2005 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
19% of complaints: suspension — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was driving down the highway when my front drivers side control arm broke causing me to completely lose control of my vehicle. I was thrown down an embankment and into a cornfield where my vehicle came to a stop.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210717
LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATED AT WELD DUE TO RUST THROUGH AND CAUSED CAR TO LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH. BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130114
17% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS BACKING UP MY 2005 SUBARU FORESTER IN A DOWNTOWN, STREET-LEVEL CORNER PARKING LOT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180428
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH AND REVERSING FROM A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140512
I RECENTLY (END OF NOVEMBER, 2004) PURCHASED A NEW SUBARU FORESTER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050504
15% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 7 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: service brakes — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
Front suspension control arm failure
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGI
Remedy: SUBARU WILL HANDLE THEIR VEHICLES AND SAAB WILL HANDLE THEIRS. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DEGREE OF CORROSION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND WILL EITHER RUSTPROOF OR REPLACE THEM. THIS SERVICE W
Campaign 11V464000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V464000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Subaru Forester reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Subaru Forester is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Subaru Forester?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 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.