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Subaru Forester

2003–2007 only

595 classified complaints 1 recall

149,329 sold in the US for 2003–2007.

40 complaints on file
per 10,000 sold

2003–2007 Subaru Forester models have 595 classified complaints on record for these years specifically, plus 1 recall. The most common issue in this range is Tank, lines and filler, typically surfacing around 102,500 miles.

Computed directly from stored federal records for 2003–2007 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full Subaru Forester report for every year combined.

Where this range fits

1998–2002

2003–2007

2008–2012

2013–2017

2018–2022

2023–2026

Complaints filed per 5-year model-year window — highlighted bars link to their own dedicated page.

What breaks, and when — 2003–2007 only

Tank, lines and filler · Fuel system 244 complaints · 16/10k sold

Median onset: 102,500 miles. 0.4% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in older model years.

Control arms, ball joints and bushings · Suspension 97 complaints · 6.5/10k sold

Median onset: 130,000 miles. 3.1% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up later than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years. · Typical repair: $230–$700 nationally.

Airbags, seatbelts and restraints · Body and interior 42 complaints · 2.8/10k sold

Median onset: 80,000 miles. 31.0% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in newer model years.

Stalling and no-start · Engine 35 complaints · 2.3/10k sold

Median onset: 74,555 miles. 17.1% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in older model years.

Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion · Suspension 25 complaints · 1.7/10k sold

Median onset: 133,467 miles.

Tends to show up later than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years.

Head gasket and cylinder head · Engine 18 complaints · 1.2/10k sold

Median onset: 95,000 miles.

More common in older model years. · Typical repair: $1,620–$3,010 nationally.

Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim · Body and interior 15 complaints · 1.0/10k sold

Median onset: 51,750 miles.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in newer model years.

Body control and other modules · Electrical 12 complaints · 0.8/10k sold

Median onset: 44,400 miles. 8.3% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in newer model years.

From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works. Cost ranges are national estimates from book labor hours and parts pricing, not this vehicle's actual repair history — they don't account for your location or shop type.

Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?

Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 2003–2007 model years. See the full Subaru Forester report for every year and full specs/safety data.