2001 Subaru Forester problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2001 Subaru Forester sits mid-pack among Forester years: 169 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 156, with no recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 31 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (30), transmission (25), and engine (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
169
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
39
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
31
Injuries
3
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2001 compare to other Forester years?
What are the most common 2001 Subaru Forester problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 30 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 25 | 15% | — flat |
| Engine | 18 | 11% | — flat |
| Brakes | 17 | 10% | — flat |
| Suspension | 16 | 9% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 12 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 12 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 10 | 6% | — flat |
| Lighting | 8 | 5% | new |
| Seat Belts | 5 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ON 3/31/2004 I WAS EXITING THE PARKING LOT OF A SUPERMARKET IN JACKSON, WHEN SUDDENLY, MY 2001 FORESTER LURCHED FORWARD AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE EVEN AS I WAS BREAKING. IT WENT OUT INTO COOPER STREET (A VERY BUSY STREET). FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO ONCOMING CARS. IT CONTINUED OVER THE CURB AND…”
“AFTER BEING TOLD THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR SUBARU CLUTCHES TO HAVE CLUTCH JUDDER, AND NOW OUT OF MY 60,000 WARRANTY, I FIND THAT SUBARU HAS ISSUED A TSB TO FIX THE CLUTCH JUDDER PROBLEM. I FEEL THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE AND I SHOULD GET A WARRANTIED REPAIR OF MY CLUTCH AS SHOULD OTHER SUBARU OWNERS WITH…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS EXAMINING HER VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THE KNOCK SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE INSIDE OF HER VEHICLE BECAME VERY WARM WHILE SHE WAS…”
“BRAKES LIGHTLY APPLIED DUE TO SLUSH ON ROADWAY,BRAKES DID NOT WORK VEHICLE CRASHED, DRIVER SUFFERED CONCUSION AS HEAD HIT WINDSHIELD AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPOLY. SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD DRIVER FIRMLY. SUBARU HOME OFFICE NOTIFIED, CHRIS, CUSTOMER SERVICE REP APPEARS NOT VERY CONCERNED AND ALMOST…”
“2001 SUBARU FORESTER 87500 MILES ON IT. 12/2007 HAD REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED AT INDEPENDENT SHOP. NOW IT IS 12/2008 WITH ONLY 92K MILES ON IT, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL BEARING IS HOWLING LIKE A BANSHEE. PASSENGER REAR WHEEL BEARING GETTING LOUDER BUT NOT AS BAD. MIGHT HAVE DEALER…”
2001 Subaru Forester — common questions
Is the 2001 Subaru Forester reliable?
It is close to typical for the Forester: 169 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2001 Forester problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (30 complaints), transmission (25 complaints), engine (18 complaints).
Does the 2001 Subaru Forester have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2001 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.