2001 Subaru Forester
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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
- 139
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Vehicle speed control
None on file
None on file
21% of complaints
Complaints per year
2001: 139 complaints
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 | 74 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 178 |
| 2010 | 262 |
| 2011 | 147 |
| 2012 | 105 |
| 2013 | 78 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 616 |
| 2016 | 414 |
| 2017 | 593 |
| 2018 | 497 |
| 2019 | 833 |
| 2020 | 604 |
| 2021 | 213 |
| 2022 | 100 |
| 2023 | 74 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 99 |
| 2026 | 33 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Vehicle speed control
21% · 29 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-10-10
On 3/31/2004 I was exiting the parking lot of a supermarket in jackson, when suddenly, my 2001 Forester lurched forward and continued to accelerate even as I was breaking. It went out into cooper street (A very busy street).
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-04
The brake/gas pedals are located too close together. This results in accidental acceleration when brakes are depressed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-20
Power train
18% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing clutch assembly and automatic transmission.
Engine and engine cooling
12% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Service brakes
12% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-08-21
Suspension
11% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing rear and wheel bearing.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2001 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 29 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 25 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 16 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2001 Subaru Forester reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Subaru Forester is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Subaru Forester?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2001 Subaru Forester have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.