2008 SUBARU FORESTER

1 recalls, 67 complaints - 105 TSBs

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Defect Description

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK,... Read more

Consequence

A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

SUBARU WILL HANDLE THEIR VEHICLES AND SAAB WILL HANDLE THEIRS. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DEGREE OF CORROSION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND WILL EITHER RUSTPROOF OR REPLACE THEM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2011. OWNE... Read more

318,215 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Complaint Statistics

67 total complaints 8 crashes 6 fires 11 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
SUSPENSION	9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	6
ENGINE	6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	6
STEERING	5
AIR BAGS	4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	3
SEATS	2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	2

Incident date: Dec 1, 2023

Every component of the braking system signaled a fault & associated alerts simultaneously. Nearly a complete brake failure occurred (almost caused me to run into an intersection at a red light). Brakes maintained very little pressure even with pumping them, approx every 5th time I stopped pressure w... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle became difficult to control. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2023

I kept smelling a burnt plastic smell. Eventually my driver side rear door did not lock. Upon inspection of the wiring the wire harness from the door to the truck showed the wires on the truck side had burned/melted the sheathing off the wires and leaving them exposed and touching.

Incident date: Jan 3, 2025

Back in late November 2024, Tesla pushed an Over-The-Air (OTA) update to my 2024 Tesla Model Y. Immediately after pushing this OTA, all of my car's cameras stopped working (INCLUDING my rear or "backup" camera). This is in violation of federal law as all new vehicles are required to have a backup ca... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2024

Fuel pump lid is electrical connection is cause a malfunction when fuel up and burning a hole in the electrical connection causing fuel to leak out under the back seat this need to be fix before someone is killed do to a fire this is the 2n time being replace and the same issue

Incident date: Nov 8, 2022

The airbag on driver’s side deployed (malfunctioned)without incident while parked in my garage. It is currently at local Subaru dealer. Mechanics cannot determine what caused the malfunction. An engineer from Corporate Subaru inspected. Another team of engineers from Corporate is going to condu... Read more

Incident date: Jul 8, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was an abnormal clanking noise coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, the steering wheel became loose without warning. The contact pulled over and upon inspection, the front lower control arm had s... Read more

Incident date: Feb 26, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the lower control arm detached. The contact became aware that there was rust on the control arm. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufactu... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2021

Right front lower control arm failed due to rust (safety recall WVX34 and NHTSA campaign 11v464000). Part of arm completely detached from connection to frame. Dealer states the recall is closed and there is nothing they will do. I notified Subaru by Email last night on the day it occurred -1 Dec 202... Read more

Incident date: Oct 11, 2021

The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal grinding noise would emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact then stated that upon turning into a driveway, the front lower control arm detached from the vehicle without warning. ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 2, 2021

The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle was shaking. Additionally, the passenger’s side front wheel was shaking, and the vehicle was drifting to the right. The contact who is an independent mechanic noticed that the front lower co... Read more

Incident date: Jun 16, 2021

I was getting on the highway in Minnesota doing 55-60 mph when the car started violently shaking and I lost steering with cars whizzing by me at 65-70+ mph. I was finally able to get the car just off the road and called for roadside assist. Once the car was left at my house I examined the right fr... Read more

Incident date: Jun 4, 2021

I was driving to work and my Subaru stalled at an intersection. I restarted the car and continued to work. It is raining heavily. I arrived at work and the parking lot is full of water. I was slowly pulling up forward in the parking spot. I had my foot on the brake trying to get as far forward ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Sep 18, 2020

SEPTEMBER 19, 2020, I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, AT 10:30 PM, GOING 75MPH AND AL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD POP. I HAD LOST ALL CONTROL OF MY CAR AND MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FELT LIKE IT COMPLETELY GAVE OUT ON ME. I SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS AND TRIED TO GET IT ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT I CO... Read more

Incident date: Sep 18, 2020

Incident date: Nov 12, 2019

MY ENGINE STARTED FAILING. THE COMPRESSION STARTED RAPIDLY DECLINING THESE LAST FEW WEEKS. MY ENGINE WAS SLUGGISH AND JERKY. I PREVIOUSLY HAD THE CAR SERVICED WITH A NEW ALTERNATOR AND HAD MY EMISSIONS TESTING DONE FOR MY REGISTRATION. THE NEXT DAY THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TO ALERT FOR THE PROBLEM... Read more

Incident date: Jan 31, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE DRIVEWAY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND THE WHEELS SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND T... Read more

Incident date: Feb 7, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT GOLICK MOTOR COMPANY (600 7TH ST, PITCAIRN, PA 15140, (412) 372-7420), THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN AND THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE TIMING BELT. THE MANU... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER (GARY LANG SUBARU, 1121 STATE RTE 31 BUILDING 3, MCHENRY, IL 60050, (815) 788-6506) INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY REPAIRED ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 5, 2018

I OWN A 2008 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5X, VIN. [XXX], WHICH WAS PURCHASED NEW AT BROWN'S SUBARU, 960 HILTON HEIGHTS ROAD, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. ALL FACTORY RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES WERE METICULOUSLY UPHELD. VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONS EXPERIENCED DURING ACCIDENT: 1. RAPID RPM SURGE WITHOUT OPERATOR AC... Read more

Crash 3 injured

Incident date: Feb 5, 2018

Crash 3 injured

Incident date: Feb 5, 2018

Crash 3 injured

Incident date: Feb 16, 2018

SECONDARY AIR PUMP MALFUNCTION. I HAVE READ THAT THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME AND IT COSTS $2,000 TO GET IT REPLACED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME AND IT CANCELS OUT TRACTION CONTROL AND CRUISE CONTROL. I CAN HEAR IT TRYING TO WORK AND HOPE IT DOES NOT CAUSE A FIRE RISK.

Incident date: Jan 19, 2018

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HIGH-SPEED CRASH ON I-35 IN DENTON TX. THE CAR WAS REAR-ENDED. BOTH CARS WERE TRAVELLING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (50-60 MPH). THE DRIVER AND THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS WERE RESTRAINED AND BOTH SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES AND LOST CONSCIOUSNESS. THEY WERE TAKEN FROM THE SCENE I... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Dec 15, 2017

MY CAR AS BEEN SEEN BY SUBARU DEALERSHIP SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT IN 2012. I PAID FOR 5 YEARS. AFTER I FINISHED PAYING IN JULY, I JUST DISCOVERED THAT IS AN OIL LEAK , ALL MY ENGINE FROM FRONT TO BACK IS DIRTY WITH OIL, A SECOND OPINION MECHANIC STATED THAT HE DOES NOT KNOW HOW I AM USING THIS CAR ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 22, 2017

THERE IS AN OIL LEAK FROM THE CAM SHAFT, ONLY NOTICED AFTER I FINISHED PAYING THE CAR, 60 MONTHS PAYING 283 DOLLARS, NOW THERE IS A PROBLEM. MY CAR IS FULL WITH SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD DUE TO THIS OIL LEAK, APPARENTLY ALL SUBARU CARS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. NOW I AM LEFT WITH A PAID CAR THAT BASICALLY D... Read more

Incident date: Sep 27, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE RAN OUT OF OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MAN... Read more

Incident date: Nov 27, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED, IT WOULD NOT PASS THE SMOG TEST DUE TO A SECONDARY AIR INJECTION PUMP BEING STUCK OPEN. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SECONDARY AIR PUMP CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE KEY WAS REMOVED F... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Aug 3, 2016

DRIVING 2008 SUBARU FORESTER LL BEAN PULLING INTO PARKING PARK. VEHICLE STARTED RUNNING ROUGH, PARKED, ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. ATTEMPTED TO RESTART SOUNDED LIKE A LOW BATTERY TURNED OFF ALL ELECTRICAL DEVICES ATTEMPTED TO START AGAIN, ENGINE STARTED RAN NORMALLY NO CAUTION LIGHTS. STARTED TO DRIVE H... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Mar 9, 2016

CODE P2441 - SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM SOLENOID MALFUNCTION. PROBLEM OCCURED AT 87K MILES.

Incident date: Apr 18, 2016

I WAS CLEANING INTERIOR OF CAR AND THE DRIVERS SEAT LIFTED UP. CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY, THE INTERIOR WELD BROKE. I TOOK IT TO LOCAL SUBARU DEALER. NOW 5 DAYS LATER, AFTER NEW SEAT CAME IN I AM TOLD THE TRACK IS BROKEN. A COST OF $600 PLUST LABOR TO FIX. I HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT COVERED THE... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR, THE KEYLESS LOCKING MECHANISM MALFUNCTIONED AND THE CONTACT COULD NOT UNLOCK THE DOOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

Incident date: Jan 1, 2016

Incident date: Jan 18, 2014

THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY. WEATHER WAS SUNNY, IN THE 20S, PAVEMENT WAS DRY BUT THERE WERE SHORT ICY PATCHES UNDER BRIDGES. EVERY TIME I PASSED OVER ONE OF THESE PATCHES I EXPERIENCED SEVERE FISHTAILING. I HAD TO REDUCE SPEED TO UNDER 30MPH TO RETAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR WHILE TRAF... Read more

Incident date: Jan 18, 2014

Incident date: Apr 27, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION) AND THE TECHNICIAN ONLY APPLIED A RUSTPROOF COATING ON THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS SINCE THEY DID NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN IN... Read more

Incident date: Dec 3, 2014

IN ONE MILES TIME CRUSE LIGHT WHEN ON THEN ENGINE LIGHT THEN DIED. GOT EXTREMELY HOT.. BLEW GASKETS AND POSSIBLE ENGINE. I HAVE NEVER MISSED OIL CHANGES AND HAVE TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF CAR. *TR

Incident date: Sep 23, 2014

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON - FLASHING. I DROVE IMMEDIATELY TO MY LOCAL GARAGE. WHEN I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, I SMELLED A STRONG BURNING OIL SMELL, AS DID THE MECHANIC. THE OIL WAS CHECKED AND I WAS DOWN 2 QUARTS EVEN THOUGH I HAD A RECENT OIL CHANGE AT THAT SAME FACILITY. THERE HAD BEEN NO OI... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2013

JUST LIKE THE JUST RECENT RECALL OF SUBARU'S 2009-2013 FORESTER, MY 1998 FORESTER STEERING RACK AND PINION SYSTEM HAD RUSTED OUT TUBING THAT LEAKED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT AFTER STEERING JUST WENT OUT. HOW YOUR ORGANIZATION CAN CONTINUE TO ALLOW CAR MANUFACTURES TO USE REGULAR STEEL FOR MANY OF TH... Read more

Incident date: Jul 18, 2013

I PURCHASED 4 NEW KUMHO SOLUS KR21 P215/60R16 TIRES ON JULY 18, 2013, FROM TIRESOUTH IN ATLANTA, GA. WHEN I TRIED TO REGISTER THEM ON THE COMPANY'S WEBSITE, I FOUND THAT 2 OF THEM DO NOT HAVE DATE CODES (ONLY 8 CHARACTERS AFTER ?DOT? INSTEAD OF 12). DOES THIS MEAN THAT THE TIRES ARE INAUTHENTIC OR ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2013

I OWN A RECARO SIGNO CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT THAT WAS MANUFACTURED IN NOVEMBER OF 2008. I AM HAVING ISSUES WITH THE CENTER PULL STRAP THAT TIGHTENS THE SHOULDER STRAPS OF THE CAR SEAT. SINCE BUYING THIS SEAT NEW, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THIS CENTER STRAP 3 TIMES DUE TO IT FRAYING AND EITHER RIPPING OFF... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2012

IN JULY OF 2012 WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CANCELING MY CRUISE CONTROL. I TOOK THE CAR TO REPAIR GARAGE I WAS USING AND THE EVAP CODE INDICATED A LEAK OF .002. THE CAR WAS SMOKE TESTED AND THE GARAGE RECOMMENDED TO CHANGE GAS CAP, WHICH I DID WITH GENERIC CAP. THE ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 16, 2013

A FIRE BROKE OUT IN THE INTERIOR OF OUR CAR WHILE PARKED. THE PASSENGER DOOR WAS DESTROYED AND THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR WAS RUINED WITH SMOKE DAMAGE. INSURANCE DECLARED IT A TOTAL LOSS AND BOTH THE ADJUSTER AND FIRE DEPARTMENT SUSPECT IT WAS A WIRING ISSUE. WHILE ARSON WAS NOT RULED OUT, THERE WAS NO... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Mar 16, 2013

Fire

Incident date: Mar 16, 2013

Fire

Incident date: Mar 16, 2013

Fire

Incident date: Nov 23, 2012

WE PURCHASED A SUBARU FORESTER 2008 IN THE FALL OF 2007. AT ABOUT 4 YEARS, OR 40,000 MILES THE PLASTIC HEADLIGHT LENSES FOGGED OVER, REDUCING LIGHT OUTPUT AND DISPERSING, NOT FOCUSING THE HEADLIGHT BEAM MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD AT NIGHT. MY HUSBAND SPENT TIME USING PLASTIC POLISH TO REM... Read more

Incident date: Nov 23, 2012

Showing 50 of 67 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2008 SUBARU FORESTER

105 manufacturer communications from 51 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	24
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	10
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	10
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	6
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	5
063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR	5
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	5
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	4

140000 AIR BAGS

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2003-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2003-2006 model year Baja vehicles, 2009-2013 model year Forester vehicles, 200

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).

020000 SUSPENSION

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that affected vehicles listed, may have been manufactured with front lower control arms (transverse links) that could corrode in the hanger bracket area if exposed to salt for a prolonged period.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.

350000 EQUIPMENT

To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.

101000 POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information.

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.

350000 EQUIPMENT

All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven o

350000 EQUIPMENT

Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.

350000 EQUIPMENT

To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.

010000 STEERING

This post was revised in error. It has been corrected back and removed from the posting list. The message was corrected on 04-13-14R posting dated 11/14/2018.

016000 STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

This post was revised in error. It has been corrected back and removed from the posting list. The message was corrected on 04-13-14R posting dated 11/14/2018.

100000 POWER TRAIN

This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of grease is used which has a higher resistance to heat. In cases

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

100000 POWER TRAIN

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of the DTCs listed to set and result in the related system?s (e. g. VDC and/or EyeSigh

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

This bulletin provides details regarding a new oil filler tube o-ring developed to address engine oil seepage concerns. This seepage may accumulate along the bottom sealing surface of the rocker cover. The new o-ring utilizes material whi

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of the DTCs listed above to set and result in the related system?s (e. g. VDC and/or

125000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

( 2017-2018MY Impreza - 5 Dr Only)

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

REVISED. CA PZEV SPEC MODELS ONLY. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that vehicles affected by this Service Program have two conditions that may adversely affect the performance of the catalytic converter. To correct these con

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

REVISED. CA PZEV SPEC MODELS ONLY. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that vehicles affected by this Service Program require ECM reprogramming. Under certain severe driving patterns, such as high speed highway/uphill driving an

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2.5 Liter N/A engine only. REVISED. Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that vehicles affected by this Service Program require ECM reprogramming. A modification to the Engine Control Module software logic has been developed to impr

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the internal contact portion of the oil pressure switch to increase durability

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Revised TSB. The Subaru Lock Information Site (SLIS) is located at http://lockinfo.subaru.com, and provides information on how to obtain immobilizer codes and key cut codes for Subaru vehicles from the 2000MY to present. This bulletin iden

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

010000 STEERING

IF YOU ENCOUNTER A VEHICLE THAT HAS A GROANING TYPE NOISE COMING FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED TO THE FULL RIGHT OR LEFT POSITION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, IT MAY BE CAUSED BY THE RELIEF VALVE VIBRATING WITHIN THE

350000 EQUIPMENT

"THIS SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN ANNOUNCES A DESIGN CHANGE TO THE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH ASSEMBLY. NICKEL PLATING HAS BEEN APPLIED TO THE INTERNAL SWITCH CONTACTS TO ENHANCE THEIR DURABILITY AND REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF POOR CONTACT WHICH C

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

351130 EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS:TANK VALVE/GAUGE

015100 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

If you encounter a vehicle that has a groaning type noise coming from the power steering pump when the wheel is turned to the full right or left position when the vehicle is parked, it may be caused by the relief valve vibrating within the

350000 EQUIPMENT

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

THE PURPOSE OF THIS BULLETIN IS TO PROVIDE A DESCRIPTION OF CURRENT CHANGES TO SERVICE MANUALS AVAILABLE VIA THE SUBARU TECHNICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (STIS) WEB SITE.

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SUBARU 2009-2013 MYFORESTER AT MODELS, 2008-2011 MY IMPREZA AT MODELS: BULLETIN INFORMATION INVOLVING REPLACEMENT REQUIRED FOR THE AT OIL COOLER PIPING. *LJ

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

Replacement Key and Immobilizer Info

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

New Subaru Recall Campaign: Brake Line Corrosion WQK?47

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR HIGH-PITCHED SOUND FROM EXTENSION HOUSING AREA USING LATEST GENERATION PRODUCTION PARTS - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES PRODUCTION CHANGE, REPAIR PROCEDURE AND PARTS INFORMATION TO ADDRESS A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF A HIGH-PITCHED

095400 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:KINETIC:HOUSING/CASE

Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts

350000 EQUIPMENT

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

350000 EQUIPMENT

SHOULD YOU RECEIVE A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF A LOOSE WINDSHIELD MOUNTED AUTO-DIMMING COMPASS MIRROR WITH HOMELINK (WITH OR WITHOUT HOMELINK ON BRZ MODELS), THE MOUNTING ADAPTER PLATE SHOULD BE CHECKED FOR PROPER TIGHTNESS. THE APPLICABLE VEHICL

100000 POWER TRAIN

This Bulletin provides production change, repair procedure and parts information to address a customer concern of a high-pitched sound coming from the transmission extension housing area.

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

Replacement Key and Immobilizer info

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. HAS DETERMINED THAT VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS SERVICE PROGRAM REQUIRE FRONT CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT AND ECM REPROGRAMMING. FOR VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS SERVICE PROGRAM, EFFICIENCY OF THE FRONT CATALYTIC CONV

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Subaru Service Program WQD-40: Front Catalytic Converter Replacement & Engine Control Module (ECM) Reprogramming

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Subaru Service Program WQD-40: Front Catalytic Converter Replacement & Engine Control Module (ECM) Reprogramming

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound

063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

SUBARU: OVER TIME, FRONT CATALYTIC CONVERTER EFFICIENCY DEGRADES BEYOND AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL AND RELEASES AIR POLLUTANTS THAT REQUIRES THE FRONT CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO BE REPLACED AND ECM TO BE REPROGRAMMED. MODELS 2008-2009 LEGACY, OUTBAC

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. HAS DETERMINED VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS SERVICE PROGRAM REQUIRE FRONT CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT AND ECM REPROGRAMMING. FOR VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS SERVICE PROGRAM, EFFICIENCY OF THE FRONT CATALYTIC CONVERTER

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

110300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:CYBERSECURITY

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Subaru of America, Inc. has determined vehicles affected by this Service Program require front catalytic converter replacement and ECM reprogramming.

063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

Subaru of America, Inc. has determined vehicles affected by this Service Program require front catalytic converter replacement and ECM reprogramming.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Subaru of America, Inc. has determined vehicles affected by this Service Program require front catalytic converter replacement and ECM reprogramming.

350000 EQUIPMENT

REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR HIGH-PITCHED SOUND FROM EXTENSION HOUSING AREA USING LATEST GENERATION PRODUCTION PARTS

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts

103110 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Remanufactured Automatic Transaxle Program

105400 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CENTER SUPPORT BEARING

THIS BULLETIN REVIEWS A CHANGE TO THE PART NUMBERS USED FOR THE TRANSFER DRIVEN GEAR BEARINGS. THESE REVISED BEARINGS ARE TO BE USED TO ENHANCE DURABILITY.

105400 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CENTER SUPPORT BEARING

5MT Transfer Driven Gear Bearings

147000 AIR BAGS: ALLEGED COUNTERFEIT AIR BAG

SUBARU: INFORMATION BEING PROVIDED REGARDING COUNTERFEIT AIR BAGS, BEING USED AS REPLACEMENT PARTS AND INSTALLED IN CERTAIN VEHICLES. MODELS 2008-2011 LEGACY, OUTBACK, IMPREZA, FORESTER. *PE

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SUBARU SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. ECM REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE. 2006-2010 LEGACY/OUTBACK/FORESTER/IMPREZA. *RM UPDATED 9/26/11. *PE

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SUBARU SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) REPROGRAMMING AND FUEL TANK ONE WAY FUEL VALVE REMOVAL. AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE TWO CONDITIONS THAT MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF T

071100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SUBARU SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. A SOFTWARE PROBLEM IS CAUSING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO DEGRADE WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. *RM

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

190000 TIRES

SUBARU: THERE IS A STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO AN IMPORPER WHEEL BALANCE. *RM

071100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

SUBARU SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. FUEL TANK ONE WAY FUEL VALVE. CERTAIN MODELS REQUIRE PERMANENT REMOVAL OF THE ONE WAY FUEL VALVE LOCATED IN THE FUEL TANK. THE ONE WAY FUEL VALVE IS LOCATED AT THE BAS

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NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU FORESTER

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2016

Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19-009 to investigate 51 complaints and additional Early Warning Report (EWR) data related to allegations of front passenger seat Occupant Detection System (ODS) malfunctions in model year (MY) 2016 through 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. These vehic... les use a capacitive type ODS, which is intended to classify the occupant of the passenger seat as either full-sized, small stature, a child seat or other object. The complaints reported the ODS failed to operate properly, the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) warning light illuminated, and/or the ODS incorrectly suppressed (turned off) the front passenger air bag when the seat was occupied by a full-sized passenger. In a frontal crash that is sufficient to warrant deployment, a suppressed air bag may increase the risk of injury to the occupant of the seat.On August 14, 2019 ODI sent an Information Request (IR) to Subaru requesting information on the subject vehicles and MY 2014-2015 Subaru Forester vehicles.On October 3, 2019, Subaru submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect in the passenger-side front airbag Occupant Detection System (ODS) harness of 366,282 MY 2015-2018 Subaru Forester vehicles equipped with seat heaters.The DIR stated that over time, due to a decrease in contact pressure between the terminals in the ODS sensor mat harness, a temporarily unstable electrical connection may be possible. If the connection is temporarily unstable, the ODS may not properly determine the status of the right front seat occupant. If the ODS is unable to correctly determine the status of the front occupant, the airbag warning light may illuminate, and the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.Using vehicle production data and field occurrence frequency, Subaru determined the potentially affected vehicle production range to be between January 20, 2015 ?and August 1, 2017.In addition, Subaru indicated that over 99 percent of the related MY 2015-2018 field reports with vehicles in the production range involved vehicles with seat heaters.NHTSA's analysis of complaint and warranty claim data showed 1,440 of the complaints and 11,672 of the claims involve vehicles with seat heaters that were built within the production range covered by Subaru's recall.In addition, NHTSA's analysis showed a complaint rate of 393.1 per hundred thousand vehicles for the recalled population and 89.0 for MY 2014 through 2018 vehicles that are not included in the recall. Analysis of warranty claim data found a claim rate of 3.2 percent for the recalled population and 0.3 percent for MY 2014 through 2018 vehicles that are not included in the recall.Subaru will instruct owners with Subaru Forester vehicles produced in the affected vehicle production range, to bring their vehicles to a dealer to have the sensor mat harness, inspected and replaced with a new part, including the seat cushion assembly, if necessary.Based on ODI's analysis, the actions taken by Subaru mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by ODS sensor mat failures in the subject vehicles. For subject and peer vehicles outside the recall population and those equipped without seat heaters, ODI's analysis indicates that there is currently no safety-related defect trend. Given these circumstances, further use of the agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999

SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE SEPARATION

ODI HAS ONE COMPLAINT ALLEGING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE, LOCATED BETWEEN THE SEAT AND CENTER CONSOLE, BECAME DETACHED WHILE DRIVING.IN ADDITION, THE OWNER INSPECTED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE AND FOUND THAT THE BOLT WAS PARTIALLY BACKED-OUT.THE COMPLAINT VEHICLE WAS EQ... Read more

SUBARU FORESTER - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the SUBARU FORESTER across all model years (1998, 2026).

114 Total Recalls

8,633 Total Complaints

2 Investigations

784 Reported Crashes

135 Reported Fires

10 Reported Deaths

SUBARU FORESTER - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	2	17	View
2025	2	108	View
2024	2	38	View
2023	1	102	View
2022	1	137	View
2021	0	285	View
2020	0	798	View
2019	3	1,084	View
2018	3	669	View
2017	1	789	View
2016	3	609	View
2015	3	894	View
2014	2	576	View
2013	12	94	View
2012	15	140	View
2011	16	195	View
2010	17	307	View
2009	18	228	View
2008 (current)	1	67
2007	1	89	View
2006	2	121	View
2005	1	105	View
2004	2	270	View
2003	3	238	View
2002	1	109	View
2001	0	169	View
2000	0	95	View
1999	1	156	View
1998	1	138	View

Other SUBARU Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
IMPREZA	321	3,425	View
LEGACY	307	4,132	View
OUTBACK	288	12,131	View
SOLTERRA	259	109	View
WRX	190	1,208	View
ASCENT	112	1,248	View
TRIBECA	70	51	View
CROSSTREK	42	1,453	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2008 SUBARU FORESTER

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

Technical Service Bulletins, 2008 SUBARU FORESTER

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU FORESTER

SUBARU FORESTER - All Years Overview

SUBARU FORESTER - Year by Year

Other SUBARU Models