2001 Subaru Forester
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2001 Subaru Forester. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
139 complaints31 involved a crash24 injuries3 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Vehicle speed control
While pulling out of a curbside parking place on a city street the engine started racing and I could not control it by stomping on the brakes or applying the emergency brake. As I was wrestling to keep the surging car under control another car came driving by and was sideswiped. on two prior…
While pulling out of a curbside parking place on a city street the engine started racing and I could not control it by stomping on the brakes or applying the emergency brake. As I was wrestling to keep the surging car under control another car came driving by and was sideswiped. on two prior occasions I had taken this car to check out the surging which takes place when the car IS starting up. The dealership and the independent repair shop that I consulted both assured me that they had adjusted the idle and the car was now safe to drive. but IS it?
- Fuel/propulsion system
When the temperature gets cold and I turn on the defrost to warm up the car while parked I can smell gas in the vehicle. It goes away once I start driving. This IS a problem many subaru owners have because a hose loosens and allows gas to leak out. Once the car warms up the hose tightens and the problem goes away. This can potentially cause my car to catch on fire.
- Air bags
The driver's seat belt does not retract. then it gets closed in the door because it hangs loose. in the back seat, the middle seat belt has the wrong part so it cannot be latched. Because of this, I cannot safely drive with more than 2 passengers in the back seat.
- Exterior lighting
When turning the turn signals on, the headlights go off. this happens frequently, suddenly plunging you into darkness. the headlight covers are made of inferior plastic that clouds over with age, making it impossible to see at night. I had to have them replaced because it looked as if the headlights were not on when they were.
- Wheels
In december, less than 3 months after buying the car used, while driving I heard what sounded like a flat tire. I was only a few hundred feet from a service station so drove to it, but driving that short distance ruined the tire. I had just put air in the tires, but didn't know about the problem…
In december, less than 3 months after buying the car used, while driving I heard what sounded like a flat tire. I was only a few hundred feet from a service station so drove to it, but driving that short distance ruined the tire. I had just put air in the tires, but didn't know about the problem with aluminum rims. often, after putting air in the tires, they would be flat by the time I got home (just a few miles). this happened in 2003. I have had to had the rims taken off, ground/smoothed off, then resealed every year or two. another problem with the tires/wheels IS that when driving through snow, the snow packs itself around the tires completely filling the space that IS supposed to be between the tires and the wheel wells. if I don't manually remove the impacted snow, it gets to the point where the wheels cannot be turned. both of these problems, the rims corroding breaking the seal and the snow filling the wheel wells, are safety hazards.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Whenever the outside temperature drops below 20 degrees fahrenheit, there IS a strong odor of gasoline in and around the car. when taken to a mechanic, I was informed that all of the hose clamps on the fuel lines were loose. they were then tightened but every time the outside temperature drops, it happens again. it happens whether parked outside or in a garage.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2001 subaru forester. While driving approximately 55 mph and engaging the brake pedal, the ABS malfunctioned and erroneously activated, which prevented the brakes from stopping the vehicle. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a concrete median, which…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 subaru forester. While driving approximately 55 mph and engaging the brake pedal, the ABS malfunctioned and erroneously activated, which prevented the brakes from stopping the vehicle. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a concrete median, which caused significant damage to the front end of the vehicle. The contact failed to indicate if any injuries were sustained or if a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the ABS was faulty. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 194,503.
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 2001 subaru forester. While driving approximately 35 mph, the rear end of the vehicle swayed from side to side without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Subaru forester smells of gas inside cab when weather IS cold. Gas leak visible first time it occurred in 2013. I tightened a clamp and leak stopped. This winter I cannot see the leak, but the fuel smell overtakes my car about 5 minutes into warming up. Eventually it dissipates but I do believe that there IS a leak somewhere in the vehicle. This seems to be epidemic in subarus. *tr
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns 2001 subaru forester. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the rear cross member became fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the rear cross member failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
Brakes just do not work on snow, ice (ABS does not kick in), and the wheels do not turn. happened several times, ran into an intersection on red at least 4 times. accident waiting to happen; noticed other complaints of accidents. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
In cold weather we get a strong fuel smell. The smell enters the car and gives everyone a headache. Other subaru owners we know have the same problem. Subaru knows of this problem but will not make a recall. Estimates for a fix run about $300. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
When it IS below 25 degrees fahrenheit, fuel lines and related components (including retaining clips and fittings) leak gasoline, causing gas fumes to enter the passenger compartment. This problem IS sometimes referred to as a fuel line seep. Fumes then enter the passenger compartment via the…
When it IS below 25 degrees fahrenheit, fuel lines and related components (including retaining clips and fittings) leak gasoline, causing gas fumes to enter the passenger compartment. This problem IS sometimes referred to as a fuel line seep. Fumes then enter the passenger compartment via the heating ventilation system or through general ambient entry. Even when the heat in the passenger compartment IS off, fumes enter the compartment. This exposes passengers to harmful carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons as well as posing a fire risk. This happens at all speeds from stand-still to 75 mph. In moderate cold (25-15 degrees fahrenheit), the leaking stops after the engine has warmed. In colder temperatures, the leaking continues no matter how long I drive the car. The problem can be temporarily solved by tightening the hose clamps on the fuel lines, but when the temperature drops again, the hose clamps must again be tightened. Some of the clamps are underneath engine components that are difficult to remove, so the process IS very time intensive and does not always stop the fumes. This IS a commonly discussed topic in automotive discussion boards online. Therefore, I believe it IS widespread. Here are several examples: http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f88/gasoline-odor-inside-cabin-45495/ http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f87/smell-gas-cold-starts-41319/ http://community.cartalk.com/discussion/1986611/cold-weather-gas-smell-2003-subaru-forester. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
When it IS below 25 degrees fahrenheit, fuel lines and related components (including retaining clips and fittings) leak gasoline, causing gas fumes to enter the passenger compartment. This problem IS sometimes referred to as a fuel line seep. Fumes then enter the passenger compartment via the…
When it IS below 25 degrees fahrenheit, fuel lines and related components (including retaining clips and fittings) leak gasoline, causing gas fumes to enter the passenger compartment. This problem IS sometimes referred to as a fuel line seep. Fumes then enter the passenger compartment via the heating ventilation system or through general ambient entry. Even when the heat in the passenger compartment IS off, fumes enter the compartment. This exposes passengers to harmful carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons as well as posing a fire risk. Both my husband and I have experienced headaches and nausea from the fumes since winter 2012 when our forester first started leaking. This happens at all speeds from stand-still to 75 mph. in moderate cold (25-15 degrees fahrenheit), the leaking stops after the engine has warmed. In colder temperatures, the leaking continues no matter how long I drive the car. The problem can be temporarily solved by tightening the hose clamps on the fuel lines, but when the temperature drops again, the hose clamps must again be tightened. Some of the clamps are underneath engine components that are difficult to remove, so the process IS very time intensive and does not always stop the fumes. This IS a commonly discussed topic in automotive discussion boards online. Therefore, I believe it IS widespread. here are several examples: http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f88/gasoline-odor-inside-cabin-45495/ http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f87/smell-gas-cold-starts-41319/ http://community.cartalk.com/discussion/1986611/cold-weather-gas-smell-2003-subaru-forester. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2001 subaru forester. The contact stated that when the vehicle stopped moving, it accelerated without the accelerator being depressed intermittently and without any warning. The contact also crashed into another vehicle fifteen feet away and almost hit a pedestrian when the…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 subaru forester. The contact stated that when the vehicle stopped moving, it accelerated without the accelerator being depressed intermittently and without any warning. The contact also crashed into another vehicle fifteen feet away and almost hit a pedestrian when the failure occurred. there were no injuries. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the mechanic stated that the problem was unknown. The contact researched the problem and stated that the throttle position sensor caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 78,000. The current mileage was 178,000. updated 1/7/14*cn
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
On monday at 4:50 pm I was driving n a school zone and realized that I was having to ride my brakes I also thought there was some funny noise from the engine. I rolled down my window and couldn't hear any thing. As I approached the stop sign my car would not stop and I pressed my brakes all the way…
On monday at 4:50 pm I was driving n a school zone and realized that I was having to ride my brakes I also thought there was some funny noise from the engine. I rolled down my window and couldn't hear any thing. As I approached the stop sign my car would not stop and I pressed my brakes all the way down. The rpms went all the way into the red and my car continued about 4 to 6 feet with brakes all the way down. When car finely came to a stop I placed it in park because I thought this my stop my car from going into gear again and the rpms continued to rise more into the red. I was afraid and placed it in drive with foot on brake to get it into the parking lot I took a right. When I had to stop in the lot the car would not stop and the rpms went up all the way as my foot was on the brake it went about 3 extra feet before coming to a stop. I placed it in park and quickly turned the car off. I turned the car on to see if it would reset but the rpm went all the way up again. A man claiming to be a mechanic looked at my throttles to make sure they were not stuck and took one finger and tapped on the throttle sensor. I started the care again and the rpms were back to a normal amount. The dealers have not been able to replicate and have found no fault in the diagnostic testing. Cause unknown. *Tr
- Electrical system · Engine · Steering
I was driving down the freeway at night when I heard a loud bang noise and looked behind me and saw black smoke and had lost all power, no power steering, no brakes and no lights I had to try to cross 2 lanes of traffic to get my car to the shoulder while it was decelerating. I got the car to the…
I was driving down the freeway at night when I heard a loud bang noise and looked behind me and saw black smoke and had lost all power, no power steering, no brakes and no lights I had to try to cross 2 lanes of traffic to get my car to the shoulder while it was decelerating. I got the car to the shoulder and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment, and was worried of a possible fire. I got out and called a tow truck and had it towed. the result was a blown head gasket that had blown the rod through the back pillar and sprayed oil over everything causing the battery to short out which led to the power loss. the whole engine on the car needed to be replaced for the second time. bought car with a rebuilt engine from same problem at 141,000 miles. *tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Driving n on I5 highway when car made noises, pulled over & would not start again. Towed in. Was told that engine was dead. Car had just been serviced by dealer. Had to buy new engine. Subaru would not take any responsibility. Car had very low mileage & was in good shape. When doing research, found that this was an ongoing and common problem with all vehicles with 2.5L engine and due to defective head gasket. *tr
- Power train · Vehicle speed control
Driving on highway at 75 mph with cruise control set. tried to cancel cruise control with stalk, it did not disengage. tried repeatedly, it did not disengage. hit the brakes to cancel cruise control, it did not disengage (brakes only slowed car down). stepped on the clutch to cancel cruise…
Driving on highway at 75 mph with cruise control set. tried to cancel cruise control with stalk, it did not disengage. tried repeatedly, it did not disengage. hit the brakes to cancel cruise control, it did not disengage (brakes only slowed car down). stepped on the clutch to cancel cruise control, it did not disengage. when I stepped on the clutch and shifted into neutral, the engine revved all the way to redline and remained there (meaning the cruise control was still engaged). coasted to side of road with clutch in, engine continued to rev at redline... Continued hitting cancel on the stalk, eventually revs settled down to idle. manual transmission was non-operational after this incident.
- Fuel system, gasoline
The issue IS in regard to my 2001 subaru forester, when the weather cools off to bellow 0, a strong smell of gasoline develops inside the passenger cabin. I have small kids and aside from a possibility of and engine fire am also worried about impact of breathing the strong gasoline fumes in the…
The issue IS in regard to my 2001 subaru forester, when the weather cools off to bellow 0, a strong smell of gasoline develops inside the passenger cabin. I have small kids and aside from a possibility of and engine fire am also worried about impact of breathing the strong gasoline fumes in the cabin. from other subaru owners feedback (see bellow from subaru blog), this appears to be widespread on the forester models up to 2003 and even in other subaru models, the subaru dealer and other mechanics have indicated the possibility of fuel hose shrinkage during cold weather as the cause for some fuel leaks in the engine compartment and replacement can be expensive without guaranteeing it will correct the condition. whatever the reason may be, this IS not an isolated case which I think warrants a full investigation to determine the defect and find a correction to be paid by subaru. I count on you for some help on this. thank you. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
I was driving alone in a 2001 subaru forester around 3PM on a sunny august day in 2010. Heading south on a 2 lane road in tallahassee, fl, I approached a red stoplight ahead with two vehicles stopped in front of me. As I started to brake, the vehicle abruptly accelerated, I swerved into the…
I was driving alone in a 2001 subaru forester around 3PM on a sunny august day in 2010. Heading south on a 2 lane road in tallahassee, fl, I approached a red stoplight ahead with two vehicles stopped in front of me. As I started to brake, the vehicle abruptly accelerated, I swerved into the oncoming lane to avoid the stopped cars in my lane as the vehicle continued to accelerate to about 40 miles/hr. A vehicle had just made a turn at the light intersection into the oncoming lane, so I had to steer the forester to the left, up over a curb onto an embankment to get around the oncoming car to avoid a head on collision, then steer back onto the road to avoid a telephone pole. The vehicle careened back across into the original lane I started in while the traffic was still stopped at the light. I passed in front of the stopped cars and missed them . at that point I smacked hard against the other curve in the original southbound lane I was traveling in and the vehicle came to rest. Three of four tires were damaged from impact with the curbs on either side of the road and had to be replaced. No one was injured and there was no property damage other than to the three tires on my vehicle and the front left wheel assembly. I had purchased this car with 98,000 miles on it, had extensive repairs done on it and had driven it about 6,000 miles before this occurrence. I had noted no incidence of abrupt acceleration with this vehicle prior to this occurrence, nor in the additional 5,000 miles I have driven it since. I took the vehicle to the subaru dealership who sent me to a body shop. I took the repaired vehicle back to the dealership and asked them to check the accelerator. They said nothing was wrong with the accelerator pedal or linkage system. *tr
- Power train
My 2001 standard transmission subaru forrester failed to release cruise control when brake was used. I had difficulty, but was able to gain control and shift into neutral on the shoulder. afterward, brakes seemed to work fine. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Car accelerating while brakes engaged and foot off gas pedal. Hit another car and brick wall while using the emergency brake. Engine afterward revved up so fast when car turned on several times. Returned to normal. Drove care to dealer. Nothing wrong can be found. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 subaru forester. The contact stated that on june 14, 2010, while at a stop sign, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into the vehicle in front of her. There were no injuries but the vehicle sustained minor damages. No police report was filed. The vehicle was…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 subaru forester. The contact stated that on june 14, 2010, while at a stop sign, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into the vehicle in front of her. There were no injuries but the vehicle sustained minor damages. No police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to a repair center where it was currently being inspected. The contact had not called the dealership or the manufacturer at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were approximately 150,000. the vin was unavailable.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 subaru forester. While the contact was examining her vehicle, she noticed that the check engine light was illuminated. A local mechanic stated that the knock sensor had to be replaced. The contact also noticed that the inside of her vehicle became very warm while she was driving. The current and failure mileages were 99000.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010925This annocement is to inform dealers to the Gen 3.1 Head Unit OTA will be available via Wi-Fi. The update will take place in multiple batches with the first beginneing November 15th and the last being Decemeber 3rd. This update is for approximatelt 714,000 VINs.
- 11009701This bulletin details an important regulation issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which impacts the way some vehicles with accessories are sold. This regulation applies to any automobile retailer installing accessories on a vehicle prior to its first sale.
- 11009685This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008283This Service Information Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2 Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINK Security Plus Service featuring Stolen Vehicle Recovery Plus with Immobilizer.
- 11008282This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008280This Service Information bulletin is being released as guidance for proper testing and charging of vehicle batteries.
- 11008279This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 11008276The CP1.5 RCs OTA is available for all mid and high grade CP1.5 head units.
- 11008267This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11008259This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
- 11006935This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure for 2025MY vehicles.
- 11006934The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11006932This Service Information Bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when the Data Communication Module (DCM) is being tested as a dark current/standby current source.
- 11006931This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.
- 11005624This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
- 11005615This announcement provides information for retailers to install the latest infotainment system software for Denso CP 1.5.
- 11005614This bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when testing the Data Communication Module (DCM) as a dark current/standby current source. All models equipped with Telematics except Solterra.
- 11005609This announcement provides information on Takata Recall Escalated Towing Program.
- 11005608This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
- 11005599This Bulletin provides SOA paint codes to help eliminate possible confusion for 2025 MY vehicles.
- 11005595This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11005593This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
- 11002730This information announces reprograming file availability for Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5 Audio and Navigation systems. Inprovement for CarPlay concerns with hands-free calls when the receiving party is not able to hear the caller.
- 11002725This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
- 10241801The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 10240110This 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.
- 10235830Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound
- 10234829Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
- 10234828This 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.
- 10234261Remanufactured Automatic Transaxle Program
- 10234260Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
- 102342585MT Transfer Driven Gear Bearings
- 10232879Replacement Key and Immobilizer info
- 10232535Replacement Key and Immobilizer Info
- 10219492This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 10219491This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915This 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).
- 10198758This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
- 10198749This bulletin is to advise of SOAs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
Every Subaru Forester model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.