2002 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
- 88
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Vehicle speed control
Campaigns on file for 2002
None on file
26% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 88 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
26% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
When parking and brakes applied vehicle surged forward. This has happened 3 times. On 27 June 2002 while parking vehicle surged forward, brakes were applied, and vehicle hit a post, consumer suffered minor injury. Vehicle at dealer at this time.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-06-28
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Vehicle was standing with motor running in drive and I had the foot on the brake when the car started slowly moving forward. When I pushed the brake further, the car incurred a sudden acceleration forward and hit another vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-03-12
Power train
20% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
After purchasing a 2002 Subaru Forester, the vehicle was driven for a very short period of time prior to noticing that the front end of the vehicle began to feel loose and unstable while steering, and the vehicle began to pull to one side while...
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-07
Also filed under Steering and suspension
Engine and engine cooling
16% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and cooling system.
Service brakes
11% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Air bags
11% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle involved in a frontal collision at approximately 55MPH with an elk. Both drvr and passenger air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-19
While driving at speed of 30MPH was involved in a frontal collision and neither air bag deployed. Dealer has been notified. If you have any additional information feel free to add/.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-18
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2003-01-08Power train02V282000 Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions were produced with an improperly manufactured transmission parking rod. When the transmission selector lever is…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Owner notification January 8, 2003. An interim owner notification will be sent during November 2002. Owners who take their…
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 14 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 02V282000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2002 Subaru Forester reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Subaru Forester is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Subaru Forester?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Subaru Forester have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.