MYRModel Year Report

2001 Subaru Forester

● Typical for this model
2001 Subaru Forester
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:48:14.002Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Subaru Forester Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2001 highlighted. 1998: 101 complaints 1998 1999: 131 complaints 2000: 75 complaints 2001: 139 complaints 2001 2002: 88 complaints 2002 2003: 189 complaints 2004: 219 complaints 2005: 93 complaints 2006: 88 complaints 2006 2007: 72 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2009: 178 complaints 2010: 262 complaints 2010 2011: 147 complaints 2012: 105 complaints 2013: 77 complaints 2014: 403 complaints 2014 2015: 611 complaints 2016: 405 complaints 2017: 579 complaints 2018: 487 complaints 2018 2019: 831 complaints 2020: 592 complaints 2021: 207 complaints 2022: 93 complaints 2022 2023: 69 complaints 2024: 28 complaints 2025: 78 complaints 2026: 11 complaints 2026
2001: 139 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
1998101
1999131
200075
2001139
200288
2003189
2004219
200593
200688
200772
200850
2009178
2010262
2011147
2012105
201377
2014403
2015611
2016405
2017579
2018487
2019831
2020592
2021207
202293
202369
202428
202578
202611

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 16%

16% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 22 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
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, 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

AIR BAGS 7%

7% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

AOTOMOBILE SKIDDED OF ROAD D/T SNOW/SLUSH STOPPING IN CULVERT. DAMAGE TO FRONT END CONSIDERED SUBSTANTIAL. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEAT BELT APPARENTLY DID NOT HOLD OCCUPANT SINCE HER HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD. SHE WAS TRANSPORTED TO LOCAL ER.

NHTSA ODI report, 20010118

WHILE TRAVELING AT 30 MPH AND AS A RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT CONSUMER RAN HEAD-ON INTO A POLE, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20000912

SUSPENSION 6%

6% of complaints: suspension — 9 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 6%

6% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 5%

5% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.

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 (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (9 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2008 ▲ 2023 ▲ 2007

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ■ 2015 ■ 2020

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 16% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2001 Subaru Forester have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.