2008 Subaru Forester problems and complaints
Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Subaru Forester. The most-reported areas: Suspension (11), Engine (7), Air Bags (6).
Key takeaways
- 50 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 5 involve a crash, 3 a fire, 5 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 11 | 22% |
| Engine | 7 | 14% |
| Air Bags | 6 | 12% |
| Unknown Or Other | 6 | 12% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | 12% |
| Electrical System | 5 | 10% |
| Steering | 4 | 8% |
| Fuel System | 3 | 6% |
| Gasoline | 3 | 6% |
| Power Train | 2 | 4% |
| Seats | 2 | 4% |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 2 | 4% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Subaru Forester 4-DR. w/SAB | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Electrical System,air Bags,engine - filed 2025-05-13
Engine overheating and causing multiple problems
Suspension - filed 2025-01-10
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the transmission control valve detached. No warning light was illuminated. The contact did research and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was tow...
Suspension - filed 2024-11-08
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a clanking and knocking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who discovered severe subframe rust and corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The con...
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More for the 2008 Subaru Forester
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.