2000 Subaru Forester Problems
- Complaints
- 75filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles, 39 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD/AWD · 19 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2000 Subaru Forester (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe transmission trouble — an automatic that hesitates or refuses to engage in drive, and a manual that pops out of gear — plus repeated rear wheel bearing failures. Head gasket coolant and oil leaks are also common, usually appearing at higher mileage. Many complaints were filed when the vehicle was several years old and past 60,000 miles.
- Suspension
Rear wheel bearing noise and repeat replacement
- 17 complaints (23%)
- median 51,000 mi at 4.7 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2008
Complaints describe a rumbling or grinding noise that rises with road speed, traced to worn rear wheel bearings, sometimes with hub damage. Owners frequently report the same bearing replaced two, three or more times, and some say dealers attributed the noise to tires or declined warranty coverage. Front wheel bearings are mentioned in a few complaints as well. Reported from very low mileage up to about 130,000 miles, with many failures noted between roughly 45,000 and 70,000 miles and recurrences within a couple of years.
What to check: Listen for a hum or rumble from the rear that changes with speed or when swerving gently, and ask for service records showing which bearings and hubs were replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought my Subaru Forester 2000 new. Under warranty I have had to replace my wheel bearings three times. A forth time after warrenty and now for a fifth time.. Four of the wheel bearings have been on the same wheel; the back right. Youar component selection does not have suspension rear; wheel bearings so I put in suspension front; wheel bearings. Suggest you add this component.”
NHTSA complaint #10082956, filed 2004-07, 130,000 miles“I have had to replace rear wheel bearing on my 2000 Subaru Forester 3 times right and left rear over the last four years. I see through online reading that this is a common complaint with the Subaru and they have done nothing to fix the problem. Pressure needs to be put on them to remedy the situation.”
NHTSA complaint #10218420, filed 2008-02, 45,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Automatic won't engage in drive / delayed engagement
- 8 complaints (11%)
- median 78,000 mi at 5.9 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2003–2009
Complaints describe the automatic transmission hesitating for a second or more after selecting drive, then worsening until the vehicle will not move forward at all while reverse still works. Some owners were told internal seals were leaking fluid and dropping line pressure, others that solenoids or the whole transmission needed replacement. Several report the dealer said the condition was not known to them or that the transmission was out of warranty. Mostly reported between roughly 45,000 and 105,000 miles, often after the vehicle had been driven and then restarted.
What to check: On a warmed-up test drive, select drive from a stop and from reverse and note any pause before the car moves. Ask whether the transmission fluid and filter were serviced and whether any transmission work has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“If I place my 2000 Subaru forrester into drive it will not move, it will sit there for several minutes until suddenly it jerks forward into gear. Place into reverse it works well, moves in reverse. Visit several reputable car repair forums online you will literally see hundreds of customers with these same problems posting from 2004-present.”
NHTSA complaint #10224353, filed 2008-04, 102,000 miles“The 2000 Subaru Forester, when shifted to d , 3 , 2, or 1 will not go forward. It will always go when in reverse! We have been told by several dealers that the transmission must be replaced (at the time the car had 70k miles and was 5+ years old - just out of warranty). This problem appears to be well known to Subaru dealers. To mitigate this problem, I must tap the accelerator, and wait and wait 1 second to 30 seconds before the transmission will engage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10133872, filed 2005-08, 70,000 miles - Engine cooling
Head gasket coolant and oil leaks
- 5 complaints (7%)
- median 117,400 mi at 9.9 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2006–2011
Owners describe overheating, coolant loss and, in some cases, oil weeping onto the exhaust, traced to external head gasket leaks on the 2.5L engine. Several mention a cooling system conditioner added by the dealer under a prior campaign, and some say the leak returned later. Repairs ranged from a thermostat replacement to head gasket or engine replacement. Mostly reported from about 83,000 to 170,000 miles, often after a period of gradual coolant loss.
What to check: Check the coolant level and look for residue or staining at the head gasket seams and under the engine, and ask whether the cooling system conditioner was ever added or the head gaskets replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Letter received from Subaru march 2004 stating that a cooling system conditioner needs to be added to the cooling system to prevent an external coolant leak at the vehicle's engine cylinder head gaskets. Went to Subaru as required by letter march 9, 2004, they add cooling system conditioner and I am told this will prevent leaks at the engine cylinder head gaskets and this is stated in the letter too. Note that the first time, I receive this notice is 4 years after purchase. …”
NHTSA complaint #10151066, filed 2006-02, 132,200 miles“Tl-the contact owns a 2000 Subaru forrester. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH the vehicle started over heating. He pull to the side of the road and notice coolant coming from underneath of the vehicle. He notices the vehicle has a blown head gasket and leaking radiator coolant. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic shop who repaired the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 85,000...mw”
NHTSA complaint #10384792, filed 2011-02, 85,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel filler pipe rust and check engine light
- 5 complaints (7%)
- median 73,896 mi at 8.6 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2008
Owners describe the check engine light coming on with an evaporative emissions code, traced to a rusted-through fuel filler pipe or a fuel cap that will not seal. Some report the pipe, valve or filler neck replaced, and some say rust repairs were not covered under warranty. Reported from about 46,000 to 101,000 miles, more often on older vehicles in rust-prone areas.
What to check: Inspect the fuel filler neck and surrounding lines for rust, and check that the cap clicks and seals; ask whether the check engine light has been investigated for evaporative leak codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Fuel filler pipe and associated mounting and emissions hardware are rusted out. Check engine light is on and code retrieved is 0440. Danger of leaking fuel during fill up.”
NHTSA complaint #10217311, filed 2008-02, 101,000 miles“Engine check light keeps coming on once started and would stay on until vehicle is shut down. Taking vehicle to dealership. Light is coming on due to gas cap not being tight enough, consumer states the cap will not click when turned.”
NHTSA complaint #885278, filed 2001-04 - Transmission and drivetrain
Manual transmission pops out of gear
- 6 complaints (8%)
- median 78,000 mi at 7.2 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2009
Complaints describe the manual gearbox slipping out of fifth gear, and occasionally other gears, into neutral while driving at highway speed, forcing the driver to slow and re-engage. One owner reports a shop tightening a loose mainshaft nut, while others note a related service bulletin exists for the condition. Reported between roughly 69,000 and 95,000 miles, typically during steady driving at 35-65 mph.
What to check: In a manual car, drive at highway speed in fifth gear and hold steady throttle, watching for the lever jumping out of gear; ask whether any transmission repair or bearing replacement has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Consumer parked vehicle on a 5-degree incline, and in in 1st gear. 10-15 minutes later, consumer heard car alarm going off & saw vehicle had rolled backwards, down slope into bushes.”
NHTSA complaint #861110, filed 2000-04“The contact owns a 2000 Subaru Forester. While driving between 35-55 MPH the manual transmission slipped out of gear. He was able to continue vehicle operation. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle has not been inspected at this time. The failure mileage was 95,000. The current mileage was 101,000. Updated 1/14/10 updated 01/15/10.”
NHTSA complaint #10295851, filed 2009-12, 95,000 miles
Buying note. These complaints cluster around the automatic transmission, rear wheel bearings and head gaskets, so a pre-purchase inspection covering those areas and a look at the service history are worthwhile. Records showing bearing, transmission or head gasket work already completed are useful context.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 75 consumer complaints for the 2000 Subaru Forester. 39 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 78,000 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 60 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Suspension19 25%
- Engine cooling12 16%
- Tires8 11%
- Fuel system6 8.0%
- Equipment4 5.3%
- Vehicle speed control4 5.3%
- Other or unknown3 4.0%
- Seats2 2.7%
- Air bags1 1.3%
Also reported: Electrical system (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Steering (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “If I place my 2000 Subaru forrester into drive it will not move, it will sit there for several minutes until suddenly it jerks forward into gear. Place into reverse it works well, moves in reverse. Place into drive, lightly press the accelerator pedal, it will jump forward into gear! Place into drive wait for it to move: if I am on an incline it will roll backwards or forwards depending on the slope, otherwise I can sit there for a few minutes before it will jerk forward. …”
NHTSA complaint #10156445, filed 2006-04, 45,000 milesSuspension: “Rumbling under car was indication that a problem existed. 1st incident thanksgiving weekend 2003. Front left wheel bearings falied and had to be replaced. I was not able to get car in immediately because I was traveling and nobody was open. I finally got car to hunter in nc for repair. They told me it was front wheel bearings. Parts person told me they never replace Forester bearings with original parts. They use outback or some other model instead. They did not replace axle but I think it may have been damaged because they were unable to do normal fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #10078712, filed 2004-06, 82,000 milesEngine cooling: “Chattering clutch on 2000 Subaru Forester. This constantly happens when the car is cold and continues all the way through the four forward gears. I have driven manual transmissions for over 35 years and I know it is not my driving/shifting skills. A check of a message board shows that other Subaru owners are experiencing the same problem. The dealership will not acknowledge a problem outside of driver error. This could be a safety issue and/or design defect. My car is now out of warranty and I have learned to live with this. …”
NHTSA complaint #10005601, filed 2003-02, 7,000 milesTires: “In late march of 2004 I purchased 4 bridgestone dueler h/l tires for my 2000 Subaru Forester. During the following week the front passenger tire developed a large buldge in the side of the tire and pulled away from the rim of the tire, losing all air imediately. A few weeks later, on may 1, the rear driver's side tire began to budge.”
NHTSA complaint #10068173, filed 2004-05Mileage when problems were reported
33% of the 39 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 45,000 and 95,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2000 Subaru Forester. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2000 Subaru Forester version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2000 Subaru Forester in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 60 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11010925Nov 14, 2024Electrical system. This annocement is to inform dealers to the Gen 3.1 Head Unit OTA will be available via Wi-Fi. The update will take place in multiple batches with the first beginneing November 15th and the last…
- 11009701Oct 31, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin details an important regulation issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which impacts the way some vehicles with accessories are sold. This regulation…
- 11009685Oct 1, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008283Sep 27, 2024Electrical system. This Service Information Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2 Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINK® Security Plus Service…
- 11008282Sep 27, 2024Engine, Electrical system. This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281Sep 26, 2024Engine. This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008280Sep 26, 2024Electrical system. This Service Information bulletin is being released as guidance for proper testing and charging of vehicle batteries.
- 11008279Sep 26, 2024Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 11008276Sep 26, 2024Electrical system. The CP1.5 RCs OTA is available for all mid and high grade CP1.5 head units.
- 11008267Sep 17, 2024Engine. This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
Other model years of the Subaru Forester
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 32 | 3,500 | 4 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 99 | 2,800 | 4 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 31 | 5,000 | 2 | 5 | 29 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 74 | 6,750 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 21 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 100 | 5,500 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 27 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2021 | 212 | 8,000 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 48 · Typical | Stable |
| 2020 | 603 | 5,800 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 94 · More | Falling |
| 2019 | 834 | 8,575 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 498 | 16,000 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 85 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 592 | 30,000 | 1 | 5 | 25 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 416 | 39,000 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 59 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 615 | 43,919 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 74 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 403 | 53,500 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 45 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 78 | 50,000 | 12 | 4 | 23 | 8 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 106 | 45,702 | 15 | 4 | 23 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 147 | 60,000 | 16 | 4 | 23 | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 262 | 65,000 | 17 | — | 22 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 178 | 57,000 | 17 | — | 22 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 50 | 88,900 | 1 | — | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 74 | 56,750 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 88 | 51,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 93 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 219 | 96,500 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 189 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 88 | 87,365 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 139 | 57,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 75 | 78,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 131 | 73,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 101 | 93,998 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Subaru Forester model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Subaru Forester?
Owners of this model year most often describe transmission trouble — an automatic that hesitates or refuses to engage in drive, and a manual that pops out of gear — plus repeated rear wheel bearing failures. The issues reported most often: Rear wheel bearing noise and repeat replacement; Automatic won't engage in drive / delayed engagement; Head gasket coolant and oil leaks.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA recorded 75 consumer complaints for the 2000 Subaru Forester as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2000 Subaru Forester is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 21 complaints (28% of the total), followed by suspension with 19.
Has the 2000 Subaru Forester been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2000 Subaru Forester get?
The EPA rates the 2000 Subaru Forester (Forester AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2000 Subaru Forester reported?
Among the 39 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 78,000 miles and the middle half falls between 45,000 and 95,000 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.