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 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 | 611 |
| 2016 | 405 |
| 2017 | 579 |
| 2018 | 487 |
| 2019 | 831 |
| 2020 | 592 |
| 2021 | 207 |
| 2022 | 93 |
| 2023 | 69 |
| 2024 | 28 |
| 2025 | 78 |
| 2026 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
23% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 20 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020628
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, 20020312
15% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: suspension — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20141007
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY 1 MILE FROM MY HOME WHEN THE CONTROL ARM SUDDENLY FAILED SENDING MY CAR VEERING ACROSS THE ROAD ALMOST HITTING ONCOMING TRAFFIC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180603
PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE AFTER BEING AT BANK AND HEARD A HUGE CLUNK. GENTLEMAN RAN UP TO ME AND SAID NOT TO MOVE IT. GOT OUT AND LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS ABOUT LAYING FLAT ON GROUND. HAD BROTHER BRING TOW DOLLY AND THEN TOOK IT APART.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171130
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
FUEL LINES IN ENGINE LEAK IN COLD WEATHER. THIS IS A SERIOUS HAZARD THAT I AND MULTIPLE OTHER SUBARU OWNERS THAT I KNOW HAVE HAD OCCURRING AND RECURRING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171228
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 PL
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 V
Campaign 02V282000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V282000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Subaru Forester have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.