2005 Subaru Forester Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2005 Subaru Forester recalls

Most common 2005 Subaru Forester problems

Problem areas named in the 93 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Suspension	21
Vehicle Speed Control	17
Fuel/Propulsion System	14
Fuel System, Gasoline	9
Engine And Engine Cooling	7
Air Bags	5
Power Train	5
Structure	4
Service Brakes	4
Visibility	3

What owners report

2023-05-04, Suspension
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond to the steering wheel turning. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle decelerated but the front passenger's side of the vehicle was sliding. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side control arm had fractured, and the axle was damaged. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension), which he related t

2023-03-28, Air Bags
Moved car 30’ from gas pumps to air pump. Slowed to almost complete stop to move closer to air tank. Car accelerated at extremely high speed over curb, knocking over air pump. Car proceeded to smash through landscaping shrubs and hit a tree and nearby pole which stopped the car dead. Felt like a fighter plane pushed me. Entire incident probably lasted a minute. Air bags failed to deploy. Car was totaled. I suffered severe facial and othet bruising and have ongoing fatigue and am eadily winded.

2023-03-22, Power Train
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 183,000.

2023-02-07, Unknown Or Other
A part of the front frame was recalled because of rusting and was breaking on 3-20-12 they put a rust proof on the part knowing it would only last a few years instead of replacing the parts. The part is broken and they say the recall was complete but really they only put a bandaid on a serous problem knowing it wouldn’t last . They said they don’t have to replace and fix the damage caused to my car Subaru gave me a case number 230206-1400191

2022-10-13, Suspension
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop at approximately 25 MPH, the front passenger's side subframe emitted an abnormally loud sound, and the front passenger's side tire detached from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road where he noticed that the front passenger's side lower control arm was fractured. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer where it remained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.

2005 Subaru Forester questions

Does the 2005 Subaru Forester have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2005 Subaru Forester: Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Subaru Forester?

Based on 93 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Suspension (21), Vehicle Speed Control (17), Fuel/Propulsion System (14).

How do I check if a recall on my 2005 Subaru Forester has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.