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    Subaru Forester

    EPA MPG: 25 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Forester will be much more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from the 2025 model.

    The 2008 Subaru Forester has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2008 Subaru Forester owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "These leaks are in the same area as the head gasket issue"

    Anonymous A., WA (2008 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "After the first oil change I had done after I purchased the car developed an oil leak. The mechanic showed me a grove/notch around where to oil plug screws in. After some smoothing out of the issue with new plug inserted the leak has been stopped."

    Anonymous A., ND (2008 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Head gasket

    "It is blowing b g oil pretty bad from the head gasket est repair $3500"

    Anonymous A., WA (2008 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Oil smell tipped us off about a problem. Repaired at Subaru dealership"

    Anonymous, WA (2008 Subaru Forester L.L. Bean 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    "Check engine light came on. Had to replace the catalytic converter. At the dealer, it cost about $4000."

    Anonymous, MO (2008 Subaru Forester L.L. Bean 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Other/unsure

    "Leakage resulting in mold"

    Anonymous, GA (2008 Subaru Forester L.L. Bean 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "Fading and flaking paint. Car will be repaired."

    Anonymous, RI (2008 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

    "Sensoron top of the fuel tank. Had to drop the tank to fix"

    Anonymous, PA (2008 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Shocks or struts

    "I noticed a thumping noise coming from the rear of the vehicle at low speed on paved surface. I took it to the dealership to be fixed and then had the tires alligned."

    Anonymous A., ND (2008 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    2008 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    00
    01
    02
    03*
    04
    05
    06
    07
    08
    09*
    10
    11
    12
    13
    14*
    15
    16
    17
    18
    19*
    20
    21
    22
    23
    24
    Overall Reliability Verdict

    NA
    NA

    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    SUSPENSION
    Sep 06, 2011
    A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Summary:
    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, PENNSYLVANIA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW JERSEY, OHIO, RHODE ISLAND, WEST VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY BREAK AT THE HANGER BRACKETS DUE TO CORROSION IF THE HANGER BRACKET IS EXPOSED TO SALTY AND HUMID ENVIRONMENTS SUCH AS ROADS CONTAINING SNOW MELTING AGENT.
    What should you do:
    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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
    For more information:
    THIS IS SUBARU'S SAFETY RECALL NUMBER WVX-34.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V464000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 318215
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