2005 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
- 93
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Suspension
Campaigns on file for 2005
Opened by NHTSA
23% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 93 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.
Suspension
23% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing rear and control arm.
Show 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, 2021-07-17
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, 2013-01-14
Vehicle speed control
18% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
I was backing up my 2005 Subaru Forester in a downtown, street-level corner parking lot.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-28
Also filed under Engine
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, 2014-05-12
I recently (End of November, 2004) purchased a new Subaru Forester.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-05-04
Fuel/propulsion system
15% · 14 reportsFuel system, gasoline
10% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing fuel rail and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
Service brakes
8% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2011-04-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-09-23 Front suspension control arm failure
-
R
2011-12-31Suspension11V464000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 21 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 14 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 11V464000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Subaru Forester?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 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.