2008 Subaru Forester Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2008 Subaru Forester recalls

Most common 2008 Subaru Forester problems

Problem areas named in the 50 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Suspension	11
Engine	7
Vehicle Speed Control	6
Air Bags	6
Unknown Or Other	6
Electrical System	5
Steering	4
Latches/Locks/Linkages	3
Fuel System, Gasoline	3
Engine And Engine Cooling	2

What owners report

2025-05-13, Engine
Engine overheating and causing multiple problems

2025-01-10, Suspension
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 towed to an independent mechanic to get a diagnosis however, the diagnosis was pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

2024-11-08, Suspension
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 contact stated that while backing out of the driveway, the front driver’s side control arm was fractured, rendering the vehicle undrivable. The contact stated that the failure was caused by corrosion of the front lower control arm. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under

2022-12-10, Air Bags
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 conduct a more thorough investigation once more photos of interior and exterior are provided by retailer. It is, of course, available for inspection. Fortunately, I was not driving the vehicle at the time of deployment. No one was in the car at the time of deployment. Vehicle was parked in my garage and deployed overnight. The dealer has confirmed deployment, but as stated above, has not been able

2022-07-18, Suspension
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 severed due to severe corrosion. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension) which he linked to the failure. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where they inspected the vehicle and confirmed the front control arm failure. The dealer informed him that the recall was already serviced on the vehicle prior and provided him with an estimate for the

2008 Subaru Forester questions

Does the 2008 Subaru Forester have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2008 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 2008 Subaru Forester?

Based on 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Suspension (11), Engine (7), Vehicle Speed Control (6).

How do I check if a recall on my 2008 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.