2008 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
- 50
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Suspension
Campaigns on file for 2008
Opened by NHTSA
22% of complaints
Complaints per year
2008: 50 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
22% · 11 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the transmission control valve detached. No warning light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-01-10
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a clanking and knocking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-11-08
Engine
14% · 7 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Engine overheating and causing multiple problems
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-05-13
Vehicle speed control
12% · 6 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. While backing into a driveway at 5 MPH in reverse the vehicle accelerated and crashed into another vehicle. The vehicle was able to be driven. No one was injured and the police were not notified.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-01-15
Air bags
12% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
I own a 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5X, VIN. [xxx], which was purchased new at brown's Subaru, 960 hilton heights road, charlottesville, va. All factory recommended maintenance schedules were meticulously upheld.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-02
Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline
The vehicle was involved in a high-speed crash on i-35 in denton tx. The car was rear-ended. Both cars were travelling at highway speeds (50-60 MPH).
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-21
A fire broke out in the interior of our car while parked. The passenger door was destroyed and the interior of the car was ruined with smoke damage.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-22
Also filed under Seats and structure
Electrical system
10% · 5 reportsSafety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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
2008 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 6 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 2008 Subaru Forester reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Subaru Forester is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Subaru Forester?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 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.