- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2008 Subaru Forester Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 50 complaints about the 2008 Subaru Forester with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (11) and the engine & cooling (9). Those complaints describe 5 crashes, 3 fires and 5 injuries. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in September 2011 for the lower arm. For comparison, the 2007 has 74 and the 2009 has 178.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Forester year, for its age
#165 most complained-about 2008 vehicle
- Complaints
- 50
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 5
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 5
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2008 Subaru Forester problems
Share of all 50 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2008 Subaru Forester recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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50 complaints about the 2008 Subaru Forester
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
Engine overheating and causing multiple problems
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the transmission control valve detached. No warning light was illuminated. The contact did research and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to get a diagnosis however, the diagnosis was pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a clanking and knocking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who discovered severe subframe rust and corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while backing out of the driveway, the front driver's side control arm was fractured, rendering the vehicle undrivable. The contact stated that the failure was caused by corrosion of...
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the front lower control arm. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension); to prevent the failure from occurring; however, the vehicle experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 116,000.
The airbag on driver's side deployed (malfunctioned)without incident while parked in my garage. It is currently at local Subaru dealer. Mechanics cannot determine what caused the malfunction. An engineer from Corporate Subaru inspected. Another team of engineers from Corporate is going to conduct a more thorough investigation once more photos of interior and exterior are provided by retailer. It is, of course, available for inspection. Fortunately, I was not driving the vehicle at the time of deployment. No...
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one was in the car at the time of deployment. Vehicle was parked in my garage and deployed overnight. The dealer has confirmed deployment, but as stated above, has not been able to determine cause of deployment. Dealer's mechanics and a Corporate engineer are only ones to my knowledge that have inspected the vehicle. As there was no accident, police and insurance representatives were not notified. No warning lights, messages or symptoms that I'm aware of. I, as stated, was not in the car at the time of deployment. Did not discover the deployment until the following morning when I went to garage to move the vehicle. I was shocked when I saw the airbag draped over the steering wheel and called dealership immediately. Car was towed to dealership and has been there for a month as of December 10, 2022.
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was an abnormal clanking noise coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, the steering wheel became loose without warning. The contact pulled over and upon inspection, the front lower control arm had severed due to severe corrosion. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension) which he linked to the failure. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where they inspected...
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the vehicle and confirmed the front control arm failure. The dealer informed him that the recall was already serviced on the vehicle prior and provided him with an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided him with the same information as the dealer. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
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 manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.
Right front lower control arm failed due to rust (safety recall WVX34 and NHTSA campaign 11v464000). Part of arm completely detached from connection to frame. Dealer states the recall is closed and there is nothing they will do. I notified Subaru by Email last night on the day it occurred -1 Dec 2021. Have not had reply as yet. This caused uncontrollable steering as it was not controllable by the steering wheel. Fortunately this failed as I was backing out of a parking spot and not at speed on the highway. Car was not drivable. I inspected the left front control arm and it too seems to be also affected by rust.
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal grinding noise would emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact then stated that upon turning into a driveway, the front lower control arm detached from the vehicle without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his home where he began to repair the vehicle himself. The dealer and the manufacturer were both notified of the failure but offered no assistance. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 11V464000 (Suspension) which he linked to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 97,000
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle was shaking. Additionally, the passenger's side front wheel was shaking, and the vehicle was drifting to the right. The contact who is an independent mechanic noticed that the front lower control arm was fractured. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
I was getting on the highway in Minnesota doing 55-60 mph when the car started violently shaking and I lost steering with cars whizzing by me at 65-70+ mph. I was finally able to get the car just off the road and called for roadside assist. Once the car was left at my house I examined the right front wheel which was cockeyed to discover the lower control arm steel body had disintegrated (see photos). Looking online I discovered there had been a recall on these arms 9 years ago. I sent a message to Subaru...
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Customer Care and received no reply. I sent a tweet on twitter to Subaru of America and received no reply. I finally called their 800 number and was told the recall had been completed on this vehicle in 2012 by putting some "rust-proofing" on the arms. They did not go through the effort to replace with the upgraded replacement part. SOA said they would not cover any repair or replacement of the lower control arms. There have to be 10s of thousands of these vehicles on the roads with arms rotting from the inside out because SOA did the recall on the cheap. The bushings and balljoint was still intact and no clunking or judder prior to the catastrophic failure. Is it going to take a death(s) to get this corrected. SOA know they should have replaced these arms and will sell you the upgraded one for around $300. No aftermarket companies are making these arms as far as I can find. Subaru admits on their own parts site the arms "do not often fail" i.e the body and instead the bushings wear out. The body of the car has very minimal rust and no signs the arm(s) would have deteriorated. I have asked SOA to replace the arms with ones that are structurally sound but think a second recall on cars that didn't get new arms may be required.
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 the spot to avoid as much of the huge puddle in the lot as I could when suddenly the vehicle lurched forward over the concrete stop in the parking spot, onto a raised concrete sidewalk and then smashed into my work's...
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building. It happened in a split second and I can hardly believe what has happened myself. After searching on the internet, I can see that newer models are having this problem so I came here to let someone know that at least a 2008 model had this problem too.
September 19, 2020, I was driving on the interstate, at 10:30 pm, going 75mph and al of a sudden I heard a loud pop. I had lost all control of my car and my front passenger side felt like it completely gave out on me. I slammed on the breaks and tried to get it on the right side of the road but I couldn't. It sent me on the left hand side, the fast lane, right up against the interstate divider wall, my came to a stop ina couple seconds. I was sitting flush with the wall, I couldn't open my door, and I didn't...
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want my passenger in the car to open his door onto oncoming traffic, I turned my emergency blinkers on and processed to climb out of my window onto the concrete wall. I starting looking at the front end of my car to see what had happened. I saw both of my front tires had popped, the passenger side had blew out and had holes in the side wall of the tire. It was driving on the wheel of the car because the wheel was all curbed and scraped. I noticed it was leaning lower on the ground on the front passenger side than driver side. I wasn't sure what it was because I couldn't see all that great with the wheels turned the way they was. I started looking further at the car, got on the ground to look under it and noticed an extreme amount of grease that was covering the majority of my steering column and my exhaust. So once cops came, filed a report and had a flat bed truck bring it to my house I was able to look more in depth to it in the day light. It had: snapped my control arm into 2 pieces ,bent my outer tie rod, snapped my cv axle, which caused all the grease to get out, the ball joint boot was leaking lubricant, possibly messed up the front strut tower, and so on what I couldn't see or tell was broken. The front driver side seems and looks intact. I've been having to replace the whole passenger side. I am the third owner of this car, I bought it feb, 12, 2019
My engine started failing. The compression started rapidly declining these last few weeks. My engine was sluggish and jerky. I previously had the car serviced with a new alternator and had my emissions testing done for my registration. The next day the engine light came on to alert for the problem. I brought it back in and after some testing was told it was the compression to the engine that was not working properly. It is in the shop now. After further testing decompression was even worse than previously diagnosed at other mechanic and the engine was declared to be failing. I am having to get a complete engine remake. $8,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru forester. While attempting to exit the driveway, the driver's side lower control arm fractured and the wheels separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the control arm fractured and the passenger side showed evidence of severe rust. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 11v464000 (suspension). Volkswagen subaru fort walton beach (located at 130 hollywood blvd sw, fort walton beach, fl 32548, (850) 243-3171) was contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
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, (412) 372-7420), the contact was informed that the head gasket was blown and there was an oil leak. The dealer repaired the timing belt. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The vin was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru forester. While driving approximately 50 mph, the lower control arm fractured on the front passenger side of the vehicle. The dealer (gary lang subaru, 1121 state rte 31 building 3, mchenry, il 60050, (815) 788-6506) indicated that the vehicle was already repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 11v464000 (suspension). The manufacturer refused to authorize the dealer to repair the vehicle; therefore, the contact had to pay out of pocket for the diagnostic test and repair. The vehicle...
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was towed to an independent mechanic for further diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa action number: pe11011 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,900.
I own a 2008 subaru forester 2.5X, vin. [[redacted]], which was purchased new at brown's subaru, 960 hilton heights road, charlottesville, va. All factory recommended maintenance schedules were meticulously upheld. Vehicle malfunctions experienced during accident: 1. Rapid rpm surge without operator activation from idle to approximately 5,000+ rpms 2. Rapid uncontrollable vehicle acceleration, plowing the vehicle through multiple load-bearing structures 3. Failure of deployment of driver and passenger airbags...
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after multiple heavy impacts, last of which an extremely hard impact which completely stopped and disabled vehicle, resulting in injuries to the driver and passenger. Accident description: I had a major malfunction of my subaru forester, which resulted in a very severe and potentially lethal car accident. In the process of pulling slowly into a handicapped parking space, with one foot applied to the brake almost to a complete stop, the vehicle's rpms surged ahead racing out of control. At that time, I applied both feet to the brakes. The car rapidly accelerated into a business, throwing us back in our seats and completely demolishing multiple exterior load bearing structures as well as interior structures. It wasn't until the car became lodged against a kiosk completely inside the building, that it stopped, although brakes were applied firmly for the duration of the accident. Please investigate this matter, as this was a serious incident completely out of my control, that could have resulted in serious injury or death. This was a terrifying uncontrollable event that could have resulted in tragedy. Thank you for your time and your services. Please contact me for any additional information needed. [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
Secondary air pump malfunction. I have read that this happens all the time and it costs $2,000 to get it replaced. Check engine light is on all the time and it cancels out traction control and cruise control. I can hear it trying to work and hope it does not cause a fire risk.
The vehicle was involved in a high-speed crash on i-35 in denton tx. The car was rear-ended. Both cars were travelling at highway speeds (50-60 mph). The driver and the front seat passengers were restrained and both sustained head injuries and lost consciousness. They were taken from the scene in an ambulance. The airbags did not deploy and we are concerned that they should have.
My car as been seen by subaru dealership since the day I bought it in 2012. I paid for 5 years. After I finished paying in july, I just discovered that is an oil leak , all my engine from front to back is dirty with oil, a second opinion mechanic stated that he does not know how I am using this car for years like that. But the car just had last year a head gasket changed "by charity" , offer of subaru factory to me and the dealership in moline, il did the change. How after pulling down the engine they never noticed...
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the oil leak and smoking. I once was there with my son, changed oil, smoke came up, drove back to them and they told me that was an oil spill probably. I paid 283 dollars for 5 years for a 2008 subaru from the dealership glazman, pa with 60,000 miles, I had to many expenses that I can't imagine a car made like that to be sold. I just finished paying the car and now I have a junk car. I can't afford another car it has only 114, 000 miles. It is very upsetting what they do to costumers. I have no words.
There is an oil leak from the cam shaft, only noticed after I finished paying the car, 60 months paying 283 dollars, now there is a problem. My car is full with smoking under the hood due to this oil leak, apparently all subaru cars have the same issue. Now I am left with a paid car that basically does not have value and over thousands of dollars to fix it, or my car can burn down.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru forester. While driving 30 mph, the contact heard a knocking sound coming from the engine and the vehicle ran out of oil. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they could not assist because there was no recall on the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru forester. While attempting to have the vehicle inspected, it would not pass the smog test due to a secondary air injection pump being stuck open. While driving various speeds, the secondary air pump caught fire. The vehicle was pulled over and the key was removed from the ignition. The contact stated that the fire burned out on its own. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in the manufacturer's satisfaction campaign to address the issue. The manufacturer was...
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notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. ..Updated 01/04/17 *bf ...Updated 01/23/17 *bf the consumer stated the vehicle was not included the recall, but the failure was identical. Updated 12/5/2017*js updated 7/11/18*jb *tr
Driving 2008 subaru forester ll bean pulling into parking park. Vehicle started running rough, parked, engine stopped running. Attempted to restart sounded like a low battery turned off all electrical devices attempted to start again, engine started ran normally no caution lights. Started to drive home, entered the on ramp of highway. Noticed white smoke in review mirror pulled off of highway stopped vehicle turned off, smoke coming from engine compartment saw flames under car called 911 fire department. Fire department arrived extinguished fire.
Code p2441 - secondary air injection system solenoid malfunction. Problem occured at 87k miles.
Subaru Forester: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 107 | 15 | B |
| 2011 | 147 | 16 | C |
| 2010 | 262 | 17 | D |
| 2009 | 178 | 18 | C |
| 2008 | 50 | 1 | A |
| 2007 | 74 | 1 | A |
| 2006 | 88 | 2 | B |
| 2005 | 93 | 1 | B |
| 2004 | 219 | 2 | C |
2008 Subaru Forester vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Subaru Forester | 50 | 1 | A | |
| 2008 Ford Escape | 2,417 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2008 Honda CR-V | 963 | 11 | F | Compare |
| 2008 Toyota RAV4 | 575 | 14 | F | Compare |
| 2008 Nissan Rogue | 429 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2008 Jeep Compass | 172 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 98 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander | 58 | 12 | C | Compare |
| 2008 Hyundai Tucson | 43 | 1 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2008 Subaru Forester
Does the 2008 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Subaru Forester: lower arm (September 2011). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Subaru Forester?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (11), engine & cooling (9), airbags (6).
How many complaints has the 2008 Subaru Forester had?
50 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 22, 2008 and the latest on May 13, 2025. Of these, 5 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 5 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2008 Subaru Forester a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 87 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Subaru Forester year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Subaru Forester years have the most complaints?
2019 (834), 2015 (617), 2020 (603). See every Subaru Forester year compared.
What should I do if my 2008 Subaru Forester has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data