2007 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
- 74
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Suspension
Campaigns on file for 2007
Opened by NHTSA
16% of complaints
Complaints per year
2007: 74 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
16% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing lower arm.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving in [XXX], the passenger-side front lower control arm on my 2007 Subaru Forester (VIN: [XXX]) fractured without warning due to severe internal rust corrosion.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-23
Started getting a vibration I thought was a tire problem. It would only show up after 30 minutes or so of driving. It happened several times while trying to have the tire store figure it out.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-02
Also filed under Steering
I've been having problems with front end control whenever I go over a bump at highway speeds. It feels as though the steering wheel is being pulled from my hands. I get an alignment every 6 months with no improvement.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-03
Also filed under Steering
Power train
15% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing manual transmission and axle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the gear shifter failed to operate as designed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-03-01
Problem 1: date in: 5/22/07DATE out: 5/23/07 problem: brakes or transmission locked up; I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership. Problem 2: date in: 6/22/07DATE out: 6/22/07 problem:brakes or transmission locking up.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-12-28
Also filed under Air bags
Engine
12% · 9 reportsVehicle speed control
11% · 8 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I was parked at my banks' ATM to deposit a check into my account. The car was parked and I put the gear shift in the Neutral position and applied the emergency hand brake. When I finished with the deposit, I released the hand brake.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-23
Also filed under Service brakes
The contact's friend owned a 2007 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while reversing in the driveway, the vehicle suddenly violently accelerated and crashed into the retaining wall and unit across the street.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-03-05
I pulled into my sister's driveway. Driveway is short; less than 2 car lengths. The front of her house is about 6 feet or less ahead of end of driveway.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-01-29
Fuel/propulsion system
8% · 6 reportsSafety 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
2007 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 9 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 2007 Subaru Forester reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2007 Subaru Forester is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2007 Subaru Forester?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2007 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.