2001 Subaru Forester: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 139 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is vehicle speed control (18% of complaints); the 2000 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
139
owner complaints
0
fire reports
57,023
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No fire reportsNo recall campaigns
Common problems
Computed from 139 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)18% · 24 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)17% · 23 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)11% · 15 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)10% · 14 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)7% · 9 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)6% · 8 complaints
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2016
“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?”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 2015
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2015
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2014
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2013
“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”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2013
“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”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2011
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2010
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jul 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 31 of these complaints and injuries in 24 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2001 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Body stylesSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
How other years compare
Check your exact Forester by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Subaru Forester reliable?
NHTSA has 139 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 Subaru Forester. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control (18% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Subaru Forester problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 57,023 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.