2000 Subaru Forester problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 2000 Subaru Forester is among the quieter years of the Forester on NHTSA's books: 95 complaints (39% below the model's median year), no recalls, and no open investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (21), suspension (20), and engine (19), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
95
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2000 compare to other Forester years?
What are the most common 2000 Subaru Forester problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 21 | 22% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 20 | 21% | — flat |
| Engine | 19 | 20% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 9 | 9% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 8 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Other | 7 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | new |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER PARKED VEHICLE ON A 5-DEGREE INCLINE, AND IN IN 1ST GEAR. 10-15 MINUTES LATER, CONSUMER HEARD CAR ALARM GOING OFF & SAW VEHICLE HAD ROLLED BACKWARDS, DOWN SLOPE INTO BUSHES. *AK”
“10/19/04 RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACED ON MY 2000 SUBARU FORESTER AT 56,886 MILES (PREVIOUS MAINT PERFORMED ON 3/2/04) AT A COST OF $324.40. RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACED AGAIN ON 4/2/07 AT 88,569 MILES AT A COST OF $331.86 (PREVIOUS MAINT PERFORMED ON 6/20/06). REPLACING THE REAR WHEEL…”
“THE OXYGEN SENSOR SWITCH IS NOT OPERATING. THE DEALER IS WILLING TO REPLACE IT, HOWEVER, HE CANNOT GET THE PART AS IT IS NOT AVAILABLE. THIS DEALER AND OTHERS SAID THEY HAVE SEVERAL NEW CARS WAITING FOR THIS PART. THIS MAY BE A NATIONAL PROBLEM, SUGGEST YOU CHECK INTO A RECALL. MY GAS MILEAGE IS…”
“CONSUMER HAD GONE TO DEALER TO HAVE TIRES CHECKED. DEALER VERIFIED REAR TIRES WERE WORN UNEVENLY, AND, SHOE ON REAR WHEELS WERE PUT ON TURNED IN AT FACTORY, CAUSING TIRE WEAR. SAID TO COME BACK IN A WEEK, AND DEALER WOULD REPLACE TIRES. BEFORE THAT DATE, CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO WORN REAR…”
“THE FUEL FILLER DESIGN IS SUCH THAT IT IS TO COMPLICATED FOR GAS STATION ATTENDANTS TO CORRECTLY PUT ON. IT WILL CROSSTHREAD EASIER THAN IT WILL GO ON CORRECTLY. WITH OUT PROPER PRESSURE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM, LIKE MANY CARS IT WILL STALL ABRUPTLY WITHOUT WARNING. IN NEW JERSEY IT IS ILLEGAL TO PUMP…”
2000 Subaru Forester — common questions
Is the 2000 Subaru Forester reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 95 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Forester year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2000 Forester problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (21 complaints), suspension (20 complaints), engine (19 complaints).
Does the 2000 Subaru Forester have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2000 Subaru Forester.
Which Subaru Forester years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Forester years to avoid are 2019, 2015, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2010, 2021, 2004, 2003. The cleanest record among Forester years belongs to 2026.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.