2012 - Feb 2012
Feb 2012 Local dealer suggested to my wife the cleaning of the oil system with a solvent. Turbo went out. Complained to Subaru national, supplied service records and they pick up repairs and "dinged" the local shop. 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Jul 2011 - Jan 2013
Aug 2011

45500 mi
Turbo failing intermittently - most recent "code" was camshaft overadvanced. Following smoke streaming from tailpipe, brought to the dealer. Out of warranty - waiting for good will from Subaru of America. estimate: $2400 Turbo failing intermittently - most recent "code" was camshaft overadvanced. Following smoke streaming from tailpipe, brought to the dealer. Out of warranty - waiting for good will from Subaru of America. estimate: $2400 
Sep 2011

47000 mi

US $1400
$1000 from Subaru of America, after I escalated it from the first offer of $750. Had to do a lot of fighting for the money. Turbo had to be completely replaced: $2400, $1400 out of pocket. Engine still burns oil. 
Oct 2011

48000 mi
Sunroof cables have broken. Estimate is $1200-$1500. Will not repair this until next spring. 
Mar 2012

57000 mi

US $1000
o2 sensors on engine 
Jan 2013

52000 mi
We just discovered the seat heaters are not working. Trying to diagnose ourselves:switch vs. element before visit to the dealership 
Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States
Jun 2011 - Jul 2018
Jul 2012

91000 mi

US $800
Radiator 
Jun 2013

102000 mi

US $450
Drivers side front-window motor replacement. 
Jan 2018

113000 mi

US $700
MAF sensor 

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2005 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in Nova Scotia, Canada
Dec 2009 - Apr 2014
Oct 2011

91120 mi

C $300
Replaced faulty sensor 
Sep 2013

119660 mi

C $800
Replaced fuel filler neck as it was rusted through. Replaced oil pan 
Subaru Forester in North Carolina, United States
Sep 2015 - Aug 2018
Jun 2017

83000 mi

US $100
Rust build up behind rotor backing plate. Replaced rear pads and rotors and heard a metallic rubbing noise when turning. Backing plate expanded from rust and rubbing inside of rotor. Per research on subaru forums, needed to grind backing plate down on bottom, under the parking brake to prevent rubbing. Had to disassemble, grind, and reassemble 3 times until I got it right. $100 for rear brakes, 6-8 hours of my time to fix this issue. 
Apr 2018

88000 mi

US $100
Left rear caliper seized an was dragging. Replaced both rear calipers and bled the brakes. Might need new rotors again from the dragging before I noticed and stopped driving. 
Subaru Forester in Finland
- Jan 2007
Oct 2006

18786 mi

€80
20000mls service (oil change, oil filter, spark plugs, air filter, compartment air filter) 
Jan 2007

23250 mi

€30
25000mls / oil and filter change 
Subaru Forester in Michigan, United States
May 2012 - Aug 2013
May 2012

120000 mi
Temperature rose rapidly after driving 1.5 hours, coolant leak. Diagnosed as head gasket by out of town shop. Towed home, local shop unable to duplicate. Short trips ok but still overheats on long trips. Head gaskets replaced 6 months ago. 
Jul 2012

122300 mi
Independent shop replaced water pump and timing belt tensioner under warranty to correct overheating problem. Conducted 5 hour test drive to verify fix. 
Jan 2013

US $289
Suspension noise, front stabilizer links were bad 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Apr 2010 - Apr 2011
Jun 2010

90000 mi

US $470
ac condensor leak 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Oct 2012 - Apr 2013
Nov 2012

73800 mi

US $1100
Transmission seal damaged during head gasket repair that occurred just before I bought the car. Seller paid half. Total was $1,100. 
Apr 2013

78000 mi
Now, according to a dealer, pistons two and four need to be replaced. They sound dry upon start-up. Only 75,000 miles! 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Mar 2013 - Apr 2015
Jul 2013

107500 mi
Air sensor and air intake path. 
Aug 2013

109000 mi
Window failed to create a seal due to bad gusset. 
Mar 2015

117000 mi

US $740
Dealership cannot stop the throttle from opening unexpectedly, especially when the heat is on and the engine is warm. 
Apr 2015

117000 mi

US $500
Accelerator pedal assembly replaced to stop unexpected throttle. 
Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States
Jan 2014 - Oct 2014
Oct 2014

82000 mi

US $500
Engine idled extremely low and would stall during turns. Cleaned dirty throttle body and replaced battery. Engine running rough and misfiring. Tune up with spark plug replacement. 
Subaru Forester in Wisconsin, United States
Sep 2005 - Jun 2011
Dec 2005

12000 mi
Squeak in dashboard, fixed under warranty 
Feb 2007

28000 mi
driver seat became loose, fixed under warranty 
Subaru Forester in Oregon, United States
Mar 2013 - Nov 2016
Aug 2013

48900 mi

US $284
drivers side window motor replaced 
Jan 2014

US $128
Coolant leak at thermostat 
Dec 2014

55000 mi
Gear shift stuck and wheels locked-mysteriously fixed after towed to mechanic. 
Jul 2015

59200 mi

US $130
Replaced failed drivers window regulator 
Nov 2015

60000 mi

US $190
Fog light brackets totally rusted out and had to be replaced with Subaru parts. I live near the ocean. 

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2005 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in New Hampshire, United States
Sep 2011 - Jan 2022
May 2014

37000 mi

US $485
Muffler, catalytic converter, flange and assorted parts rusted and replaced. valve covers leaking 
Mar 2016

59000 mi
Every driving rain storm now causes the "check engine" and "cruse control" lights to illuminate. Goes away by itself in a day or two. Each time the analyzer indicates a different problem. Usually a faulty ignition harness, spark plug or lose gas cap. It also pops on when driving down a straight dry road at speed when the gas pedal is depressed slightly to pass another vehicle. Now I just carry a wrench in the glove box to remove the battery ground for a 10min , replace it and start the car to see if the lights are out. If so it wasn't a real problem so I reset the clock and radio channels and wait for the next inconvenient event. Replacing catalytic converter and sensors fixed it. 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. 
Jun 2016

62000 mi

US $325
Replaced motor and regulator for driver's side window 
Subaru Forester in Alberta, Canada
Aug 2015 - Oct 2015
Sep 2015

156860 mi

C $320
Oxygen sensors failed, replaced both 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2011 - Jun 2018
Sep 2011

75020 mi
Power seat assembly was changed Transmission shifting hard 
Feb 2014

75640 mi
car battery was chenged 
Oct 2017

76880 mi

C $200
After years of low driving milage car battery become week and cannot start the engine 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Oct 2011 - Dec 2011
Dec 2011

85000 mi

US $20
noise from belts / pulleys / generator 
Subaru Forester in Florida, United States
Aug 2007 - Jun 2012
Jan 2007

17000 mi

US $24000
sunroof 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Nov 2012 - Jan 2017
Dec 2012

74400 mi

C $4200
Head gasket replacement and engine overhaul 
Subaru Forester in Alaska, United States
Oct 2013 - Dec 2013
Dec 2013

113000 mi

US $100
Dead battery 
Subaru Forester in Michigan, United States
Mar 2014 - Jun 2014
Jun 2014

183000 mi

US $3700
Internal engine damage. Rebuild required. 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2016 - Jan 2017
Mar 2016

87420 mi

C $430
rusted brake line 
Subaru Forester in Nebraska, United States
Jan 2013 - Jul 2017
Mar 2013

67000 mi

US $2050
Replaced driver's side rear wheel bearing. Both head gaskets where leaking, car was overheating. Replaced both head gaskets, and timing belt/timing components. 
Jan 2014

74500 mi

US $470
Driver's side spark plug tube seals and valve cover gasket leaking. Replaced spark plug tube seals and valve cover gaskets on both sides. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Apr 2016 - Jun 2016
Apr 2016

140000 mi

US $75
Oil change + replacee radiator hose clamps 
Subaru Forester in North Carolina, United States
Jul 2016 - Dec 2016
Jul 2016

78000 mi

US $800
rear wheel bearings 
Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States
Mar 2011 - Jun 2022
Apr 2011

50000 mi

US $250
replaced head gaskets, timing belts, water pump, spark plugs...mechanic noticed my head gaskets were failing during routine oil change...called Subaru, they got the dealer to repair under a "goodwill repair" paid only $200 for repair 
Nov 2013

69000 mi

US $360
Boot was broken, changed driver side front axle 
Nov 2015

79600 mi

US $150
Rough idle when rainy. Changed the plug wires. 
Aug 2016

85000 mi

US $110
Hood latch would not close, needed to replace 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Jul 2009 - Apr 2014
Sep 2009

70000 mi

US $100
Sunroof would not close. It was due to the inside screen being off of the track. 
Feb 2010

75000 mi

US $400
CD changer in radio unit would not eject CDs. Unit required replacement for CD function to continue to work. 
Mar 2011

88000 mi

US $3700
both rear struts replaced 
Jun 2013

115000 mi

US $129
Refrigerant recharge. 
Oct 2013

116500 mi

US $475
Starter motor failed and was replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2015 - Jul 2016
Sep 2015

129000 mi

US $90
Power steering pump and belt replaced with used pump. 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Dec 2015 - Mar 2017
Dec 2015

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. 
Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada
Jul 2009 - Feb 2017
Oct 2013

97940 mi

C $2200
Head gasket had leak and was replaced. 
Aug 2014

109120 mi

C $600
Oil was leaking and a burning smell was coming from the engine. There was a small crack in an enclosure where oil was coming from. A sealant was applied to prevent leaking. 
Dec 2014

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. 
Apr 2015

115300 mi

C $550
Replaced brake pads. Machined rotors. Replaced leaking cylinders. 
Dec 2016

135780 mi
The engine was still running, but the accelerator was not responding. I pulled over and turned off the car. I was able to restart it and drive to a parking lot. It was towed to a shop. Noting was found to be wrong with the accelerator. 
Jan 2017

112220 mi

C $340
Computer detected a misfire condition. Mechanic did a tune up to replace plugs and wiring. 
Feb 2017

135780 mi
The parking brake light sometimes stayed on while driving. It would turn off by itself after driving several kms. 
Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada
Mar 2015 - Jun 2015
Jun 2015

93620 mi
Burning oil one liter + between oil changes 
Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States
Nov 2009 - Dec 2010
Jan 2010

90000 mi

US $250
Trim - well in door loose 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  Exhaust pipe leaking - welder fixed it  
Apr 2010

95500 mi
Faulty fuel tank sensor - internal failure. check engine light came on the next week, but just needed to be cleared out. 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Jul 2007 - Dec 2012
Mar 2007

28500 mi
Replaced spark plug wires. Car idled rough, sputtered, misfired. Check engine light illuminated 
Sep 2007

34000 mi
Warranty repair. Catalytic Converter. Clutch fork was damaged. Both replaced under warranty. 
Jan 2008

46500 mi

US $100
Replaced ignition coil. Car idled very rough until completely warmed up--check engine light illuminated. 
Feb 2010

76000 mi

US $100
Oxygen sensor. Warranty covered. Head gasket beginning to leak. Warranty replaced. 
Aug 2010

80800 mi

US $450
Freon leak. Repaired, parts replaced, system recharged. 
Mar 2011

86000 mi

US $8000
Car engine sputtered and ran rough. The ignition coils, spark plugs, and spark plug wires were replaced.  
Jul 2012

95300 mi

US $600
A/C did not blow cold air. No leak discovered, recharge of a/c suggested. water pump seized as belt harmonizer cracked and stopped working. 
Dec 2012

97000 mi
Catalytic converter failing Exhaust shield rusted through, began to come loose, and rattle. 
Subaru Forester in North Carolina, United States
Aug 2009 - Jun 2016
Dec 2009

92000 mi
Coolant was being pushed out of surge tank. Suspected blown head gasket. Further investigation showed no blown head gasket and it is surmised an air bubble in coolant system might have been problem. 90,000 mile service included flush. 
Apr 2010

97000 mi

US $120
A/C had loss of refrigerant. System was topped off. No leak found this time. Probably very small leak. 
Feb 2013

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. 
Jul 2013

163800 mi

US $220
Problem: A/C not making cold air. Solution: Recharge refrigerant. Check for leaks. No leaks found. 
Dec 2013

172000 mi

US $200
Engine was running warmer than normal according to the temp gauge. Gauge never reached the "red" zone. Replaced thermostat and problem was solved. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Oct 2009 - Jun 2011
Nov 2009

67000 mi

US $550
Wheel Bearings on Driver rear side failed 
Subaru Forester in Connecticut, United States
Sep 2014 - Aug 2019
Jun 2016

114000 mi

US $110
Replace transmission cooling tube because of a pinhole leak. 
May 2017

155000 mi

US $1500
Head gasket repair 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Jun 2014 - Mar 2018
Jan 2018

141 mi

US $10
replaced downstream o2 sensor - took 20 minutes 
Subaru Forester in Missouri, United States
Oct 2016 - Jun 2022
Apr 2017

135000 mi

US $900
Replaced LL Bean Model load-leveling shocks (expensive only available from Subaru $$$) and had a 4-wheel alignment. 
Oct 2017

140000 mi

US $230
AWD clutch was binding when turning left or right. Shop drained and flushed the transmission to resolve the problem. Tires grab when turning sharply in either direction. I suspected the sealed silicone awd clutch but mechanic flushed trans fluid and freed up internal clutches to resolve the problem. 
Oct 2018

152000 mi

US $93
Check over car complete: brakes, suspension, transmission, engine ... 
Oct 2019

163000 mi

US $281
Rpl Right rear wheel bearing 
Jun 2020

164000 mi

US $10
Replaced left headlight with no low beam. 
Jun 2022

160000 mi

US $120
AC weak 
Subaru Forester in Connecticut, United States
Apr 2014 - Aug 2015
Aug 2015

68000 mi
failing rear transaxle 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Aug 2010 - Jun 2018
May 2010

59975 mi
Replaced transmission. Cracked gears. Warranty replacement. 
Sep 2010

73500 mi

US $435
Right rear wheel bearing replaced.  Right rear wheel bearing replaced. 
Oct 2012

100534 mi

US $2551
Head gaskets leaked at both heads. Changed all the seals I could. Replaced with STI head gaskets to prevent future need to replace (multi-layer gasket). 
Aug 2014

153075 mi

US $3887
Solenoids in the transmission went bad during high speed freeway travel. Resulted in CEL and lack of gears at operating temperature. As a result, had to replace the solenoids, the torque converter, and all the fluid. 3rd transmission now... Solenoids in the transmission went bad during high speed freeway travel. Resulted in CEL and lack of gears at operating temperature. As a result, had to replace the solenoids, the torque converter, and all the fluid. 3rd transmission now... 
Subaru Forester in Michigan, United States
Sep 2014 - Jul 2016
Oct 2014

131700 mi

US $100
Both end links broken. Replaced with no name brand. 
Apr 2016

152200 mi
Catalytic Converter 
Jul 2016

158000 mi

US $60
freon 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Aug 2009 - Oct 2010
Aug 2009

41000 mi
Vehicle needed rubber mirror/glass junction covering replaced. Due to an error at dealership from the rotor issue, got them to cover the part for free. 
Subaru Forester in Alabama, United States
Mar 2011 - Mar 2012
Feb 2012

85000 mi

US $278
Could smell gas fumes coming from the rear left wheel well. Repair shop removed back seat and tested various items using 

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2005 Subaru Forester 4-door

4-cylinder manual 4WD

Subaru Forester in India
Jan 2010 - Feb 2012
Jun 2010

55180 mi

$50000
Car was burning too much engine oil. Engine opened to replace piston rings and cylinder damage was discovered. New oversize pistons and rings were ordered and installed. Clutch was also replaced. Clutch disc was found slightly damaged when the car was in the repair shop for new pistons and rings. It was replaced. The timing belt was damaged by mistake during the engine rebuild. This belt had been installed only 15k kilometeres earlier in April 2009. The original belt that had been replaced then (preventive maintenance) was put back in. The thermo valve was found to be not functioning properly. It has been taken out for now and bypassed. When the part becomes available, it will be installed. 
Sep 2010

56420 mi
The exhaust system had a leak and was also rattling. 
May 2011

61880 mi

$1800
Front wheel bearings replaced 
Jun 2011

62000 mi
Front ball joints replaced 
Sep 2011

63240 mi
Error code showing one bank of air fuel sensor malfunctioning. The sensor was replaced. 

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2005 Subaru Forester 4-door

4-cylinder automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in Finland
Jul 2011 - Apr 2012
Sep 2011

86800 mi

€330
sec. airflow pump and valves replaced. Errorcodes 2441, 1440 

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2005 Subaru Forester 4-door

2-cylinder automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in Wisconsin, United States
Oct 2013 - Apr 2014
Apr 2014

85000 mi

US $500
Suspension was off and the stabilizer sway bar link was broken on the right side. Suspension still a little off - seems to drag something when I go over a speed bump or small incline. Mechanic said its likely due to suspension - pot holes 

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2004 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

turbocharged 210hp 2.5L I4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States
Dec 2007 - Jun 2018
Oct 2012

86000 mi

US $150
Rear brakes and rotors 
Aug 2014

97600 mi

US $1980
blown turbo 
Apr 2017

103000 mi

US $150
Bad alternator and belt 
Subaru Forester in Arizona, United States
Dec 2010 - Jun 2011
Jan 2011

105000 mi

US $380
Radiator leaked and was replaced. 
Jun 2011

107000 mi
High oil consumption, e.g. 2 quarts every fill up. The mechanics suspect engine cylinder problem or PCV valve problem. 
Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States
Aug 2011 - Sep 2014
Nov 2013

84600 mi

US $300
Crack in plastic radiator cap leaked coolant. Replaced with fully welded alum radiator 
Feb 2014

86300 mi

US $350
Blown turbo was replaced with used unit 
Jul 2014

87000 mi

US $150
Front CV axles Ball joints and one tie rod replaced 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Sep 2011 - Apr 2012
Nov 2011

103000 mi
moonroof motor not working, roof wouldn't close all the way = leaking into interior 
Subaru Forester in Alaska, United States
Feb 2011 - Jun 2017
Sep 2016

129000 mi

US $1200
Clutch replacement 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Nov 2009 - Mar 2012
Dec 2009

81000 mi
Air Bag light lit. Contact cleaner on yellow wire connection under drivers seat. Problem went away. 
Mar 2011

104000 mi

US $600
Turbo died, made horrible noises, very little power. Replaced turbo with another used one (from a friends WRX) 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
- Nov 2006
Nov 2006

90000 mi
Driver's side rear wheel bearing failed. Sourced entire replacement hub from local salvage and performed the repair myself. Dealer quoted $375 to replace the bearing. 

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2004 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

turbocharged 210hp 2.5L I4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in California, United States
Dec 2008 - Jul 2019
Sep 2009

134000 mi

US $108
Cam position sensor failed and caused rough idle and stalling. 
Apr 2010

144000 mi

US $630
Rear wheel bearings started getting noisy around 141k miles. Both rear bearings were replaced. 
Oct 2010

152000 mi

US $260
Original radiator sprung a leak about a mile from home. Noticed steam coming from under the hood as I pulled into driveway. Top plastic end tank split where it meets the radiator core. Replacement Koyorad ordered and installed. 
Jan 2014

185200 mi

US $484
Left rear wheel bearing was beginning to make noise. Shop installed new wheel bearing, bearing seals, and axle nut. 
Nov 2015

194600 mi

US $393
Steering feel became loose and wobbly over time. Took vehicle to Subaru specialist for replacement of worn inner and outer tie rods, boots and ball joints. 
Subaru Forester in Georgia, United States
Dec 2008 - Jun 2011
Feb 2009

56000 mi

US $200
Front sway bar bushing was bad. 
Jun 2009

59000 mi

US $330
small ac coolant leak.  
Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States
Nov 2008 - Mar 2010
Dec 2008

121000 mi

US $180
Worn suspension link. 
Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States
Nov 2009 - Apr 2013
Apr 2013

70000 mi

US $700
sunroof would not open 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Oct 2009 - Nov 2012
Apr 2010

74000 mi
Rear windshield wiper motor is noisy. Dealer's estimated cost of repair is $300. Decided to wait until next service appointment for the repair because the dealer did not have the part (windshield wiper motor) in stock. 
Jul 2011

88000 mi

US $305
Rear windshield wiper motor noisy (noted on previous visit to this dealer). Replacement performed at Subaru dealer, noisy wiper motor replaced with new rear windshield wiper motor. Noise problem totally solved.  
Nov 2011

91800 mi

US $152
During preventive maintenance replacement of head light bulbs (still working but old) by Dealer, mechanic found melted l/f head light bulb socket. New wiring and l/f head light socket installed. 
Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States
Nov 2010 - Mar 2011
Dec 2010

89000 mi

US $270
2 of 4 cylinders suddenly misfired. Dealer diagnosed carbon-choked rods. Rebuilt engine. Did not fix problem. Replaced clogged oil control solenoid valve controlling cylinders 1, 3. Radiator leaking after return from dealer. Replaced radiator at 3rd party shop. 
Subaru Forester in Wyoming, United States
Jul 2010 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010

121000 mi
"clicking" in engine - repair shop could not locate source of "click" without dissasembling the engine block. Told me to take it to dealer for repair. Decided to purchase another car and accept trade-in loss. 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Dec 2009 - Aug 2012
Jan 2011

96200 mi

US $50
Airbag light on- wire got snagged under passenger seat 
May 2011

92900 mi

US $70
Car wouldn't start 
Subaru Forester in Indiana, United States
May 2012 - May 2016
Apr 2012

145000 mi

US $850
A/C Compressor Replace, A/C evacuate and recharge 
May 2012

146000 mi

US $202
Engine Sludge caused CEL. Full engine flush and detergent cleaning followed by dealer oil change 
Mar 2013

152000 mi

US $1323
Turbo Rebuild and replacement. Replacement of gaskets and banjo joints. Antifreeze leak also fixed. 
Apr 2013

152500 mi

US $611
RH Oil Control Valve, Hoses, and Gaskets Replacement 
May 2013

154000 mi

US $413
All engine coil packs and spark plugs replaced due to dead cylinders. 
Nov 2013

165000 mi

US $15
Replaced both headlights for the first time since owning the car 
Feb 2014

168000 mi

US $389
Replaced idler pully Replacement of Fuel line under turbo and hoses and clamps associated with the line 1.5qts low on oil. triggered code P0021. Oil was changed and refilled. Seized caliper and new pads all around. New rotors on the front axle 
Jan 2016 Camshaft position sensor had degraded over the life of the car, causing stalls during acceleration. 
Apr 2016

195000 mi

US $3500
Complete turbo rebuild and engine flush. 
Subaru Forester in Alabama, United States
Sep 2008 - Jun 2015
Mar 2008

46000 mi

US $700
A/C belt pulley tensioner replaced recharged system done at dealer under extended warranty gold plan 
Mar 2009

63800 mi
Front left wheel bearing, covered by extended warranty. 
Dec 2009

85000 mi

US $500
Very serious problem. In temps below 0 deg. F fuel lines start leaking. Smoke coming from under hood, initially thought it was water. Had to remove manifold and tighten fuel lines. Extended warranty denied coverage. 
Dec 2011

123000 mi
ongoing clunk from either transmission or differential, diff fluid clean & fairly new as is trans fluid, clunk is sporadic and goes away, normally only happens once per every few weeks, will try changing fluids, probable long term issue 
Oct 2013

143800 mi

US $200
right front inner cv joint boot split, typical problem with this vehicles due to boot location near engine exhaust manifold. Not really bad I guess, it lasted 130k + miles. OEM new part as best replacement is expensive. inner front tires are wearing out faster than proper, likely worn out suspension part problem? need to investigate fully, will report situation investigation results next quarter, not bad for vehicle with 130k+ miles hood latch doesn't shut fully-push down aftr opening hood y it will not close fully-slamming hood no help, pushing down by sitting on hood edge worked 2x-removed/cleaned/reinstall, will probably last 10k, repeat issue from about 10k ago air conditioning air sometimes has moldy smell, known issue with many vehicles from 200-2007, ac condenser too small is general consensus, not bad this year, very dry year, previous repair by spraying borax infused water in2 vents kills mold 
Jan 2014

148000 mi
inner right cv boot (the one near heat location near exhaust) totally failed on trip to cold weather state for holiday, not many tools as locations, had to use too big split boot type for temp repair, worked ok too awhile, good temp fix 
May 2014

156000 mi

US $9
rear left brake caliper piston stuck, removed caliper, cleaned piston and caliper rust, purchased caliper seal repair kit (had to order not stocked) replaced seals, caliper working good, lots of work, suggestion is 2buy reman caliper 
Dec 2014

161000 mi
replaced both front sway bar links, for ease of replacement buy units with wrench flats or use a thin vice grip wrench to hold shaft from turning while tightening the fastener nuts, steering felt tighter after replacement replaced front right cv axle, extreme wheel wobble felt thru steering wheel on uneven roads, inner cv joint had failed with 2 of 3 bearing races entirely worn out allowing axle to move in the race, up and down movement on axle right valve cover has slow leak of oil, drips onto exhaust and turbo exhaust piping causing smoke, just starting leaking enough for drips overnight, due to mileage and exhaust heat, expected repair after 150k miles, check "half moons" also 
Feb 2015

162100 mi
right valve cover now leaking excessively, cannot drive vehicle with that much oil leak, car taken out of service until problem is fixed, might end up fixing both sides and half moons all at once if half moons rear seal pieces are accessible 
Subaru Forester in Georgia, United States
Jun 2013 - Jan 2015
Jul 2013

130800 mi

US $3000
Timing belt skipped 7 teeth within 10,000 miles of being replaced. Had to replace timing belt pullies,and get top end rebuilt due to bent rods. 
Jan 2015

155000 mi

US $10
Mass Air Flow Sensor needed to be cleaned again. Every six months or so I get a code PO171. Cleaning the mas air flow sensor seems to fix it. 
Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States
Dec 2013 - Apr 2014
Dec 2013

160000 mi

US $200
Overheated and subsequently damaged turbo. Likely caused by neglected oil changes. Replaced turbo with used part from junkyard. 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Dec 2007 - Jul 2013
Mar 2011

86000 mi

US $100
Fuel lines leaked under the intake manifold. Gas smell was noticed inside the car when weather was very cold (30F or below). This only happened when A/C was turned on (with the Recirculate function turned Off). 
Jun 2012

97000 mi

US $400
Radiator leaking 
Sep 2012

97000 mi

US $370
Rear wheel bearing was noisy. Replaced wheel bearing. 
Subaru Forester in Washington, United States
Dec 2007 - Aug 2016
May 2008

58000 mi

US $210
Air bag warning light. Problem is in the passenger side impact air bag. There's a TSB on the problem. The recommended solution is to replace a connector in the air bag wiring Replaced connector as recommended in the TSB. Repair did not solve the problem 
Nov 2011

100000 mi

US $50
Slow coolant leak at the fitting at the base of the radiator 
Apr 2014

120300 mi

US $56
check engine light came on due to a piece of foam caught in camshaft angle sensor. Repair was accomplished by removing the foam. 
Nov 2014

125000 mi

US $525
Variable Valve timing solenoid had was stuck in the fully advanced position by a small piece of something. 
Jun 2016

136000 mi

US $500
AC condenser damaged by road debris. Replaced condenser. No other damage, no idea how long ago the damage occurred. 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2007 - Mar 2014
Feb 2009

65100 mi
Catalytic converter replaced under orig warranty. 
Jun 2009

73160 mi
clips holding front/rear fascia rotted out, replaced 
Sep 2010

80600 mi

C $400
breather fallen off cat converter trip cel 
Aug 2011

93000 mi

C $300
a/c interrmittant 
Jul 2012

108500 mi
clutch problem, new compressor needed 
Aug 2012

109500 mi

C $1200
compressor dead. re and re 
Mar 2013

114700 mi

C $50
Clogged cam oiling valve caused check engine 
Jul 2013

118300 mi

C $500
drivers window motor replacement 
Mar 2014

121520 mi

C $165
blew the turbo after getting a p0011 code. filter in the banjo clogged, starved turbo and we lost it. sold the car as is to a kid to play with, as replacement turbo was too much for 10 years old 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Jan 2015 - Apr 2015
Jan 2015

273000 mi

US $500
Replaced front boots and axel. 
Feb 2015

273800 mi

US $1900
The turbo blew. 
Apr 2015

278000 mi

US $5600
Heads and block had cracks. Replaced valves, heads, all hoses, steering fluid pump. I turned it over to the technician to keep as his own per his request. He paid the bill for me. 
Subaru Forester in Connecticut, United States
Feb 2014 - Jun 2014
Feb 2014

112000 mi

US $400
Turbo broke while normal driving at 65 mph. Turbo replaced, along with gaskets. New turbo worked perfectly for 950 miles, broke while normal driving at 65 mph. 

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2004 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in Michigan, United States
Jun 2010 - Jan 2013
Jul 2010

100000 mi
threw code P0519 cleaned IACV  
Nov 2010

107000 mi

US $580
Timing Belt and idler assembly replaced. Tensioner was squealing like a pig and book says to do it at 105k. Also while I had things apart did the water pump, thermostat, cam/crank seals, and accessory belts. Rear Wheel Bearing replaced. was grinding pretty badly 
Jan 2012

137000 mi

US $50
Front ball joint replacement 
Aug 2012

145300 mi

US $150
Driveshaft u joints started to squeak, replaced driveshaft with one from junkyard with <100k on it for 150 bucks. Easy fix. 
Jan 2013

135000 mi
Vapor canister clogged resulting in not being able to fill with gas, did not affect driveability. Took 10 min to repair. 
Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States
Dec 2007 - Jun 2018
Feb 2013

124000 mi

US $1612
Center Differential replaced 
Nov 2013

135200 mi

US $80
Replaced cv axel because right front inner boot failed Replace rear wheel bearing 
Apr 2015

158300 mi
Ball Joint replacement 
Apr 2016

170800 mi

US $340
Leaking Muffler 
Jan 2017

180000 mi

US $400
Replaced Head Gaskets Machine Ship 250 dollars Parts about 150 
Mar 2017

183000 mi

US $20
FOG LIGHT REPLACEMENT bulbs 
Mar 2018

195000 mi

US $270
leaking rear wheel brake cylinders 
Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States
Aug 2008 - Aug 2012
Sep 2008

87000 mi

US $25
Engine temp was fluctuating. Dealer replaced radiator cap, No problem seen since.  
Jul 2012

124000 mi

US $1600
CEL lit, dealer replaced valves of evaporative emissions system. CEL lit again, so a second trip- dealer replaced charcoal canister, which had ruptured. CEL lit again, so a third visit. Dealer cleaned tank and replaced fuel pump. 
Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada
Aug 2009 - Sep 2016
Sep 2009

63240 mi

C $340
oxygen sensor 
Dec 2009

75020 mi

C $500
leaking coolant from head gasget 
Mar 2010

77500 mi

C $50
slight coolant leak from head gasket 
Jun 2010

79980 mi
Air Bag light on 
Jul 2010

80600 mi

C $300
rear wheel bearing 
Feb 2012

86160 mi

C $450
Driver's power window motor was seized, therefore replaced 
Apr 2012

88040 mi

C $160
Air bag light on. Faulty wiring detected under driver's seat. 
Jul 2013

104140 mi

C $950
Replaced timing belt and water pump, cam and crank seals, re: minor oil leaks. 
May 2014

116560 mi

C $2120
Valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals 
Apr 2015

128100 mi

C $700
Left front brake calliper seized. Replaces calliper plus rotors and pads. 80k since last serviced for front brakes. 
Oct 2015

136060 mi

C $100
Oil seepage 
Jan 2016

138960 mi

C $300
Left front brake caliper seized 
Apr 2016

141740 mi

C $430
Rear wheel bearing 
Aug 2016

146940 mi

C $20
Exhaust system, bolts to manifold came loose 
Sep 2016

148800 mi

C $400
Leaking oil, valve cover gadgets replaced 
Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States
Aug 2011 - Mar 2019
Nov 2011

83500 mi

US $1120
Throwout bearing failed. Replace clutch and throwout bearing. Refill with synthetic fluid. Throwout bearing failed and buzzing loudly. Clutch shuddering. Replace clutch and throwout bearing. Refill with synthetic fluid. 
Aug 2017

115000 mi

US $311
Replace transmission neutral switch to correct severe shuddering while driving. Remove buzzing heat shield. Remove rust from rear rotor to prevent parking brake from grinding on rotor when making turns. 
Nov 2017

118000 mi

US $587
Engine surging/stumbling. Starved for fuel. Replaced faulty idle air control valve and, as precaution, evap canister purge valve. 
Jun 2018

126000 mi

US $160
Replaced clutch master cylinder, clutch slave cylinder, and hydraulic hose. Clutch master cylinder was leaking and not holding pressure. 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Nov 2009 - Mar 2010
Dec 2009

51000 mi

US $400
reported loss of power  
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Aug 2008 - Feb 2010
Feb 2010

108000 mi
Needed a new head gasket within the next few months. Traded. 
Subaru Forester in Vermont, United States
Sep 2011 - Jun 2018
Oct 2011

106000 mi

US $830
One bad drive belt pulley. 
Sep 2012

118000 mi

US $850
One of the timing belt pulleys failed, so had to have the entire timing belt, pulleys, water pump replaced, with Subaru parts. Previous replacement of above mentioned parts (only 6,000 miles ago) was with non-Subaru parts, but "good" parts. 
Dec 2012

122000 mi

US $932
One of the pulleys in the timing belt assembly started to come appart after only 4,000 miles since timing bely , etc.replacement. Since I was on the road when this happened, I had the timing belt and all pulleys plus water pump replaced. 
Jan 2015

151000 mi
rear strut, rear brake pad set, rear rotor, rear sway bar links, air filter, trans/dif. gear oil. 
Jul 2017

168300 mi

US $300
A/C repair 
Aug 2017

169000 mi

US $268
The alternator needed replacement. 
Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada
Nov 2008 - Mar 2010
Nov 2008

118420 mi

C $550
Suspension bushing rear stabilizer Rear Right bearing Suspension end links 
Subaru Forester in Minnesota, United States
Jan 2017 - Apr 2017
Feb 2017

157000 mi

US $1500
Engine issues related to car losing power and stalling. Full clutch replacement. 
Subaru Forester in Florida, United States
Apr 2017 - Jan 2018
May 2017

148890 mi

US $220
My car was skipping when I accelerated, and it got progressively worse over the course of 3 days. I took it in fearing the worst, headgasket, but they replaced the Plugs and Wires and it's running fine now. Not perfect, but good enough 
Subaru Forester in Wisconsin, United States
Jan 2012 - Feb 2013
Feb 2012

174400 mi
After purchasing car, I noticed a large crack in the windshield under the wipers. The dealership replaced this at no cost to me. 
May 2012

177000 mi

US $250
A/C Compressor clutch quit functioning properly. Replaced with used A/C compressor. 
Feb 2013

184000 mi
Issues developing with the transmission/AWD system. Time to trade it in. 
Subaru Forester in Minnesota, United States
Oct 2014 - Oct 2014
Oct 2014

162000 mi

US $500
Cracked head 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Nov 2014 - Nov 2014
Nov 2014

60000 mi

US $3000
intake injector rails leaked gas, serpentine belt replaced, window howled due to poor seals, rotors replaced at only 40k 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Jun 2011 - Jul 2011
Jul 2011

73000 mi

US $800
The rattling noise was in the back of the car. Mechanic cut off the heat shield, it did help but the problem did not go away. 
Subaru Forester in Wisconsin, United States
Dec 2011 - Jun 2015
Dec 2014

99000 mi

US $900
Wheel bearing wore out 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Jul 2011 - Jun 2018
Nov 2015

70000 mi
Keep getting "Check Engine" light, it's a code 5301 which turns out to be the neutral switch on the Transmission. Resets itself eventually and light goes off so no fix for now. Belt squealing - had been replaced recently, shop believes it just needed adjusting and did so no charge. 
Jan 2016

43200 mi

US $12000
Clutch was slipping and was replaced 
Feb 2016

74000 mi
Trim on passenger side door came off Wind noise bad on driver's side, moderate on passenger side. Check engine light comes on, generally after driving down a (steepish) hill. code reads 5301 Appears to be not uncommon and is the Neutral switch on the transmission. Doesn't seem to require a repair, engine light resets itself within a couple of trips. 
Apr 2017

84000 mi

US $100
Stuttering/hesitating when gas given, esp. going up hills. Spark plugs and cables replaced 
May 2017

84000 mi

US $250
Right rear bearing was noisy, normal repair 

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2004 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Dec 2007 - Jul 2011
Oct 2010

93000 mi

US $42
vent control solenoid malfunction. Reset CE light; tested solenoid, working ok 
Feb 2011

98700 mi
Owner observed coolant leakage and burning smell. Leak not definitively located; thermostat housing may be leaking; recommend replacement of thermostat and all hoses; waiting until timing belt replacement. Did not recur. 
Apr 2011

102000 mi

US $10
oil leak observed front of engine, added oil stop leak 
Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States
Jun 2008 - Mar 2010
Jul 2008

75000 mi

US $2000
Turbo went out. Air bag sensors in the front seats malfunctioned. 
Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States
Dec 2012 - Jan 2022
May 2013

179000 mi

US $95
exhaust resonator replaced, full piece from catalytic converter to muffler. $92 shipped and $3 back gasket. 
Subaru Forester in Arizona, United States
Oct 2012 - Nov 2012
Nov 2012

176000 mi

US $230
idler pulley for A/C bearing failed. Replaced that, and the belts. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Feb 2013 - Apr 2018
Apr 2018

83000 mi
Oxygen sensor 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2011 - Aug 2019
Nov 2013

68080 mi

C $75
These older Subarus have an issue with rattles in the exhaust system - specifically, the heat shields placed around the exhaust. I had to have the dealer fix a rattle in this area. 
Jan 2014

68920 mi

C $500
Passenger side front sway bar link broken; sway bar links on both sides replaced. The steering had been feeling heavy, and I was told this was due to 'binding' of the transfer clutches. The transmission system was drained, flushed, refilled, and an additive used to prevent further binding. The airbag sensor under the front seats in these older Subarus has a history of failure due to moving the seat back and forth. I had been noticing the airbag light coming on occasionally. Both front seat sensor harnesses were replaced. 
Jul 2014

70060 mi

C $500
Part 1: The transmission shifter (automatic) was sticky/heavy to shift. This required a cleaning of the shifter area. Part 2: It was also difficult to get the transmission into Park in order to remove the key. This required a new bushing The infamous heat shield rattle. This dealership had attempted to fix it once before; I chose to have the shields removed. 
Nov 2014

71300 mi

C $100
This is a third trip back for the sticky transmission issue from earlier this year. This time, it was the seat heaters not working. During the previous repair, the harness for the seat heaters was not properly re-plugged. 
Subaru Forester in Quebec, Canada
Apr 2013 - Jan 2016
Jan 2014

111800 mi

C $250
Changed starter and battery, car stoped to start when minus 30 celcius in quebec 
Jan 2016

130200 mi

C $200
Coil pack damaged, had to change Transmission was lazy, result of Fluid Leak, had to seal pipe. Wiper linkages where slack, had to change linkage 
Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada
Sep 2013 - Dec 2013
Oct 2013

89280 mi

C $340
Muffler pipe had hole next to forward hanger & cracks on mid pipe next to hangar replaced with OEM style parts at 144000 km 
Subaru Forester in Kansas, United States
Dec 2010 - Feb 2018
Jan 2011

54000 mi

US $200
Both head gaskets started leaking! Discovered during routine oil/filter change at 54,000 miles. 5yr/60k factory warranty on my Forester was 2 yrs beyond time limit but 6k within miles so Subaru of America covered it, less a $200 deductible. 
Nov 2016

105300 mi

US $471
L-rear wheel bearing failing. 
Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States
Jan 2010 - May 2013
Jan 2010

90501 mi

US $500
Replaced clock bulb ($6+labor). Replaced valve cover gasket for internal engine oil leak ($98 + labor). Replaced oil soaked ignition wires and coil pack due to coil burnt/rusted #1 cylinder (~$310 total). 
Feb 2010

91000 mi

US $48
Check engine light diagnostics report a "Vent Control System Malfunction." Shop thoroughly examined each component and was unable to find a problem. 
Mar 2010

92000 mi
Return of check engine light with same diagnostic error code. Dealer service checked entire vent control system and could not find a problem. They have contacted Subaru for solution. 
Subaru Forester in North Carolina, United States
Sep 2011 - Apr 2018
Jun 2011

132000 mi

US $800
Replaced catalytic converter with bolt-on replacement in order to pass inspection (CEL on since purchase, but no driveability issues) 
Jul 2011

138000 mi

US $600
Front oxygen sensor replaced. 
Aug 2012

142000 mi

US $12
gap between a/c clutch and ac pulley out of spec. I removed the ac clutch and took out two spacers and re-installed. 
Jun 2015

169000 mi

US $110
Belt/pulley tensioner for the A/C belt broke and had to be replaced. Ran OK with broken tensioner, but couldn't adjust or replace the belt 
Jan 2018

188000 mi

US $600
Replaced rear wheel cylinders (drum brakes) due to leaking and front rotors and pads (disc brakes). One of the rotors was damaged, but there was no damage to the caliper. 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Oct 2009 - May 2018
Jun 2009

59936 mi

US $300
Transmission pan leaking transmission fluid. Re-seal pan. 
Oct 2009

65228 mi

US $500
Front crank seal leaking oil. Replace seal. Charge is almost all labor. Had timing belt replaced at the same time but deducted $112 cost of belt from the $500 repair figure. Total cost for visit with timing belt and oil change was $640.52. 
Dec 2009

67000 mi

US $107
Heat shields vibrating under car. Still not right. Will return for re-repair at next oil change. 
Apr 2010

70000 mi
Heat shields around catalytic converter refastened 
Oct 2011

90000 mi

US $400
Replace Valve Cover Gaskets and Tube Seals. Oil dripping on spark plugs. 
Dec 2012

105000 mi
Tighten exhaust heat shields which were vibrating during acceleration. 
Jan 2013

107000 mi

US $387
Replaced bushings and end links on front sway bar to eliminate clunking over bumps. Tech noted on invoice that he recommends drivers side and passenger side head gaskets. Not happy. Keeping an eye on oil and anti-freeze levels. 
May 2013

110700 mi

US $225
Replace head gaskets. Replace timing belt, accessory belt and A/C belt. Subaru, to their credit, have offered me a goodwill check of $500 towards the repair, offsetting some of the $2066 cost. Rear wheel cylinders leaking. Would not pass inspection. Replace cylinders, new shoes and cut drums. Replace pads up front and cut rotors. Flush brake fluid. Total was $500. Estimated $225 for wheel cylinders. 
Jan 2014

107500 mi
replace lower radiator hose and thermostat to stop coolant leak. this is a follow-up to the June 2013 head gasket replacement. Due to coolant loss I thought there was an issue with that repair. It took 3 trips for the dealership to fix. N/C. 
Mar 2015

136000 mi

US $40
Replace oil cooler gasket to stop oil drip. Exhaust System heat shield vibrating. Found loose heat shield. Drilled hole and inserted screw to wedge against exhaust pipe. Fastened 3" clamp around heat shield. Noise fixed. $1.56. 
Jun 2015

140000 mi

US $360
Replaced evaporator core and expansion valve behind dashboard.Core had leak. Added compressor oil and dye. Ran vacuum pump for one hour. Waited one hour to be sure vacuum held. Recharged system. Price includes gauges, pump and tools. 
Mar 2017

160000 mi

US $30
Upper radiator hose ballooned. Was about to let go. Glad I caught it as it looked normal when the engine was cool. Bought Dayco cut-to-fit hose first. Bad fit at radiator due to excessive bend. Found Subaru OEM hose and clamps at dealer number 7. First 6 no go.Perfect fit of course. 
Jan 2018

166000 mi

US $136
Wire, plug and blower fan receptacle damaged due to overheating at one contact. Remove contact from plug, cleanup and use epoxy glue to hold in place along with new wire. Resolder wires to main harness wiring. Install new blower fan. 
Subaru Forester in Washington, United States
Apr 2018 - Jun 2018
May 2018

160200 mi

US $300
Replaced sway bar ends. Also, full pre-buy type inspection and a/c recharge. 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Mar 2010 - Jun 2016
Mar 2014

96000 mi

US $42
Had a CEL for emission system 
Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States
Jan 2010 - Jun 2018
Feb 2015

52000 mi

US $200
Replace 5-year old battery and corroded cables 
Dec 2015

54000 mi
First reported slow cranking and failure to start in July; dealer svc dept. said all systems were up to spec after quick recharge. Failed to start again in late Dec. Initial test still showed no trouble, but next day found bad cell in batt. 
Subaru Forester in Vermont, United States
Oct 2010 - Feb 2012
Feb 2011

109000 mi

US $102
Exhaust flange and gasket needed replacing. Part of exhaust pipe needed welding. 
Feb 2012

120000 mi

US $230
Rusted fuel neck filler pipe and corresponding components replaced 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
May 2008 - Jun 2011
Dec 2008

60000 mi
Head gasket replaced 
Apr 2010

72000 mi
head gasket replaced second time by dealer 
Jun 2011

95000 mi

US $800
AC compressor replaced AC compressor replaced 
Subaru Forester in Connecticut, United States
Feb 2012 - Mar 2012
Mar 2012

132000 mi

US $585
main exhaust pipe cracked 
Subaru Forester in Michigan, United States
Dec 2011 - Feb 2015
Jan 2015

179000 mi

US $300
Starter failed, replaced within a day, required towing cost $300 since it was remote area ... 
Feb 2015

258000 mi
Axle $600 to repair, estim. 
Subaru Forester in Alberta, Canada
Feb 2009 - Oct 2021
Mar 2015

74400 mi
Replace door lock actuator. Replaced head light wiring harness. The drivers side headlight was burnt out. Upon inspection the wiring harness was melted. Replaced head light wiring harness 
Nov 2015

85560 mi

C $2500
Replaced head gaskets Replaced fuel pump 
Nov 2017

88660 mi

C $400
Rear hatch lock replaced 
Subaru Forester in Missouri, United States
Mar 2009 - Dec 2011
Jun 2010

60000 mi

US $30
AWD system chattered when turning sharply at low speeds. Corrected by replacing transmission/transfer case lubricant. 

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2003 Subaru Forester

Engine not specified

Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Aug 2016 - Dec 2016
Sep 2016

192000 mi
Head gasket replacement, also replaced timing belt. Catalytic converter replaced 
Dec 2016

193000 mi

US $50
Vacuum leak 
Subaru Forester in Great Britain
Nov 2014 - Feb 2016
Apr 2015

86000 mi
Drive shaft sheared. Repairs still in progress, seeking a good used part. 
Dec 2015

87000 mi

£3000
Rear diff disintegrating 
Feb 2016

87000 mi
Rear diff disintegrating 
Subaru Forester in Indiana, United States
Jul 2016 - Dec 2016
Dec 2016

88000 mi
Head gasket issue. Got an estimate 3500. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Sep 2010 - Jun 2011
Oct 2010

140000 mi

US $500
airbag light on. Replaced clockspring. 

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2003 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in California, United States
Nov 2003 - Mar 2017
Oct 2003

15620 mi
Clutch chatter when cold. Replaced clutch assembly under warranty 
Jul 2011

126000 mi

US $2900
head gaskets replaced -- car leaking oil 
Nov 2013

152000 mi

US $1000
replace both front-end sway bar end links, replace ball joint cylinder 
Dec 2014

162000 mi

US $218
replaced A/C idler and A/C belt 
Nov 2015

169900 mi

US $200
replaced cracked radiator 
Apr 2016

172200 mi
Hill holder (manual transmission) not properly disengaging -- had system disabled. 
Subaru Forester in Kentucky, United States
Mar 2015 - Mar 2016
Mar 2016

149000 mi

US $1800
head gasket. second for the car 
Subaru Forester in Wisconsin, United States
Oct 2010 - Sep 2012
Nov 2010

85000 mi

US $130
Driver's door window motor failed. Replaced window motor. 
Sep 2012

106000 mi
Cracked moon roof. Engineered incorrectly? Too big. Eventually cracked in the direct heat of the sun. 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Oct 2008 - Aug 2015
Apr 2010

71000 mi

US $1000
Catalytic Converter 
Dec 2014

104000 mi

US $800
EGR Problem 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
May 2008 - Dec 2009
Jun 2008

144000 mi

US $1600
replaced both rear wheel bearings, rear struts and strut mounts 
Oct 2008

152000 mi

US $220
Check Engine light back on, replaced ignition coil (old one cracked) Light came back on once after coil replaced, then went off on its own. Hoping that's the last of it! 
Jun 2009

173000 mi

US $450
Replaced stabilizer bars, old ones worn, causing suspension to make a knocking noise when going over bumps.  Replaced fog lamp. 
Dec 2009

177000 mi
Car caught on fire, repairs would have been too entensive. Insurance company totalled the car. 
Subaru Forester in New Zealand
Mar 2013 - May 2016
Oct 2013

114580 mi

$321
Driver door electric window motor replaced 
Subaru Forester in New South Wales, Australia
Feb 2013 - Mar 2013
Mar 2013

78120 mi

A $400
Battery 
Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States
Jul 2011 - Jul 2013
May 2012

313300 mi

US $930
rear wheel bearings + belt tensioner 
Jun 2012

316000 mi

US $1100
Rear struts replaced Drive shaft replaced 
Jun 2013

346000 mi

US $865
exhaust pipe corrosion and failure 
Subaru Forester in New Mexico, United States
Oct 2010 - Jun 2011
Dec 2010

158000 mi
Oil leak: complete head gasket replacement, new clutch. 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2008 - Feb 2011
Nov 2008

149000 mi

US $200
Front Tie rods replaced, 1 broke, 1 worn 
Jun 2009

166000 mi
Sporatic ck engine light still - Code from computer (light off when got there) showed only a possible air filter issue, dirt blown off it by dealer, but did not recommend replacement. 
Jul 2009

169000 mi

US $300
REAR driver shock leaking & no longer any bounce. Rear passenger side replaced as well.  Occasional flashing check engine light, with misfiring. Light not on at visit, not likely to give a code. Dealer recommended ignition wires & coil due to crack in 3rd? coil. Will replace something in Aug. to fix. Multiple vs only 1 coil questions exist replaced both rear struts to be even, drivers side totally leaked out with no bounce left. Ck engine light flashing, Misfiring read, options to replace plug wires or engine coil. Titanium plugs installed Feb 09 - repair pending reviews 
Aug 2009

173000 mi

US $223
Major Misfiring - cracked engine coil, replaced coil & plug wires. still drivable because standard trans, automatic probably would have broken down. 
Feb 2010

187000 mi

US $360
I live in emissions county. It requires new catalytic converter to pass yearly emissions since ck engine light was on. Original one much quieter then after market. 
Jun 2010

196000 mi

US $50
idle control valve possibly not functioning properly. after using AC engine idles very high when no drag on engine. they tried cleaning several items but problem returned. 
Jul 2010

198000 mi

US $318
Idle Air Control valve replaced. Fixed the vacuum leak that caused driving problems under a load, but not the excessive 5000rpm revving when clutch engaged after using AC. Originally thought related. 
Aug 2010

200000 mi
excessive idle speed issue back, can go up to 5000 rpms on hot days if use AC, while clutch is pushed in. upon release of clutch & putting a load on engine it goes back to normal & sometimes stays there.  
Nov 2010

207000 mi

US $284
rear driver wheel bearing bad, making very loud noise. replacement 7 hrs long.  
Dec 2010

209000 mi

US $350
anti lock break sensor was not positioned right during the replacement of the wheel bearing and tire, caused pulsing in breaks when coming to complete stop. took off tire, repositioned sensor and replaced tire car seemingly lurching forward while driving, odometer and tachometer did not fluctuate, stutter on up-hills and later flat roads. testing showed 5# pressure, needs ~ 45# per garage. replaced fuel pump  
Feb 2011

209000 mi
Winter, so not running A/C and so not clear if idle speed problem remained when sold. But CEL going off and on. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Aug 2009 - Jan 2013
Jan 2012

110000 mi

US $500
emissions problem. Won't pass smog. Mechanic is checking catalytic converter Passed smog, check engine light continues to light up. mechanic suspects catalytic converter needs replacement despite passing smog certification 
Sep 2012

116000 mi

US $700
Unable to pass California Smog test. I had replaced the battery and it reset the computers. The shop finaally drove the car constantly to reset computers. It passed, then check engine light came on, needs catalytic converter. 
Subaru Forester in Minnesota, United States
Aug 2011 - Oct 2016
Jul 2016

109200 mi

US $300
Bad driver's side rear wheel bearing. Replaced bearing and bearing seals. 
Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States
Jan 2010 - Jan 2013
Dec 2010

129000 mi

US $900
Replaced Transmission and clutch 
Jan 2011

132000 mi

US $900
head gasket replacement with water pump and timing belt done at same time 
Subaru Forester in Florida, United States
May 2007 - May 2009
May 2007

58000 mi
Left rear wheel bearing replacement. Covered under warranty. 
Subaru Forester in Washington, United States
Jun 2006 - Oct 2009
Jul 2006

33000 mi
Clutch assembly needed replacement. A few 2002/2003 Foresters developed "cold clutch shudder": Clutch would shudder when engine was cold, fine once warm. Subie recognized this as defective parts they replaced entire clutch system under warranty. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Apr 2009 - Jun 2011
Nov 2010

118000 mi

US $500
The Dual catalytic converters were clogged, leading to low power and trouble code 0420. They were replaced, and the problems were solved. 
Subaru Forester in New South Wales, Australia
May 2008 - Jun 2018
Apr 2009

83700 mi

A $650
Starter motor intermittently failed to engage on ring gear. Starter motor replaced by workshop. 
May 2009

84320 mi

A $2200
Clutch pressure plate broke into 3 pieces while driving resulting in partial loss of drive. New clutch kit fitted. Original dual-mass flywheel also replaced with a solid flywheel. New clutch and flywheel kit from Exedy (not Subaru). 
Feb 2011

102300 mi

A $600
Check engine light increasingly regular. Code P0030 for front 02 (it's actually an air/fuel) sensor heater. Replaced sensor with genuine part ($600 from dealer) myself. 
Mar 2012

120280 mi

A $15
Grinding noise from power steering pump. Drained and replaced power steering fluid. 
Jul 2012

122760 mi

A $900
Steering rack was leaking fluid. Rack was replaced with a reconditioned one. 
Oct 2012

125940 mi

A $150
Engine oil has for some time been leaking out from between the spark plug tubes and the rocker covers. The tube seals were replaced, along with the gaskets and washers for the rocker covers. 
Sep 2013

137640 mi

A $160
Engine running rough under load due to failing fuel pump. Replaced fuel pump. 
May 2014

146320 mi
Initially a slight coolant leak from between plastic top of radiator and radiator core. Needed occasional top-up. Leak has now worsened such that car cannot be driven more than a few minutes at a time. In process of sourcing new radiator. 
Jun 2014

146320 mi

A $400
New radiator fitted (as old one was leaking between core and plastic top). Also replaced top and bottom hoses and thermostat as a precaution. 
Aug 2014

146320 mi
Left-rear wheel bearing had been noisy for some time. Shop replaced it with a new one, but since the driveshaft had seized into the old one, a replacement driveshaft (second hand) was required also. 
Nov 2014

148180 mi

A $1700
Left rear wheel bearing that was replaced in August had become noisy again. Shop determined that it, as well as the (original) right bearing had failed and the hubs were also heat damaged. Bearings, hub as well as seals etc were replaced. 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Feb 2017 - May 2017
Feb 2017

97000 mi

US $100
Control arms need replaced 
Subaru Forester in Kentucky, United States
Jun 2015 - Mar 2018
Jul 2015

150500 mi

US $500
Replaced front calipers and rear wheel cylinders as well as pads/shoes and front rotors 
Aug 2015

151700 mi

US $25
P0507 OBD II code with check engine light. Replaced Neutral Switch and cleared code (manual transmission) 
Oct 2015

153500 mi

US $250
Replaced front struts and mounts 
May 2016

162000 mi

US $500
Head gaskets 
Jul 2016

169300 mi

US $100
Replaced Clutch Slave Cylinder 
Sep 2016

171000 mi

US $35
Rough idle, random misfires. Replaced ignition coil with Subaru part 
May 2017

179000 mi

US $800
Rod bearings worn (knocking). Replaced engine 
Jun 2017

180000 mi

US $50
Both rear wheel bearings needed replacement one for noise and one for loose tracking when driving. Replaced both knuckles, wheel bearings, hubs and seals. Lateral link bolts needed to be cut (rust) so had to replace them and the lower Lateral Link bushings Right front wheel bearing making "growling" noises above 30mph. Most noticeable at 40mph. Replaced bearing, seals and hub. Air Bag Light ON. Replaced Air Bag controller due to fault code 
Subaru Forester in Georgia, United States
May 2008 - Sep 2017
Jun 2008

58000 mi

US $50
Check engine light came on because fuel filler vacuum misread. 
Feb 2010

73400 mi
Strong fuel odor in cold weather. 
Oct 2010

81000 mi
Catalytic converter failure detected at 80,800 miles. Federal warranty for catalytic converters is for 80,000 miles, but because of a lawsuit settlement over misleading odometer readings, Subaru has extended coverage to 84,000 miles. 
Jan 2011

84000 mi

US $280
Rear break cylinder seals leaking. Were replaced. Replaced bulb in clock light, which had not operated for several years. Cost $5 -- previous shop had quoted $150. 
Aug 2011

90000 mi

US $170
Check engine light came on. Code indicated fuel vapor pressure leak. Smoke test conducted, no problem found. Updated computer codes. 
Mar 2012

96000 mi

US $25
Exterior trim piece adjacent to lower right of left rear door had come loose and the attachment toggle was damaged, so it couldn't be secured. Six Star Service ordered a replacement piece and installed it. Took five minutes. 
Jan 2013

103000 mi

US $500
Replaced leaking head gaskets and a bad spark plug wire. Work done at same time I had timing belt, belt tensioner and water pump replaced, all routine maintenance. 
Nov 2014

121000 mi

US $1000
Replaced failing rear bearings. Also got new front brakes. Replaced worn-out shifter knuckle 
Feb 2015

124000 mi

US $38
Replaced burned-out driver-side headlight bulb. 
Mar 2016

132000 mi

US $36
Headlight burned out. Had it replaced. Not an easy job on the Forester... 
Sep 2016

137000 mi

US $237
Windshield wiper transmission needed replacement. Wiper motor was unaffected. 
Jan 2017

83800 mi

US $1200
Radiator shot. Replaced. Steering rack worn out. Replaced. 
May 2017

143000 mi

US $320
Leaking AC line replaced. AC recharged. 

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2003 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in New York, United States
May 2008 - Jul 2009
Apr 2009

100000 mi

US $2500
Check engine light -- misfire, computer errors, caused flooding and car would not keep running. Eventually "fixed itself" after revving high idle for a while. Leaking struts replaced 
Subaru Forester in Oregon, United States
Feb 2010 - Feb 2015
Apr 2010

86000 mi
The moonroof refused to close more than halfway. 
Jul 2011

97500 mi

US $300
Valve Cover Gasket was leaking oil, which dripped into the spark plugs and fouled them. Valve cover gaskets were replaced, along with plugs and wires. 
Jun 2012

106000 mi
Head gaskets were leaking, mild on one side, moderate on the other. 
Jan 2013

110000 mi

US $210
engine oil cooler was leaking due to a bad o-ring 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
May 2008 - Apr 2012
Sep 2008

93000 mi

C $43
Burned out headlight (both headlights replaced at the same time) & one driving light (both driving lights replaced at the same time). Other routine maintenance done at the same time at the dealer.  
Oct 2009

108180 mi
Transmission bushings replaced - car was starting to get difficult to shift. Also did a full tune up & had the winter tire change over done. 
Oct 2011

135760 mi

C $150
Headlight bulbs replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Washington, United States
Mar 2010 - Mar 2012
Apr 2010

145000 mi

US $307
Defective gusset in side mirrors caused extensive wind noise. Problem is manufacturer's defect which was adjusted numerous times but never corrected. Subaru finally provided a new part to permanenty (I hope) correct the problem at my expense. 
Apr 2011

164000 mi

US $130
Seat belt warning light stayed on. Dealer said a sensor had become disconnected. They replaced it but two days later it came on and has been on ever since. Needs to go back to the dealer again. 
Jul 2011

170000 mi

US $50
Seatbelt light would come on and stay on. Dealer ordered a replacement air bag but it hasn't yet been installed. Air bag has a life-time warranty so no charge - just another trip to the dealer. 
Aug 2011

171300 mi
Repair appeared to be successful but a couple of weeks later the seat belt light came on again and stayed on. Will be takin it back to the dealer next week. 
Mar 2012

178000 mi
Head gasket leaking, sold car. I've driven Subaru's for over 30 years because of their reliability but this time I bought a Honda. 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
May 2008 - Jan 2016
Aug 2008

63000 mi

US $75
Periodic high idle, suspected to be need to clean throttle body. Problem seems to have reappeared, may need to be looked at by dealer. 
Jun 2009

73000 mi

US $63
Removal of rattling exhaust shield Power steering belt loose Stabilizer linkage loose 
Sep 2009

75000 mi

US $245
Sway bar linkage replaced Sway bar linkage replaced 
Nov 2009

75900 mi

US $822
Grinding/chirping/singing noise from rear of car. Diagnosed by dealership as "parking brake mechanism broken during aftermarket brake install." Replaced PB, rear rotors and pads. Dealership repaired parking brake hardware along with rear rotors and pads. Damage to parking brake mechanism alleged to be the result of third-party brake job. 
Apr 2011

89000 mi

US $1023
Driver's window switch and motor failed Y-pipe heat shield rattling Intermittent high idle with higher ambient temperatures. Previous throttle body cleanings no help. Loosened throttle cable. 
Sep 2011

95000 mi
Driver's side rear caliper sticking (recurring problem) causing scraping. Cleaned and returned. Problem came back within a week, but have not returned for further assessment. 
Dec 2011

98000 mi

US $618
Exhaust pipe broke aft of rear catalytic converter. Muffler OK, but exhaust pipe replaced. 
Jan 2012

98800 mi

US $888
Replacement of serpentine belt 
Nov 2012

113000 mi

US $350
O2 sensor replacement Rack beginning to fail; needs replacement 
Jan 2014

127000 mi

US $940
Replacement of steering rack 
Apr 2014

129200 mi

US $498
Replaced rear passenger wheel bearing and hub 
Jan 2016

126000 mi
Needed new calipers 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2010 - Jun 2011
Apr 2010

42500 mi

US $1817
Replaced pinion bearing support. Replaced pinion bearing support. 
Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States
Jul 2010 - Mar 2018
Jun 2011

180000 mi

US $1000
Long overdue repairs to AC system. Ball joint in front axle replaced. O2 sensor replaced 
Nov 2011

189100 mi

US $400
Exhaust replaced-everything but the cat converter. 
Aug 2012

199400 mi

US $600
AC belts and fan needed to be replaced. 
Jan 2013

204000 mi

US $1500
Head gaskets replaced because they were leaking. Alternator replaced. 
Jul 2013

210000 mi

US $500
Replace gaskets 
May 2015

231400 mi

US $580
Timing belt tensioner broke. Puff of smoke and car died. Thought valves were goners. Remarkably, repair done and car still running! 
Jun 2016

245000 mi

US $1600
front axle seal replacement 
Jun 2017

247000 mi

US $1700
Engine overheating so coolant system maintenance, hoses replaced, engine block and heads cleaned because of oil burn-off. 
Oct 2017

250000 mi

US $2197
Engine replacement 
Subaru Forester in Alberta, Canada
Mar 2009 - Feb 2010
Apr 2009

96720 mi

C $4200
timing belt slipped and damaged valves, camshaft etc. Had to remachine or replace all, including new waterpump. 
Nov 2009

99200 mi

C $593
radiator was leaking anti freeze. Radiator replaced 
Jan 2010

99820 mi
Engine making banging noise - some problem with cam shaft - bent - repaired under warranty from job done in April 2009. Shop should have caught this problem then. 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2008 - Jan 2012
Sep 2011

78000 mi

US $159
O2 sensor 
Nov 2011

78000 mi

US $400
Exhaust rusted out 
Subaru Forester in Michigan, United States
Sep 2008 - Jun 2011
Sep 2009

98000 mi

US $212
Both headlights failed within a week. Tried to repair headlight myself, unable to do so. Dealer took 1.5 hours. 
Mar 2010

105000 mi

US $3400
Cracked piston. Entire engine had to be replaced. Used engine with 70,000miles cost $3,400 
Subaru Forester in North Carolina, United States
May 2008 - Dec 2009
Aug 2008

37000 mi
Engine knocking. Was diagnosed as carbon build-up. Was advised to run fuel system cleaner through it and "stomp on it" occasionaly to prevent excessive carbon build-up. 
Jun 2009

49000 mi

US $400
Front Oxygen Sensor replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Nov 2008 - May 2011
Jun 2010

62000 mi

US $180
Suspension issue. I don't recall what the part that was replaced is called. 
Feb 2011

64000 mi

US $1302
Head gasket had to be replaced, also did valve adjustment. 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2008 - Sep 2009
Jan 2009

172360 mi

C $350
Leaking transmission filter, may have hit something, thus low tranmission fluid and dash warning light. 
Sep 2009

182280 mi

C $200
We decided to trade it in rather than repair it as the cost of needed repairs was expected to exceed $3000. Leaking head gaskets. Rear rotors corroded and parking brake not functioning. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Aug 2009 - Apr 2014
Oct 2011

94000 mi

US $1850
2 head gaskets leaking coolant. Had the gaskets replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States
May 2008 - Sep 2013
May 2009

58000 mi

US $450
engine leaking oil - various valve gaskets. loud noise from engine - turned out to be engine bay heat shield misalignment. 
Subaru Forester in New Hampshire, United States
Aug 2008 - Apr 2011
Jun 2008

87000 mi

US $43
Moonroof will not open/close. cleaned and lubricated 
Dec 2009

115000 mi

US $1500
Headgaskets leaking. This appears to be a problem with the 2003 Forester. While recalls were done for prior years, there is no recall for 2003. Subaru agreed to pay a portion of the bill. 
Feb 2010

116000 mi

US $650
replace lightbulbs etc... 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Jul 2009 - Aug 2012
Jan 2010

52000 mi

US $3000
Suspension arm broken Piston Slap on two cylinders 
Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States
Dec 2016 - Mar 2018
Jun 2017

179000 mi

US $80
Drivers side window regulator was replaced. Need to remove the clutch from the compressor although it is not going well. 
Sep 2017

179000 mi

US $370
Replaced alternator with used/rebuilt $35. New A/C compressor $285 and charge $50 
Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States
Jan 2015 - Sep 2017
Jul 2015

160200 mi

US $450
A/C Compressor failed. A/C system had various leaks. Plastic upper radiator outlet cracked causing radiator hose to pop off. Car lost all of its coolant and stranded me on interstate. Rear strut has developed thumps and rattle. Strut piston rod is binding inside strut body. This is a common Subaru problem with no permanent resolution. 
Oct 2015

161000 mi

US $630
Noticed steering rack was leaking fluid when car went in for state inspection. Entire steering rack and tie-rod assembly had to be replaced. 
Jun 2016

171000 mi

US $5
Brake calipers front and rear were heavily corroded from road salt applied during winter in Chicago. Caliper pistons were partially frozen and rotors were heavily corroded and out of true. Calipers, rotors, and pads were replaced front F&R 
May 2017

177000 mi

US $100
Gear selector froze in Park while I was in line at a fast food outlet. I was able to force the shifter into drive after exerting a tremendous amount of force. The car was repaired by replacing the entire shifter mechanism with a used one. The problem ended up being a failed solenoid on the old shifter. We were not able to simply replace that part because I partially destroyed the shifter when forcing into gear. 
Jun 2017

178000 mi

US $45
The drivers side rear wheel bearing began to make a whining/growling noise at various speeds. I dropped the car at a local repair shop. They were unable to remove the suspension bolts needed to provide clearance so that the drive axle could be removed from the rear hub that carries the bearing assembly . After a couple of days of soaking the bolts and trying heat etc. they told me that to do the repair would require cutting parts of the rear suspension apart and that I might want to reconsider dropping the amount of money needed to do the job into this car. I took the car back and have been driving it with the bearing un-repaired. Apparently frozen suspension bolts on this car are a common problem and so are frequent wheel bearing failures. A heat shield attached to and part of the exhaust system began to rattle very loudly at certain engine rpm levels. The repair shop was able to weld the shield back to the exhaust pipe at the failed attachment point. The repair eliminated the noise. 
Jul 2017

177500 mi

US $480
Drivers side Rear wheel bearing was replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Florida, United States
Feb 2015 - Apr 2017
Nov 2016

150000 mi

US $1400
Exhaust manifold had crack, rust spots in exhaust pipes. Muffler, catalytic converter, and manifolds replaced. 
Jan 2017

US $350
Front right brake caliper in stuck position 
Mar 2017

149000 mi

US $1600
The car was making a strange almost-scraping noise from the front end. Both front wheel bearings were replaced, however, the noise still remained. 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Dec 2013 - Mar 2016
Nov 2014

124300 mi
Needed valve seals and valve cover gasket.  Replaced exhaust manifold gasket. Also new thermostat. CHECK ENGINE light came on about 50 miles after leaving shop reading a problem with catalytic converter. Car running fine but cannot get warning light to turn off. 
Mar 2016

143000 mi
Blown head gasket. Car developed a hole in radiator and despite all precautionary efforts on my part and a new radiator, the car would overheat after 7-8 miles of driving. Heating/Cooling system. After tryng to fix head gasket with 2 additives , attempted repairs did not work and the manufacturer honored warranty & gave me my money back. Sold car to mechanic and bought a 2006 Hyundai Azera with 86545 mi. 
Subaru Forester in Oregon, United States
Jul 2014 - Jan 2015
Oct 2014

104500 mi

US $25
Four wheel alignment and replace one front, left tie rod, prior to buying and having four new tires installed. Tie rod was replaced Free of charge coverage by an auto body repair lifetime warranty from a winter driving accident in 2013. 
Subaru Forester in Norway
Jul 2014 - Jun 2018
Aug 2016

103540 mi

$250
The Malfunctioning Indicator Light appeared on the instrument cluster. The problem was identified by an OBD-II scan tool. Trouble code P0031 showed up. The repair manual identified the upstream oxygen sensor had low input, and was replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States
Jul 2015 - Dec 2016
Oct 2015

126000 mi

US $3200
Head gasket replacement. 
Dec 2015

127000 mi

US $300
Replace one front caliper; required doing both plus pads. 
Mar 2016

130000 mi

US $225
Security system malfunctioned, draining and depleting battery. Engine would not start due to security system. Dealer diagnosed it, replaced battery, and reset security system. 
Jun 2016

133000 mi

US $364
Cracked radiator was replace. 
Subaru Forester in Indiana, United States
Jun 2016 - Mar 2017
Oct 2016

76000 mi

US $65
exhaust system loose 
Subaru Forester in Norway
Feb 2017 - Mar 2018
Mar 2017

110360 mi

$3000
Not only suspension. Several faults. Nothing repaired. Former owner have to give proper information about the car during sales process. Former owner has been accused of holding back information - which is illegal to do in this country. 
Subaru Forester in Wisconsin, United States
Jan 2017 - Aug 2017
Feb 2017

137800 mi

US $968
Head gaskets replaced($1900), replaced intake and exhaust valves, and springs, seals and guides ($800), as well as oil change and coolant flush. Reason for new valve job was low compression in 2 cylinders. both rear wheel bearings ($900) Radiator replaced, radiator cap, thermostat, fan clutch and hoses  
Apr 2017

138700 mi

US $200
Rear differential replaced 
May 2017

139100 mi

US $983
Front subframes replaced. One of the sub frames had a small rust bubble which turned out to be the whole bottom rusted out after some poking with a screw driver. The other one was mostly rust free but was going to need replacement soon so I did them as a pair. 
Jun 2017

142000 mi

US $564
Rear differential cradle replaced. The rear differential mount was literally cracked almost in half and this may have caused some damage to the differential from the excess moving under acceleration and deceleration.  
Jul 2017

142000 mi

US $406
exhaust manifold replaced, oxygen sensors, gaskets/ hardware 
Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2017 - Jun 2017
Apr 2017

131000 mi

US $400
worn brakes 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Mar 2015 - Jan 2022
Apr 2017

194000 mi

US $350
Replace ball joints 
Feb 2018

189569 mi

US $850
Noisey idler/pulley on A/C compressor drive belt replaced. Replaced rear struts. 
Jan 2020

200000 mi

US $500
Replace cracked original radiator. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Nov 2003 - Apr 2010
May 2003

5000 mi
troubleshoot - rough idle at start 
Jul 2003

9000 mi
failed catalytic converter replaced 
Oct 2004

14000 mi

US $150
dead battery - internal light socket shorted 
Jan 2005

16000 mi
another dead battery - internal electrical short 
Jul 2007

41000 mi
troubleshoot - transmission whine. no problem found 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Mar 2013 - Apr 2013
Apr 2013

160000 mi

US $800
air flow sensor failed 
Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States
Dec 2012 - Jan 2022
Mar 2014

173000 mi

US $96
P0030 o2 sensor and changed front and rear diff fluid and ATF drain and fill. 
Feb 2015

173000 mi

US $75
Drivers window motor seized in up/closed position for close to 8 months, just now fixed. 
Apr 2015

173200 mi

US $100
Leaking front drivers strut. Failed inspection. Brought it home, ordered the strut, fixed it 04/04. 
Sep 2015

174000 mi

US $35
removed used rear struts from a junkyard, replaced both rears but only one was leaky. Now I have one spare (inspector said both were wet but passable- trusted his word - only one was wet) 
Nov 2021

190300 mi

US $5
Late last year I DIY changed drivers door mirror / window / lock switch as the old one was acting up. Used to get parts from pick n save so it was basically free. 
Jan 2022

191000 mi

US $250
Exhaust muffler to pass inspection  
Subaru Forester in Iowa, United States
Apr 2012 - Jun 2018
Mar 2013

116000 mi

US $970
Leaky head gasket allowed antifreeze to get into cylinders. Replaced gasket. Also ground valves while engine was taken apart. 
Oct 2013

124200 mi

US $260
ABS warning light came on continually. Sensor needed to be replaced. 
Jul 2015

133200 mi

US $30
LEVEL OF R134 FREON WAS CORRECTED. 
Mar 2016

137000 mi

US $150
Exhaust pipe corrosion caused noise 
Apr 2017

146000 mi

US $500
Brake pads front & rear, rotors Front, drums rear, cylinder rear, calipers front 
Aug 2017

148000 mi

US $150
Repaired leak in AC system and recharged with refrigerant 
Dec 2017

151000 mi
Leaking water pump and leaking head gasket 
Jun 2018

156000 mi

US $200
Replaced and repaired portions of the exhaust system. 
Subaru Forester in Florida, United States
Feb 2012 - Dec 2012
Mar 2012

120000 mi

US $500
fuel smell, vapor of gasoline Fuel smell was caused by the fuel tank ventilation vents and carbon canister. Changed these parts plus the fuel tank cap. This fixed the problem so far. 
Oct 2012

128000 mi

US $90
Fuel lines leaked gas 
Subaru Forester in Maine, United States
May 2011 - Oct 2011
Oct 2011

68000 mi

US $2000
Bent valve die to to worn exhaust guides. Passenger side drive link and frame rusted through. 
Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States
Dec 2010 - Sep 2011
Jan 2011

120000 mi

US $3284
Noticeable engine oil leaks due to worn head gaskets. Coincided with 120k major service, so all major gaskets replaced along with timing belt and tensioner, plus all filters, plugs and leads. 
May 2011

123000 mi

US $38
AT Oil Temp and Check Engine light came on after having the car washed. Transmission solenoid replaced under warranty (second time in 9 months). Lights both came back on 30 minutes after picking up car, in a rainstorm. 
Jun 2011

124000 mi

US $580
Replaced transmission wiring harness which was worn and causing transmission warning light to come on. 
Aug 2011

114742 mi

US $617
Replace transmission pressure line solenoid. Replace transmission pressure line solenoid 
Sep 2011

114742 mi
Car jerking when changing from 2 to 3rd. No clear diagnosis and advised that repair would cost $1650+. Not worth it for this lemon of a car. 
Subaru Forester in Washington, United States
Nov 2010 - Oct 2011
Dec 2010

88000 mi

US $530
Check Engine light came on due to bad O2 sensor. Sensor replaced. This was the 2nd non maintenance repair in 88K miles. Owned car since new. First issue was driver window track needed greasing at 45K miles 
Jun 2011

90000 mi

US $500
O2 sensor caused check engine light 
Oct 2011

91000 mi
Headed for a head gasket problem in about 10K miles. Leaking a little, some coolant in the oil. My mechanic was monitoring it. 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2012 - Jul 2012
Jul 2012

101000 mi

US $97
slipping belts 
Subaru Forester in Oregon, United States
Sep 2012 - Jun 2018
Nov 2015

86100 mi

US $2000
Minor head gasket leak as well as a few oil leaks from around the pump. 
Feb 2017

98000 mi

US $281
Bearings in idler pulley were wearing down, resulting in a whine. Idler pulley replaced. 
Dec 2017

106000 mi

US $253
Replaced pads, which were thinning. Warped rotors were found at the time of inspection. 
Feb 2018

108000 mi

US $250
Original radiator developed a leak. Radiator was replaced with aftermarket unit. The original upper and lower radiator hoses were felt to be a bit soft and were prophylactically replaced as well. 
Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States
Dec 2012 - Feb 2018
Oct 2013

101500 mi

US $500
The ignition switch locked in the off position, so the key could not be rotated, and the car could not be started. We called for a tow but the driver fiddled with the key and the steering wheel and finally got it started.  
Aug 2016

132100 mi

US $500
The radiator overheated so the air conditioner was dropped off the line. When we went to get the A/C fixed our mechanic found the radiator problem. The radiator was replaced 
Feb 2017

135000 mi

US $600
In the course of performing regular maintenance, the mechanic found what appeared to be a leak in the head gasket. 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Aug 2012 - Sep 2016
Sep 2012

139000 mi

US $370
valve cover gaskets were leaking badly along with gasket on the oil filler line. 
Jan 2013

176000 mi

US $120
Car overheated at the end of a 10 hour trip. We slowed & the car cooled off. The car through out 18 ounces from radiator. After filling up with fluid we s noticed some overheating above 60. I replaced radiator cap, OEM thermostat & Fluid. 
Aug 2013

151300 mi

US $600
Replaced driver side head gasket,  driver side axle shaft& general maintenance 
Apr 2014

159500 mi

US $150
Replaced all struts & then paid for a 4 wheel alignment replacement of the belt tensioner while at shop for slignment 
Mar 2016

185000 mi

US $150
Radiator top separated. I purchased a new one plus hoses. 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Oct 2012 - Apr 2016
May 2014

99600 mi

US $650
Needed new Power steering pump Steering pump belt needed replacement 

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2003 Subaru Forester 4-door

Engine not specified

Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States
Nov 2009 - Feb 2010
Dec 2009

111000 mi

US $955
Replaced timing belt, water pump at suggestion of Service Mgr. Car had over 110,000 miles. Advised that catalytic converter will need to be replaced. Chose to not undertake repair due to cost, at this time. Discovered small leak in head gasket. No need to repair at this time.  
Feb 2010

112000 mi
Catalytic converter needed to be replaced when sold. Small head gasket leak when sold. 

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2003 Subaru Forester 4-door

4-cylinder automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in Alaska, United States
Apr 2010 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010

52000 mi

US $2000
2 pistons replaced to solve 'piston slap' 

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See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs
See TrueDelta's information for all Subaru models.

2008 Subaru Forester Repair Histories

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 2008 Subaru Forester problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.