2000 Subaru Forester
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 101 |
| 1999 | 131 |
| 2000 | 75 |
| 2001 | 139 |
| 2002 | 88 |
| 2003 | 189 |
| 2004 | 219 |
| 2005 | 93 |
| 2006 | 88 |
| 2007 | 72 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 178 |
| 2010 | 262 |
| 2011 | 147 |
| 2012 | 105 |
| 2013 | 77 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 613 |
| 2016 | 411 |
| 2017 | 586 |
| 2018 | 493 |
| 2019 | 832 |
| 2020 | 600 |
| 2021 | 207 |
| 2022 | 98 |
| 2023 | 73 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 93 |
| 2026 | 20 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
28% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
REPEAT PREMATURE FAILURE OF REAR AXLE BEARING. REAR AXLE BEARING ON BOTH SIDES BECAME NOISY WHEN CAR WAS 35K MI (12-09-02) DEALER REPLACED BOTH UNDER WARRANTY WITH SAME OEM SUBARU 28016FC001.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050327
CONSUMER PARKED VEHICLE ON A 5-DEGREE INCLINE, AND IN IN 1ST GEAR. 10-15 MINUTES LATER, CONSUMER HEARD CAR ALARM GOING OFF & SAW VEHICLE HAD ROLLED BACKWARDS, DOWN SLOPE INTO BUSHES. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000428
25% of complaints: suspension — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wheel bearing and rear.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2000 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and suddenly veered into the left lane into oncoming traffic.
NHTSA ODI report, 20221028
17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and emission control.
12% of complaints: tires — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sidewall and tube.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THIS COMPLAINT IS REGARDING GOODYEAR ASSURANCE COMFORT TIRES. I PURCHASED THESE TIRES FOR MY 2000 FORESTER ON MAY 5, 2005. SINCE THAT TIME ONE TIRE HAS DEVELOPED A LUMP ON THE SIDEWALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050907
9% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing filler pipe and cap and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2000 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (13 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2000 Subaru Forester reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2000 Subaru Forester is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Subaru Forester?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2000 Subaru Forester have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.