VehicleVerdict

2002 Subaru Forester problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Subaru Forester sits mid-pack among Forester years: 109 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 156, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (23), transmission (18), and engine (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

109

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

29

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Forester years?

Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted1,084 complaints1998: 138 complaints1999: 156 complaints2000: 95 complaints2001: 169 complaints2002: 109 complaints2003: 238 complaints2004: 270 complaints2005: 105 complaints2006: 121 complaints2007: 89 complaints2008: 67 complaints2009: 228 complaints2010: 307 complaints2011: 195 complaints2012: 140 complaints2013: 94 complaints2014: 576 complaints2015: 891 complaints2016: 609 complaints2017: 787 complaints2018: 669 complaints2019: 1,084 complaints2020: 798 complaints2021: 281 complaints2022: 134 complaints2023: 102 complaints2024: 38 complaints2025: 103 complaints2026: 15 complaints
Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forester years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Subaru Forester problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control2321%
Transmission1817%
Engine1514%
Fuel System1110%
Brakes1110%
Airbags109%
Suspension98%
Other55%
Body & Structure33%
Tires & Wheels22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Steering11%

Does the 2002 Subaru Forester have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V282000TransmissionOctober 30, 2002 · 172,564 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "P" (PARK) POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM, THAT IS INTENDED TO HOLD YOUR VEHICLE, MAY NOT ENGAGE.

Consequence

THE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION JANUARY 8, 2003. AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE SENT DURING NOVEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 19, 2010 · crash

“ON THE GREEN TRAFFIC SIGNAL I ACCELERATED AND THE CAR SURGED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I JAMMED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THREW THE SHIFT INTO PARK WHEN THE CAR STOPPED, THEN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFT IN PARK, THE CAR SURGED IN REVERSE HITTING THE CAR BEHIND ME. I PREVIOUSLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 3, 2003 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 10, 2015 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 7, 2009

“WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES TO AVOID ANOTHER VEHICLE, HE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A MEDIAN WALL HEAD ON. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD AND BACK INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *JB *SC ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 1, 2004 · crash

2002 Subaru Forester — common questions

Is the 2002 Subaru Forester reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 109 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Forester year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2002 Forester problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (23 complaints), transmission (18 complaints), engine (15 complaints).

Does the 2002 Subaru Forester have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Subaru Forester. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.