VehicleVerdict

2007 Subaru Forester problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2007 Subaru Forester is among the quieter years of the Forester on NHTSA's books: 89 complaints (43% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (15), fuel system (12), and suspension (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

89

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2007 compare to other Forester years?

Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 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, 2007 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forester years to avoid →

What are the most common 2007 Subaru Forester problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1517%
Fuel System1213%
Suspension1112%
Transmission1112%
Speed Control78%
Airbags67%
Electrical System56%
Tires & Wheels44%
Brakes33%
Other33%
Steering33%
Lighting33%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Seats22%
Body & Structure11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2007 Subaru Forester have recalls?

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

11V464000SuspensionSeptember 6, 2011 · 318,215 units

Defect

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW JERSEY, OHIO, RHODE ISLAND, WEST VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY BREAK AT THE HANGER BRACKETS DUE TO CORROSION IF THE HANGER BRACKET IS EXPOSED TO SALTY AND HUMID ENVIRONMENTS SUCH AS ROADS CONTAINING SNOW MELTING AGENT.

Consequence

A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

SUBARU WILL HANDLE THEIR VEHICLES AND SAAB WILL HANDLE THEIRS. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DEGREE OF CORROSION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND WILL EITHER RUSTPROOF OR REPLACE THEM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED UPON STARTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 23, 2011

“DEAR SIR, I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS SUBARU FORESTER CAR ([XXX]) IN GEORGIA, BUT HAD NOTICED THAT BEFORE ALLOWING IT TO BE SOLD AT AUCTION, THE MANCHESTER CENTER, VT/MOTOR VEHICLE DEPARTMENT VERMONT DIDN'T ENSURED THIS VEHICLE HAD PASSED ALL THE RECALLS REQUESTED BY YOUR SUBARU COMPANY FOR THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 13, 2015 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT CONTROL ARM AND AXLE FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 1, 2019

“The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the gear shifter failed to operate as designed. The contact stated that while placing the vehicle in reverse the vehicle accelerated forward causing the vehicle to crash on top of a large rock. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 20, 2023 · crash

“I PULLED INTO MY SISTER'S DRIVEWAY. DRIVEWAY IS SHORT; LESS THAN 2 CAR LENGTHS. THE FRONT OF HER HOUSE IS ABOUT 6 FEET OR LESS AHEAD OF END OF DRIVEWAY. I BRAKED AS I PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY, UPON PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO THE HOUSE. I WAS ABLE TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 14, 2014 · crash

2007 Subaru Forester — common questions

Is the 2007 Subaru Forester reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 89 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Forester year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2007 Forester problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (15 complaints), fuel system (12 complaints), suspension (11 complaints).

Does the 2007 Subaru Forester have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2007 Subaru Forester. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2007 Subaru Forester under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.