10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
30,000 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Subaru Forester miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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2005 Subaru Forester Owner Comments

problem #3

Feb 022023

Forester

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

A part of the front frame was recalled because of rusting and was breaking on 3-20-12 they put a rust proof on the part knowing it would only last a few years instead of replacing the parts. The part is broken and they say the recall was complete but really they only put a bandaid on a serous problem knowing it wouldn-€™t last. They said they don-€™t have to replace and fix the damage caused to my car Subaru gave me a case number 230206-1400191

- Buffalo , MN, USA

problem #2

Aug 062019

Forester

  • 90,000 miles
There's a known undercarriage recall issue on the 2005 Forester for which I never received notification. Upon discovery of the problem on my vehicle which included extensive corrosion on the lower control arm and the supporting frame (see photo). I contacted a nearby Subaru dealer who informed me that most of the needed repairs were not covered under the recall. This situation put my family and me at great risk as we were driving the car around without knowing. We feel that Subaru should have gone to greater lengths to make sure I got the notice regarding this structural defect. Subaru should cover this repair in full. I wanted to alert others to this dangerous situation.

- Lansdowne, PA, USA

problem #1

Nov 262016

Forester

  • miles
I noticed smoke and flames in the engine compartment as I was parking at my home. Flames dripped down onto the drivers side axle. As I returned quickly with no water the entire undercarriage was engulfed in flames. I ran a mile to the neighbors house and called 911. We then heard the boom of the exploding fuel tank. We returned to the scene within 20 minutes of the incident and the car was ablaze. Nothing survived the fire. The heat melted through the motor straight through the top of the transmission. The motor oil was boiling. Lost all valuables and vehicle. The motor swap was done two and a half years ago with a factory motor from manufacturer. This motor has a active recal. Subaru is buring me in paperwork and so far offered no compensation or help since the fire on 11/26/16. Lucky to be alive and unburned. Shame on Subaru not offering any assistance.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

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