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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%)

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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%)

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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.

See repairs for all Subaru Forester model years.

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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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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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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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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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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Subaru Forester in Great Britain Dec 2014 - Jan 2015
Jan 2015 55000 mi £1100	Air pump failure

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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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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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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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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 - Jun 2024
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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Subaru Forester in India Feb 2010 - Oct 2011
Oct 2011 80600 mi	Suspension, noise, power windows

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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2008 Subaru Forester repairs by problem area

2008 Subaru Forester repair cost distribution

2008 Subaru Forester

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2007 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

2007 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

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2006 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

2006 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

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2005 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

2005 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

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2005 Subaru Forester 4-door

2005 Subaru Forester 4-door

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2003 Subaru Forester

2003 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

2003 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

2003 Subaru Forester 4-door

2003 Subaru Forester 4-door

2008 Subaru Forester Repair Histories