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 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.
21% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20131010
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, 20040404
THE BRAKE/GAS PEDALS ARE LOCATED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. THIS RESULTS IN ACCIDENTAL ACCELERATION WHEN BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030620
18% of complaints: power train — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing clutch assembly and automatic transmission.
12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
12% of complaints: service brakes — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20150821
11% of complaints: suspension — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and wheel bearing.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (16 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.