2002 Subaru Forester
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Vehicle speed control is the leading concern among 92 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 19th highest complaint count among 26 Forester model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 22 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 8 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmissionOct 30, 2002
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.
THE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 02V282000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
92 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2019
I WAS DRIVING I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN FROM ONE ROAD TO ANOTHER AND I HIT A SLIGHT BUMP AND THEN THE WHOLE THING STARTS SWAYING ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT MY REAR SUBFRAME COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT AND DETACHED ITSELF FROM THE CAR DUE TO THE RUST AND THE BREAKING OF THE SUBFRAME IN THE REAR
Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2019
THE SUBFRAME COMPLETELY FELL OFF MY CAR. THIS IS MY SECOND SUBARU IS HAS HAPPENED TO I HAD TO SCRAP THE FIRST ONE. I DIDN'T NOTICE IT TILL I CAME HOME, I CHECKED IT BECAUSE IT WAS DRIVING FUNNY.
Suspension, Feb 16, 2019
WAS LUCKILY ONLY TRAVELING AT ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN FAILURE OCCURRED. GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO DISCOVER THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL CORRECTLY POINTED STRAIGHT AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL POINTED INWARD. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTROL HAD WITHOUT WARNING SNAPPED IN HALF TAKING THE CV AXLE AND STABILIZER LINKAGE WITH IT. HOPING TO GET IT FIXED FOR UNDER $500.
Suspension, Jun 3, 2018
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY 1 MILE FROM MY HOME WHEN THE CONTROL ARM SUDDENLY FAILED SENDING MY CAR VEERING ACROSS THE ROAD ALMOST HITTING ONCOMING TRAFFIC.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 28, 2017
FUEL LINES IN ENGINE LEAK IN COLD WEATHER. THIS IS A SERIOUS HAZARD THAT I AND MULTIPLE OTHER SUBARU OWNERS THAT I KNOW HAVE HAD OCCURRING AND RECURRING. I CALLED SUBARU AND THEY WERE UNINTERESTED IN ISSUING A SAFETY RECALL DESPITE THE EXTREME HAZARD LEAKING GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE POSES. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED TO ME TWICE IN TWO DIFFERENT FUEL HOSES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS.
Suspension, Nov 30, 2017
PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE AFTER BEING AT BANK AND HEARD A HUGE CLUNK. GENTLEMAN RAN UP TO ME AND SAID NOT TO MOVE IT. GOT OUT AND LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS ABOUT LAYING FLAT ON GROUND. HAD BROTHER BRING TOW DOLLY AND THEN TOOK IT APART. ENDED UP SPENDING 600 JUST ON PARTS AS THE CONTROL ARMS WERE ROTTED HORRIBLY. LEFT ONE AS STATED, WAS ROTTED IN HALF, RIGHT WAS IN SUCH BAD SHAPE MY BROTHER SAID IT WOULD NOT BE SAFE IF NOT REPLACED ALSO. SO 600.00 LATER AND NOW I HAVE IT AT KOCUR KREW AND WILL HAVE ANOTHER 750.00 BILL AS THE SUBFRAME AND CRADEL ASSEMBLY ARE ROTTED BAD. LIKE WOW ALL IN 2.5 MONTHS. I THINK I AM LUCKY TO BE ALIVE AS I HAVE DRIVEN THIS VEHICLE TO OHIO NUMEROUS TIMES IN LAST 1.5 YEARS.
Suspension, Sep 22, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION FAILED. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SOUND OF A TIRE SQUEALING WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO DRIVE TO A SAFE LOCATION. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WAS BENT TOWARDS THE LEFT, THE CV JOINT AND TRANSAXLE WERE DAMAGED, AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN AUTO GARAGE FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000. UPDATED 11/07/17*LJ CONSUMER STATED SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR JERKED VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT(INSTANTLY SENDING US INTO THE LEFT-HAND LANE) WITH A SIMULTANEOUS SCREAMING LOUD SQUEALING TIRE SOUND. LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD SNAPPED, AND WHILE THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS POINTED STRAIGHT AHEAD, THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS STEERING LEFT AR APPROXIMATELY A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. THERE IS CORROSION WHERE BRACKET FRACTURED. UPDATED 7/20/18*JB *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, May 25, 2017
TAKATA RECALL MY CAR HAS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE WHEN WALKING UP TO THE CAR AFTER IT HAS SAT AND IT IS EVEN STRONGER WHEN YOU SHUT THE CAR OFF AFTER DRIVING. IN THE WARMER WEATHER THE SMELL HAS INCREASED.
Air bags, Structure, Mar 14, 2017, crash
6/15/2009 I WAS HEADED HOME AT A RATE OF ~20-25 MPH ON PISGAH CHURCH RD AS I WAS APPROACHING WHERE I TURN RIGHT ONTO LAWNDALE AVE AND I REAR ENDED A VEHICLE WHICH WAS PUSHED FORWARD REAR ENDING A 2ND VEHICLE TO THE TUNE OF $16,183.57 ERIE INSURANCE CHARGE (CLAIM # 010910179459) AND 3 NASTY POINTS. I WAS UNINJURED AND CONTACTED THE GREENSBORO POLICE DEPARTMENT. THE ARRIVING OFFICER AND THE GREENSBORO FIRE DEPT BOTH EXPRESSED SURPRISE THAT THE AIR BAG DID NOT OPERATE. I'M A NURSE & WAS COMING HOME FROM WORKING THE NIGHT SHIFT. THE POLICE OFFICER TOLD ME "I'M NOT GOING TO WRITE YOU A TICKET (A PROFESSIONAL COURTESY, I THINK) BECAUSE YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY IS GOING TO REAM YOU."
Suspension, Nov 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SLOWED DOWN AND DROVE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM OF THE SUSPENSION WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 22, 2015, 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 THE DRIVING DIRECTION, PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND MOVED THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT INTO THE DRIVE POSITION. MY CAR SURGED FORWARD WITH THE ENGINE RACING AND HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I COULD NOT CONTROL THE SPEED WITH THE BRAKES, SO I SHIFTED BACK INTO PARK. THIS STOPPED MY CAR. THERE IS DAMAGE TO MY FRONT GRILL AND HOOD. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME I HAD THIS HAPPEN. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED, I CALLED SUBARU HEADQUARTERS AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUES TO A SUBARU REPRESENTATIVE. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS A NEW ISSUE AND NO RECALL WAS BEING CONSIDERED. I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE SUBARU DEALER AND THEY CHECKED IT AND SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. THE SAME THING OCCURRED AT LEAST TWO MORE TIMES PRIOR TO AUGUST 10, 2015. I NEVER HAD ANY DAMAGE TO MY SUBARU OR ANY OTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE I WAS NOT NEAR ANY OTHER VEHICLE WHEN THIS SURGING OCCURRED AND I COULD GET CONTROL OF MY SUBARU BY PUTTING THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT INTO PARK. I PURCHASED MY SUBARU FORESTER NEW AND CURRENTLY HAVE 160,845 MILES.
Air bags, Aug 21, 2015
THE AIRBAG THAT IS IN THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL HAS A DESIGN FLAW. THE COVER SECTION UNDER THE THE WORDS SRS AIRBAG IS A WEAK POINT IT DEVELOPS A LARGE CRACK LINE ON THE WEAK SPOT. SHOULD THE AIRBAG BE DEPLOYED WITH THIS CRACK, THE SHARP BROKEN PIECES COULD CAUSE SERIOUS LACERATIONS TO VICTIMS. IF THE BROKEN PIECES WERE TO BECOME AIRBORNE, THEY COULD PUNCTURE THE LARGE BLOOD VESSEL IN THE NECK OR ENTER THE EYES. ALSO, SHOULD ANY CUSTOMERS ATTEMPT TO TAPE OR ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE COVER WITHOUT REPLACING IT, UNKNOWN DAMAGE OR LOSS OF LIFE COULD OCCUR, AS THE AIRBAG COULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE DEPLOYED PROPERLY.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 16, 2015
2002 SUBARU FORESTER. FOR THE PAST FEW WINTERS I HAVE NOTICED A VERY STRONG RAW GAS SMALL INSIDE THE CAR WHEN THE CAR IS IDLED, OR SITTING STILL AND THE TEMPERATURE IS 20 DEGREES F OR LOWER. OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING CONTRACTS BELOW THAT TEMPERATURE AND BY DOING A GOOGLE SEARCH I AM APPARENTLY NOT THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. THE SMELL IS SO STRONG IT WILL GIVE YOU A HEADACHE. SO I JUST DON'T DRIVE THE CAR IF THE TEMPS ARE GOING TO BE BELOW 20F. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Oct 7, 2014, crash
AFTER PURCHASING A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOR A VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME PRIOR TO NOTICING THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FEEL LOOSE AND UNSTABLE WHILE STEERING, AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL TO ONE SIDE WHILE ACCELERATING AND BRAKING. AFTER NOTICING THE INSTABILITY AND SWAYING ACTION, I CONDUCTED CURSORY INSPECTIONS OF THE FRONT END AND SUSPENSION AREAS OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT OF INSPECTIONS, I DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE UNDERCARRIAGE. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON 20 SEPTEMBER 2014, WITHOUT WARNING, THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE. IT COULD BE OBSERVED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE IN THE WELD BETWEEN THE HANGER BRACKET AND THE MAIN PORTION OF THE CONTROL ARM. AFTER THE CONTROL ARM BROKE, IT CAUSED THE CONTROL ARM TO MOVE TOWARDS THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE; IT CAUSED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE TO SLAM ABRUPTLY INTO THE REAR PORTION OF THE TIRE WELL; IT THEN CAUSED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE TO LOCK UP, WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY CAUSED THE TIRE TO IMMEDIATELY BEGIN TO SKID. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WHICH MINIMIZED RESULTS: VEHICLE WAS ONLY TRAVELING AT ABOUT 45 MPH; IT OCCURRED ON SECONDARY ROAD; ROAD WAS STRAIGHT AND LEVEL; THERE WAS NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC; AND ROAD SURFACE WAS DRY. THERE WAS ADDITIONAL VEHICLE DAMAGE. UPON CHECKING THE RECALLS FOR THE 2002 SUBARU FORESTER, I DISCOVERED THAT THE 2003-2008 FORESTERS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT REASON (RECALL ID # 70673.) THERE WERE OTHER ADDITIONAL RECALLS AS WELL FOR SIMILAR ISSUE. AFTER CONTACTING SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE, I WAS ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM UNDER THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RECALL WERE THE SAME. I BELIEVE THAT THE FAILURE OF THE CONTROL ARM IS VERY OBVIOUS AND IT SHOULD BE COVERED SIMILAR TO THE OTHER RECALLED YEARS. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE PICTURES OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILURE. THANK YOU. *TR
Service brakes, Feb 27, 2014
BRAKE PADS ARE GOOD AND MOST OF THE TIME WORK RIGHT. WHEN ROAD IS ICY OR WET AND I PUSH THE PEDAL THE CAR STARTS SHUTTERING, BRAKE LETS LOOSE AND WON'T STOP THE CAR. I TRY TO LET OFF THE PEDAL AND BARELY PUSH IT AGAIN AND IT STILL WON'T QUIT SHUTTERING OR STOP. IF I GO TO LOW GEAR REAL FAST OR PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TWO CLICKS THEN I CAN STOP. HAS THIS EVER BEEN A RECALL ON THIS AUTO? *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 6, 2014
ON A VERY COLD MORNING WITH TEMPS IN THE TEENS, AFTER DRIVING THE CAR LESS THAN 10 MILES AND PARKING IT IN THE DRIVEWAY I NOTICED A STRONG RAW GAS SMELL. I OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW GAS LEAKING AROUND TWO METAL CLAMPS ON A SMALL RUBBER HOSE TO THE LEFT AND BELOW THE POWER STEERING FLUID CAP. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND SEEING HOW COMMON THIS PROBLEM IS, WE WENT OUT ABOUT AN HOUR LATER AND TURNED ON THE ENGINE WITH THE HOOD UP AND WE COULD SEE THE GAS AROUND THE CLAMPS AFTER JUST A COUPLE OF MINUTES. WE TIGHTENED THE SCREWS ON THE CLAMPS, THEY WENT AT LEAST THREE TURNS EACH. HOPING THIS SOLVES THE PROBLEM SINCE LEAKING GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE AREA SEEMS PRETTY DANGEROUS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 23, 2014
IN VERY COLD CONDITIONS. WHEN THE CAR IS IN IDOL OR RUNNING IT HAS A VERY STRONG GAS SMELL AROUND THE ENGINE AND IN THE CABIN AREA. I HAVE HEARD THE WRX AND OUTBACK MODELS HAVE ALSO HAVE THIS PROBLEM.I WAS TOLD IT IS THE FUEL LINE HOSE THE CONNECTS TO THE CLAMP AND CONTRACTS IN SEVERE COLD AND EXTRACTS WHEN IT GETS WARM THEN SEALS ITS SELF TO THE CLAMP. I THINK THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH SUBARU AND IT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND POSSIBLE RECALL ON THE OLDER MODELS IF IT HAS BEEN CORRECTED WITH NEWER MODELS. *TR
Tires, Nov 11, 2013
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW SET OF 4 COOPER CS4 (P215/60R16) TIRES FOR MY 2002 SUBARU FORESTER, HAVING THEM INSTALLED BY A DEALER, ALONG WITH BALANCING AND ALIGNMENT. ABOUT A WEEK LATER I CROSSED THE COUNTRY FROM WISCONSIN TO CALIFORNIA. ON GROOVED CONCRETE INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS, THE TIRES MADE MY CAR "SWIM" FROM SIDE TO SIDE ERRATICALLY. I HAD TO CONSTANTLY BE VIGILANT TO KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT, AND THIS PROBLEM WAS EXACERBATED WHEN NEAR LARGE TRUCKS. I ASSUME THIS IS DUE TO THE TREAD DESIGN, SINCE I'VE HAD TWO PREVIOUS SETS OF TIRES AND NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS DIFFICULTY. ARE TIRE MANUFACTURERS CHECKING THEIR DESIGNS ON GROOVED CONCRETE, WHICH IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE PREVALENT ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS? IS THE GOVERNMENT CHECKING THIS ISSUE AND WORKING WITH MANUFACTURERS TO ASSURE DRIVER SAFETY?? I NOW HAVE TO LIVE WITH THIS ISSUE FOR THE LIFE OF MY TIRES, WHICH IS MOST UNFORTUNATE, AND VERY DISCONCERTING. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 24, 2012
FUEL LEAK UNDER THE HOOD. COULD NOT SEE ACTUAL LEAK BUT A STRONG FUEL ODOR FILLED THE VEHICLE UPON IDLING WITH THE HEATER ON. THIS ALSO HAPPEN TODAY AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE(~4 MILES) A STRONG FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED UPON STOPPING THE VEHICLE THE ODOR SEEM TO COME FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AREA ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 28, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STRUGGLE TO ACCELERATE UP INCLINES AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FAILURES OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE FUEL SENSOR MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,898 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Air bags, Jan 29, 2011
AIRBAG DASHBOARD LIGHT COMES ON REPEATEDLY. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE RIGHT AND LEFT HAND FRONT SEAT AIR BAG HARNESS CONNECTOR KIT TWICE (IN 2006 AT 34,000 MILES AND AGAIN IN 2009 AT 63,000 MILES.) AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS LATER. DEALER WILL NOT ADMIT TO ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPEATED FAILURE OF THE SAME PART. *LN
Vehicle speed control, Jan 26, 2011, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A U-TURN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND HIS FOOT GOT STUCK CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACT NOR HIS PASSENGER WERE INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE INVESTIGATION WAS PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND NEITHER WAS THE DEALER CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 94,000. UPDATED 3/8/11 *CN UPDATED 12/20/11 *CN
Suspension, Oct 16, 2010
SUBARU FORESTER 2002 REAR WHEEL BEARINGS KEEP FAILING AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED! *TR
Structure, May 14, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR STATE INSPECTION AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT PASS DUE TO EXTREME FRAME RUST AND CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PRIMARILY HOUSED IN PENNSYLVANIA, A SALT BELT STATE, THAT THE FAILURE WAS NORMAL. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 138,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Feb 24, 2010
INTERMITTENT ENGINE SURGING AND/LOSS OF POWER. *TR