Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
November 16, 2012
TBD
Condition
Run & Drive
Damage
Normal
Title
Clear
| Dynamic Head Restraints | Not Available |
|---|---|
| Head Restraint | Not Available |
| Advanced Belt Feature | Not Available |
| Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage | Not Available |
| Seat Belt Reminder System | Not Available |
| Frontal Air Bag | Driver, Front Passenger |
|---|---|
| Head/Torso | Driver, Front Passenger |
| Torso | Driver, Front Passenger |
| Knee | Not Available |
| Additional Air Bags | Not Available |
| Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements | Not Available |
| LATCH Locations | Not Available |
|---|---|
| Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) | Not Available |
| Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations | Not Available |
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10485918 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | UNDERHILL, VT |
| VIN: | JF1SF635X2H**** |
FUEL LEAK UNDER THE HOOD. COULD NOT SEE ACTUAL LEAK BUT A STRONG FUEL ODOR FILLED THE VEHICLE UPON IDLING WITH THE HEATER ON. THIS ALSO HAPPEN TODAY AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE(~4 MILES) A STRONG FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED UPON STOPPING THE VEHICLE THE ODOR SEEM TO COME FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AREA ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10149986 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | RESTON, VA |
| VIN: | JF1SF635X2H**** |
DRIVER OF FORESTER WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ABOUT 10 FEET AWAY FROM CAR IN FRONT. DRIVER TOOK FOOT AWAY FROM BRAKE PEDAL FOR A MOMENT AND CAR SURGED FORWARD ON ITS OWN. DRIVER SLAMMED BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, BUT FORESTER CONTINUED TO SURGE FORWARD. DRIVER SWERVED TO TRY TO AVOID ACCIDENT BUT STILL CLIPPED BUMPER OF CAR IN FRONT AND CAUSED DAMAGE. FORESTER CONTINUED TO SURGE AND BUCK FORWARD FOR ANOTHER MOMENT BEFORE FINALLY STOPPING (DRIVER'S FOOT HAD REMAINED FIRMLY ON BRAKE THE ENTIRE TIME). I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER I HAD BOUGHT IT FROM JUST TWO WEEKS AGO, BUT THEY CLAIMED THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING IN A SUBARU AND REFUSED TO EVEN INVESTIGATE IF THERE WAS A MECHANICAL ERROR THAT WOULD BE UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE OF LEGAL FEARS. THEY IMPLIED THE ACCIDENT WAS MY FAULT AND I WAS LOOKING TO BLAME THEM. DESPITE MINOR DAMAGE, THE CAR WAS STILL DRIVABLE, YET I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER BECAUSE I WAS SCARED OF DRIVING IT EVER AGAIN. I WAS LUCKY I ONLY HIT ANOTHER CAR'S BUMPER-- IT COULD'VE BEEN A BICYCLIST OR PEDESTRIAN WHO WAS STRUCK! MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS INVESTIGATING THE CLAIM AT THIS POINT, BUT I REFUSE TO DRIVE THAT CAR UNLESS SOMEONE FINDS THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE OUT OF CONTROL SURGING AND FIXES IT. I AM APPALLED SUBARU IS DENYING THIS PROBLEM EVEN EXISTS. *NM
| NHTSA ID Number: | 8012861 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | Unknown |
| VIN: | JF1SF635X2H**** |
WHEN PARKING AND BRAKES APPLIED VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES. ON 27 JUNE 2002 WHILE PARKING VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD, BRAKES WERE APPLIED, AND VEHICLE HIT A POST, CONSUMER SUFFERED MINOR INJURY. VEHICLE AT DEALER AT THIS TIME.*AK
| NHTSA ID Number: | 11271255 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, PA |
| VIN: | JF1SF63582H**** |
I WAS DRIVING I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN FROM ONE ROAD TO ANOTHER AND I HIT A SLIGHT BUMP AND THEN THE WHOLE THING STARTS SWAYING ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT MY REAR SUBFRAME COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT AND DETACHED ITSELF FROM THE CAR DUE TO THE RUST AND THE BREAKING OF THE SUBFRAME IN THE REAR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 11189798 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | RUDYARD, MI |
| VIN: | JF1SF65532H**** |
THE SUBFRAME COMPLETELY FELL OFF MY CAR. THIS IS MY SECOND SUBARU IS HAS HAPPENED TO I HAD TO SCRAP THE FIRST ONE. I DIDN'T NOTICE IT TILL I CAME HOME, I CHECKED IT BECAUSE IT WAS DRIVING FUNNY.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 11180437 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | SCOTTSDALE, AZ |
| VIN: | JF1SF63582G**** |
WAS LUCKILY ONLY TRAVELING AT ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN FAILURE OCCURRED. GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO DISCOVER THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL CORRECTLY POINTED STRAIGHT AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL POINTED INWARD. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTROL HAD WITHOUT WARNING SNAPPED IN HALF TAKING THE CV AXLE AND STABILIZER LINKAGE WITH IT. HOPING TO GET IT FIXED FOR UNDER $500.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 11099423 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | WARREN, OH |
| VIN: | JF1SF65572H**** |
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY 1 MILE FROM MY HOME WHEN THE CONTROL ARM SUDDENLY FAILED SENDING MY CAR VEERING ACROSS THE ROAD ALMOST HITTING ONCOMING TRAFFIC.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 11057152 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | BLOOMFIELD, NJ |
| VIN: | **** |
FUEL LINES IN ENGINE LEAK IN COLD WEATHER. THIS IS A SERIOUS HAZARD THAT I AND MULTIPLE OTHER SUBARU OWNERS THAT I KNOW HAVE HAD OCCURRING AND RECURRING. I CALLED SUBARU AND THEY WERE UNINTERESTED IN ISSUING A SAFETY RECALL DESPITE THE EXTREME HAZARD LEAKING GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE POSES. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED TO ME TWICE IN TWO DIFFERENT FUEL HOSES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 11051583 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | BEAVERTON, MI |
| VIN: | JF1SF65502H**** |
PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE AFTER BEING AT BANK AND HEARD A HUGE CLUNK. GENTLEMAN RAN UP TO ME AND SAID NOT TO MOVE IT. GOT OUT AND LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS ABOUT LAYING FLAT ON GROUND. HAD BROTHER BRING TOW DOLLY AND THEN TOOK IT APART. ENDED UP SPENDING 600 JUST ON PARTS AS THE CONTROL ARMS WERE ROTTED HORRIBLY. LEFT ONE AS STATED, WAS ROTTED IN HALF, RIGHT WAS IN SUCH BAD SHAPE MY BROTHER SAID IT WOULD NOT BE SAFE IF NOT REPLACED ALSO. SO 600.00 LATER AND NOW I HAVE IT AT KOCUR KREW AND WILL HAVE ANOTHER 750.00 BILL AS THE SUBFRAME AND CRADEL ASSEMBLY ARE ROTTED BAD. LIKE WOW ALL IN 2.5 MONTHS. I THINK I AM LUCKY TO BE ALIVE AS I HAVE DRIVEN THIS VEHICLE TO OHIO NUMEROUS TIMES IN LAST 1.5 YEARS.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 11025030 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | SPRING CHURCH, PA |
| VIN: | JF1SF63532G**** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION FAILED. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SOUND OF A TIRE SQUEALING WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO DRIVE TO A SAFE LOCATION. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WAS BENT TOWARDS THE LEFT, THE CV JOINT AND TRANSAXLE WERE DAMAGED, AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN AUTO GARAGE FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000. UPDATED 11/07/17*LJ CONSUMER STATED SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR JERKED VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT(INSTANTLY SENDING US INTO THE LEFT-HAND LANE) WITH A SIMULTANEOUS SCREAMING LOUD SQUEALING TIRE SOUND. LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD SNAPPED, AND WHILE THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS POINTED STRAIGHT AHEAD, THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS STEERING LEFT AR APPROXIMATELY A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. THERE IS CORROSION WHERE BRACKET FRACTURED. UPDATED 7/20/18*JB *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10991698 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | HARBOR SPRINGS, MI |
| VIN: | JF1SF63502H**** |
TAKATA RECALL MY CAR HAS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE WHEN WALKING UP TO THE CAR AFTER IT HAS SAT AND IT IS EVEN STRONGER WHEN YOU SHUT THE CAR OFF AFTER DRIVING. IN THE WARMER WEATHER THE SMELL HAS INCREASED.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10965799 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | GREENSBORO, NC |
| VIN: | JF1SF63522H**** |
6/15/2009 I WAS HEADED HOME AT A RATE OF ~20-25 MPH ON PISGAH CHURCH RD AS I WAS APPROACHING WHERE I TURN RIGHT ONTO LAWNDALE AVE AND I REAR ENDED A VEHICLE WHICH WAS PUSHED FORWARD REAR ENDING A 2ND VEHICLE TO THE TUNE OF $16,183.57 ERIE INSURANCE CHARGE (CLAIM # 010910179459) AND 3 NASTY POINTS. I WAS UNINJURED AND CONTACTED THE GREENSBORO POLICE DEPARTMENT. THE ARRIVING OFFICER AND THE GREENSBORO FIRE DEPT BOTH EXPRESSED SURPRISE THAT THE AIR BAG DID NOT OPERATE. I'M A NURSE & WAS COMING HOME FROM WORKING THE NIGHT SHIFT. THE POLICE OFFICER TOLD ME "I'M NOT GOING TO WRITE YOU A TICKET (A PROFESSIONAL COURTESY, I THINK) BECAUSE YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY IS GOING TO REAM YOU."
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10795042 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | FOREST CITY, MO |
| VIN: | **** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SLOWED DOWN AND DROVE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM OF THE SUSPENSION WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10758501 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | SAN JOSE, CA |
| VIN: | JF1SF65522H**** |
I HAD STOPPED MY FORESTER IN THE LEFT HAND TURN LANE ABOUT 3 TO 5 FEET BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE WAITING FOR THE SIGNAL TO CHANGE FROM RED TO THE GREEN ARROW. I PUT MY VEHICLE INTO PARK AND TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. I TURNED TO CHECK THE POCKET OF MY JACKET IN THE REAR SEAT. I TURNED BACK IN THE DRIVING DIRECTION, PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND MOVED THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT INTO THE DRIVE POSITION. MY CAR SURGED FORWARD WITH THE ENGINE RACING AND HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I COULD NOT CONTROL THE SPEED WITH THE BRAKES, SO I SHIFTED BACK INTO PARK. THIS STOPPED MY CAR. THERE IS DAMAGE TO MY FRONT GRILL AND HOOD. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME I HAD THIS HAPPEN. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED, I CALLED SUBARU HEADQUARTERS AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUES TO A SUBARU REPRESENTATIVE. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS A NEW ISSUE AND NO RECALL WAS BEING CONSIDERED. I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE SUBARU DEALER AND THEY CHECKED IT AND SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. THE SAME THING OCCURRED AT LEAST TWO MORE TIMES PRIOR TO AUGUST 10, 2015. I NEVER HAD ANY DAMAGE TO MY SUBARU OR ANY OTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE I WAS NOT NEAR ANY OTHER VEHICLE WHEN THIS SURGING OCCURRED AND I COULD GET CONTROL OF MY SUBARU BY PUTTING THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT INTO PARK. I PURCHASED MY SUBARU FORESTER NEW AND CURRENTLY HAVE 160,845 MILES.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10758494 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | LAKE FOREST, CA |
| VIN: | JF1SF65672G**** |
THE AIRBAG THAT IS IN THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL HAS A DESIGN FLAW. THE COVER SECTION UNDER THE THE WORDS SRS AIRBAG IS A WEAK POINT IT DEVELOPS A LARGE CRACK LINE ON THE WEAK SPOT. SHOULD THE AIRBAG BE DEPLOYED WITH THIS CRACK, THE SHARP BROKEN PIECES COULD CAUSE SERIOUS LACERATIONS TO VICTIMS. IF THE BROKEN PIECES WERE TO BECOME AIRBORNE, THEY COULD PUNCTURE THE LARGE BLOOD VESSEL IN THE NECK OR ENTER THE EYES. ALSO, SHOULD ANY CUSTOMERS ATTEMPT TO TAPE OR ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE COVER WITHOUT REPLACING IT, UNKNOWN DAMAGE OR LOSS OF LIFE COULD OCCUR, AS THE AIRBAG COULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE DEPLOYED PROPERLY.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10694410 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | WILMONT, MN |
| VIN: | JF1SF65662H**** |
2002 SUBARU FORESTER. FOR THE PAST FEW WINTERS I HAVE NOTICED A VERY STRONG RAW GAS SMALL INSIDE THE CAR WHEN THE CAR IS IDLED, OR SITTING STILL AND THE TEMPERATURE IS 20 DEGREES F OR LOWER. OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING CONTRACTS BELOW THAT TEMPERATURE AND BY DOING A GOOGLE SEARCH I AM APPARENTLY NOT THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. THE SMELL IS SO STRONG IT WILL GIVE YOU A HEADACHE. SO I JUST DON'T DRIVE THE CAR IF THE TEMPS ARE GOING TO BE BELOW 20F. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10643067 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | MARCELLUS, NY |
| VIN: | JF1SF63542G**** |
AFTER PURCHASING A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOR A VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME PRIOR TO NOTICING THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FEEL LOOSE AND UNSTABLE WHILE STEERING, AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL TO ONE SIDE WHILE ACCELERATING AND BRAKING. AFTER NOTICING THE INSTABILITY AND SWAYING ACTION, I CONDUCTED CURSORY INSPECTIONS OF THE FRONT END AND SUSPENSION AREAS OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT OF INSPECTIONS, I DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE UNDERCARRIAGE. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON 20 SEPTEMBER 2014, WITHOUT WARNING, THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE. IT COULD BE OBSERVED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE IN THE WELD BETWEEN THE HANGER BRACKET AND THE MAIN PORTION OF THE CONTROL ARM. AFTER THE CONTROL ARM BROKE, IT CAUSED THE CONTROL ARM TO MOVE TOWARDS THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE; IT CAUSED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE TO SLAM ABRUPTLY INTO THE REAR PORTION OF THE TIRE WELL; IT THEN CAUSED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE TO LOCK UP, WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY CAUSED THE TIRE TO IMMEDIATELY BEGIN TO SKID. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WHICH MINIMIZED RESULTS: VEHICLE WAS ONLY TRAVELING AT ABOUT 45 MPH; IT OCCURRED ON SECONDARY ROAD; ROAD WAS STRAIGHT AND LEVEL; THERE WAS NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC; AND ROAD SURFACE WAS DRY. THERE WAS ADDITIONAL VEHICLE DAMAGE. UPON CHECKING THE RECALLS FOR THE 2002 SUBARU FORESTER, I DISCOVERED THAT THE 2003-2008 FORESTERS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT REASON (RECALL ID # 70673.) THERE WERE OTHER ADDITIONAL RECALLS AS WELL FOR SIMILAR ISSUE. AFTER CONTACTING SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE, I WAS ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM UNDER THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RECALL WERE THE SAME. I BELIEVE THAT THE FAILURE OF THE CONTROL ARM IS VERY OBVIOUS AND IT SHOULD BE COVERED SIMILAR TO THE OTHER RECALLED YEARS. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE PICTURES OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILURE. THANK YOU. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10566412 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | ENTERPRISE, WV |
| VIN: | **** |
BRAKE PADS ARE GOOD AND MOST OF THE TIME WORK RIGHT. WHEN ROAD IS ICY OR WET AND I PUSH THE PEDAL THE CAR STARTS SHUTTERING, BRAKE LETS LOOSE AND WON'T STOP THE CAR. I TRY TO LET OFF THE PEDAL AND BARELY PUSH IT AGAIN AND IT STILL WON'T QUIT SHUTTERING OR STOP. IF I GO TO LOW GEAR REAL FAST OR PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TWO CLICKS THEN I CAN STOP. HAS THIS EVER BEEN A RECALL ON THIS AUTO? *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10563314 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | RAVENSDALE, WA |
| VIN: | **** |
ON A VERY COLD MORNING WITH TEMPS IN THE TEENS, AFTER DRIVING THE CAR LESS THAN 10 MILES AND PARKING IT IN THE DRIVEWAY I NOTICED A STRONG RAW GAS SMELL. I OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW GAS LEAKING AROUND TWO METAL CLAMPS ON A SMALL RUBBER HOSE TO THE LEFT AND BELOW THE POWER STEERING FLUID CAP. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND SEEING HOW COMMON THIS PROBLEM IS, WE WENT OUT ABOUT AN HOUR LATER AND TURNED ON THE ENGINE WITH THE HOOD UP AND WE COULD SEE THE GAS AROUND THE CLAMPS AFTER JUST A COUPLE OF MINUTES. WE TIGHTENED THE SCREWS ON THE CLAMPS, THEY WENT AT LEAST THREE TURNS EACH. HOPING THIS SOLVES THE PROBLEM SINCE LEAKING GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE AREA SEEMS PRETTY DANGEROUS. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10561174 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | BETHLEHEM, PA |
| VIN: | JF1SF63532H**** |
IN VERY COLD CONDITIONS. WHEN THE CAR IS IN IDOL OR RUNNING IT HAS A VERY STRONG GAS SMELL AROUND THE ENGINE AND IN THE CABIN AREA. I HAVE HEARD THE WRX AND OUTBACK MODELS HAVE ALSO HAVE THIS PROBLEM.I WAS TOLD IT IS THE FUEL LINE HOSE THE CONNECTS TO THE CLAMP AND CONTRACTS IN SEVERE COLD AND EXTRACTS WHEN IT GETS WARM THEN SEALS ITS SELF TO THE CLAMP. I THINK THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH SUBARU AND IT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND POSSIBLE RECALL ON THE OLDER MODELS IF IT HAS BEEN CORRECTED WITH NEWER MODELS. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10551821 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | ORANGE, CA |
| VIN: | JF1SG65673G**** |
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW SET OF 4 COOPER CS4 (P215/60R16) TIRES FOR MY 2002 SUBARU FORESTER, HAVING THEM INSTALLED BY A DEALER, ALONG WITH BALANCING AND ALIGNMENT. ABOUT A WEEK LATER I CROSSED THE COUNTRY FROM WISCONSIN TO CALIFORNIA. ON GROOVED CONCRETE INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS, THE TIRES MADE MY CAR "SWIM" FROM SIDE TO SIDE ERRATICALLY. I HAD TO CONSTANTLY BE VIGILANT TO KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT, AND THIS PROBLEM WAS EXACERBATED WHEN NEAR LARGE TRUCKS. I ASSUME THIS IS DUE TO THE TREAD DESIGN, SINCE I'VE HAD TWO PREVIOUS SETS OF TIRES AND NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS DIFFICULTY. ARE TIRE MANUFACTURERS CHECKING THEIR DESIGNS ON GROOVED CONCRETE, WHICH IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE PREVALENT ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS? IS THE GOVERNMENT CHECKING THIS ISSUE AND WORKING WITH MANUFACTURERS TO ASSURE DRIVER SAFETY?? I NOW HAVE TO LIVE WITH THIS ISSUE FOR THE LIFE OF MY TIRES, WHICH IS MOST UNFORTUNATE, AND VERY DISCONCERTING. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10437443 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | MONROE, NY |
| VIN: | JF1SF63562H**** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STRUGGLE TO ACCELERATE UP INCLINES AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FAILURES OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE FUEL SENSOR MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,898 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10379552 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | CULVER CITY, CA |
| VIN: | JF1SF65672H**** |
AIRBAG DASHBOARD LIGHT COMES ON REPEATEDLY. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE RIGHT AND LEFT HAND FRONT SEAT AIR BAG HARNESS CONNECTOR KIT TWICE (IN 2006 AT 34,000 MILES AND AGAIN IN 2009 AT 63,000 MILES.) AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS LATER. DEALER WILL NOT ADMIT TO ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPEATED FAILURE OF THE SAME PART. *LN
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10378735 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | BOYNTON BEACH, FL |
| VIN: | JF1SF65662H**** |
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A U-TURN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND HIS FOOT GOT STUCK CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACT NOR HIS PASSENGER WERE INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE INVESTIGATION WAS PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND NEITHER WAS THE DEALER CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 94,000. UPDATED 3/8/11 *CN UPDATED 12/20/11 *CN
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10360803 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | CHESAPEAKE CITY, MD |
| VIN: | **** |
SUBARU FORESTER 2002 REAR WHEEL BEARINGS KEEP FAILING AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED! *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10330473 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | NICHOLSON, PA |
| VIN: | JF1SF63592G**** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR STATE INSPECTION AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT PASS DUE TO EXTREME FRAME RUST AND CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PRIMARILY HOUSED IN PENNSYLVANIA, A SALT BELT STATE, THAT THE FAILURE WAS NORMAL. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 138,000.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10314018 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | OLYMPIA, WA |
| VIN: | **** |
INTERMITTENT ENGINE SURGING AND/LOSS OF POWER. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10312776 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | PHILADELPHIA, PA |
| VIN: | **** |
I WAS ENTERING A PARKING SPACE AT A LOCAL GROCERY STORE WHEN THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD INTO ANOTHER PARKED CAR. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND HAD PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK WHEN IT SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY LURCHED FORWARD. I DAMAGED THE PARKED CAR AND MY OWN. THIS HAS HAPPENED PREVIOUSLY WHEN BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE GOING FROM THE PARK POSITION. AM CONTACTING SUBARU TO SEE IF THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10307800 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | BOULDER, CO |
| VIN: | JF1SF63522H**** |
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 3 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF A HOUSE AND PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A WOODEN FENCE. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL GEAR TO STOP IT FROM ACCELERATING. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, HOWEVER THEY STATED THAT THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF THAT TYPE OF FAILURE IN HER MODEL VEHICLE. REPAIRS WERE MADE AT THE EXPENSE OF HER INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 25,000. UPDATED 3/16/10 *CN UPDATED 07/07/10.*JB
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10296100 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | PARADISE, PA |
| VIN: | **** |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE DRIVER SIDE REMOVABLE FLOOR MAT TRAPPED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. CONSEQUENTLY THERE WAS AN UNINTENDED INCREASE OF VEHICLE ACCELERATION. SHE WAS ABLE TO REGAIN VEHICLE OPERATION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 163,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10294963 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | MISSOULA, MT |
| VIN: | JF1SF635X2G**** |
A VERY STRONG FUEL SMELL COMES INTO THE CAB OF MY 2002 SUBARU FORESTER WHEN TEMPERATURES DROP BELOW 35. I RECENTLY MOVED TO MONTANA AND HADN'T NOTICED IT BEFORE BECAUSE PORTLAND DOESN'T GET THIS COLD. .AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUE ONLINE, FOUND OUT SEVERAL OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. SUBARU IS RECALLING WMX FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT NOT FORESTERS. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10279463 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | MONTEREY, CA |
| VIN: | JF1SF65652H**** |
DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKET. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10258045 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | SILVER SPRING, MD |
| VIN: | JF1SF63552H**** |
AFTER A PERIOD OF COLD WEATHER (BELOW FREEZING), I DROVE MY CAR FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. AFTER EXITING THE CAR, I SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE AT THE FRONT OF THE CAR. DURING THE TRIP WHEN USING THE HEAT INSIDE THE VEHICLE, I ALSO SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE AND EXHAUST AND SHUT OFF THE HEAT. (I THOUGHT IT WAS COMING FROM THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME IN TRAFFIC.) AFTER LEAVING THE CAR IN THE GARAGE ALL DAY, I DROVE IT TO MY REGULAR MECHANIC TO SEE IF THERE MIGHT BE A FUEL LINE LEAK. THE NEXT DAY, HE ADVISED ME THAT THERE HAD BEEN A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY SUBURU ABOUT COLD WEATHER AND FUEL SMELL. HE SAID THAT INDEED THE FUEL LINES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT EXHIBITED SIGNS OF GAS LEAKAGE. WHEN THE FUEL LEAKED, IT LEAKED ONTO THE ENGINE AND MANIFOLD (WHICH I THINK IS NORMALLY GETS HOT). GIVEN THE POTENTIAL FOR FIRE, HE REPLACED ALL OF THE FUEL HOSES IN THE CAR WITH NEW HOSES AND THE FUEL FILTER. ON THE SAME DAY, ANOTHER SUBURU CUSTOMER HAD THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM WITH SMELLING GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND HE HAD TO HAVE THE SAME REPAIRS DONE. I SHOULD ADD THAT ON THE DAY I FIRST SMELLED GASOLINE NEAR THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND WHEN I HAD TURNED THE HEAT ON IN THE CAB, IT WAS ABOUT 22 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, WITH A WIND CHILL IN THE SINGLE DIGITS. THIS IS UNUSUALLY COLD FOR OUR AREA. I HAD JUST FILLED UP MY GAS TANK THE EVENING BEFORE. MY MILEAGE IS A LITTLE MORE THAN 70,000 MILES, AND THE CAR HAS BEEN VERY WELL MAINTAINED. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10215725 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | CINCINNATI, OH |
| VIN: | **** |
DURING A VERY COLD DAY I FELT VERY STRONG GASOLINE SMELL RIGHT AFTER START IN MY 2002 SUBARU FORESTER S. I LOOKED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND I SAW GASOLINE O ONE OF THE RUBBER HOSES CONNECTING 2 FUEL LINES. THE SMELL DISAPPEARED AFTER THE ENGINE WARMED UP, BUT REAPPEARED AFTER THE CAR STAYED OUTSIDE FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS. THE CAR DID THE SAME THING A FEW YEARS AGO DURING VERY COLD TEMPERATURES. AT THAT TIME, THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP TIGHTENED THE CLAMPS HOLDING THE RUBBER HOSE. RUBBER HOSE. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10205790 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | NEVADA CITY, CA |
| VIN: | JF1SF65622H**** |
IN THE LAST WEEK, MY HEATER STARTED WORKING SPORADICALLY, PUTTING OUT COOL AIR AND HOT AIR INTERMITTENTLY. THEN MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE STARTED CLIMBING QUICKLY TO THE HOT END. I TURNED MY HEATER ON FULL-BLAST TO COOL DOWN THE ENGINE AND THIS WORKED FOR ABOUT A MILE, THEN THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP IN THE RED. I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY, LET THE ENGINE COOL, AND ADDED COOLANT (IT WAS SLIGHTLY LOW, BUT NOT THAT LOW). THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE WHEN THE HEATER WAS ON ALL THE WAY, SO WE LOOKED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND SAW THERE WAS A LEAK. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS AN "EXTERNAL COOLANT LEAK FROM THE HEAD GASKET" JUST LIKE IN THE COURTESY RECALL OF THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF MY CAR. HOWEVER, WHEN I CALLED SUBARU, IT WAS FOR "PHASE 1" ENGINES ONLY, AND MINE WAS A "PHASE 2" ENGINE, THEREFORE MY CAR IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE SAME RECALL. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND HAVE HAD MY CAR SERVICED EVERY 3,000 TO 5,000 MILES. THE PREVIOUS OWNER KEPT A LOG OF ALL THE WORK ON THE CAR IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL, AND HE TOO, HAD IT SERVICED REGULARLY. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS TOO MUCH OF A COINCIDENCE FOR IT NOT TO BE A FAULTY PART, LIKE IN THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF MY CAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT WITH THE PHASE 1 ENGINE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF OTHER 2002 SUBARU FORRESTERS, WITH A PHASE 2 ENGINE, HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND IF SO, WHAT SUBARU IS GOING TO DO TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM? MY CAR IS FIVE YEARS OLD WITH LESS THAN 85,000 MILES ON IT, AND IT HAS BEEN SERVICED AT THE RECOMMENDED TIMES. IT SHOULDN'T HAVE A PROBLEM THIS MAJOR ($2,500 TO FIX!) GIVEN THESE FACTS UNLESS IT WAS A FAULTY SYSTEM TO BEGIN WITH! *JB
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10203091 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | SANTA CLARA, CA |
| VIN: | JF1SF63562H**** |
EXTERNAL COOLANT LEAK DUE TO FAILURE OF HEAD GASKETS IN ENGINE ON A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER WITH 50,000 MILES. RESULTS IN COOLANT DRIPPING ONTO EXHAUST SYSTEM AND OTHER COMPONENTS RESULTING IN STRONG ODOR. ALSO CREATES POSSIBILITY OF LOW COOLANT CAUSING OVERHEATING, ENGINE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT. THIS PROBLEM IS KNOWN TO SUBARU HOWEVER, THE ONLY RECOMMENDATION OFFERED IS TO ADD A SEALER TO THE RADIATOR COOLANT. ACCORDING TO SEVERAL MECHANICS I HAVE CONSULTED, THIS WILL RESULT IN CLOGGING OF THE RADIATOR AND HEATER CORE PASSAGES FURTHER CAUSING OVERHEATING PROBLEMS. THE ONLY FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM IS REPLACEMENT OF THE HEAD GASKETS SOMETHING SUBARU REFUSES TO DO. *TR
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10196233 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | GRAND PRAIRIE, TX |
| VIN: | JF1SF65622H**** |
SOA IS NOT BEING FORTHCOMING ABOUT A MAJOR DEFECT AFFECTING MANY OF ITS VEHICLES. ON WEDNESDAY JULY 11, 2007 I SPOKE TO SOA AND EXPLAINED MY CONCERNS ABOUT THE CHRONIC LEAKING HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS ON MANY OF YOUR VEHICLES. I OWN A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER WHICH WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A LEAKING HEAD GASKET IN DECEMBER 2006 AND 68000 MILES BY A TEAPE SUBARU TECHNICIAN IN ARLINGTON TX. THIS REPAIR WOULD COST $1900.00. AS I HAD TO SAVE UP THE MONEY I DID NOT GET THE WORK DONE UNTIL 07/10/07 AT 75,000 MILES. I CONSIDERED THIS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM. HAD SOA BROUGHT ME IN FOR A REPAIR I MIGHT HAVE AVOIDED THIS EXPENSIVE REPAIR. MY CAR COULD EASILY HAVE OVERHEATED, RESULTING IN AN INJURY TO MYSELF AND OTHERS. RESEARCH REVEALED THAT THIS WAS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THEIR VEHICLES THAT FREQUENTLY OCCURRED AGAIN AFTER BEING REPAIRED/REPLACED. SOA'S REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT NOT ONLY WAS MY VEHICLE OUT OF WARRANTY FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR IT. HE DID, HOWEVER, GIVE ME A CASE #1017178. SUBARU NEEDED TO STEP UP AND HANDLE THIS PROBLEM. I AM ENCOURAGING YOU TO MAKE THEM DO THAT. THE FINAL COST FOR MY GASKET REPLACEMENT WORK WAS 1725.42. I AM MAILING SOA AN ITEMIZED LIST OF PARTS AND LABOR ALONG WITH MY PAID RECEIPT, AND I WANT A FULL REFUND FOR THIS WORK WHICH INCLUDED THE LABOR. *AK
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10184278 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | SOLON, OH |
| VIN: | JF1SF656X2H**** |
WHEN PARKING VEHICLE IN GARAGE, ENGINE REVVED AND CAR DROVE FORWARD CAUSING DAMAGE TO CAR AND GARAGE EVEN THOUGH CAR HAD BEEN PLACED INTO PARK. *JB
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10175222 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | MARINETTE, WI |
| VIN: | JF1SF655X2H**** |
WHEN TRAVELING 60 MPH THE CAR SUDDENLY LOOSES ACCELERATION, LIKE IT IS SLIPPING INTO NEUTRAL. AT FIRST, I COULD REMOVE MY FOOT FROM THE GAS, ALLOW THE CAR TO COAST AND SLOW, AND THEN RE-APPLY GAS, AND IT WOULD ACCELERATE AGAIN. NOW WHEN IT OCCURS, I HAVE TO STOP, NORMALLY ON THE SIDE OF A RURAL HIGHWAY, PUT IT IN PARK, THEN BACK TO DRIVE FOR IT TO WORK PROPERLY. I AM AFRAID THIS IS GOING TO LEAVE ME STRANDED SOMEWHERE OUT IN THE 'STICKS.' THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 25K MILES, AND HAS HAD ITS SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. ANY INFO?*JB
| NHTSA ID Number: | 10173913 |
|---|---|
| Consumer Location: | PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS |
| VIN: | JF1SF65652H**** |
2002 SUBARU FORESTER HESITATES AND LURCHES DANGEROUSLY AS IF FUEL IS NOT GETTING TO THE ENGINE. WHEN PULLING ON TO A STREET OR HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE WON'T PICK UP SPEED AND CREATES A SAFELY HAZARD AND POTENTIAL REAR END ACCIDENTS. *JB
