VehicleVerdict

2008 Subaru Forester problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2008 Subaru Forester is among the quieter years of the Forester on NHTSA's books: 67 complaints (57% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (11), engine (9), and other (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

67

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Forester years?

Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 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, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forester years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Subaru Forester problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1116%
Engine913%
Other710%
Airbags69%
Electrical System69%
Speed Control69%
Steering46%
Fuel System34%
Latches & Locks34%
Seats23%
Brakes23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Transmission23%
Child Seat11%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Lighting11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2008 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.

“The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the lower control arm detached. The contact became aware that there was rust on the control arm. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · February 26, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT GOLICK MOTOR COMPANY (600 7TH ST, PITCAIRN, PA 15140, [PHONE]), THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN AND THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE TIMING BELT. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 7, 2019

“I was driving to work and my Subaru stalled at an intersection. I restarted the car and continued to work. It is raining heavily. I arrived at work and the parking lot is full of water. I was slowly pulling up forward in the parking spot. I had my foot on the brake trying to get as far forward in…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 4, 2021 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE BACKING INTO A DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. NO ONE WAS INJURED AND THE POLICE WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE REAR BUMPER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 25, 2009 · crash

“A FIRE BROKE OUT IN THE INTERIOR OF OUR CAR WHILE PARKED. THE PASSENGER DOOR WAS DESTROYED AND THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR WAS RUINED WITH SMOKE DAMAGE. INSURANCE DECLARED IT A TOTAL LOSS AND BOTH THE ADJUSTER AND FIRE DEPARTMENT SUSPECT IT WAS A WIRING ISSUE. WHILE ARSON WAS NOT RULED OUT, THERE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 16, 2013 · fire

2008 Subaru Forester — common questions

Is the 2008 Subaru Forester reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 67 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Forester year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2008 Forester problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (11 complaints), engine (9 complaints), other (7 complaints).

Does the 2008 Subaru Forester have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Subaru Forester. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 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.