Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activateSuggested Searches
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 Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2008 Subaru Forester owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
"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 rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
"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)Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
"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)"Leakage resulting in mold"
Anonymous, GA (2008 Subaru Forester L.L. Bean 2.5-L 4 Cyl)Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
"Fading and flaking paint. Car will be repaired."
Anonymous, RI (2008 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
"Sensoron top of the fuel tank. Had to drop the tank to fix"
Anonymous, PA (2008 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)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.
"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)Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
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.
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
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.
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.
Subaru Forester
Ford Escape
Honda CR-V
Honda Element
Toyota RAV4
"These leaks are in the same area as the head gasket issue"
Anonymous A., WA (2008 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)